Hands & independence

Fold a simple paper parcel

Fold a large sheet around a soft toy, press the creases and reopen it as part of pretend delivery play.

10 minutes

What you'll need

Large sheet of plain paper · One large soft toy that cannot fit inside a toilet-roll tube · Thick crayon for a drawn label, optional

Before you start

Child can interact with large age-appropriate craft or play materials in their preferred way

Best fit: indoors · calm energy · medium caregiver effort · medium mess

How to play

  1. Place the toy in the centre of a large sheet.
  2. Fold opposite sides over it and press broad creases together.
  3. Deliver and reopen the parcel, collect any torn paper, then change the folding plan if wanted.
Make it easier

Use one broad sheet and simply cover and uncover the toy.

Standard

Fold a large sheet around a soft toy, press the creases and reopen it as part of pretend delivery play.

Extend it

Add a drawn paper label, then work out how to refold after opening.

What you might notice

Notice how the child holds the toy, aligns sides and revises the fold.

Keep it safe

Paper wraps only the toy, never a person or face. Supervise throughout, stop if the child mouths paper, and collect torn paper immediately after play.

Why it may be useful

This everyday task offers practice with hand control, two-handed coordination and growing independence.

practice guidance

Provides practice opportunities; it is not a therapy or assessment of motor development.

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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