DIY fidget toys: simple projects to try at home

Fidget toys have become an essential tool for many, particularly neurodivergent kids and adults. These toys provide sensory input that helps with focus, reduces anxiety, and promotes self-regulation. There are so many different fidgets on the market to choose from and you can easily create your own DIY fidget toys at home with a few simple materials.

Why do neurodivergent kids (and adults) love fidget toys?

Fidget toys serve as more than just a distraction. For neurodivergent individuals, they can offer essential support for managing sensory overload, anxiety, and maintaining focus. Fidgeting provides calming sensory input that channels nervous energy, helping to reduce stress or increase attention during tasks. For those with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions, fidget toys are particularly effective in offering a safe, manageable way to calm the mind, focus during conversations, or soothe feelings of overwhelm.

Simple DIY fidget toy ideas

You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy fidgeting. With a little creativity, you can make your own fidget toys using items you probably already have at home. Here are a few fun projects to get started:

1. DIY Stress Ball

Materials:

• A balloon
• Flour, rice, or cornstarch (for filling)
• Funnel (optional)

Instructions:

1. Stretch the balloon’s opening and use the funnel to fill it with flour, rice, or cornstarch.
2. Tie the balloon tightly once it’s filled to your liking.
3. For durability, you can add a second balloon around the first one.

A squishy stress ball is perfect for squeezing when feeling anxious or needing to focus.

2. Glitter Slime

Materials:

• White glue
• Baking soda
• Contact lens solution (contains boric acid)
• Glitter (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix ½ cup of white glue with 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution and stir until it starts to form into slime.
3. Add glitter or food coloring if you want to make it more visually exciting!
4. Knead the slime until smooth, and you’re all set!

The stretchy, squishy texture of glitter slime is satisfying to play with, making it a great calming fidget toy.

3. Velcro Fidget Strip

Materials:

• Velcro strips (hook and loop)
• Scissors (to cut the strips)

Instructions:

1. Cut the Velcro strips into various lengths (1-3 inches) for easy manipulation.
2. Stick the loop side onto one surface (e.g., a piece of cardboard or a sturdy fabric) and the hook side on another surface.
3. Attach the strips wherever you’d like for a tactile fidget experience that involves the satisfying feeling of pulling the Velcro apart and sticking it back together.

This simple fidget toy is perfect for those who enjoy tactile stimulation and the repetitive action of peeling apart and reattaching Velcro.

4. Lego Fidget Toy

Materials:

• Small Lego pieces (any size you prefer)

Instructions:

1. Simply gather a few Lego pieces and build a small object, such as a car, cube, or whatever feels comfortable to hold and manipulate.
2. If you want to take it up a notch, you can build a mini fidget spinner or a “clicky” object using the interlocking bricks.

Lego is a versatile material for creating custom fidget toys, offering endless possibilities for building, clicking, and feeling the satisfying resistance as the pieces snap together and come apart.

5. Sensory String

Materials:

• A long piece of string or elastic band
• Buttons, beads, or textured fabric (e.g., Velcro, soft felt)

Instructions:

1. Attach small items, such as buttons or fabric scraps, to the string at random intervals.
2. The varying textures can be soothing to run your fingers over, offering a sensory experience that is both calming and stimulating.

This toy is simple to make and great for tactile fidgeting, helping to release nervous energy or promote focus.

Why DIY?

Creating your own fidget toys allows you to customise them to fit your needs. You can tailor the textures, colours, and sizes to suit your personal preferences, whether you’re seeking something soft, squishy, or tactile. Making DIY fidget toys also allows you to create a sensory experience that fits your unique needs at a fraction of the cost of store-bought toys. Plus, making them is a fun learning experience too!