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31 DIY Fidget Toys That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make
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 fidget toys, and so will your wallet.
1. Zipper Bracelet
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.
Buy supplies at Amazon: 9” nylon zippers
Get the tutorial: Zipper Bracelets from Moms & Crafters
2. Fidget Sticks
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!
Buy supplies at Amazon:
3. Bead Snakes
![DIY Bead Fidgets Pony Beads Pony beads strung on vinyl laces in various patterns (DIY Fidgets)](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-beads-on-vinyl-laces.jpg)
Kids will enjoy the process of making these colorful “snakes,” personalizing the colors and patterns with cords and multicolor pony beads. Once they’re done, they can use them to fidget to their heart’s content!
Buy supplies at Amazon: Pony beads and nylon string
Get the tutorial: Bead Snakes from Super Mom Hacks
4. Fidget Putty
![DIY Fidgets Stress Putty Child playing with a tin of yellow putty](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-stress-putty.jpg)
Stress putty combines all the fun of slime with the soothing nature of fidgets. Make your own and store it in small tins for a quiet fidget option for your classroom.
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Get the tutorial: Stress Putty from Little Bins for Little Hands
5. Wearable Marble Maze
![DIY Fidgets Marble Maze Bracelet Child wearing a fabric DIY Fidget Bracelet with a hidden marble maze](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-marble-maze-bracelet.jpg)
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you’ll love these fidget bracelets! The secret? There’s a built-in marble maze hidden inside. So cool!
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Get the tutorial: Fidget Bracelets from de Jong Dream House
6. Fidget Bands for Chairs
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 for your entire classroom for next to nothing!
Buy supplies at Amazon: Stretchy fabric
7. Fidget Pencil Toppers
![DIY Fidgets Pencil Toppers Child writing with a pencil that has a fidget topper made from pipe cleaners and beads for DIY fidgets](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-pencil-toppers.jpg)
This easy-to-make pencil topper is as easy as threading beads onto a pipe cleaner and twisting it around the pencil. Making this DIY fidget toy also uses kids’ coordination to move beads onto the pipe cleaner and twist it around the pencil.
Buy supplies at Amazon: 1,000 pony beads and Chenille pipe cleaners
Get the tutorial: Fidget Pencil Toppers from The OT Toolbox
8. DIY Fidget Spinners
![How-to-make-a-fidget-toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-make-a-fidget-toy.jpg)
Remember when fidget spinners were all the rage? They’ve gone from fad to classroom tool now, but they can be pretty pricey. Fortunately, you can make your own from card stock and coins.
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Get the tutorial: Fidget Spinner from Red Ted Art
9. Nut and Bolt DIY Fidget Toys
![DIY Fidgets Nuts and Bolts Bolts with one nut glued to the end and a second bolt in the middle free to spin (DIY Fidgets)](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-nuts-and-bolts.jpg)
You’ll need one bolt with two matching nuts for each of these DIY fidget toys. Spin one nut onto the bolt about halfway. Then, use hot glue to attach the second nut at the very bottom of the bolt. Now kids can spin the one in the middle when they need to fidget, with no worries about having it come loose and getting lost.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Nuts and bolts set
Get the tutorial: Nut and Bolt Fidgets from You Clever Monkey
10. Paper Infinity Cube
Infinity cubes are so addictive! With some patience and precision, you can fold one from colorful paper squares. Watch the video and make a few by yourself to get the hang of it. Then try this as a classroom project so kids can make their own.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Origami paper
11. Dice Infinity Cube
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.
Buy supplies: Translucent dice
12. Fidget Chain Toy
![DIY Fidgets Keyring Beads Beads strung onto keyrings attached together to make a chain, next to a staple remover; text reads Fiddle Key Ring](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-keyring-beads.jpg)
String beads onto key rings, then turn the rings into a chain. Try hanging one from your water bottle to remind you to drink more often too!
Buy supplies at Amazon: Split nickel key ring and 1 lb bag of pony beads
Get the tutorial: Fiddle Key Ring from Party Through the USA
13. CD-and-Marble Top
![DIY Fidgets Marble CD Top Colorful spinning top made from an old CD and a marble (DIY Fidgets)](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-marble-cd-top.jpg)
If you’ve still got a box of old CDs hanging around, use them to make these DIY fidgets with a marble. They might be a little big for kids to use during class, but they’re a nice addition to your calm-down kit or corner.
Buy supplies at Amazon: CD-R blank discs and marbles
Get the tutorial: CD Fidget Spinner from Meaningful Mama
14. Perler Bead Fidget Toy
![DIY Fidget Pony Beads Paperclip Colorful pony beads strung onto paperclips](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidget-pony-beads-paperclip.jpg)
You can make a whole bin of these fidgets for just pennies! All you need are Perler beads and jumbo paper clips.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Large paper clips and Perler Beads
Get the tutorial: Paper Clip Fidget Toy from Sensibly Sara
15. Shoelace and Beads Fidget Toy
![DIY Fidgets Beads on a Shoelace White shoelaces knotted at each end with colorful beads strung on them (DIY Fidgets)](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-beads-on-string.jpg)
DIY fidgets don’t get any easier than this! String colorful beads onto shoelace string, knotted at each end. These also make really fun tools for teaching kids to segment phonemes.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Flat shoelaces at Amazon, crafting beads at Amazon
Get the tutorial: Shoelace Fidgets from Marvelous Multiagers
16. LEGO Fidget Spinner
![DIY Fidgets LEGO Fidget Spinner Student playing with a LEGO fidget spinner](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-lego-fidget-spinner.jpg)
Every kid loves the chance to build with LEGO! Find sets with round plates and axle pieces (like the ones we list below). Try turning this into a STEM challenge by providing the necessary pieces and asking kids to figure out how to construct one on their own.
