One of the best ways to foster kids’ love of cooking is to give them play food for imaginary cooking. This easy activity uses little leftover bits of craft materials and a little imagination to transform a cardboard egg carton otherwise bound for your recycling bin into playful faux food. Not only does making toys save money, it stimulates little imaginations — so start “baking” cookies and cakes and “churning” ice cream.

• Egg carton
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Large pom-poms
• Small pom-pom
• Felt
• Hot glue
• Scissors
• Toothpick
• Tissue paper
• Washi tape
• Cardboard
• Aluminum foil

Start by cutting down the egg cup part of the carton down, so you’re left with only the circular domed tops.

Paint a light tan or whatever color you want for the dough base of your cookie. Set aside to dry completely.