The Project
Let's face it: we all need something to do with our hands when the stress piles up. Maybe you're stuck on a long video call, trying to focus on editing, or just need a break from scrolling. Store-bought fidgets can cost a fortune and often break within weeks. That's where this project comes in.
Today, we're building three different DIY fidget toys that are not only satisfying to use but also incredibly fun to make. I'm talking about a squishy sensory ball, a clicky chain fidget, and a textured infinity cube knock-off. Each one uses materials you probably already have lying around the house or can grab cheaply from a craft store. The best part? You can customize every single one to match your style, your favorite colors, or even your brand if you're a creator looking for a prop that stands out.
These aren't just toysโthey're tools. I've been making and testing fidgets for years, and I can tell you that a well-made DIY fidget beats any plastic gadget from the dollar store. Plus, the process of making them is a stress reliever in itself. So roll up your sleeves, and let's get crafting.
What You'll Need
For all three projects, you'll need a few basic supplies. Here's the complete list broken down by project.
**Project 1: Squishy Sensory Ball**
- 1 large balloon (any color, but thicker balloons work best)
- 1 cup of cornstarch or flour (cornstarch gives a smoother texture)
- A funnel (or a rolled-up piece of paper)
- A small bowl
- Scissors
- Optional: food coloring or a few drops of essential oil for scent
**Project 2: Clicky Chain Fidget**
- 10-15 large paperclips (the jumbo size, about 1.5 inches long)
- Needle-nose pliers
- A small file or sandpaper (fine grit)
- Optional: spray paint or nail polish for color
**Project 3: Textured Infinity Cube (Knock-off)**
- 8 wooden cubes (1-inch each, from a craft store)
- Strong craft glue (E6000 or wood glue)
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Acrylic paint or markers
- A small paintbrush
- A ruler
- Optional: clear sealant spray
**Budget Breakdown:**
- Balloons: $2 for a pack of 25
- Cornstarch: $3 for a box
- Paperclips: $1 for a box of 100
- Wooden cubes: $5 for a pack of 20
- Glue: $4
- Paint: $3 per bottle
- Total for all three: under $20, and you'll have leftovers for more projects.
**Where to buy:** Most of these are available at any craft store (Michaels, Hobby Lobby) or online. For the wooden cubes, I recommend checking the craft section at Walmart or a dollar store firstโthey often have them for less.
Step-by-Step
Let's start with the squishy sensory ball. This is the easiest project and takes about 15 minutes.
**Step 1: Make the filling.** Pour 1 cup of cornstarch into a bowl. If you want color, mix in a drop of food coloring and stir until even. If you're using essential oils for calming scents (lavender is great), add 2-3 drops now. The mixture should feel like dry sand.
**Step 2: Fill the balloon.** Stretch the balloon opening over the funnel. Slowly pour the cornstarch into the balloon. Tap the funnel to help it flow. Fill until the balloon is about the size of your fistโdon't overfill or it won't squish well. Here's the trick most pros won't tell you: leave a little air in the balloon before tying it off. That air pocket makes the squish factor way better.
**Step 3: Tie and trim.** Pinch the neck of the balloon and tie a tight knot. Cut off the excess rubber above the knot. Give it a gentle squeezeโif it feels too hard, remove some filling. Too soft? Add more. You want it to feel like a stress ball that slowly returns to shape.
Now for the clicky chain fidget. This one takes about 20 minutes and requires a little patience.
**Step 1: Prepare the paperclips.** Straighten each paperclip using the needle-nose pliers. You want them to be a long, straight wire. Use the file or sandpaper to smooth any sharp ends where they were cut. Safety firstโpaperclips can be surprisingly sharp.
**Step 2: Form the links.** Bend each wire into a small loop at one end using the pliers. The loop should be about 1/4 inch in diameter. Then, hook the loop of one link into the loop of another before closing it fully. This creates a chain. Repeat until all links are connected. The chain should be about 6-8 inches long.
