Having trouble finding the perfect magnetic puzzle for your little one that is also affordable? Get ready to venture on a magnetic journey that will boggle your little one’s mind and provide hours of educational fun. This super simple DIY project is perfect for fostering problem-solving skills and encouraging a love for hands-on learning. My favorite part is that it is 100% customizable; you can design this puzzle however you want. Edgar chose a Halloween theme for his demonstration.
Did I mention this magnetic puzzle is also travel-friendly? You only need to make your design smaller than the actual board. Doing this will allow the magnets to stay on the board (scrambled) while your little one puts the puzzle back together. This toy would have been a lifesaver while traveling last Thanksgiving!
What You’ll Need
- Dry erase board. Any size you’d like.
- Dry erase magnets. Edgar used Gauder, but any similar type should work.
- Markers. Dry erase marker for the template and a permanent marker for the final tracing (if you choose to draw your puzzle).
- Temporary tattoos. Choose tattoos big enough. For reference, Edgar used these skull tattoos in the video. Use whatever you’d like. Ensure the dimensions are big enough but not too big if you want a travel-friendly option. The design choice is a great step to include your little one to make it their own.
- Mod Podge (optional). It will help the temporary tattoo design last longer.
Magnetic Puzzle Process
To begin, place your magnets on the dry-erase board and arrange them to your liking. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can cut the magnets into different shapes to incorporate another fun element.
Once you have placed the magnets in the desired position, you can draw your design using a dry-erase marker first (easier to fix any mistakes) and then with a permanent marker. Alternatively, as Edgar demonstrates, you can place a temporary tattoo over the magnets. If temporary tattoos are not your thing, you can paint your design instead.
If you want to use temporary tattoos, the process is similar to transferring an image onto the skin. All you need to do is place the tattoo picture side down, wet it, apply some pressure, and then gently pull back the dampened paper. Additionally, we use this method in our DIY Night Light, Oogie Boogie, and Milk Plastic Crafts.
If you can’t find any temporary tattoo designs you like, no problem; you can easily create your own and print it onto tattoo paper at home. Please note, the linked tattoo paper is for an inkjet printer; however, laser is also available if needed. This method is a much easier process than doing a Mod Podge image transfer for the first time (if you know, you know).
Optional: Finish With Mod Podge
After completing the puzzle, you can apply a layer of Mod Podge over the magnets to seal your design and help it last longer. You can use Mod Podge with all the design techniques listed. All you need to do is paint a thin layer over the design. It dries quickly, depending on the amount you use. For best results, use 2-3 thin layers separated by 20 minutes to allow for enough drying time. Additionally, Mod Podge is non-toxic, making it an excellent choice for this task. Hello there, win-win situation!
Voilà! You have finished your DIY magnetic puzzle, and it’s ready for your little one to play with. It couldn’t be a more straightforward process; however, you can watch Edgar’s DIY (short) video providing visual step-by-step instructions.
Final Thoughts
As can be seen, this DIY project offers an exciting and budget-friendly solution to finding the perfect magnetic puzzle for your little one. With a few simple materials and minimal time, you can craft the perfect magnetic activity to provide endless fun with an on-the-go option.
Please share your thoughts, questions, or experience with the DIY magnetic puzzle in the comment section below. We would love to hear your feedback and see your creative designs! What DIY projects would you like to see next? Edgar thrives on your input! Would you like more DIY thrifty toy ideas? Please look at our DIY Toys for more inspiration!
