Whether your child has been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or they suffer from anxiety, you may notice them fidgeting, tapping their feet or drumming their fingers on a table. And if they’re doing that at home, they’re doing it at school (if they happen to be in-person at school these days) or during remote school. That’s where fidget toys can help a child (or teen) who has a hard time focusing.
While it may seem like fidgets toys were at one point a fad, we have learned that for those who need them, fidget toys are a way to calm the anxiety, calm the nerves, settle the body, focus the attention, and improve concentration.
And while you can purchase fidget toys almost anywhere these days, there are some great DIY opportunities if you’re the creative type or even if you are the not-so-crafty type. Keep reading to learn how to make seven fun sensory and fidget toys from objects around the house or with scrap craft supplies.
7 DIY Fidget Toys for Kids
More About Sensory Play:
- Need A New Sensory Play Activity? Try This DIY Kinetic Sand
- Sensory Play: DIY Kaleidoscope Rice
- Sensory Play Fun: How to Make Rainbow Silly Putty
7 DIY Fidget Toys for Kids
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DIY Paper Ninja Fidget Spinner
The highly addictive fidget spinner has been lauded as a way for young people to manage anxiety and ADHD. For this version, you just need some paper, a toothpick, some cardboard and a little glue. Here’s how to DIY one from Red Ted Art.
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DIY Squishy Cake Keychain
While squishy toys are all the rage right now because they are fun and colorful, an added benefit is that anxious kids can squish, release, and re-squish their toys when feeling uneasy. Here’s how to DIY one from Crafts Unleashed.
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DIY Squishy Stress Balls
These are so easy (and inexpensive) to make. With a couple of balloons (and some flour) used for each DIY stress ball, you can make a bunch in different colors in no time at all. Here’s how from Momtastic.
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DIY Duct Tape Endless Cube
Use wooden cubes and duct tape to make an endless cube that transforms shape again and again. Assembling this project takes some concentration, and it’s the perfect project for tweens (age 10+). Younger kids will love playing with the completed cubes. Here’s how to DIY one from Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls.
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DIY Lego Spinner Pencil Topper
Although these pencil toppers are small, they still provide enough kinetic interest for easily distracted kids. They are also a great alternative for kids who chew on their pencils! Here’s how to DIY one from Teach Me Mommy.
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DIY Therapy Putty
If you are looking for a homemade putty for your kids or yourself this one is amazing. It is tough enough to work stress and hand muscles but still perfect for kids to enjoy working with and holding throughout the day. Here’s how to DIY your own from Natural Beach Living.
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DIY Neon And Wood Floating Bead Bracelet
Kids can spin the beads quietly n this DIY bracelet while completing assignments. Make a few using different colors and patterns so they can select a bracelet for school each day. Simply string plastic beads along a silk cord and then knot it around the wrist. Here’s how from Lines Across.
