These Build-It-Yourself Paper Toy Kits Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

Graphic designer and educator Anther Kiley has created a collection of build-it-yourself paper toy kits rooted in nostalgia and childhood. Called Cardkits, the kits are composed of paper toys that allow children to construct buildings, houses, vehicles, furniture, and more. Inspired by the elaborate cities Kiley constructed as a child, the kits aim to engage young ones creatively beyond the realm of screens and technology. And, yeah, Cardkits are intended for children, but who’s to say adults can’t snag a kit and relive their childhoods, too?

The Cardkits are produced with sustainably sourced paper and a digital manufacturing process to reduce waste. Each item is 100% recyclable, too, down to the packaging. Here’s how they work: The kits come in a set of pre-cut cards, and the items are created by binding them together with some glue. Kiley hopes that the kits will inspire “storytelling and world building”—as well as encourage children to “explore and engage the world in miniature.”

The kits are a visual sight to behold, too. There are different bundles and kits to choose from: The Country House Bundle ($49), for example, is a three-kit bundle that creates an Italianate country house complete with a full set of furniture and other interior details. Consisting of 32 parts total, it takes about an hour to assemble, according to the product description. There’s also a Farm House Bundle ($49) and Row House Bundle ($49).

Other whimsical, much smaller kits include Beach Bum ($9), a beach day setup that includes a miniature umbrella, beach chair, cooler, sand castle, and even a magazine. Consisting of nine parts, it takes around 15 minutes to assemble. There’s also a Camper ($9) kit for outdoor lovers and Designer ($9) kit for design enthusiasts. Check out the rest of the kits on Cardkits’ online shop. Your inner child will thank you.