DIY Fidgets

You know how kids always seem to be creating something out of nothing? Well, my son's always making little fidgets for himself and his brothers, and honestly, this is so funny and sweet to watch! It started with simple paper crafts, and now we've got a whole collection. If your kids are like mine and love to keep their hands busy, making paper fidgets is an absolute winner. It's super easy, affordable, and incredibly fun! One of our go-to options is a simple paper fidget spinner. You don't need anything fancy – just some paper, scissors, and a bit of glue or tape. First, cut out two square pieces of paper, about 4x4 inches. Fold each square diagonally both ways to find the center. Then, fold each corner towards the center, creating a smaller square. Now, take two opposite corners of this smaller square and fold them outwards to create two small triangles. Repeat with the second paper square. You'll then interlock these two folded pieces, securing them with a dab of glue or tape in the middle. Voila! A basic paper fidget spinner. You can even add a small bead or a coin in the center for better spinning action if you're feeling adventurous and want to make it even more compelling for your little fidgets enthusiast. Another fantastic idea for keeping those hands busy is a paper infinity cube. This one might sound a bit more complex, but it's really just a series of simple folds. You'll need eight small squares of paper, all the same size. Each square gets folded into a specific modular origami unit – often called a 'sonobe unit'. Once you have eight of these, you connect them together at their 'pockets' and 'flaps' to form a cube that can be unfolded and refolded endlessly. It's a wonderful project for slightly older kids who enjoy a bit of a challenge, and the result is incredibly satisfying. My son has this one that he's super proud of, and it keeps him entertained for ages! For younger kids, simple paper chains or even a DIY paper pop-it can be a hit. For the paper chain, just cut strips of paper, make a loop, glue the ends, and thread the next strip through before gluing its ends. Keep going, and you'll have a colourful, flexible chain perfect for fiddling with. For a pop-it, you can cut out circles from cardstock, score them down the middle, and then glue the edges to create a small dome. Attach several of these to a larger piece of cardstock, and you’ve got a tactile fidget toy! The beauty of making DIY paper fidgets is that it encourages creativity and fine motor skills. Kids can decorate their fidgets with markers, crayons, or stickers, making each one unique. It's not just about the final product; it's about the process of creating something with their own hands. So gather some paper, scissors, and glue, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of easy paper fidgets with your kids. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and end up with a cool, handmade toy!