If you’re like me, you’ve probably been tempted to buy those cute little teddy bears that help your child learn the fine motor skills of dressing themselves.

Of course, I could never bring myself to pay that much for them, and didn’t really like the idea of buying stuffed animals from the Thrift Store – not knowing where they’ve been.

Have you ever thought of making your own pieces for your child? Using old clothes (instead of trashing them), cut off the parts with zippers, buttons, or ties and use these for your child.

Or a good use for the Thrift Store, buy some really cheap clothes there and use them for the same purpose!

Instead of buying a bear to teach tying laces, use a real pair of shoes. Or even use your own clothes with buttons, snaps, or zippers.

I’ve found my children’s clothes have buttons too small for them to learn on, so I give them my clothes – which have larger buttons and snaps.

I’ve also seen a dollar stores lacing toys – where you sting beads on a shoestring. Another homemade alternative to this is to use yarn and penne noodles!

Mrs. Candace