There is something about robots that capture the imagination. Our kids find them quite amusing. I decided to see what kind of robot toys we could make by buying some simple things at the dollar store.
DIY Dollar Store Corkscrew Robot
You Will Need:
- Corkscrew
- One pair of large google eyes
- Glue (We used a hot glue gun, but you could use white glue or tacky glue)
- Duct tape (optional, if you want to cover the corkscrew so it isn’t sharp)
This is such a simple robot to make. Simply, glue the eyes on the robot as pictured. If desired, you can cover the corkscrew with duct tape so it is not sharp. The puppet can be operated by moving the corkscrew up and down which cause the arms of the puppet to move. The head can also be twisted from side to side which adds some personality. Our kids enjoyed making it move.
DIY Dollar Store Roller-Bot Robot
You Will Need:
- Electric toothbrush with battery (this was sold for $1 including the battery at our local dollar store)
- One package of foam rollers (3 rollers per robot)
- Glue (We used a hot glue gun, but you could use white glue or tacky glue)
- 1 Pipe cleaner/chenille stem cut in half (one half of one stem per robot)
Glue eyes onto one of the rollers (facing horizontally) as shown and allow to dry. Clip the roller onto the toothbrush with the bristles on the same side as the eyes. This is great fine motor practice! Then, hook two rollers together with the chenille stem and attach the arms to the robot using the chenille stem (as pictured above). Turn on the electric toothbrush. The Roller-Bot can spin in circles on a smooth surface. Otherwise, it simply faces you and the eyes vibrate in a charming way. You can also put the toothbrush inside the Corkscrew Robot and it will vibrate or turn. It is a little more difficult to balance than the Roller-Bot, but we found it worked best when the arms were straight up above its’ head. The Corkscrew Robot with the toothbrush inside can also be laid flat with the face up. When the toothbrush is turned on, it will spin in a circle while lying down (so that the head starts out on top and then comes full circle back so that it is on top again).
So much fun! Our dollar store was out of tooth brushes last time, hoping they get more in soon!
Hi Amanda.
It is amazing that they can sell those battery included for only a dollar!
: 0 ) Theresa
Oh my gosh… such a cute idea! I would definitely have to duct tape the corkscrew though! I can just imagine what my boys would do to each other!
Hi Kimberly.
That is funny. : ). It is a good safety precaution.
: 0 ) Theresa
This is such a cool idea! My son would absolutely love it!
Wow, what a fun project to do with the kids.
Thank you Danielle.
I hope your son has fun with this.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Growing Book by Book.
Thank you. They really had fun with it and continue to play with the robot toys.
: 0 ) Theresa
That corkscrew robot is just too cute!
So cute! My son loves to play with a corkscrew just by itself, so as a robot, he would love it even more. Great ideas!
Thank you Clarissa! It is beyond easy to make too!
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Shann.
I have always thought corkscrews look like robots the way they are shaped and the 'arms' move. Our kids are still playing with the robot toys.
: 0 ) Theresa
Such a cute idea. I think I will do this next month with my oldest. Thanks for the awesome idea <3
What awesome robot ideas! I am saving this post so I can do this in the summer when I have more time.
Haha, okay, now THAT is cute! Made me smile! You're so crafty!
oh my goodness this is such a fun and adorable idea!
Thank you Shelah.
I hope you enjoy trying it out this summer.
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Jennifer!
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Working Mom Magic.
The kids are still amused by the robot toys.
: 0 ) Theresa
Such a cool idea and seems easy enough that non crafty moms like me would be able to do this. Thanks for sharing
Thank you Mrs. FF.
This is a super easy project that takes very little time and can amuse kids for hours. I think your little one will enjoy it some day.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Kimberly.
I just realized I hadn't replied to your comment yet! Sorry about that. I hope your oldest enjoys it.
: 0 ) Theresa
OMG that electric tooth brush Robot, just cracked me up! I have to show this to my boys & husband…I do fear for our toothbrushes though 😉
You may have to hide the toothbrushes. : 0 )