Fidget toys are small objects that can be manipulated in the hands to help people focus, reduce stress, or simply pass the time. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials. But did you know you can easily make your own fidget toys at home? This article will explore various DIY fidget toy ideas using common household items.
Fidgeting Fun: What You’ll Need
The beauty of DIY fidget toys is that you can make it with everyday materials you might already have around the house. Here’s a general list of what you might need:
- Common household items: beads, pipe cleaners, rubber bands, balloons, buttons, containers, etc.
- Craft supplies: felt, yarn, fabric scraps, glue, scissors, tape, etc.
- Sensory materials: stress balls, modeling clay, putty, etc. (Optional)
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. Feel free to get creative and substitute materials based on what you have available!
DIY Fidget Toy Ideas
Here are some fun and easy DIY fidget toy ideas to get you started:
Classic Fidget Spinner
You might be surprised to know you can create a simple fidget spinner with a button, some beads, and a pen cap! Here’s how:
- Find a large button with a shank (the little loop in the back).
- Thread several beads onto the shank of the button.
- Push the pen cap (open end facing down) onto the shank, so the beads are inside the cap.
- Tie a knot at the end of the shank to secure the beads and pen cap.
Now you have a fidget spinner! You can spin it between your fingers or flick it to create a satisfying whirring sound.
Fidgety Pop It!
Recreate the popular fidget toy with some cardboard and bubble wrap!
- Cut a piece of cardboard into your desired size and shape.
- Cut circles out of bubble wrap, roughly the same size.
- Secure the bubble wrap circles to the cardboard using glue or tape.
Now you have a DIY pop it fidget! Pop the bubbles in and out for a calming sensory experience.
Fidgeting Fun with Felt
Felt is a versatile material that can be used to create many fidget toys. Here are two ideas:
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Fidget Cube: Cut six squares of felt in different colors. Sew them together to form a cube, leaving one side open. Stuff the cube with cotton balls or fabric scraps, then sew the last side shut.
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Fidget Flaps: Cut out two identical shapes from felt. Sew them together on three sides, leaving one side open. Add small felt squares or buttons inside for a textured feel.
These felt fidget toys provide a quiet and satisfying way to fidget.
Sensory Fidgets
For an extra sensory experience, consider incorporating stress balls, modeling clay, or putty into your DIY fidget toys.
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Stress Ball Fidget: Fill a small balloon with flour or rice. Tie the end to create a stress ball. Decorate the outside of the balloon with markers or paint (optional).
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Moldable Fidget Fun: Modeling clay or putty can be molded and shaped into different forms, providing a calming and creative outlet for fidgeting.
These sensory fidgets offer a different tactile experience than traditional fidget toys.
Fidgeting Fun for All
DIY fidget toys are a fun and creative way to keep your hands busy and relieve stress. They’re also a great way to personalize your fidget experience and use materials you already have on hand. So, grab your craft supplies and get started creating your own unique fidget toys!
Fidget Fun with Recycled Materials
Not only are DIY fidget toys fun and creative, they’re also eco-friendly! Here are some ideas for making fidget toys with recycled materials:
Bottle Cap Clicker
You can create a satisfying clicker using two bottle caps and a rubber band!
- Find two bottle caps of the same size.
- Cut a small notch near the edge of one bottle cap.
- Secure a rubber band around both bottle caps, placing the notch over the other cap.
Now you have a clicker fidget! Click the bottle caps together repeatedly for a simple and satisfying fidget experience.
Fidget Chain
Turn leftover plastic packaging or juice pouches into a colorful fidget chain!
- Cut clean, colorful strips from plastic packaging or juice pouches.
- Connect the strips by looping them together or punching holes and using binder rings.
You can create a long chain or connect shorter sections to make a fidget bracelet. The possibilities are endless!
Pom-Pom Play
Yarn scraps can be transformed into fun and fluffy pom-pom fidget toys!
- Wrap yarn around a cardboard cutout in the shape of a donut. The more yarn you wrap, the fluffier your pom-pom will be.
- Cut the yarn around the outside of the cardboard, then tie the yarn securely in the center, creating a bundle.
- Slide the cardboard cutout off the yarn bundle and tie the loose ends together tightly.
- Trim the yarn to create a round shape.
Pom-poms can be attached to keychains, backpack straps, or used on their own for a soft and cuddly fidget experience.
Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started! The beauty of DIY fidget toys is that you can use your imagination and the materials you have on hand to create something unique and fun.
Fidget Fun with Customization
The beauty of DIY fidget toys is the ability to personalize them! Here are some ways to make your fidget toys unique:
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Color Coordination: Choose colors that match your style or mood. Paint, markers, or colorful materials can add a personal touch.
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Themed Creations: Are you a fan of superheroes or video games? Incorporate those themes into your fidget toy designs! Use fabric scraps or cutouts from magazines to add themed elements.
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Sensory Exploration: Experiment with different textures! Buttons, ribbons, or sandpaper can add interesting textures to your fidget toy.
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Attach and Go: Attach your fidget toy to a keychain, backpack strap, or purse for easy access throughout the day.
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Get Gifting! DIY fidget toys make great gifts for friends and family. Personalize them to match the recipient’s interests.
Remember, the most important aspect is to find fidgeting techniques that work for you. Explore different options and have fun creating your own DIY fidget haven!