Decorative Wooden Blocks for Toddlers
These make such a great little gift for little ones.
đź“š Turning Old Storybook Pages into Treasured Gifts
There’s something truly special about giving a gift that’s been made with your own two hands. Not just because it’s unique, but because it carries a piece of your heart in every brushstroke, every cut, every detail.
One Christmas, when my boys were little and money was tight, I searched for a way to give them something meaningful—something they could enjoy for years. That’s when I decided to take a few well-loved, worn-out storybooks (the kind that had been read so many times the spines were giving out) and turn the pages into handmade picture blocks.
It was the perfect blend of sentiment and resourcefulness—upcycling something old into something new and full of life again.
From Well-Loved Pages to Playtime Magic
I carefully cut out colorful illustrations from those old books, glued them onto small wooden blocks, and sealed them with Mod Podge. It was simple work, but it felt almost sacred—like I was preserving pieces of their childhood stories in a way they could hold in their little hands.
That Christmas morning, they tore off the wrapping paper, and their faces lit up. They stacked the blocks, lined them up like little story scenes, and giggled at the familiar characters. Over the years, those blocks saw countless hours of play. They were handed down from one brother to the next, each adding his own adventures to the stories.
Today, they rest safely in a box in our attic, waiting for the next set of little hands—maybe future grandchildren—to discover their magic all over again.
Why Handmade Matters
A store-bought toy might delight for a season, but a handmade gift becomes a keepsake. It’s a tangible reminder of love, time, and thoughtfulness. Upcycling old storybook pages into something new isn’t just crafting—it’s storytelling. It’s honoring the memories of the past while creating new ones for the future.
A Little Encouragement for You
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth the effort to make a gift yourself, I hope this inspires you to give it a try. The process is simple, the cost is small, but the joy—the joy is immeasurable. There’s nothing quite like watching a child’s eyes light up as they unwrap something you poured your heart into.
So, pull out those old storybooks, gather a few supplies, and create something lasting. You might just find the making is as sweet as the giving.
With love and a little glue,
Aimee đź’›
✂️ How to Make Storybook Picture Blocks
You’ll Need:
- Wooden blocks (can be purchased unfinished or sanded from scrap wood)
- Old or damaged storybooks with colorful illustrations
- Scissors
- Sandpaper
- Mod Podge or similar decoupage glue
- Small paintbrush or foam brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Blocks
If your wooden blocks are rough, sand them until smooth—especially the edges and corners—so they’re safe for little hands.
2. Choose Your Illustrations
Flip through your old storybooks and find colorful, engaging pictures that will fit nicely on each side of your blocks. Cut them slightly smaller than the block face so the edges stay neat.
3. Attach the Pictures
Using a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to one side of the block. Gently press the picture into place, smoothing out any bubbles.
4. Seal the Surface
Once the image is secure, brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Let it dry completely before moving to the next side.
5. Repeat for Each Side
Work your way around the block until all sides are covered. You can mix images from different stories or keep them all from the same book for a themed set.
6. Let Them Cure
After the final coat is applied, allow the blocks to cure for at least 24 hours before giving them to a child.
These blocks are sturdy, timeless, and endlessly fun. The best part? Every side tells a story, and every block holds a memory.
