Looking for a cost-effective way to help your students focus in class? Look no further than these DIY fidget toys! Gone are the days of trying to suppress fidgeting – it’s now recognized that constructive fidgeting can actually aid in learning.
With these DIY fidget toys, not only can you save money, but students can also engage in a hands-on activity and create their own fidgets. Keep reading to learn more about these fun and functional classroom tools.
Fidget Putty
Fidget putty is a stress-relieving toy that combines the fun of slime with the calming effects of fidgeting. You can make your own fidget putty using supplies that are readily available on Amazon.
To make the putty, you will need milliard borax powder, Elmer’s no-run school glue, and Cake Supply Food Coloring. Once you have made the putty, you can store it in small 4 oz metal round tins with lids for a quiet fidget option in your classroom.
Wearable Marble Maze
Try making a fidget bracelet with a built-in marble maze! All you need are some cotton squares, sew-on tape, and a 1 lb bag of pony beads.
Chewable Necklace
This type of necklace is designed for kids with sensory-seeking behaviors, such as those with autism. To make one, you will need wooden beads, flat shoelaces, and fancy socks.
Fidget Pencil Toppers
All you need are some pony beads and Chenille pipe cleaners, both of which can be easily purchased on Amazon.
This easy-to-make pencil topper not only provides a fun fidgeting experience, but also helps improve kids’ coordination skills as they thread the beads onto the pipe cleaner and twist it around the pencil.
DIY Fidget Spinners
Try making your own with cardstock paper and coins! You can buy the necessary supplies on Amazon, including cardstock paper, Elmer’s glue sticks, and Gem-Tac permanent glue. Check out the tutorial provided by Red Ted Art to learn how to make your own fidget spinner.
Soda Bottle Top Fidget Toy
Creating a fidget toy out of recycled soda bottle caps requires some effort, but it’s worth it. Make sure to watch the YouTube video for exact dimensions. You can buy the necessary supplies, including marbles, on Amazon.
Zipper Bracelet
Make a fashion statement with this DIY fidget toy. Wear it when your hands are busy, and take it off to fidget as needed. You can purchase 9” nylon zippers on Amazon and follow the tutorial from Moms & Crafters to create your own zipper bracelet.
Dice Infinity Cube
Looking for a sturdy and affordable infinity cube? Try making one with translucent dice and regular tape. It’s easy to create and looks cool. Here’s what you need:
- Translucent dice
- Regular tape
Follow the instructions to create your very own DIY infinity fidget cube.
Fidget Chain Toy
Create a fidget chain toy by stringing pony beads onto split nickel key rings and connecting them together. You can also attach the chain to your water bottle as a reminder to drink more water. Purchase the supplies on Amazon, including a 1 lb bag of pony beads and split nickel key rings.
Bead Snakes
Kids will have a blast creating their own unique bead snakes using colorful pony beads and nylon string.
This DIY activity is perfect for personalizing the colors and patterns to match their style.
Once complete, they can use their bead snakes as a fun fidget toy. You can purchase the necessary supplies, including pony beads and nylon string, on Amazon.
CD-and-Marble Top
If you’re looking for a fun DIY project, try making a fidget spinner using old CDs and marbles.
Although they may be too big for classroom use, they make a great addition to your calm-down kit or corner.
To get started, purchase CD-R blank discs and marbles from Amazon and follow the tutorial provided by Meaningful Mama. With a little creativity, you can turn your old CDs into a fun and functional fidget spinner.
Shoelace and Beads Fidget Toy
Create a simple DIY fidget toy by stringing colorful beads onto a shoelace. Knot the ends to prevent the beads from falling off.
These fidget toys can also be used as a fun tool for teaching kids to segment phonemes.
Purchase flat shoelaces and crafting beads on Amazon. Follow the tutorial for step-by-step instructions from Marvelous Multiagers.
LEGO Fidget Spinner
With the right supplies, your kids can figure out how to construct their own spinner. All you need are round plates and axle pieces, which can be easily found on Amazon.
Paper Infinity Cube
All you need is some origami paper, patience, and precision. Check out the video tutorial to learn how to fold colorful paper squares into an infinity cube. This project is perfect for classrooms and kids can make their own.
Pop Tab Fidget Toy
All you need are some pop tabs from soda cans and a key ring or binder ring.
Feed the tabs onto the ring and you’re ready to fidget with one hand while you work with the other. You can find split nickel key rings and aluminum pop tabs on Amazon.
DIY Stress Ball
Try making your own stress ball! All you need are some latex balloons and baking soda.
Mix the baking soda with hair conditioner, fill up the balloons, and decorate them however you like. Squeeze away your stress with this simple DIY fidget.
Nut and Bolt DIY Fidget Toys
To make your own DIY fidget toys using nuts and bolts, you will need one bolt and two matching nuts for each toy. Start by spinning one nut onto the bolt about halfway.
Then, use hot glue to attach the second nut at the very bottom of the bolt. This will prevent the nuts from coming loose and getting lost. Now, kids can spin the nut in the middle whenever they need to fidget.
Desk Fidget Tool for School
If you’re looking for a discreet fidget tool for your desk, this DIY craft is perfect. You can easily store it in your desk or pencil case. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Craft sticks
- Chenille pipe cleaners
- 1 lb bag of pony beads
- Washi tape
Follow the tutorial from The OT Toolbox to create your own Desk Fidget Tool for School. Supplies can be purchased from Amazon.
Fidget Sticks
Fidget sticks are an easy DIY project that can be made with inexpensive materials such as craft sticks, pony beads, and pipe cleaners.
Adding washi tape to the sticks can make them more visually appealing. To make your own fidget stick, follow the tutorial video provided and purchase the necessary supplies in bulk from Amazon.
DIY Weighted Glove
By targeting the proprioceptive system, a knit glove filled with beans, rice, or corn can provide the weight and heaviness some kids need.
You can easily purchase stretchy gloves from Amazon and learn more about making a weighted fidget toy from The OT Toolbox.
Flextangle
Simply download the template, cut, color, and fold your way to a fidget toy that’s as unique as you are.
With supplies available on Amazon and a tutorial from Babble Dabble Do, you can make as many Flextangles as you want!
Pretzel Stress Ball
If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY stress ball, try making a pretzel stress ball! All you need is a balloon and some flour.
Fill the balloon with flour, then stretch and roll it into the shape of a pretzel. This stress ball is perfect for fidgeting with on your desk or any flat surface.
Summary
You can create your own fidget toys with just a few simple materials. Use beads, buttons, and rubber bands to make a DIY stress ball. Or, try making a fidget spinner using bearings and cardboard.
You can also create a sensory bottle using glitter, water, and a plastic bottle. With these DIY fidget toys, you can relieve stress and anxiety anytime, anywhere.