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    Home » DIY Learning Toys

    Published: Dec 5, 2018 · Modified: Jul 17, 2023 by Fynn · All activities should be supervised by an adult. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Paper Cup Reindeer Counting Toy

    Inside: How to create a reindeer counting toy for your child to learn while celebrating the Christmas Season!

    DIY Reindeer Counting activity for kids

    I love creating DIY learning toys around themes. It just adds on the learning fun for the children like this Paper Cup Reindeer! The children will be delighted to peg on the 'antlers' for their paper cup reindeers and learn to count at the same time. It's such a fun activity for Christmas!

    Jump to:
    • How to Play with this Counting Toy
    • What You Need to Make a Paper Cup Reindeer
    • Let's Make this Counting Toy!
    • More DIY Learning Toys and Activities

    How to Play with this Counting Toy

    The game is as simple as can be, toss the dice and then peg on the corresponding number of clothespin on the reindeer. It's a fun game for kids who are learning to count! Pegging is also always a fun fine motor activity for the little ones.

    Use clothes pegs for the reindeer antlers and count them

    Related: Read on to understand how fine motor practice prepares your child for writing.

    Variation for the older preschoolers

    Reindeers Christmas Activity

    Present simple addition or subtraction problems like 2+1 or 5-2 and invite the your child to peg on number of clothespins that corresponds to the answer.

    Related: Looking for more addition and subtraction activities for older preschoolers? Then check out our Easy Sticky Notes Ice Cream Math Activities for Kids.

    What You Need to Make a Paper Cup Reindeer

    • 1 paper cup
    • 2 8" jumbo craft sticks (If these are unavailable, simply cut two 8" by 1" cardboard strips)
    • Brown paint (to paint the paper cup brown)
    • 2 goggly eyes
    • 1 small red oval
    • 6 clothespins
    • Hot glue
    • A piece of small cardboard as the base
    Reindeer Counting activity for kids

    Let's Make this Counting Toy!

    We have a video tutorial here to show you how we made this reindeer counting toy. Or simply follow the instructions below.

    • Paint the paper cup brown and let dry.
    • Glue on the eyes and red nose.
    • Glue the paper cup onto the cupboard base with hot glue.
    Reindeer Counting activity for kids
    • Cut a slit on the top of the paper cup. Insert the crafts sticks into the slits. The reindeer counting toy is ready!
    Reindeer Counting activity for kids

    More DIY Learning Toys and Activities

    If your kid enjoy such hands on learning activities, I have 10 gift-less DIY Christmas countdown activities and more DIY learning toys ideas.

    Looking for more Christmas activities? Try making a Snowman Pompom Drop, Christmas Tree Cardboard Puzzle or a Paper Plate Snowman Countdown Craft.

    Share a photo with me and tag @happytotshelf on Instagram if you make any of our DIY learning toys!

    Reindeer Antlers Counting activity for kids

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    About Fynn

    Fynn is a Math and Science teacher from Singapore, author of The Happy Learning Book for Siblings and founder of Happy Tot Shelf. She helps parents enjoy home learning with their children through her highly popular kids' activity membership, The Happy Learners' Club. Fynn has been featured in various newspapers, websites and on radio shows as an expert in early childhood learning and creative hands-on learning ideas.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. clippingpathlab says

      November 19, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      Best Quality The children will be delighted to peg on the ‘antlers’ for their paper cup Thanks

      Reply
    2. Akash says

      December 01, 2020 at 10:57 pm

      Very nice article..Thank you

      Reply
    3. Isabel Dose says

      December 02, 2020 at 11:03 pm

      Really have lot of funs for the kids. Good to see it!

      Reply

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    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there! I’m Fynn—educator, author, and mom of three. I believe a lifelong love of learning starts at home, and I’m here to help you nurture that spark. Together, let’s create joyful learning experiences that strengthen bonds and inspire curiosity for both you and your little ones!

    More about me →

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