18 DIY Fidgets That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make

Fidgeting used to be a problem that teachers tried to solve. Today, however, we realize that learning doesn't have to be completely still, and constructive fidgeting actually helps many people focus. You can certainly buy cool and useful fidget gadgets, but the cost can add up if you want enough for an entire class.

That's why we love these DIY fidgets! Make them yourself or use them as hands-on classroom projects for students to create their own. Either way, your students will love them, and so will your wallet. Bonus: They're great inexpensive gift ideas for the holidays!

(Just a warning, WeAreTeachers may collect a portion of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. Zipper Bracelet

Student wears blue and black zippered bracelets

These DIY fidget zippers make a fashion statement too! Wear them when your hands are busy and take them off to fidget when needed.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Moms & Craftsmen

2. Fidget Sticks

Schoolgirl with DIY fidgets made from a wooden stick, beads, pipe cleaners and washi tape

Wooden craft sticks, plastic beads, and pipe cleaners are all cheap if you buy them in bulk. Find some rolls of pretty washi tape, and you're all set to make these easy DIY fidgets!

Get the supplies:

Learn more: DIY Fidget Sticks/YouTube

3. Pearl Snakes

Pony Beads on Vinyl Laces in Various Patterns (DIY Fidgets)

Kids will enjoy making these colorful "snakes" and personalizing the colors and patterns with cords and multicolored pony beads. Once they're done, they can wriggle with it to their heart's content!

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Super Mom Hacks

4. fidget putty

Child plays with a can of yellow putty

Stress Putty combines all the fun of slime with the calming nature of fidgets. Make your own and keep in small doses for a quiet fidget option for your classroom.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Small containers for small hands

5. Portable marble maze

Child wears a DIY fabric fidget bracelet with a hidden marble maze

If you're skilled with a sewing machine, you'll love these fidget bracelets! The secret? Hidden inside is a built-in marble maze. cool

Get the supplies:

Find out more: De Jong's dream home

6. Restraint straps for chairs

Student kicks chair band DIY Fidget made from plaited strips of old T-shirts

One of the best things about fidget bands is that they're pretty quiet, but they're perfect for kids who can't sit still. Cut up old t-shirts (or any cheap fabric) that still have some stretch, braid them together, and sew them into a loop. You can make enough for your entire classroom for pretty much nothing!

Get the supplies:

Learn more: T-Shirt Chair Fidgets/YouTube

7. Fidget Pencil Toppers

Child writes with a pencil that has a fidget attachment made of pipe cleaners and beads

Turn pencils into all-in-one tools by adding DIY fidgets. Just grab some pony beads, pipe cleaners, and rubber bands.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: The OT Toolbox

8. DIY Fidget Spinners

Remember when fidget spinners were all the rage? They've gone from fad to teaching tool now, but they can be quite expensive. Luckily, you can make your own using cardboard and coins.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Red Ted Art

9. Nut and Screw Fidget Toy

Screws with a nut glued to the end and a second screw in the middle that spins freely (DIY Fidgets)

For each of these DIY fidgets you will need a screw with two matching nuts. Thread a nut about halfway onto the bolt. Then use hot glue to attach the second nut to the very bottom of the bolt. Now kids can twist the one in the middle when they need to fidget without worrying about it coming loose and getting lost.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: You clever monkey

10. Paper Infinity Cube

Student playing with a colorful folded paper infinity cube (DIY Fidgets)

Infinity Cubes are so addictive! With a little patience and precision, fold one out of colorful paper squares. Watch the video and make a few yourself to get the hang of it. Then try it as a classroom project for kids to make their own.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Paper Infinity Cube/YouTube

11. Cube Infinity Cube

Student playing infinity cube fidget toy made of red dice and transparent tape

If you're looking for a slightly more robust Infinity Cube, try this one! Cubes are affordable, easy to make with regular tape, and look cool.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Dice Infinity Cube/YouTube

12. Fidget chain toy

Beads strung on keyrings connected to form a chain, next to a clip remover; Text reads Violin Key Ring

Thread beads onto key rings and then turn the rings into a necklace. Try hanging one on your water bottle to remind you to drink more often too!

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Party through the air

13. CD and marble plate

Colorful spinning top made from an old CD and a marble (DIY Fidgets)

If you still have a box of old CDs hanging around, use them to make these DIY fidgets with a marble. They might be a bit big for kids to use during class, but they make a nice addition to your calming kit or nook.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Meaningful Mom

14. Perler Bead Fidget Toy

Colorful pony beads strung on paperclips

You can make a whole ton of these fidgets for just pennies! All you need are Perler beads and jumbo paperclips.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Sensible Sara

15. Fidget toy made with laces and beads

White shoelaces knotted with colorful beads at each end (DIY Fidgets)

DIY fidgets don't get easier than this! Thread colorful beads onto shoelaces that are knotted at each end. These are also really fun tools to teach kids how to segment phonemes.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Wonderful multiagers

16. LEGO Fidget Spinner

Student plays with a LEGO fidget spinner

Every child loves the opportunity to build with LEGO! Find round plate and axle piece kits (like the ones we list below). Try to turn this into a STEM challenge by providing the necessary parts and asking the kids to figure out how to build one themselves.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: Frugal fun for boys and girls

17. Pop Tab fidget toy

Kid Holding Soda Pop Tops on a Keychain Ring (DIY Fidgets)

Here's another super easy DIY fidget option. Store pop tops from soda cans and feed them to a key ring or ring binder. Kids can fidget with one hand while the other clicks the mouse or turns pages.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: STEAMsational

18. DIY stress ball

Colorful stress balls made from balloons (DIY Fidgets)

These easy-to-squeeze DIY fidgets are fun to craft and even more fun to play with! Fill the balloons with a mixture of baking soda and hair conditioner, then decorate as you like.

Get the supplies:

Learn more: DIY stress balls

What are your favorite fidgets in the classroom? Share it in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Also, check out great ideas for your classroom calming kit.

18 DIY Fidgets that are easy and inexpensive to make

By: 18 DIY Fidgets That Are Easy and Inexpensive to Make

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