Toys That Only Cost a Few Cents: Drinking-Straw Robots

The other day I found a box of thinck drinking straws (for smoothies, etc.) and an entire bag of thin straws in the kitchen. I started playing aroung with them and discovered that I could turn them into interesting "building blocks". First, I cut them into different pieces. Then, by using a hole-punch, I made some holes into the thicker straws so that I could fit the thinner straws through. For the connection between two thin straws (like the legs of the robo-dog and the arms of the green 'bot) I just made one cut into each piece of the straw and pushed the two pieces  together. Finally, I drew some faces on using a permanent marker. I had so much fun creating these little creatures that I intend to make some more! :-)
So, if you want to keep your kids (or grandchildren) busy, this is deffinitely the way to do it! The straws only cost a few cents, but are much more fun to play with than expensive, battery-powered beeping toys. Just take the time and make the robot-building into a family activity. Build the robots together with the children - trust me, you'll all have fun! :-)