Boxed In { DIY Games }

Recycling has (hopefully!) become a big part of most of our lives, but it’s easy to forget that reusing and repurposing are also great alternatives to sending a big bag of “stuff” off to the recycling plant. This time around we’re focusing on cardboard boxes – specifically turning cardboard boxes into toys! Because it’s so easy to underestimate the entertainment value of a simple box.

• Build a fort! Stack the boxes up high, cut holes in it, build turrets – you name it! And don’t just tell them, show them.
• Tape up a square box and decorate with dots to turn it into a massive dice – which will go so well with a giant game of snakes and ladders, also made with cardboard.
• Make your very own putt-putt station. Cut slots into the side of a box, big enough to fit a golf ball, and assign point values to each.
• Even if your kids already have a fancy dollhouse or “car park” for their miniature cars, do not underestimate the power of “new is always better” – yep, a dollhouse or car park made with cardboard is exactly what I’m saying.
• Use cardboard boxes to build a counter and stove for a game of restaurant! You can even get the kids to create different food items, cut out of cardboard and decorated with a koki.
• When the weather is awful, bring the sports inside with foosball! All you need is a small box, with the side cut out, and a few dowel sticks to make your own.
• Cover different sized boxes in various colours of wrapping paper – and what do you have? Giant building blocks, of course!

Original images and their credits available on Pinterest