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STEM Lab: DIY an Inventor's Box to Spark Your Child's Imagination

Let the fun begin and their imaginations soar!

By Missy Robertson, Publisher of Macaroni KID Monroe - West Monroe, La. June 2, 2024

We all know the joy and pride of watching our children's imaginations soar. It's incredible how they can transform the simplest things into extraordinary creations. 

If you've ever caught your little ones playing with the box instead of the toy, you'll understand the magic of their innate creativity. We were excited to create a DIY inventors box for our family. 

It's a simple yet brilliant way to nurture your child's need to think outside the box and unleash their inner inventor!


Unleashing Creativity

The inventor's box is a treasure trove of materials to ignite your child's imagination and encourage them to explore their creativity. It includes everyday items such as paper towel rolls, ribbons, old boxes, sunglasses, zip ties, tissue paper, empty plastic berry containers, etc. 

You get to be creative, too, while upcycling items that you would have usually discarded. Providing them with these materials opens up a world of possibilities where they can create, invent, and explore their own unique ideas. (Make sure items are age-appropriate).



Include anything and everything to let their imaginations soar!


Building Skills

Playing with the inventor's box goes beyond just having fun — it's a valuable learning experience for your child.

As they tinker, experiment, and invent, they develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. They learn to repurpose everyday objects and see the world through a creative lens. 

These skills are not only beneficial for their current playtime but also lay the foundation for their future success in various academic and professional pursuits.



It's amazing what you can do with boxes and painter's tape. 


Strengthening Communication Skills

The best part of being the parent of an inventor is asking them how they came up with their ideas. What problems did they encounter? What was their favorite part of the project?

Take it to the next level by encouraging them to develop a story surrounding their unique creation.



Phillip tells a story about his giant robot.


Getting Started

To start your family's inventor's box journey, gather materials from around your home that you no longer need. Be sure to include items like cardboard boxes, paper tubes, fabric scraps, buttons, bottle caps, and any other odds and ends that could spark your child's creativity. Even toys separated from their sets can find a new use!

Collect these items in a box or other container, and watch as your child's creativity takes flight!