The Project
Feeling stressed out after a long day of school or work? You're not alone. There's a reason why squishies—those adorable, super soft, and slow-rising toys—have taken over TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. They're the ultimate stress reliever. But here's the kicker: you don't need to spend a dime on store-bought squishies. You can make your own right now using items you already have in your kitchen, bathroom, and craft drawer.
This project is about transforming everyday household items into custom squishies that are not only satisfying to squeeze but also incredibly fun to create. Whether you're a DIY content creator looking for your next viral video or a home enthusiast wanting a quick, rewarding project, this guide will walk you through two main techniques: the classic memory foam method and a genius no-foam hack using balloons. Both are beginner-friendly, require no special tools, and can be completed in under an hour.
The best part? You get to design your own shapes—cute food, animals, or anything your imagination conjures. And because these are handmade, each one is unique. Let's dive in.
What You'll Need
Before we start, let's gather the essentials. The beauty of this project is that you likely have most of these items lying around. Here's the complete list:
**For the Memory Foam Squishy:**
- A memory foam pillow or mattress topper (old ones work great)
- Scissors (sharp, for cutting foam)
- Acrylic paint (any brand; craft stores have small bottles for under $2)
- Paintbrushes (fine tip for details, flat for base coats)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks (or fabric glue)
- Optional: clear sealant spray (to protect paint)
**For the No-Foam Balloon Squishy:**
- Latex balloons (any color; a pack of 50 costs around $5)
- Pillow stuffing or polyester fiberfill (a bag is about $4)
- Funnel (or a rolled piece of paper)
- Scissors
- Needle and thread (to close the balloon)
- Acrylic paint or markers for decorating
**Budget Breakdown:** If you already have scissors and paint, you're looking at under $10 for either method. If you need to buy everything new, expect to spend around $15–$20 total. That's a fraction of what a single store-bought squishy costs.
**Where to Buy:** Memory foam pillows can be found at thrift stores for $3–$5. Balloons and stuffing are available at any dollar store or craft supply chain. Acrylic paint is cheap at Walmart or online.
Step-by-Step
Let's get our hands dirty. I'll walk you through both techniques, but I recommend starting with the balloon method if you're a complete beginner—it's faster and less messy.
### Method 1: No-Foam Balloon Squishy
1. **Prepare the balloon.** Stretch a balloon a few times to loosen it. Use a funnel to insert pillow stuffing into the balloon. Pack it tightly—the more stuffing, the slower the rise. You want it firm but still squishy.
2. **Seal the balloon.** Once filled to your desired size, tie a knot at the opening. For extra security, use a needle and thread to stitch the knot closed. This prevents any stuffing from escaping.
3. **Shape and decorate.** Now the fun part. You can leave the balloon as is or use scissors to trim off the excess rubber above the knot. Paint or draw a face, animal features, or food design directly onto the balloon. Acrylic paint works best; let it dry completely before handling.
4. **Test the squish.** Squeeze it gently—it should slowly return to its original shape. If it's too firm, remove some stuffing. If it's too soft, add more.
### Method 2: Memory Foam Squishy
1. **Cut the foam.** Using sharp scissors, cut a shape from the memory foam pillow. Keep it simple—a star, heart, or animal silhouette. The foam should be about 1–2 inches thick. Here's the trick most pros won't tell you: cut slowly and in one continuous motion to avoid jagged edges.
2. **Smooth the edges.** Use scissors to round off any sharp corners. This gives your squishy a professional look and prevents paint from peeling.
3. **Paint the base.** Apply a thin layer of acrylic paint. Memory foam is porous, so it will absorb the paint. Two coats are usually enough. Let each coat dry for 30 minutes.
4. **Add details.** Use fine brushes to draw eyes, mouths, or patterns. You can also use markers for finer lines. Let everything dry for an hour.
5. **Seal (optional).** Spray a clear sealant to protect the paint from cracking. Hold the can 6 inches away and apply a light mist. Let it dry for 2 hours.
Safety First
Before you start, here's what you need to know. Scissors are sharp—especially when cutting memory foam, which can be tough. Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade path. If you're using a hot glue gun, the tip gets extremely hot (over 300°F). Use a low-temp glue gun if possible, and never leave it unattended.
For children, adult supervision is mandatory. The balloon method involves small parts (stuffing) that can be a choking hazard. Also, acrylic paint can stain clothes and surfaces, so wear an apron or old shirt and cover your work area with newspaper.
What NOT to do: Don't use spray paint—it melts memory foam. Don't overfill balloons; they can pop. And don't skip the drying time; wet paint will smudge and ruin your design.
Troubleshooting
Things don't always go as planned. Here's how to fix common issues:
- **Squishy doesn't rise slowly:** Your stuffing is too loose. Add more material to increase density. For foam squishies, the foam might be too thick; try cutting it thinner (1 inch works best).
- **Paint cracks or peels:** Memory foam flexes, so paint needs to be flexible. Use fabric paint instead of acrylic, or apply a flexible sealant. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next.
- **Balloon deflates or leaks:** You likely have a small puncture. Patch it with a drop of hot glue or start over with a new balloon. Always double-check the knot.
- **Shape looks lumpy:** For foam squishies, trim uneven spots with scissors. For balloon squishies, redistribute the stuffing by squeezing the balloon gently.
- **Glue doesn't hold:** Hot glue works best on foam. If using fabric glue, give it 24 hours to cure. Avoid super glue—it's too brittle for squishies.
The Result
After about an hour of work (plus drying time), you'll have a custom, slow-rising squishy that rivals anything from a store. The balloon version has a satisfying, smooth texture, while the memory foam version feels more like a classic squishy. Both are incredibly satisfying to squeeze and watch slowly return to shape.
Would I do anything differently? Yes. I'd invest in a good pair of sharp scissors—dull ones tear the foam and make cutting balloons difficult. I'd also recommend using fabric paint for the memory foam method; it's more durable and flexible.
Honestly, this project is perfect for content creators. The process is visually engaging, the result is photogenic, and the ASMR quality of squishing is pure gold for social media. Plus, the materials are dirt cheap, so you can make a dozen different designs without breaking the bank. So grab your supplies, put on some relaxing music, and get squishing. Your stress—and your audience—will thank you.
