Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
You can make useful fidgets from scrap paper, cardboard, string, beads, buttons, coins, paper clips and a piece of pool noodle. The projects below focus on simple actions—spinning, sliding, rolling, folding and squeezing—rather than medical claims. Start with materials you already have; no specific price is established for these projects.
Choose a project at a glance
| Project | Main action | Typical materials | Tool or safety note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard-and-string paper spinner | Spin | Paper, cardboard, string | Adult makes center holes |
| Penny paper spinner | Spin | Paper, cardboard, penny | Craft knife and hot glue require adult help |
| Accordion paper loop | Fold and flex | Paper | Use thicker paper for durability |
| Bead slider | Slide | Cord and two beads | Detachable small parts |
| Ribbon-and-button roller | Roll | Ribbon and button | Small-part supervision |
| Paper-clip chain | Link and bend | Paper clips | Check for sharp ends |
| Pool-noodle squeeze | Squeeze | Pool-noodle segment | Choose an age-appropriate size |
The remaining ideas are clearly marked variations on these constructions, so you can adapt colors, textures and sizes without treating them as separately tested designs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before making any fidget
- For children younger than three, avoid spinners and projects containing small detachable parts. HealthyChildren.org advises keeping fidget spinners away from children under three and telling children not to put them in their mouths or play with them near their faces: AAP fidget-spinner safety tips.
- An adult should handle the center holes in the string spinner, and all craft-knife or hot-glue work in the penny spinner.
- Inspect beads, buttons, coins and paper clips before use. Stop using a project if a part loosens, a cord frays or an edge becomes sharp.
- Keep designs non-powered. The CPSC warned on August 10, 2017 that light-up spinners containing lithium coin-cell batteries can cause severe internal burns if swallowed: CPSC statement.
18 projects and variations
1. Cardboard-and-string paper spinner
Crayola’s string spinner uses two paper circles, a cardboard disc, two holes and approximately 30 inches of string. An adult should make the holes. Thread the string through the aligned holes, secure the ends, then pull and relax the loop repeatedly so the disc spins: Crayola DIY Paper Spinners.
2. Penny paper spinner
Make the paper-and-cardboard spinner described by Crayola, adding a penny as the weight. Its instructions require cutting a slit with a craft knife and securing the penny with hot glue, so an adult must do those steps and supervise use: Crayola Penny DIY Spinners.
#1 Best Overall
- MAKE YOUR OWN TABA SQUISHIES: Bring the magic of squishy making right into your home! With the Dan&Darci Taba Squishy Kit, combine special goops, add vibrant colors, and fill the six-character mega mold to watch your squishies come to life.
- SIX FUN & CUTE SQUISHY SHAPES: Create a paw, a goofy capybara, a cuddly koala, a tasty cookie, a yummy doughnut, and an adorable bunny — each one with its own charm to squish and enjoy.
- ALL-IN-ONE KIT: Includes 6-character mold, 6 sets of Goops, 5 color bottles, glitter, glow-in-the-dark powder, flocking powder, squeeze detail pen, mixing cups, stirring sticks, store-’n-squeeze bags, and a detailed illustrated instruction guide — everything needed to start creating right away.
- SPARK CREATIVITY WITH SPECIAL EFFECTS: Add glitter for sparkle, glow-in-the-dark powder for nighttime fun, or flocking powder for a soft, fuzzy finish. Every squishy is one-of-a-kind!
- ENDLESSLY FUN & SATISFYING: Stretch, squeeze, squish, and play! These DIY taba squishies are soft, durable, and offer a calming sensory play experience that you won’t be able to put down.
3. Accordion-fold paper loop
Cut a paper strip, fold it back and forth into an accordion, and join the ends to form a loop that flexes in your fingers. DIY.org describes this as a simple paper fidget; thicker paper can make the loop more durable: DIY.org fidget examples.
4. Bead slider on a cord loop
Thread two beads onto a cord loop and tie the cord securely so the beads can travel back and forth. Choose beads and cord that cannot easily detach, and supervise children because the beads are small. This construction is described by DIY.org: DIY.org fidget examples.
5. Ribbon-and-button roller
Thread or tie a button onto a ribbon so the button can roll along the ribbon between your fingers. Knot the ribbon firmly and check it regularly. DIY.org lists the ribbon-and-button roller among its quiet-use fidget ideas: DIY.org fidget examples.
