Dream, Build, Win!
Makedo, Happy Up, and other The Good Toy Group member stores are running a nationwide competition!
We’re looking for the most imaginative and creative cardboard builds in the area. The winner from Happy Up will be entered in the National Competition!
How to Enter:
- Make something amazing using upcycled cardboard and Makedo tools and connectors (scroll down for complete rules)
- Drop off your creation at Happy Up in Edwardsville between Oct. 4th and 18th during regular business hours.
We will have two age categories for judging:
- 7 years and younger
- 8 years and older
Judging will take place on Monday, Oct. 20th.
Winners will be notified that day.
Our judge is Jen Buccheit!
She is a local author, cardboard creator, and toy store friend. She's created all kinds of amazing things using Makedo. If you're interested in her work, you can find her on Instagram @studio_rosie
Prizes:
First and second place winners in each age category!
- 1st Place: $50 Happy Up gift card
- 2nd Place: $25 Happy Up gift card
Happy Up’s Grand Prize winner will be chosen from the first place winners in each age category.
The Grand Prize winning creation will be entered in the Nationwide Makedo cardboard competition AND receive a $50 voucher for Makedo products to use at Happy Up!
The National winner will be notified by Oct. 24, 2025.
The National Prize is a $150 voucher for Makedo products at Happy Up!
Need cardboard for your entry?
Stop by Happy Up in Edwardsville! We’ll have a stash of boxes we can give you to get your kids started!
We can't wait to see what your kids create!
Entry Rules and Requirements:
Participants and Age Groups:
- One entry per person
- We are offering two age groups for the competition:
- 7 years and younger
- 8 years and older
- If siblings are working on the same project, the entry will go in the age group of the eldest participant.
- Adult assistance is ok, but we really want to see the kids’ imaginations and skills shine!
Originality:
- The creation must be an original work of the child participant(s)
- No copying or substantial similarity to third-party designs/intellectual property.
Materials:
- Upcycled cardboard must be used as the main material and structure of your creation
- Cardboard elements of your creation must use Makedo* connectors only (Scrus, hinges, etc)
- Prohibited for attaching your cardboard pieces together: tape, glue, hot glue, staples, nails, screws, or any non-Makedo fasteners.
- Limited non-cardboard materials can be used as decoration only. You can use tape, glue, etc. to add these items to your creation.
- No electronics, motors, or battery powered elements like lights allowed.
- Adding artwork and color with crayons, markers, paints, etc. encouraged!
*No purchase necessary to enter
Size Limit:
Generally, no bigger than 24” x 24” x 24”
- We are not able to accept large-scale structures that are big enough for kids to play inside like houses, forts, boats, etc.
- If your creation is 27” long but only 5” wide and 10” tall, like the model of a ship, that’s ok.
- If you make a costume that exceeds one of those dimensions with a decorative element, like a dragon tail, we’re ok with that, too.
Drop Off Your Creations:
Bring your entry to Happy Up in Edwardsville
Entries accepted Oct. 4th through Oct. 18th 2025 during regular business hours only.
For store hours and a map visit our locations page.
At drop off, we'll need to collect some info from you for the Happy Up competition. You will also need to complete an online form for the Nationwide Makedo and The Good Toy Group competition.
Read this PDF for ALL of the fine print and rules from Makedo and The Good Toy Group:
2025 Makedo and The Good Toy Group Cardboard Competition.