Buy supplies at Amazon: LEGO bricks
Get the tutorial: LEGO Fidget Spinner from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
17. Pop Tab Fidget Toy
![DIY Fidgets Soda Tabs Child holding soda pop tops strung onto a keychain ring (DIY Fidgets)](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidgets-soda-tabs.jpg)
Here’s another super-easy DIY fidget option. Save pop tops from soda cans and feed them onto a key ring or binder ring. Kids can fidget with one hand while the other is clicking a mouse or flipping pages.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Split nickel key rings and aluminum pop tabs
Learn more: Pop Top Fidget Toy from STEAMsational
18. DIY Stress Ball
These easy-squeezy DIY fidgets are fun to make and even more fun to play with! Fill balloons with a mixture of baking soda and hair conditioner, then decorate however you like.
Buy supplies at Amazon:Latex balloons and baking soda
19. Craft Stick Fidget Spinner
![23 DIY Fidgets That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make Craft stick spinner](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidget-toys-craft-stick-fidget-spinner.jpg)
The best thing about this DIY project is that your kids can customize a fidget toy to make cool fidget spinners that no one else has!
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Get the tutorial: Craft Stick Fidget Spinner from Kids Activities Blog
20. DIY Watermelon Squishy Toy
![23 DIY Fidgets That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make Watermelon squish toy for a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidget-toys-watermelon-squish.jpg)
This tutorial will show you how to make a watermelon squishy toy, but you can use the same method to make any shape or figure you’d like!
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Get the tutorial: DIY Watermelon Squishy Toy from Buggy and Buddy
21. Desk Fidget Tool for School
![23 DIY Fidgets That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make Fidget pencil tool](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidget-toys-craft-desk-pencil-tool.png)
This DIY fidget tool is perfect for the desk because of its small, discrete size. It can be stored right inside the desk or even in a pencil case.
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Get the tutorial: Desk Fidget Tool for School from The OT Toolbox
22. Soda Bottle Top Fidget Toy
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.
Buy supplies at Amazon: marbles
23. Easy DIY Spinning Top
![23 DIY Fidgets That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make Bottle spinning top](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/diy-fidget-toys-spinning-top.jpg)
Make a spinning top DIY toy from a plastic milk bottle lid and a toothpick. Does it get any easier? A word of caution: This fidget toy may not be suitable for younger kids as the toothpicks are sharp.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Skewers
Get the tutorial: Easy DIY spinning top from The Craft Train
24. DIY Weighted Glove
![weighted-glove stretchy glove filled with beans for a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/weighted-glove.webp)
Some kids need weight and the feeling of heaviness to help them focus—this targets the proprioceptive system. A knit glove filled with beans (or corn, rice, etc.) can do the trick.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Stretchy gloves
Learn more: Weighted Fidget Toy from The OT Toolbox
25. Flextangle
![flextangle-fidget-toy folded paper flextangle DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/flextangle-fidget-toy.jpeg)
Get the template to cut, color, fold, and then fidget with the Flextangle. The nice thing about this fidget is kids can make as many as they want.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Card stock
Get the tutorial: Flextangles from Babble Dabble Do
26. Pretzel Stress Ball
![pretzel-stress-ball stress ball made of a balloon that can be twisted for a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pretzel-stress-ball.jpg)
Fill a balloon with flour and stretch and roll it into any shape, including a pretzel. This is a great fidget for a desk or flat surface where a student can roll with one hand.
Buy supplies from Amazon: Hand twisting balloons
Get the tutorial: Pretzel Stress Ball from Handmade Charlotte
27. DIY Slime-Filled Squishball
![slime-squishball slime squishball for a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/slime-squishball.jpeg)
The perfect fidget for the slime-obsessed student, and it won’t make a mess (unlike slime).
Buy supplies at Amazon: Balloons and mesh fabric
Get the tutorial: Calm-Down Squish Ball from Views From a Step Stool
28. Cake Squishy
![cake-squishy cake squishies to make as a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cake-squishy-800x450-1.jpeg)
These cake squishies are adorable and perfect for a pocket or palm to squeeze when a student is anxious.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Manicure sponges and puffy paints
Get the tutorial: Squishy Cakes from Kid Spot
29. Chewable Necklace
![chewable-necklace a boy wearing a chewable necklace, a diy fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/chewable-necklace.jpeg)
This fidget is more for kids who require a lot of oral input—think kids with autism who tend to rub things on their mouths as a sensory-seeking behavior.
Buy supplies at Amazon:
Learn more: Chewable Necklace from Lemon Lime Adventures
30. Yarn Doll
![yarn-doll yarn doll for a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/yarn-doll.jpeg)
The act of making these cute yarn dolls is as helpful as having them on a key chain or in a pocket for fidgeting.
Buy supplies at Amazon: Yarn
Get the tutorial: Yarn Dolls from The Craft Train
31. Coding Bracelet
![coding-bracelet materials to make a coding bracelet from beads and pipe cleaners for a DIY fidget toy](http://k12.iskydigital.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/coding-bracelet.webp)
Combine coding and fidgeting with this activity. Students can choose a word that they want to code in beads (amazing, unique, friend), then use coding techniques to write the word in beads that they can play with.
Buy supplies at Amazon: 1,000 pony beads and Chenille pipe cleaners
Get the tutorial: Coding Bracelet from STEAMsational
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