MAKE & CREATE · CRAFTS
Recycled Cardboard Crafts Using Cereal Boxes and Shipping Boxes
Cardboard is one of the most versatile, low-cost crafting materials around. Cereal boxes, shipping boxes and other corrugated cardboard can be turned into puzzles, playhouses, masks and more. This guide offers practical projects, clear adult-only steps for cutting and shaping, and ways to make materials safe for toddlers and engaging for older children.
Supplies and initial setup
Collect clean cereal boxes, small shipping boxes and a few pieces of corrugated cardboard. Keep a clear, flat workspace and a washable drop cloth or cardboard underneath to protect surfaces.
Basic toolkit: child-safe scissors, an adult utility knife for thicker cardboard, ruler, pencils, masking tape, glue sticks, strong tape for joins, and non-toxic paint or markers.
Adult-only steps: cutting corrugated cardboard with a utility knife, making slots or precise holes, and tearing or trimming off sharp staples. Keep all sharp tools locked away when not in use.
Project 1 — Mini cardboard towns
Turn cereal boxes into building facades. Cut the front panels to create ‘storefronts’ and let kids decorate with markers and collage materials. Use small shipping boxes as block bases.
Attach buildings to a larger cardboard sheet with masking tape on the underside so the joins are smooth on top. Older children can create roads and parks with painted lines and glued paper details.
Age alternatives: preschoolers can stick pre-cut windows and doors; older kids can measure and cut precise windows using a ruler and a taped edge on the work surface to guide a utility knife (adult does the cutting).
Project 2 — Cardboard puzzles and matching games
Glue a decorated cereal box panel to sturdy corrugated cardboard. When dry, turn it face down and make puzzle cuts; adults do the first cut, then older children can complete larger interlocking shapes.
For toddlers, cut the picture into large chunky pieces—no smaller than 2 inches across—and round the corners. Label a small container for the puzzle so parts don’t scatter.
Low-cost tip: use paint or printed magazine images glued down for variety. Store puzzles in small resealable bags labeled with age and picture to keep sets together.