Rank #2
- Reliable Material:Crafted from quality TPR material, these blank stress ball shells are designed to provide a smooth texture and durability. Soft, flexible, and resistant to deformation or breakage, they can be easily filled with sand, beads, sparkly fillers, and more—making it simple to create personalized stress balls for a more enjoyable sensory experience
- DIY Stress Ball Kit & Including Fillers：The set includes 15pc transparent soft stress ball shells, an air pump, an expander tool, 6 pack fillers, 15 cable ties, 15 elastic sealing rings,and 15 plugs. Please note: after use, allow the balls to return to their relaxed state to maintain their quality
- Easily Filled with a Variety of Materials: The open outer shell allows you to add any fillings you like, not limited to the fillings included in the kit. You can customize unique stress balls for a more enjoyable sensory experience. If you want a softer feel, we recommend preparing slime separately to mix with hard fillers or use on its own
- Three Sealing Methods & Reusable Design:Our DIY Stress Ball Making Kit provides three sealing options — cable ties, elastic sealing rings, and plugs.You can choose one method to seal each stress ball shell:1/Cable Ties: Provide the most effective seal. Tighten firmly to prevent loosening. To take off, firmly pull them off. 2/Elastic Sealing Rings: Use the expander to stretch the rings over the sealing opening. They may loosen but can be reused multiple times.3/Plugs: Used with glue (Our kit does not include glue). Apply glue and place the plug over the sealing opening
- Creative DIY Fun：The Stress Ball Making Kit is designed for easy operation—just fill, seal, and squeeze! Great for beginners and craft lovers to create their own personalized stress balls with ease.Whether as a thoughtful gift or a hands-on activity, it offers an engaging and enjoyable experience（this item is not intended for users under 12 years old)
6. Paper-clip chain
Link paper clips into a short chain and bend or straighten the links. Grandview Kids and StreetSmart Play both list paper-clip fidgets. Smooth any rough wire and supervise closely, since clips can pinch or scratch: Grandview Kids handout and StreetSmart Play activity.
7. Two-sided decorated spinner
Use the sourced cardboard-and-string spinner, then decorate both faces of the paper circles before assembly. Keep decorations flat so they do not catch on fingers. This is a decoration variation of Crayola’s spinner: Crayola DIY Paper Spinners.
8. Larger-diameter paper spinner
Adapt the same spinner by cutting larger paper circles and a matching cardboard disc. Larger parts may need more room to turn; test the size in an open area. This is an editorial size variation, not a separately tested design: Crayola DIY Paper Spinners.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #3
- Rich DIY Stress Ball Making Kit: This stress ball making kit includes 15 transparent and white stretch shells, colorful fillers, clay, gloves,sealing tools, and accessories. Everything you need is included for endless DIY creativity at home, school, or craft nights,creating your own stress ball
- Create Unique Sensory Stress Balls: You can freely mix and match the colors, textures, and materials of the stress ball’s filling to design a completely personalized stress ball. Create sensory effects such as rustling, softness, popping, or a gentle bounce. With unique shell shapes like circles,each piece is fun, highly decorative, and one-of-a-kind
- Reliable TPR Material: The outer shell is made of high-quality TPR material, featuring a smooth, fine texture that is soft and elastic. Even after repeated squeezing and kneading, it is resistant to cracking or deformation and always retains its original shape. Whether at your desk or on your commute, it’s your trusted stress-relief companion, helping you get through every stressful moment
- Various Stress Ball Sealing Methods: Includes 3 sealing options—cable ties, elastic sealing rings, and plugs—to suit different needs. Cable ties provide the strongest, long-lasting seal and are ideal for permanent use; they can be removed by pulling firmly. Elastic sealing rings, used with the expander tool, are reusable and easy to install, perfect for changing fillings and experimenting with textures. Plugs offer a clean, smooth finish when used with glue, ideal for a neat and aesthetic look
- Perfect Creative Handmade Gift: This thoughtful and creative Stress Ball Making Kit allows you to complete the “DIY Squishy Ball” project simply by filling, mixing, and sealing it using the included tools. It’s ideal for birthdays, holidays, parties, classroom rewards, stress-relief activities, and adult crafts. It helps alleviate anxiety, improve concentration, and provides a relaxing sensory experience anytime, anywhere
9. Patterned paper spinner
Draw a repeating pattern on the two paper circles before making the string spinner. Crayola encourages experimenting with patterns; keep marks away from the holes and trim loose paper: Crayola DIY Paper Spinners.
10. Color-themed spinner
Choose two or three colors for the circles and cardboard, then assemble the standard string spinner. Crayola suggests themed color combinations as a way to personalize the project: Crayola DIY Paper Spinners.
11. Thick-paper folded loop
Repeat the accordion-loop project with cardstock or another thicker paper. Make the folds sharply and join the ends without leaving staples or exposed wire. DIY.org specifically notes thicker paper as a durability option: DIY.org fidget examples.
