Welcome to Real Parenting, a space where parents can share the joys, pain, and the mess of parenthood. Want to get something off your chest? Share your parenting journey? Email us at smartparenting2013@gmail.com with the subject "Real Parenting." Click here to read more 'Real Parenting' stories.
We’ve seen the magic that parents do with cardboard boxes — transforming them into amazing toys like dollhouses, kitchen playsets, and more, for their kids. No matter how many DIY projects we feature, there’s always something unique and incredible about each one, just like this dreamy, unicorn playhouse a couple made for their toddler!
On our Facebook community, Smart Parenting Village, Candy Gandia Catinoy, 26, impressed her fellow moms when she shared photos of the pastel-hued playhouse that she and her husband Eric DIY’d for their 21-month-old daughter, Thania. Since Eric’s workplace (a hotel) temporarily halted operations due to the community quarantine, the couple decided to take advantage of their extra time together.
“Mahilig po kasi si baby magpunta sa ilalim ng lamesa, sa loob ng cabinet. Ganun po ata ‘pag bata — mahilig sa maliliit na space! Kaya napag-isipan namin siyang gawan ng playhouse” Candy tells SmartParenting.com.ph.
How to build a unicorn playhouse
Yup, their daughter loves pink and unicorns all right.PHOTO BY courtesy of Candy Gandia CatinoyADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWPlayhouses or play tents can get expensive so the couple decided they will just build one out of cardboard boxes. Since their daughter loves unicorns, they looked for design inspirations online that followed a similar theme.
Eric and Candy used 13 cardboard boxes that were of similar sizes. They got it from the grocery owned by Eric’s mom. They also sourced wallpaper stickers, glue sticks, and colored paper from the nearby palengke in Cavite City, where they live. The other materials they used were found inside their house.
It took them a total of four days to build the playhouse. "2 days po namin ginawa 'yung sa pag-cut ng karton. Then, 2 days po namin tinayo. Naka-ready na ang mga gagamitin namin," Candy explains.
And it only cost them Php549! A quick search in Lazada showed that the prices of unicorn-themed tents start at around Php844, but it’s not as beautiful nor is it as detailed as Candy and Eric’s DIY project.
Candy says her daughter absolutely loves the playhouse. “Lagi siya [doon] natambay. And super happy niya po — ‘pag naglalaro kami ng taguan dun siya madalas magtago. Alam niyang house niya po talaga ‘yun,” the mom shares.
What other parents are reading
Uh-oh, looks like Thania doesn't want mom Candy and dad Eric inside the playhouse. LOL!PHOTO BY courtesy of Candy Gandia CatinoyCONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowFeeling inspired? Here’s how to make your own unicorn playhouse:
Materials
- Cardboard boxes
- Wallpaper
- Glue stick
- Colored paper
- Tulle
- Push pins
- Curtain rod
- String lights
- Artificial flowers
Instructions
1. Tape together the cardboard boxes and start applying the wallpaper.
"Dinoble po namin kada-side para matibay," Candy shares.PHOTO BY courtesy of Candy Gandia Catinoy2. Apply the wallpaper on the outside walls and attach the roof and chimney. Glue the cut-outs made out of colored paper on the roof.
Candy used tulle for the curtains. The house looks so dainty!PHOTO BY courtesy of Candy Gandia CatinoyADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW3. Design the playhouse as you see fit! Candy used artificial flowers and attached string lights to the front of the house.
We'd honestly love a bigger version for adults. This is too adorable!PHOTO BY courtesy of Candy Gandia Catinoy
Look! The playhouse even has a tiny kitchen. Thania will have a grand time playing pretend in this house!PHOTO BY courtesy of Candy Gandia CatinoyOur daddies are experts at DIYs! Click here for a DIY swing and slide playset, here for baby furniture, and here for a low-budget swimming pool!
What other parents are reading
