Who Needs Toys? 28 Household Items Just as Good

Children find the joy in just about anything — and that includes the mundane items we've all got in our homes. So if you've ever said to yourself, "Why do I even bother spending money on actual toys?" then check out these everyday household items that, with a little imagination, can actually double up as toys. Source: Instagram user trif; Front Page

Cardboard Rolls

Cardboard Rolls

A paper towel or wrapping paper roll can be instantly transformed into a sword, lightsaber, telescope, or megaphone. Source: Instagram user rp85

Paintbrushes

Paintbrushes

Let your budding Picasso paint the outdoors with a paintbrush and a cup of water. Source: Instagram user adavis3

Scotch Tape

Scotch Tape

A single piece of tape can make some seriously silly faces. Source: Instagram user heathermarie_ak

Laundry Baskets

Laundry Baskets

Tots love to row, row, row your laundry basket all afternoon long. Source: Instagram user leighleighs87

Clothespins

Clothespins

Got a few clothespins on hand? Hand 'em over to your child, and watch her create some cool art! Source: Instagram user jamieszafranski

Canned Goods

Canned Goods

While supervision is highly recommended with this one (dropped cans and little toes are not always a good match), canned goods can be superfun to use to stack and build anything their lil' hearts desire. Source: Instagram user travelingalong

Brooms, Mops, and Sweepers

Brooms, Mops, and Sweepers

Kiddos love pushing around mama's sweeper — and the added bonus is that you might even get your floors cleaned in the process. Source: Instagram user nicole3of7

Canvas Bins

Canvas Bins

Most mamas have a few canvas bins laying around, and when they're not full, they make great hats, boats, garages, or hiding spots. Source: Instagram user rednexmama

Boxes

Boxes

Free and fun, boxes provide endless play opportunites. Source: Instagram user rxgal25

Paper Bags

Paper Bags

The uses for a paper bag are literally endless for children, but mainly they're great for going shopping around the house. Source: Instagram user kateflaim

Catalogs (or Magazines)

Catalogs (or Magazines)

Ever handled a small child a catalog or magazine (that you've already looked at)? They love ripping the paper to shreds, and it does wonders for motor skills. Source: Instagram user louisa_cash

Front-Load Washers or Dryers

Front-Load Washers or Dryers

Forget the TV — as the clothes spin 'round and 'round in a washer and dryer, tots are amazed. For added enjoyment, toss in a toy that needs to be cleaned (just not a favorite toy) so they've got something to look for! Source: Instagram user ebonymay6

Business Envelopes

Business Envelopes

Babes love the crinkly side of things, and for some reason an envelope does the trick. Watch out for any plastic security windows, as those can be a choking hazard if they come off. Source: Instagram user childlikewildlifephoto

Tissues

Tissues

This may not be the cleanest option, but I've handed my child a box of tissues and watched him have a ridiculous amount of fun pulling out each and every one. Source: Instagram user iparks5

Shoes

Shoes

Give your child access to a few pairs of shoes (not their own), and they will have a blast trying them on, walking around, and goofing off. Source: Instagram user asyoustitch

Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper rolls can be stacked, unrolled, and rerolled. Source: Instagram user trif

Mirrors

Mirrors

Prop your baby up in front of a mirror, and it becomes an awesome, nontoy toy. Source: Instagram user cccubed22

Jell-O Boxes

Jell-O Boxes

Jell-O boxes are lightweight and colorful, so they make great building blocks or roadways for trucks or cars — plus most of us have a handful of them in our pantries at all times. Source: Instagram user snickerdoodlesandtaylortots

Bubble Wrap

Bubble Wrap

You were a kid once too, right? OK, so I'm sure I don't need to tell you why bubble wrap is simply the best nontoy toy ever. Source: Instagram user jennyann11211

Suitcases

Suitcases

If you've ever tried to pack with a child nearby, then you've also figured out that kids love playing with, and in, suitcases. Source: Instagram user mmurray88

Playing Cards

Playing Cards

Fifty-two-card pickup? Babes are down! And bigger, steadier-handed kids can build card houses. Source: Instagram user rdodson2

Pots and Pans

Pots and Pans

Forget dishing out the dough on a set of drums; just let your tot rummage through your cabinets, hand him wooden spoons, and you've got endless drumming opportunities. Source: Instagram user shiftsweatshrink

Remote Controls

Remote Controls

Raise your hand if you've ever tried to bait your tot with a dummy remote? Bonus points if you've called Comcast and paid extra for one that looks exactly like yours. Why do we do this? Because babies think remotes are awesome. Source: Instagram user jojo9012

Water Jugs

Water Jugs

From banging to rolling, those big ole water jugs bring big ole fun. Source: Instagram user collmsheehy

Socks

Socks

Socks are fun to sort, toss, touch, use as puppets, and try on. Source: Instagram user lrnoreen

K-Cups

K-Cups

These little pods work great for lining up, stacking, and sorting. Source: Instagram user lindseyhho5

Full Drawers

Full Drawers

Young children love to empty the entire contents of a drawer — especially if it's full of books, magazines, or DVDs. Teach him to put them all back, and he'll be entertained for hours (and you won't have to clean it up). Source: Instagram user reine_nala