Recycle packaging and containers to use as stacking toys with toddlers and preschoolers. Recyclable materials provide simple activities with no added cost and easy set up. Explore options for stacking, building, and creating with recyclables.

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Empty packages make excellent stacking toys! This sounds like a news flash.

But it's really just another way parents and teachers can provide an activity with little cost, time, or effort. We can all appreciate that bit of good news.

I recommend recyclables for arts and crafts projects, for counting and sorting activities, and for storage solutions.

Stacking toys made with recyclables are another good fit for everyday play. The materials you choose should be sturdy enough to be handled over and over but not hard enough to harm the builder when they topple!

Cardboard and plastic are probably your best options but you may have other recyclables available that would work well. Packaging should be clean and dry, and free of sharp parts such as staples.

Stacking toys promote creative hands-on play. They're a perfect go-to for child-led play. Here are a few convenient options to have in your toolkit.

Stacking toys made with recyclables

Yogurt and pudding cups make great pyramids! These versatile containers can also be used as painting tools.

Empty ribbon spools, or spools from painter's tape and masking tape, are great for stacking. They are light weight but provide a stable base.

Bath soap boxes are easy for younger children to handle. For more of a challenge, stack these boxes on their edges.

Tissue boxes can be stacked like bricks. In fact, you can cover them with brick design paper for an arts and crafts project, then take them to the block corner for construction projects. They are the largest of the stacking options and can be used empty or full!

Disposable cups are easy to stack and un-stack for a fine motor counting activity. These little cups are also great for a memory game.

Clear plastic containers package a variety of goods. The ones shown here held paper baking cups. They have a unique shape and are perfect for stacking.

We used plastic berry boxes for a sorting game with lids, as well as containers for small pieces of felt.

These options for stacking toys come from a variety of sources. You and the kids can come up with other materials that make fun stacking possibilities.

Recyclables are a low-cost, hands-on, practically mess-free option for kids STEM play. Toddlers and preschoolers will benefit from the engineering challenges, sensory experiences, and the fine motor play the different materials provide.

Not exactly a news flash! Just a fun way to optimize everyday items for kids play!

STEM board on Pinterest.