How to make a DIY post box for early years play

Are you ready to play post man? Role playing the jobs that adults do in the community is a great way for children to learn about the world around them. Playing post man can also be a great way to learn matching skills, letter and number recognition, name recognition and practice fine and gross motor skills. This DIY post box is super easy to make too! So here are all the instructions you ned to make a DIY post box for early years play.

I included this post box in our Valentine's themed play this year. You can find my five favourite Valentine's themed play ideas for toddlers here. I also have a post on how to make hand puppets using the flashcards from my FREE Valentine's Activity Bundle. There are also options for animals, Halloween and more! 

What do I need to make a DIY post box?

This post-box is super easy. All you need is:

•  a cardboard box e.g. an empty cereal box
• wrapping paper
• scissors
• sticky tape
• pen
• ruler

To make letters and a mini parcel, you will need:

• four envelopes
• a mini cardboard box e.g. from a cereal variety pack
• tissue paper
• pipe cleaners
• pen

How do I make the post box?

To make the DIY post box for early years play, simply follow the step by step instructions below.

Step 1: 

Using your ruler, draw a small rectangle on the front of your cardboard box. This will be the letter box. Then turn your box over and draw another, larger rectangle, at the bottom of the box. This should be the opposite end from the small rectangle on the front. This large rectangle will be where you can collect the letters after they have been posted.

Step 2: 

Using your scissors, carefully cut out the rectangles and set the small pieces of cardboard aside to use later.

Step 3:

 Wrap your post box, taking care not to cover the rectangular holes you have just made.

Step 4: 

Take a black marker pen and decorate the front of your post box with a label and collection times. 

Step 5:

To make letters, take four envelopes and label them with numbers 1 to 4. Draw some squiggles or write a pretend address on the front. Make space for a stamp too! You could also use the pieces of cardboard we set aside earlier for letters to tuck inside your envelopes. You can then make a mini parcel to post, by wrapping a small cardboard box in tissue paper and tying it on with pipe cleaners.

And voila! Your DIY post box is ready for early years play!

How will you play post man? If you need some ideas, check out this nursery rhyme and post man play game that I included in my Valentine's activities this year. Remember to tag me in your social media posts @craftytoddlercompany and come join our online Crafty Toddler Community to share your ideas with other parents!

If you liked this, you might also like:

• Nursery Rhyme inspired activities for pre-school children
• Biscuit Decorating: An easy to setup baking activity for toddlers
• Homemade Hand Puppets to use with finger counting games