12 Free Toy Box Plans Any Kid Would Love

By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher, Writer
Stacy Fisher

Stacy Fisher is an expert on crafting, sewing, and frugal finds, sharing her knowledge of hands-on DIY creations, finding freebies, and budgeting. Stacy was a guest on "The Dr. Oz Show" and featured in Woman's World Magazine. She has nearly two decades of writing and editing experience.

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Updated on 08/04/22
Father with his daughter in woodshop
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Use one of these free toy box plans to build a gift for your child or grandchild that they'll cherish for years. It's a great way to add storage to a kid's room or playroom and the kids will love being able to organize all their toys.

Some of these plans make it super easy to build a toy chest, but others may be more difficult if you're a beginner builder. Be sure to look through each plan to see which one will work best for your skill level and the child's needs. 

Each free toybox plan includes instructions, diagrams, photos, materials, tools, and even videos. All the plans are straightforward and easy to follow.

  • 01 of 12

    Simple Modern Toy Box with Lid

    A wooden toy box with a lid

    Rcbaker/Ana White

    This is a simple toy box plan from Ana White that includes a hinged lid. This classic design was inspired by a ​Land of Nod bunk bed and it would look great in any child's bedroom. A list of items you need for the toy box are included, as well as a list of tools, pictures with dimensions, and detailed building steps.

    Simple Modern Toy Box with Lid from Ana White

  • 02 of 12

    DIY Toy Storage

    A wooden toy storage chest with red bins

    Shanty 2 Chic

    Older kids need a little more organization than just a big toy box and this toy storage plan will get them 9 different compartments to stash their stuff. This toy storage chest from Shanty 2 Chic holds Ikea's Trofast baskets or any other similar-sized bin. This makes it really easy for kids to take them in and out so they can only get out the toys they want to play with at the time.  A supply list, color photos, written instructions, and diagrams will help you build this toy box in no time.

    DIY Toy Storage from Shanty 2 Chic

  • 03 of 12

    Toy Storage Console with Rolling Bins

    A white and brown rustic toy storage chest

    Kreg

    Here's another toy storage plan from Kreg that's perfect for older kids. A shelf sits on top of three divided bins and then two pull-out crates on the bottom. As part of the free plans, you'll get how-to instructions, a tools list, a materials list, a parts/cut list, and extra tips and tricks.

    Toy Storage Console with Rolling Bins from Kreg

  • 04 of 12

    Pirate's Chest Toy Box

    A wooden toy box shaped like a pirate's chest

    Chief's Shop

    This plan from Chief's Shop can be used as a toy box for kids or as a storage chest for someone of any age. The instructions and images are contained in a PDF file ​and are so detailed at each step that it shouldn't at all be a problem to build. A list of all the tools, supplies, and lumber that you need are listed off to the side, as well as a comprehensive list and measurements of all the different parts that make up this toy box. Safety hinges are used to ensure the lid stays open and doesn't slam shut when it's being used.

    Pirate's Chest Toy Box from Chief's Shop

    Continue to 5 of 12 below.
  • 05 of 12

    Bookcase With Toy Storage

    A wooden bookshelf and toy box filled with toys and books

    Kreg

    Kreg has a free toy box plan that combines toy storage along with a bookcase. It's the perfect solution for keeping all those books and toys in the same place.  Everything is included in this free plan including a set of step-by-step building instructions, a tools list, a materials list, and parts/cut list, and lots of color photos and diagrams. 

    Bookcase With Toy Storage from Kreg

  • 06 of 12

    Simple Storage Box

    An empty wooden storage box with handles and a lid

    Instructables Workshop

    Simple Storage Box is an easy guide to building a toy box from NutandBolt at Instructables. As you can see in the picture, this toy box plan accounts for handles on the sides as well as a lid. There are detailed pictures, instructions, videos, and a list of materials in this free toy box plan.

    Simple Storage Box from Instructables

  • 07 of 12

    Lidless Toy Box

    A man painting a toy box

    Jay's Custom Creations

    This open toy box plan is easy to follow and can be built by anyone. Jay's Custom Creations offer a video walkthrough you can watch for a visual idea of how this toy box is made, but there’s also a PDF file you can download, which includes a shopping list, color-coded illustrations, and step-by-step instructions.

    Lidless Toy Box from Jay's Custom Creations

  • 08 of 12

    DIY Wooden Toy Bins

    A wooden toy box and old chair

    The Merrythought

    This MerryThought project is simple but makes a sturdy set of three wooden toy bins that would work great not only in a child's room but also in a corner in a living room or kitchen. The three bins make it easy for kids to sort and organize their toys, games, or stuffed animals. It's a pretty straightforward project that lets you decide how big you want the bins to be before you build them.

    DIY Wooden Toy Bins from The Merrythought

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.
  • 09 of 12

    Little Car Toy Box

    A blue toy box shaped like a car

    More Like Home

    More Like Home's free plan lays out very easy to follow, detailed instructions for building a cheap toy box that actually seats two small children. Images and measurements are given throughout the steps to make it really simple to build this toy box.

    Little Car Toy Box from More Like Home

  • 10 of 12

    How to Build a Toy Chest

    A mother and daughter putting hinges on a toy box

    This Old House

    Here's a free toy box plan from This Old House that shouldn't take more than around 5 hours to complete. Plus, it includes wheels and handles to make it easy for kids to move around. The estimated cost and time to build the toy chest, as well as a shopping list, pictures, downloadable template, instructions, and list of tools needed are included in this plan.

    How to Build a Toy Chest from This Old House

  • 11 of 12

    How to Build a Chest Bench

    A man measuring wood

     Tetra Images/Getty Images

    This decorative storage chest from Rona—works well for a toy box, but its design also lets it be used as a bench. This is an easy plan for beginners, so it shouldn't take longer than one day to complete it. The details for Rona's chest-bench plan are in a PDF file. It includes all the tools and materials you'll need, along with cutting and assembly illustrations. It's measured at 60" x 20" x 21".

    How to Build a Chest Bench from Rona

  • 12 of 12

    Chalkboard Toy Box

    Close-Up Of Hand Writing With Chalk On Blackboard

     Neven Krcmarek/EyeEm/Getty Images

    Kids like toys and chalkboards, which is why this Home Depot toy box plan combines them into one. The chalkboard paint is applied to both the backdrop of the toy box as well as the front panel, but you could always change up the plan to customize it. Ten steps through and you'll be done with this toy box, and there are images throughout each of them, some with detailed cutting instructions.

    Chalkboard Toy Box from Home Depot