Best Toy Making eBooks and Books of All Time

August 8, 2022 | Jen McB

You cannot go wrong with a good toy. Toys are simple pleasures. They inspire learning even if they are as simple as a block or as complex as a Rubik's cube. They are information in a format other than a book. Their messages are of texture, construction, kinetic energy, relationships, and silliness. Toy access is a measurement of learning outcomes for children. Toys are surely wonderful, but they can be expensive.

That is, unless you happen to be a toy maker. With the right materials and know how you can avoid this inflated cost provided you do your research. Time spent on creation will speed up with skill, and there is always the added benefit of having something to sell should an opportunity present itself.

Whether you make a toy for yourself or something that can be scaled up to a business, toy making is a worthwhile activity for learning. Many of our programs support the idea of toys as a tool for brain development and experiential learning. With offerings across age groups, there is something available for all. Learn a new skill and meet new friends by attending one of our programs at the library.

In addition to our programs, we have many ebooks and books on Toy Making too. Here are a few of my favourites, organized by the different types of materials you can use to make toys!

Paper toys

Paper is perhaps the most versatile toy on the planet. Ranging from fine decorative elements to sturdy boxes adopted by most children. All you need sometimes is a good box to transform your world from boring to exploring. A favourite paper weight though is regular 8.5x11 computer paper. In addition to having the capacity to be a colouring page it is the most forgiving for learning origami and making paper planes. To start check out our many ebooks on paper toys, in addition, we have many print books too.

Beginner Level Paper Airplanes by Jennifer Sanderson

The Paper Boomerang Book by Mark Latno

Crayola Boredom Busting Crafts by Rebecca Felix

Fabric toys

If you know how to sew or are handy with a felting needle and have appropriate safety gloves, why not try these crafty and cute creations? The patterns and techniques are typically explained in these manual-style books. To start check out our many ebooks on fabric toys, in addition, we have many print books too.

Fat Quarter Toys by Susie Johns

Making Felted Friends by Sue Pearl

Felt Toys for Little Ones by Jessica Peck

Crochet toys

These toys are wonderful because there is the fun of making them and then there is the fun of playing with them. Ideal for welcoming new family and friends while keeping the associated costs of growing connections reasonable. To start check out our ebooks on yarn toys, in addition, we have many print books too.

My Pretty Brown Doll: crochet patterns for a doll that looks like you by Yolanda Jordan

Pokemon Crochet by Sabrina Somers

Making Soft Dolls by Steffi Stern

Crochet Cute Dolls with Mix-and-Match Outfits: 66 easy to follow amigurumi patterns by Miya

Wooden toys

Wooden toys are a great STEAM choice for kids and some of the more sophisticated designs will include elastics for wind up propellers. To start check out our many ebooks on wooden toys, in addition, we have many print books too.