Making simple devices is fun for any young person who likes to tinker and build. The build-it-yourself enthusiast will get a great sense of accomplishment from creating self-designed items.

In most cases, common materials and items from around the house are all that is needed. You may need to purchase some inexpensive items such as glue or small nails. Many simple devices can be made with tools that most people already have such as scissors, hammer and pliers. Simple devices can be built in between 15 minutes and 1 hour. Particularly involved projects may take many hours to complete.

The items made could be useful, artistic, or clever. A variety of types of projects can be made: toys and playthings, curiosities and novelties, useful and practical items.

There are books written particularly for the adolescent or young adult who enjoys making interesting mechanical devices and gadgets. A good book is written to make constructing the described items easy. Projects are described using clear wording. Diagrams are included to assist in ease of understanding.

Choose a book that has these features: Most casual do-it-yourselfers will have the needed items around the house and/or garage. Only low cost and no cost materials are needed. Most items are made from small pieces of wooden boards, coat hanger wire, paper, used containers, and discarded household items or low cost items found in hardware stores. There are no kits to buy. The projects require common tools such as a scissors, hacksaw, screwdriver, pliers, knife, file or drill.

Books are available on a wide variety of projects. Books can be choosen that deal mostly with items that are mechanically interesting or clever. The items may be simple mechanical curiosities, appealing because of their shape or structure. Or choose a book specifically about toys and playthings. Or go for whatever type of homemade creations appeal to you.

One particular category is improvised devices. These are homemade items made from whatever materials that happen to be available. The items typically serve some purpose but may be appealing for some other reason. Building them is especially fun because the finished item is a kind of trophy for the builder's ingenuity and self-reliance. And you have the finished item to admire and to use for whatever purpose it serves.