We combined our love for upcycling and small worlds to create these darling shoebox dioramas that will have your kids screaming with delight!
I’m a big fan of crafts that children get to interact with after making them and this fun shoebox craft is just that!
Kids can decorate their scene and then play for hours with their favorite little toys inside. So much fun, huh?!
1. Foosball Table
credit/tutorial: www.muminthemadhouse.com
Finding awesome indoor activities can sometimes feel impossible, but this foosball game is an absolute winner!
It’s a fantastic project to tackle on a rainy day. Just grab some skewers and painted pegs to put together this simple and incredibly fun game.
2. Pizza Restaurant
credit/tutorial: funcraftskids.com
My kids are completely obsessed with play food, so I just knew this would be a hit. You can make this adorable little pizza oven and let the kids open up their very own pizzeria.
They’ll have a total blast taking everyone’s orders!
3. Shoebox Car Wash
credit/tutorial: frugalfun4boys.com
I am ALL about crafts that turn into toys they can play with again and again, and this one is just perfect!
Your little ones will have so much fun running their toy cars through this awesome homemade car wash.
4. Doll Dream House
credit/tutorial: www.creativejewishmom.com
A shoebox is the perfect starting point for making a room for your child’s favorite toys.
You can even create a whole dollhouse for them to live in! This is such a classic craft idea.
5. Cardboard Castles
credit/tutorial: www.artbarblog.com
Grab your shoeboxes and other cardboard tubes and boxes for this one! Your kids will have a magical time building their very own castles.
This is a great activity for sparking their imagination as they get to paint and decorate their creation however they want!
6. Sweet Hanging Shelf
credit/tutorial: www.handmadecharlotte.com
I absolutely adore crafts that result in something you can actually use around the house! How sweet is this idea to transform a plain shoebox into a cute hanging shelf? So clever!
7. DIY Marble Maze
credit/tutorial: www.hellowonderful.co
Using a shoebox lid, you can build a really cool marble maze.
For a different twist, you can swap the marble for a magnet and let your kid guide it through the maze with another magnet from underneath. It’s two activities in one!
8. Homemade Guitar
credit/tutorial: arts.onehowto.com
Need some more fun things to do at home? Why not put a band together with your little rockstars! After making this guitar, see what other instruments you can create together.
9. Smart Storage Boxes
credit/tutorial: www.handmadecharlotte.com
I’m always looking for new toy storage ideas! Just cover a shoebox with some lovely paper and add handles for a super organized storage solution.
This is perfect for trying to keep the playroom tidy!
10. Shoebox Catapult
credit/tutorial: hative.com
Make a simple catapult from a shoebox, then build a tower out of toilet paper rolls or other recyclables to knock down. This is one of those activities that is guaranteed to get a TON of giggles!
11. Lego Class Room
credit/tutorial: mollymoocrafts.com
Arts and crafts are even more fun when you can bring other toys into the mix! Build a cool classroom where all of your Lego figures can go to school.
12. DIY Wall Art
credit/tutorial: www.cremedelacraft.com
You can cut down a shoebox lid or just keep it as it is. Then, paint it, use paper mache, or cover it with patterned paper to make some cheap and colorful wall art for the kids’ rooms!
13. Shadow Light Theatre
credit/tutorial: www.handmadecharlotte.com
How incredibly clever is this light theatre? Craft projects that involve storytelling are such a great way to get the entire family involved in the fun!
14. Mini Shoebox Town
credit/tutorial: www.apartmenttherapy.com
There are SO many benefits to pretend play. This little shoebox town is guaranteed to provide hours of imaginative fun.
The best part is you can mix and match the buildings to create a totally new town every single time you play.
15. Paper Doll Swing Set
credit/tutorial: krokotak.com
What a completely lovely idea! Make a shoebox diorama that includes a tiny swing for a paper doll.
After they’re done playing with it, it will look super sweet sitting on a shelf in their bedroom or play area.
16. Handy Stationery Caddy
credit/tutorial: www.redtedart.com
Who doesn’t love a craft activity that creates something you can use around the home?
Just fill your shoebox with toilet paper rolls to keep all your stationery items separated. A simple and useful stationery caddy!
17. Colorful Display Shelves
credit/tutorial: www.brit.co
Here’s another one of my favorite craft ideas for decorating your walls.
You can upcycle your shoeboxes into these cute and colorful shelves, which are perfect for displaying little trinkets.
