It can be tough to keep a child entertained nowadays with all of the electronics and gadgets that they have at their fingertips. However, there are some great toys out there that offer a child something to play with while also occupying their hands. In addition, some of these toys help improve focus and attention, which might come in handy when it’s time for homework or chores. One example of these is fidgeting toys. Fidget toys are different from other toys in that they have no specific intention. Therefore, they can be used when studying, working, or at any additional time when you need to relax for few minutes.
A fidget toy (also known as a hand spinner, finger spinner, or spin top) is a small handheld device designed to allow someone with attention deficit disorder or anxiety to pass the time by keeping their hands busy. Fidget toys come in many shapes and styles. Some are made out of metal or plastic that spins on bearings, while others are contained within plastic caps with small balls on the inside that roll around when you turn the cap around in your hands. These are great toys to ease your child’s anxiety and stress. Aside from that, it also offers numerous other benefits that are helpful to your child.
Benefits of Playing with a Fidget Toy
Here are the benefits of fidget toys that you can use in daily life.
1. It can improve your child’s focus and attention span.
These toys help them maintain focus and learn how to focus more on doing or repairing. That is why these toys have been proven to help improve children’s academic performance with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
2. Toys help improve the overall health of your child’s brain.
Fidgeting toys helps kids release their energy and stress, which helps stimulate brain activity and mentality improvement. Also, it helps boost their creativity because they are giving their minds something to do other than sit there and watch TV all day long.
3. It can help your child develop fine motor skills.
The hand control capability of these toys is also excellent for making kids practice fine motor skills, which helps improve their agility and essential hand-eye coordination skills, so they learn how to write, draw, etc., and improve their penmanship.
4. Toys can keep them busy.
These toys can keep children busy for a long time because they are not just playing with the toy but also spending a lot of time thinking of how to fit it together with other toys or using the toy to solve some problem. In addition, simple yet creative games also help children develop their intellectual abilities because they are required to use their imagination and figure out something in one way or another.
While many fidget toys are available online, you can also make your own using the available materials available with you. This way, you can spend quality time with your child while helping nurture their artistic skills. However, some parents may want to skip the DIY projects and buy a toy instead, which can help reduce stress while still satisfying their child’s needs. Whatever your preference is, what’s important is you can aid your child’s developmental needs.
If you are looking for ideas on making one at home, here are a few exciting projects that you can try out.
DIY Fidget Toys For Your Kids
1. Homemade Fidget Spinners
It is one of the most common toys you can have, especially if you have a child who loves playing with yo-yos or other spinners. If you have a used but functional ball bearing, then it’s good to go. You have to collect some materials to start. By following the basic assembling instructions, you will be able to create a quality Homemade Fidget Spinner.
2. Build a Fidget Spinner with LEGO Bricks
If your child is fun of playing with lego bricks, then you can use it to create a fidget toy with him. The project is effortless to make since it doesn’t need you to exert much effort. You can make a LEGO Fidget Spinner via Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls.
3. Create a Wooden Spinner
This project may require your craftiness and creativity since you will need to make it from scratch. The Wooden Spinner may take some time to make, but it can be a perfect project to do during free time.
4. Homemade Thinking Putty
Thinking Putty is also a fidget spinner type of toy. Thinking Putty can be played with by squeezing it, pulling it, tearing it, kneading it, and rolling it. This project is not difficult to make. All you need is just two ingredients and a few hours of your time. You can learn how to make Thinking Putty via Natural beach Living.
5. DIY Fidget Bracelet
Another DIY Fidget toy that you can make at home is a fidget bracelet. You can start to create this by having two pieces of fabric, Velcro, and a small bead. This project is suitable for kids who have an interest in sewing and crafts. It is very easy to make, and it doesn’t need lots of time to do it.
6.DIY Pencil Topping Fidget
For this project, you will need a few common household items such as marker pens, glue, tape, and some household items. It is another DIY Fidget Bracelet project. The only difference is that this project uses pencil toppers instead of beads.
7. DIY Bottle Top Fidgeting Toy
It is simple but effective to release your child’s stress. To make a DIY Bottle Top Fidgeting Toy, you need two new bottle caps, a small marble, and a few other materials.
8. DIY Lego Fidget Cube
Aside from making a Fidget Spinner, you can also create a Fidget Cube using your Legos. You have to pick pieces that come with tons of gears and joints to design a functional and fun Lego Fidget Cube. Your child will enjoy the process of making it since they enjoy playing with legos.
9. Homemade Metal Fidget Spinner
We can’t get enough with spinners, so here is another one for you. For this project, you will need bearings, quick-drying super glue, and metal nuts. Since it is easy to create, have your kid do it for you; make sure to be there around to answer and explain when they have questions.
10. DIY Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
It is an enjoyable, inexpensive fidget toy that’s an excellent alternative to a fidget spinner. It is much quieter, simple, and safe for children. Just like the other fidget toys here, Infinity Cube Fidget Toy uses only available materials.
Suppose you are not into doing projects and still want to provide your kids with fun fidget toys. Then you may consider these fidget toys that don’t require any DIY.
Best Fidget Toys For Kids
1. Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
This toy comprises eight squares coupled with hinges, making it easier to be configured into different shapes. It fits your child’s hand easily where they can flip or fold it when they are bored. This Cube Fidget Toy comes in a low-profile design and is comfortable to use since it has curved edges and a smooth surface.
2. Magnetic Rings Fidget Toy
It is designed to fit on the ends of your fingers, so you don’t need to worry about them rolling away or falling off. Your child can flip it, twirl, or rotate it around, a great way to ease stress. This Magnetic Rings Fidget Toy is available in multi-colored sets. But take note that this toy does make some noise, but if it doesn’t bother your child, you may consider this.
3. 12-Side Cube Fidget Toy
This toy offers lots of features for fingers to stay engaged. It includes Joystick, Buttons, Stress Balls, Disk, Gears, and many more features that can help your child’s mood and help them to focus on their study or work. This 12-Side Cube Fidget Toy is a bit larger than a golf ball, so your child can carry it pretty easily. Additionally, this is made from ABS material that is soft and comfortable to touch.
4. FIGROL Fidget Spinner
This cool spinner toy not only rotates but also has the unique feature to light up, making it more engaging and fun when your child stays in the dark. Your child can place the Lithium coin battery on the underside of the three-by-three-inch spinner. The button below allows your child to control the modes and the LED light colors of the spinner. And the best about this fidget spinner is that it is silent when it spins and comes at an affordable price.
5. Push Bubble Sensory Fidget Toy
When you want a fidget toy that works similar to popping a bubble wrap, you may try to look at this one. This Push Bubble Sensory Fidget Toy has many rows of reversible bubbles that can be popped and pressed for your child’s sensory experience. The good thing about this toy is that it is washable, so it is easy to sanitize when your child’s used to play outside.
These fidget toys are designed for your kids to have fun while calming their minds and improving their focus. They would not only provide them relaxation but also develop better behavior. Getting one of these fidget toys for your children will guarantee to be a high value educationally, and at the same time, it will improve their behavioral skills.
