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Inside: This is a super simple tutorial on how to make homemade stress balls for kids with balloons. Not into crafts? We’ve also researched where to buy stress balls so you can start reaping all the squishy stress ball goodness today.
Smoosh, squeeze, stretch, pull, bounce, squish.
Who doesn’t love squishy stress balls?
You might not consider stress balls a kid thing, but oh man, they so are.
They are a kid thing, an adult thing, an everybody thing!
These super addicting balls are perfect for fidgeters (you know who you are) and kids with autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, and well, every other kid (and adult) in the world.
Now:
If crafts make you crabby, (and I COMPLETELY understand) we’ve also collected up the best stress balls you can purchase instead.
But:
If crafts ARE your thing, with only a few supplies, voila, you’ve got yourself a super fun squishy stress ball balloon.
Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for seven easy steps to DIY stress balls AND where to buy the best stress balls from amazon.
Whether it’s a fun summer craft, classroom activity, or just for you, stress balls are rated A+.
What are stress balls good for?
Squeezing stress balls releases tension and nervous energy, which leads to a reduction in stress levels. It can also help stop fidgeting and provide sensory stimulation for kids.
Stress balls can also be used as an outlet to help kids with emotional regulation. Not to mention they help boost blood circulation and treat carpal tunnel.
All this AND it’s so much fun to squeeze the heck out of Mr. or Mrs. Squishy stress ball!
Stress Ball Benefits for Kids or Adults
- Reduces stress
- Provides distraction from big emotions
- Centers you in the present moment
- Strengthens muscles in your hands and fingers
- Mood enhancement
- Provides an outlet to relieve frustrations
- Perfect for the classroom or home, or to bring on the go
And here’s the best part:
Just about anyone can use a stress ball, and they are inexpensive.
How to Make Homemade Stress Balls with Balloons
We’ve listed detailed instructions on how to make your own squishy stress balls using balloons (great for home or classroom).
Purchase balloons
Purchase a big bag of balloons. I love using different colored balloons and making brightly colored stress balls.
Decide on a filler (and purchase it)
You can use rice, flour, playdough, or beans for your filler.
I recommend this 5-pound ball of Mahatma long grain rice or this 5-pound bag of Pillsbury all-purpose flour.
Gather all your supplies
- Scissors
- Sharpie
- Fun decorations
- Funnel (This plastic funnel set comes with three different sized funnels).
Homemade Stress Balls for Kids – How to Make:
7 Easy Steps to Make a DIY Stress Balls
- Stretch out your balloon. Try blowing it up for some extra stretch.
- Choose your filling: Rice or Flour, playdough, or beans. I like flour or rice.
- Stick a funnel in the neck of a water bottle.
- Fill the water bottle with your desire filling. Then spread the neck of the balloon over the water bottle.
- Slowly fill up your balloon. Go slow to avoid clogging the neck of the balloon. If your balloon does clog, don’t fret, you can use a pencil or pen to unclog the opening.
- Gently remove the funnel and try to squeeze out as much air as you can.
- Tie up your balloon and cut off any excess.
Now for the fun part, decorate your homemade stress balloons.
Make funny faces, angry faces, smiley faces.
Now, let’s wake up the small muscles in our hands and start squishing.
Where to buy stress balls?
Not into the homemade stuff.
I totally understand. I’m not a super crafty mom myself, sometimes it’s just easier to purchase.
I’ve listed my top seven recommendations on where to buy stress balls for kids. (Amazon stress balls)
The best Amazon stress balls
- Mini Globe Planet Earth Soft Foam Stress Ball Toy
- Beadeez Stress Relief Squeezing Balls
- The Friendly Swede Stress Ball for Adults and Kids
- 12 Stress Balls Assortment Set
- Stress Balls for Kids and Adults
- Set-of-3 Led Anti-Stress, Squishy Light-up Ball
- KELZ KIDZ Durable Large Squishy Water Bead Stress Balls
This is an interesting set of 24 stress balls that have a globe printed on them. Perfect for home or classroom. This would make a great party gift!
3 pack - premium anti-stress balls with water beads. Squeeze em, squish em and kiss all your worries good-bye.
Toxin-free therapy balls: Three resistance levels included: soft (yellow), medium (red), and firm (blue). Making this the perfect choice for the entire family.
What kid wouldn't be obsessed with these colorful and fun stress balls. I'm obsessed with this pack of 12 adorable stress balls.
Who doesn't love the classic neon yellow happy face stress balls? This set of 24 stress balls is bright and sure to attract your child's attention.
Who doesn't love things that light up? And when it's a fun squishy stress ball, even better! Your kiddo will LOVE this set-of-3 Led anti-stress balls.
(4 Pack) - Great Sensory Toy for Anxiety Relief for Children and Adults - Helps Calm Kids with ADHD & Autism
You might also love these recommended places to buy the best fidget toys for kids.
Do stress balls help with ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common conditions affecting kids. If your child suffers from ADHD, they likely have difficulty focusing, sitting still, and regulating their BIG emotions.
Research tells us that students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can concentrate better when they’re allowed to fidget.
Kids with ADHD are looking for extra sensory input to stabilize and calm their nervous system. The hands are great self-regulation tools to focus and filter out additional sensory input.
Stress balls for the classroom
Stress balls are perfect for the classroom because hyperactive kids can fidget quietly.
They are inexpensive, and you can make them yourselves. (And it’s a fun craft for you to do with a classroom full of young learners).
If your students wish to use these handy stress balls to stop fidgeting in class, I suggest they use them under their desks so as not to disrupt the other students.
I bet your heart breaks every time your child struggles to start a new grade, go to a friend's house, or try out for a sports team. You don't want them to suffer. But you are unsure how to help.
That's why we created this special anxiety kit (for parents, teachers, and therapists) so you can avoid that sinking feeling of not knowing what to say or do.
Final Thoughts on Stress Balls for Kids
Whether you make your own squishy stress ball or purchase from Amazon or elsewhere, any stress ball will make a great addition to your toolbox of gadgets to help kids calm down, relieve tension, and stop fidgeting.
Not to mention young kids will LOVE this DIY craft and have a TON of fun designing silly faces.
(Plus stress balls are great for you too!)
There you have the very best guide to making homemade stress balls for kids!
How to Make Homemade Stress Balls
7 Easy Steps to Make D.I.Y Stress Balls
Materials
- Funnel
- Scissors
- Sharpie
- Yarn
- Rice, playdough, flour or beans
Instructions
- Stretch out your balloon. Try blowing it up for some extra stretch
- Choose your filling: Rice or Flour, playdough, or beans. I like flour or rice.
- Stick a funnel in the neck of a water bottle
- Fill the water bottle with your desire filling. Then spread the neck of the balloon over the water bottle.
- Slowly fill up your balloon. Go slow to avoid clogging the neck of the balloon. If your balloon does clog, don’t fret, you can use a pencil or pen to unclog the opening.
- Gently remove the funnel and try to squeeze out as much air as you can.
- Tie up your balloon and cut off any excess.
- Decorate your squishy stress ball
Notes
Now have fun squishing the heck out of your new bestie!
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