Fidgeting used to be a problem teachers tried to solve. These days, we recognize that students don’t need to be completely still in order to learn, and constructive fidgeting actually helps many people focus. You can certainly buy fidgets, but the cost can add up if you want enough for a whole class. That’s why we love these DIY fidget toys! Make them yourself or use them as hands-on class projects for students to make their own. Either way, your students will love these DIY stress toys, and so will your wallet.
FREE PRINTABLE
Slime Activity Worksheet
Slime is the perfect fidget that doubles as a classroom experiment. Grab this free worksheet bundle with step-by-step instructions for making slime, plus space for students to plan and reflect on the scientific process.
One of the best things about fidget bands is that they’re pretty much silent but they are perfect for kids who can’t sit still. Cut up old T-shirts (or any cheap fabric) that still have a bit of stretch left to them, braid them together, and sew them into a loop. You can make enough of these for your entire classroom for next to nothing!
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Wood craft sticks, plastic beads, and pipe cleaners are all inexpensive when you buy them in bulk. Find a few rolls of pretty washi tape, and you’re all set to make these easy DIY fidget toys!
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These easy-squeezy DIY stress toys are fun to make and even more fun to play with! Fill balloons with a mixture of baking soda and hair conditioner, then decorate them however you like.
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4. Glitter Slime
This sparkly slime is a surefire hit with students (and it’s one of our favorite DIY stress toys)! All you need is glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, and, of course, glitter. It’s surprisingly low mess, and the end result is stretchy, squishy, and just plain pretty.
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These DIY fidget toys also make a fashion statement! You can wear them when your hands are busy, and take them off to fidget as needed.
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These DIY stress toys are a big hit with students and incredibly easy to make. Just add about ½ to 1 teaspoon of Orbeez (or any water beads) to a thick balloon, then fill it with water to the size you want. We recommend keeping them small for little hands, but you can go larger too. Just be sure to use thick, durable balloons.
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7. Easy 2-Ingredient Slime
Need a quick project? This easy slime comes together in less than a minute with just two ingredients: dish soap and cornstarch. It’s not quite as stretchy as other slimes, but it’s a great way to show kids the magic of simple science.
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Kids will enjoy the process of making these colorful “snakes,” personalizing the colors and patterns with cords and multicolor pony beads. Once they’re finished, they can use these DIY fidget toys to their heart’s content!
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9. Butter Slime
Don’t let the name fool you—there’s no butter involved! This super-soft slime gets its smooth texture from a mix of hand lotion and modeling clay. Add glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, and food coloring to round out the recipe.
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10. Dice Infinity Cubes
If you’re looking for an infinity cube that’s a bit more sturdy, try this one! Dice are affordable, easy to make with regular tape, and they look cool.
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11. Soda Bottle Top Fidget Toys
This fidget toy made from recycled soda bottle caps will take a bit of effort, but it will be worth it! Be sure to thoroughly watch the YouTube video for the exact dimensions of everything you’ll need.
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12. Fluffy Slime
This fluffy slime is as fun to make as it is to squish and stretch! The secret ingredient? Shaving cream! Combine it with glue, contact lens solution, baking soda, and a little food coloring to get just the right texture.
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13. Paper Clip Fidget Chains
Sometimes the simplest DIY fidget toys are the most effective. Link paper clips together to make a chain that can be twisted, bent, or rearranged during class. It’s a quiet, low-cost option that’s great for fine motor movement.
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Wrap a few rubber bands around a pencil, pen, or even a Popsicle stick to make a quick and stretchy fidget. These DIY fidget toys are especially helpful for kids who need something subtle to keep their hands busy while staying focused.
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15. Magnet Fidget Game
Turn small magnets into a hands-on game! Kids can slide, stack, or spin them into different formations on a magnetic surface. These DIY fidget toys are great for sensory seekers and work well in calm-down corners or STEM bins.
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16. Duct Tape Fidget Creations
Use colorful duct tape to make all kinds of DIY fidget toys, from bracelets and rings to textured pads or even spinners. Kids will love getting creative with patterns and colors while building something they can actually use.
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17. Velcro Strip Fidgets
Velcro is a fantastic tactile material. Attach strips to desks, notebooks, or laminated cards so kids can peel, stick, and restick to their heart’s content. These DIY fidget toys are quiet, portable, and easy to make in bulk.
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18. Sensory Bags
Sensory bags are excellent DIY fidget toys for younger students or kids who enjoy tactile play. Fill gallon-sized plastic bags with beads, sand, water beads, or small toys, then seal well with duct tape for durability. Squish away!
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19. Fidget Boxes
Why settle for one fidget when you can have a whole box? Create a DIY fidget box filled with a variety of textures, tools, and toys. It’s perfect for classroom calm-down kits or individual desk bins. These DIY fidget toys work for every type of fidgeter!
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Get your slime activity printable worksheets!
Slime is the perfect fidget to keep kids busy and entertained both at school and at home. Grab our slime printable worksheet bundle.
What are your favorite DIY fidget toys? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out great ideas for your classroom calm-down kit.
