What's in a cardboard box?

Has your child ever unwrapped a present only to enjoy the packaging more than the contents inside? Help feed your child’s imagination at home with simple objects that you would usually discard such as the humble cardboard box:

• Is it a bird? Is it a plane? How about a boat navigating the stormy seas or a rocket flying to the moon? If you have a cardboard tube to hand, you are lucky enough to have a telescope to look out for pirates or to gaze up at the stars.
• Depending on the size of your box, you could build a secret den or indoor fort with the help of additional blankets and cushions for comfort. You could be camping, stranded on a desert island or lost in the depths of a magical forest.
• Forget Punch and Judy. How about making your own puppet show using your cardboard box as a stage? No need for elaborate puppets, a pair of socks or your child’s favourite toys will do.
• Build or dress up as a robot! Additional empty tissue boxes could be used for feet and cardboard tubes could be used for arms. Bring your robot to life with a lick of paint!