How do you make fidgets for anxiety?

Making your own fidget toys for anxiety can be a fun and therapeutic way to create personalized tools for relaxation and focus. The process often involves choosing materials that provide tactile stimulation, comfort, and are portable enough to use anywhere. Below are some ideas on how to make fidget toys, along with suggestions for pre-made fidget toys that help with anxiety, relaxation, and stress relief.

How to Make Fidget Toys for Anxiety:

1. DIY Stress Ball

Materials:

• Balloon (a firm, rubber one)
• Flour, rice, or cornstarch (for filling)
• Funnel (optional, to help with filling)

Instructions:

1. Cut the neck off the balloon and insert a funnel into the opening.
2. Fill the balloon with your chosen material (flour, rice, or cornstarch). You can use a mix of materials to adjust the firmness.
3. Once filled, tie the end of the balloon tightly.
4. You can place a second balloon over the first one for extra durability and to ensure no leaks.

Why it works: Stress balls offer a tactile, soothing experience when squeezed. They help release built-up tension and can be a great way to keep your hands occupied during stressful moments.

2. DIY Fidget Cube (or Spinner)

Materials:

• Small plastic box (like an Altoids tin or small wooden box)
• Buttons, springs, small switches, or rubber bands
• Glue and craft supplies (optional for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Take a small box and attach a variety of small objects that can be pressed, clicked, or moved, such as buttons, switches, or rubber bands.
2. Use glue or other adhesives to securely fasten these items to the surface of the box.
3. You can add a small spinner or a rolling bead inside the box for extra sensory input.

Why it works: Fidget cubes and spinners engage different senses (touch, sound, and motion), offering a variety of actions to relieve anxiety. Moving parts and switches are excellent for sensory stimulation.

3. DIY Tangle Toy

Materials:

• Pipe cleaners (in various colors)
• Plastic beads (optional for added texture)

Instructions:

1. Twist a few pipe cleaners together, leaving plenty of extra length for twisting.
2. Shape the pipe cleaners into small loops, attaching them at various points to create a flexible, twistable structure.
3. Add beads or small tactile elements for extra sensory feedback.

Why it works: Twisting, turning, and shaping the pipe cleaners engages the hands and provides a soothing, repetitive action that is often helpful for focusing and reducing stress.

4. DIY Sensory Blanket or Patch

Materials:

• Small fabric squares (felt, cotton, or velvet)
• Tactile objects like buttons, zippers, or fabric patches

Instructions:

1. Sew or glue small fabric squares together to create a sensory blanket or patch.
2. Add tactile elements like buttons, zippers, textured fabrics, or velcro to engage the sense of touch.
3. You can carry a small piece of the blanket or patch with you for on-the-go use.

Why it works: Sensory fabrics provide soothing tactile feedback, and the repeated motion of feeling different textures can help to calm anxiety.

Fidget Toys to Buy for Anxiety and Relaxation:

If DIY isn’t for you, here are some pre-made fidget toys available online that can help with anxiety and relaxation:

1. Fidget Spinner

Why it helps: The spinning motion is calming and repetitive, allowing the user to focus on the motion and providing a sensory outlet for nervous energy.

Price: $5 - $15
Where to Buy: Amazon Fidget Spinners

Review: Fidget spinners are known for their simple design and soothing spinning action. They're lightweight and portable, making them great for anxiety relief in public settings.

2. Pop It Toy

Why it helps: The satisfying “pop” sound and tactile feel of pushing bubbles in and out help reduce anxiety. It’s also a fun, quiet toy that can be used discreetly in public or at work.

Price: $5 - $20
Where to Buy: Pop It Toys on Amazon

Review: Pop It toys are highly popular for sensory input, especially for children and adults with anxiety or ADHD. They offer both auditory and tactile stimulation, making them ideal for stress relief.

3. Tangle Therapy Fidget Toy

Why it helps: The Tangle is a twistable, flexible toy that offers continuous tactile stimulation. It’s portable, durable, and helps reduce stress with its satisfying twisting motions.

Price: $8 - $15
Where to Buy: Tangle Therapy on Amazon

Review: The Tangle is known for its ability to help with focus and anxiety relief. It’s particularly useful for those who need a quiet, discreet fidget tool. The endless twisting motions provide a calming effect.

4. Fidget Cube

Why it helps: This small cube contains different tactile features like buttons, dials, and switches. Each side offers a different kind of sensory feedback, which can be great for focusing the mind and relieving stress.

Price: $10 - $25
Where to Buy: Fidget Cube on Amazon

Review: Fidget Cubes are perfect for those who want a toy with multiple options. The variety of textures and movements helps engage different senses, making it great for both kids and adults with anxiety or focus issues.

5. Stress Relief Balls (Squishy Toys)

Why it helps: Squeezing a stress relief ball provides a physical release of tension. The soft, squishy texture is both calming and satisfying, helping with focus and relaxation.

Price: $5 - $15
Where to Buy: Stress Relief Balls on Amazon

Review: Stress balls are widely loved for their simple functionality. They’re great for reducing anxiety and releasing built-up tension, especially during stressful situations.

Conclusion:

If you enjoy creating things, making your own fidget toys is a rewarding and therapeutic experience. DIY options like stress balls, fidget cubes, or sensory blankets can be easily crafted with materials you may already have. Alternatively, there are highly effective, pre-made fidget toys like Pop It toys, Tangle therapy toys, and fidget spinners that are great for calming anxiety and focusing your energy.

Fidget toys are worth the investment if you are looking for stress relief, improved focus, or anxiety management, especially during high-stress moments. You can also find many of these items online, where customer reviews can help guide your purchase based on your specific needs.