Paper Toys

Simple paper toys for growing skills

This set brings together easy paper crafts that children can colour and turn into toys. It includes mask shapes, finger and stick puppet ideas, animal faces, simple movable parts and small paper models. Younger children can focus on colouring, matching parts and folding along clear lines while an adult helps with cutting or joining. Older children can add details, choose their own colours and take more responsibility for assembling each toy. The activities suit Nursery and early primary children, with enough variety for a quiet afternoon or a small classroom craft session.

Ideas for play at home and in class

After making a toy, give your child a reason to use it. A mask can become part of a short animal movement game, while puppets can act out a simple story about sharing or helping at home. In class, children can work in pairs, introduce their paper characters and create a three-line dialogue. Add a small basket for finished toys so children can return to them during free play. You can pair this set with Finger Puppets or Stick Puppets for a small puppet corner.

Help with cutting, folding and joining

Children often cut through a border, fold in the wrong direction or use too much glue, which can make a toy difficult to assemble. Before they begin, point out the outer line, fold marks and any tabs. Ask your child to cut slowly and turn the paper rather than twisting the scissors. A small dab of glue is usually enough, and holding a joined part for a few seconds helps it stay in place. If a step feels hard, make one sample together, then let your child complete the next part independently.