**Step 3: Close the chain.** Connect the last loop to the first loop to form a circle. Use the pliers to squeeze each loop closed firmly. Test the clicksโeach link should move freely and make a satisfying metallic click. If any link is too tight, open it slightly with the pliers.
**Step 4: Customize.** If you want color, spray paint the chain or paint individual links with nail polish. Let dry completely before using.
Finally, the textured infinity cube knock-off. This is the most advanced project and takes about an hour plus drying time.
**Step 1: Sand the cubes.** Lightly sand all sides of each wooden cube with 120-grit sandpaper, then finish with 220-grit. This ensures the paint and glue stick well. Wipe off dust with a damp cloth.
**Step 2: Paint or color.** Paint each cube with acrylic paint. I like to use two coats for even coverage. Let dry between coats. You can also use permanent markers for a faster option, but paint gives a smoother finish.
**Step 3: Assemble the cube.** Arrange the 8 cubes into a 2x2x2 larger cube. The trick is to glue them in pairs first: glue two cubes together side by side. Make four pairs. Then glue two pairs together to form a 2x2 layer. Do the same for the other four cubes. Finally, glue the two layers together, but only on one edge so the cube can fold and unfold like an infinity cube. Use a small amount of glueโtoo much will seep out and ruin the movement.
**Step 4: Let it cure.** Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours before playing with it. Once dry, the cube should fold in on itself and expand back out. If it's too stiff, gently work it back and forth to loosen the joints.
Safety First
Before you start, here's what you need to know. Paperclips have sharp endsโalways file them down after cutting. Wear gloves if you're sensitive to metal. When using a hot glue gun (if you decide to reinforce the chain), keep a bowl of cold water nearby for burns. For the squishy ball, never use a balloon near small children or petsโif it pops, the cornstarch can be a choking hazard. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint or strong glue. And here's the big one: don't overfill the balloon. A burst balloon filled with powder makes a huge mess and can get in your eyes. If you're using a heat gun to speed up paint drying, keep it on low and don't hold it too close to the woodโit can scorch.
Troubleshooting
Let's talk about what can go wrong and how to fix it.
**Squishy ball too hard?** You used too much cornstarch. Empty it back into the bowl and add a little less. Remember, you want it to slowly rebound, not feel like a rock. If it's too soft, add more cornstarch a tablespoon at a time.
**Chain fidget won't click?** The loops might be too tight. Use the pliers to open each loop slightly. The click comes from the metal sliding over itselfโif there's no friction, it won't click. Also, cheap paperclips might be too thin. Look for the jumbo size with a thicker gauge wire.
**Infinity cube stuck?** You probably used too much glue. If the cube won't fold, try gently prying the joints apart with a butter knife. If that doesn't work, you can sand down the edges of the cubes where they rub against each other. A little wax or candle wax on the joints can also help them slide better.
**Paint peeling?** You didn't sand enough. Rough up the surface with sandpaper before repainting. Also, make sure each coat is fully dry before adding the next.
The Result
After about an hour of crafting (plus drying time), you'll have three unique fidget toys that cost a fraction of store-bought versions. The squishy ball is my favorite for stressโit's oddly satisfying to squeeze and watch it slowly reform. The clicky chain is perfect for meetings or while watching videosโit's quiet enough not to annoy others but loud enough to satisfy that sensory need. The infinity cube is a conversation starter; everyone who sees it wants to play with it.
What would I do differently next time? For the chain, I'd use colored paperclips to skip the painting step. For the infinity cube, I'd experiment with different cube sizesโ1.5-inch cubes might make a more satisfyingly chunky fidget. And for the squishy ball, I'd try using play dough instead of cornstarch for a different texture.
Honestly, the best part is that you can make these in batches for gifts, for your desk, or even as a fun activity with friends. They're durable, customizable, and actually work. So grab your supplies, put on some music, and get crafting. Your hands will thank you.