Rank #4
- 【All-in-one Kit for Beginner】For creating your own squishy. It includes 8oz Part A + 8oz Part B, 4* adorable animal molds (Hamster, Bunny, Chick, Capybara – fan favorites!), 4* pigment pastes (Yellow/Red/Blue/White), 5* measuring cups, 2 pairs of gloves , 1 bag of colorful pom-poms, 5* mixing sticks, 1 bag of white flocking powder, 4* storage bags, 10* small eyes, 5* chains (turn into keychains!), and a step-by-step instruction manual
- 【Easy to Use】Just follow the instructions, pour equal amounts of Part A and Part B together, stir for 3 minutes , and then pour into the molds.The bubbles will disappear automatically during the curing process, which takes about 4 hours at room temperature (25°C/77°F, depending on size and thickness). After curing, you can easily remove the finished from the moulds, perfectly replicating its shape. Recommended age: 14+
- 【Enjoy the Funny】Superb stress relief and fun.Indulge in the soft and delicate hand - feeling of these projects for big taba squishy.Their excellent elasticity makes you want to keep kneading them. Squeezing these cute item for squishies is a great way to release inner stress and anxiety, whether you're studying, working, or just relaxing.It's also a wonderful activity to share with family and friends for even more fun
- 【The Best Gift Ideal】This craft kit for taba squishy is suitable for adult groups. It's never too late to learn something new! It makes a great gift for birthdays, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, or any other occasion.You can create these little cuties and share the joy of crafting and playing with your loved ones
- 【Making Tips】Please read the instructions carefully or watch the video, and then operate, or small batch test. Note: this liquid silicone can't be used to cast molds
12. Linked paper loops
Make several accordion-fold paper loops and interlink them before joining each loop closed. The linked pieces can be folded and rearranged; use only paper so there are no extra small hardware parts. This is an adaptation of DIY.org’s interlinked-loop idea: DIY.org fidget examples.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
13. Two-texture bead slider
Use the bead-slider construction with two beads that feel different, such as smooth and ridged. Keep both beads securely on the cord and treat them as detachable small parts requiring supervision. This texture variation is based on DIY.org’s two-bead slider: DIY.org fidget examples.
14. Short, adult-tied bead loop
Ask an adult to tie a shorter cord loop around two beads, then inspect every knot before use. A short loop can be easier to hold, but it still contains small parts and should be checked often. This is a cord-length variation of DIY.org’s slider: DIY.org fidget examples.
Best Value
- CREATE YOUR OWN MAGIC WATER ELVES: Turn colorful Magic Gels into soft, squishy Magic Water Pets! Simply fill a mold with gel, dip it into the prepared magic solution, and watch your creation take shape. This Aqua Fairy Water Gel Kit inspires imagination and hands-on creativity.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK & COLOR-CHANGING MAGIC: Add extra wonder to every creation with two exciting special-effect gels. Make Magic Water Elves that glow softly in the dark and color-changing creatures that transform in different water temperatures—bringing more surprises, creativity, and magical fun to playtime.
- SAFE, NON-TOXIC & EASY CLEANUP: Made with non-toxic, kid-friendly gel materials for worry-free creative play. The smooth, squishy texture provides an engaging sensory experience, while the simple, easy-clean design makes cleanup more convenient for kids and parents.
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE KIT: This complete Magic Water Elf Toy Kit comes with 20 colorful Magic Gels, 10 reusable sea-creature molds, 4 packs of Magic Powder, a 4.5L storage box, a net, disposable gloves, and easy-to-follow instructions—everything kids need to start creating colorful, squishy water pets right away.
- MAGICAL GIFT FOR CREATIVE KIDS: This easy, screen-free craft kit makes a fun gift for birthdays, Christmas, summer break, rainy days, playdates, and family activities. A creative Make Your Own Water Pets Kit for girls and boys ages 3 and up.
15. Textured ribbon roller
Make the ribbon-and-button roller with a different ribbon texture, such as woven or satin, while keeping the button attachment secure. Remove it if the button begins to pull free. This is a material variation of DIY.org’s roller: DIY.org fidget examples.
16. Cardboard-and-coin spinner
StreetSmart Play lists a fidget activity using cardboard and coins. Follow its activity directions and do not improvise a sharp axle or exposed point; use only a construction that is securely assembled and age-appropriate: StreetSmart Play activity.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors17. Pool-noodle squeeze piece
Cut a small segment from a clean pool noodle and squeeze it in one hand. An adult should make the cut and remove crumbs or torn pieces before use. Grandview Kids lists pool-noodle material as a homemade fidget idea: Grandview Kids handout.
18. Household-material option from a library handout
The Saint Paul Public Library’s handout contains three low-cost fidget instructions. Choose the option that matches the child’s age and available materials, then follow the PDF’s steps exactly rather than substituting unsafe fasteners or tools: Saint Paul Public Library fidget-toy instructions.
Quick Recap
How to choose and maintain one
- Choose paper loops or a pool-noodle piece when you want folding or squeezing without loose hardware.
- Choose a spinner when repeated rotation is the main appeal, with adult help for hole-making or hot tools.
- Choose bead, button or coin projects only when the user can safely handle small parts and an adult can inspect them.
- For quiet settings, favor the paper loop, bead slider or ribbon roller; DIY.org identifies several of these constructions as quiet-use ideas: DIY.org fidget examples.
- Store each fidget in a labeled container, retie loose knots, replace split paper and discard damaged parts.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
