DIY Cardboard Vending Machine

Wracking my brain for activities I could do with the kids as we started homeschooling this month, I was ecstatic to hear that one of my daughters was up to the challenge of being a guest DIY contributor! What a great idea for a project!

Always pegged as the “creative one”, sweet daughter #2 took it upon herself to come up with this month’s DIY video–from idea, to execution, down to all the editing needed… complete with captions! 

In the spirit of empowering her creativity and introducing her to the concept of the “deadline”, we bring you the DIY Cardboard Vending Machine. Created by Maja R.

A cardboard box transforms into a vending machine your child will enjoy creating! 

Encourage fine motor skills, scissor skills, resourcefulness and coordination with simple materials you can find in your home.

Stuff your DIY Vending Machine with little knick knacks, candy packs, Shopkins, or special rolled up messages as prizes your child “buys” as he/she pops in a coin and pushes down a lever…you’ll be surprised it actually works.

———————

Materials:

1 rectangular cardboard box with cover (shoeboxes are the best!)

1 pair scissors (optional: box cutter (with adult supervision, of course))

1 ruler

1 rubber band

1 popsicle stick (or be creative with alternatives, we used a plastic knife for the lever)

Duct tape (or hot glue gun, again with an adult)

Choice of colored markers

*Optional: wrapping paper, washi tape, acrylic paint to decorate exterior.

The possibilities are endless. (Bonus: it actually keeps all those little toys and odds and ends pretty organized. Winner!)

Happy vending!

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