How to make concrete teddy bears

A creative way to rethink toys, waste and play

Toys are more available than ever. In Australia alone, around $1 billion is spent on retail toy sales each year and many families feel the pressure to keep buying — whether from guilt, comparison, or simply wanting the “best” for their child.

Over time, this cycle of consumption takes a toll. Toys accumulate quickly, often outgrowing children long before they wear out. Many end up in charity shops, storage boxes or landfills.

This project invites families to pause and ask a different question:

What if less could actually give children more?

Happier Play with Fewer Toys

Research and observation both suggest that children often play more deeply and creatively when they have fewer toys available at any one time. With less distraction, imagination has more room to grow.

Rather than constantly adding new toys, we can:

• Choose quality over quantity
• Rotate what’s available
• Involve children in caring for and repurposing what they already have

These small shifts help children build creativity, gratitude and environmental awareness.

Simple Ways to Reduce Toy Overload

Declutter with care

Decluttering a child’s space can be the first step toward calmer, more creative play. If there are toys you feel sentimental about, consider photographing them or transforming them into an art piece rather than storing them away.

Donate together

Invite children to choose toys to donate to charity — toys that are clean, complete and still usable. Washing and preparing toys together can be a meaningful way to say goodbye.

Rotate toys

Store excess toys out of sight and rotate them occasionally. When toys reappear, children often engage with them as if they’re brand new.

Be Creative: Turn Old Toys into Garden Art

When toys are too damaged to donate, they can still be given a second life. Broken cups, figurines and old soft toys can be transformed into:

• garden sculptures
• stepping stones
• quirky plant holders

Concrete teddy bears are a favourite — playful, weatherproof and full of character.

How to Make a Concrete Teddy Bear

Concrete teddy bears can be made as solid sculptures or as planters for succulents and small plants.

Note for parents: Some children may find it upsetting to see a teddy cut or altered. Prepare the teddy without children present, then invite them back in for the creative stages.

Materials

• Latex or gardening gloves
• Old plastic bucket
• Quick-set concrete
• One or two old teddy bears
• Scissors
• Water

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the teddy: If you’re making a planter, carefully cut holes in the teddy where the plants will sit (for example, on the top of the head or the belly).
2. Mix the concrete slurry: Follow the packet instructions, then add a little extra water so the mix is slightly thinner, like pancake batter. This helps the concrete coat the teddy evenly.
3. Dip and coat: Wearing gloves, dip the teddy into the slurry and gently rub the concrete into the fabric.
4. Shape and drain: Lift the teddy out, allow excess concrete to drip off, and smooth the areas where you’ve created planting holes to form shallow bowls.
5. Set to dry: Position the teddy in the shape you want, then allow it to dry for about 24 hours.
6. Repeat for strength: Apply a second coat after the first layer has set to make the sculpture stronger and more weather-resistant.
7. Final drying: Leave the teddy to dry completely.
8. Decorate and plant: Once hardened, you can paint the eyes to soften the look, add feathers or shells, and plant hardy succulents into the holes.

A Beautiful Learning Opportunity

This project works beautifully as a homeschooling or classroom activity, combining:

• sustainability education
• creative reuse
• fine motor skills
• conversations about consumption and care

It shows children that value doesn’t come from buying new — it comes from imagination, effort and intention.

Want More Ideas Like This?

Explore our Permaculture Journals — printable resources designed to help families, homeschoolers and educators plan, reflect and document their gardening and sustainability projects.

These journals support:

• hands-on learning
• systems thinking
• meaningful family projects

Take what serves you, adapt it to your rhythm and enjoy the process.