Simplay3 Blog

With the holiday season coming to an end, you might be overloading the recycling bin with all the boxes the fun, new toys came in. Reduce your waste by recycling and reusing them in creative ways! Below are 6 fun ways to transform a boring cardboard box into a whole new world! With these DIYs it is recommended that grown-ups do the cutting and handling of sharp objects. Parental supervision is advised. 

1. Racecar

Turn a large box into a racecar. Cut the top flaps off to create an opening. Cut circles out of these flaps for the wheels. With the cardboard left over create car accessories like a steering wheel, headlights or gearshift, then give it a nice paint job.  

2. Dollhouse 

A perfectly cubed box makes for a great house for a doll. Cut some windows and doors, give your little one some craft supplies and let them decorate. If you've recently purchased the Play Around Table and Chairs it's box is perfect for any sized doll.

3. Rocket Ship 

Stack a rectangular and cube-shaped box to form the start of a rocket ship. To create the nose of the rocket, cut the top box in such a way that it creates a cone. Just like the dollhouse, give your kiddo some markers and let them go wild. 

4. Oversized nail salon

This one can be done with any sized cardboard box. Simply have your child trace their hands on a flattened box and draw other hands and feet on the cardboard. Kids can practice their own salon skills by coloring in the hands and feet. 

5. Parking Lot

With a Carry & Go Track Table or Fast Track Downhill Raceway box you can create a space for your little one's cars to park when they are done playing with them. Simply open the box up so it lays flat and draw parking spaces with a marker. 

6. Ramp 

With the same boxes as the previous option, you can create a ramp for your little ones who are car obsessed. This can extend off the Fast Track Downhill Raceway or down your sofa. Simply cut the cardboard to size and secure it any way your please. 

7. Teddy Bear Train

With this DIY you can use the smaller shoe or clothing boxes you received. Remove the lids. String the boxes together to create a train of boxes and decorate. From there your child can pull their teddies around! 

We hope these ideas will help spark your imagination to reuse the boxes that your gifts came in. For more information about recycling cardboard once finished with it see this article by the American Forest and Paper Association.