Re-purposed Cardboard Boxes

It seems today that everything comes with some kind of packaging- the most common Cardboard boxes. But what can you do with them besides putting it in the recycling bin?

When I was young I LOVED to create things with recycled items like toilet rolls, bottles, boxes, tins, etc and its something I’ve passed down to my children. It gives them a new way to create and express things. It also gives you a peek into their imagination as you watch them working out what to make and how to do it.

My kids LOVE boxes; big ones, small ones, heck even a ripped one will still get used for drawing on! So I thought I’d browse the net to find some Cardboard box inspiration for you all… You wont hear a peep out of the kids for HOURS!!

A simple square box can become a great toy for your curious toddler. Check out this Cardboard box Shape sorter!

You could use toys that your child already has and cut shapes in the box to suit. Use different size balls and objects that they have to try to fit in the holes to encourage your little one to stimulate the brain.

How about capturing your little Astronauts imagination with the wonder’s of Space travel! Your kids will love to blast off into outer space with this little Cardboard box Rocket.

You could also add some paint, aluminium foil and some other recycled objects to give it that authentic look (and to keep them occupied for longer).

It doesn’t have to be the biggest box either for the kids to have fun. Small boxes (like cereal boxes etc) work well for helping the kids create their own little box towns.

Creating their own buildings, houses, tree’s, roads etc will have them occupied for hours (if not days).

If you have larger boxes you could try a life size town like this Western theme we found. The kids will have a blast being able to really go inside the boxes.

Perhaps your little Boy loves machinery and vehicles… How about a John Deere Cardboard Tractor for your little farmer! Give them some kids gardening equipment and get them helping outside (maybe with their own space of the garden)

How cool is this aeroplane from Mini Mocha for your little pilot! It looks fantastic and will have your kids dreaming of the clouds in no time. There is also a great train, car with fuel pump, motorbike, cars and bikes and a boat.

What about a Cardboard Kitchen for your little girl?

Think about how much fun she will have using a kitchen like this (you could just make the stove like this one or this one but I love the WHOLE kitchen).

Love this playhouse from Sweet Paul (with instructions). Your little girl will have a ball playing house.

Add some windows and even curtains with fabric, get your kids to paint it how they like or if your creative you could try a castle or I’ve even seen playhouse DIY kits with ready made pieces from Home hardware stores like Masters and online.

What about a shop front like this little green grocer shop. (how cute)

Your kids will love playing shops and may even want to start their own real shop like a lemonade stand. Be aware though that you will almost definitely have to be a customer about 100 + times!! There is also a cute Coffee shop or you could make a service station or even a mail box

I also found some great kits for those who wish to just put together ready cut pieces. Check out PaperPod. We also found some other great cardboard box creations HERE.

Have you made something with a cardboard box? Why not let us know and we can add it here.