DIY Fidget Toy for Anxiety

This is a do it yourself device which was created in order to help alleviate some anxiety. Many kids, teenagers including myself and even adults struggle with anxiety more and more each-day, which is the reason why I wanted to make something that could help possibly make dealing with anxiety less of a struggle. I found that playing with this device, helps relaxation kick in as well as decreases my stress levels a little. This toy is very easy to make and cheap as you can find most of the supplies in the comfort of your home, so it is perfect for any age to take on- you can also use your imagination in any way when creating it!!!!

- Cardboard of any color, shape and size

- Paper

- Paint (optional)

- Scissors

- Exacto Knife (optional)

- Clear Tape

- Pencil

- Any circular object to trace around with

- Ruler (optional)

I chose to draw a regular rectangle for this but you can draw any shape or object. I drew out my shape and used a ruler to make it to the size I wanted due to wanting it to be small enough to take places but big enough for a lesser chance of losing it. I then used my pencil to make the markings on where I would have to cut my compact shape out. After, I used a toothpick container my mom had in the kitchen to trace some circles inside the rectangle I had already drawn. You can choose to draw different sized circles though I found one circle was easier.

I cut out the small circles I had drawn in the previous step with an exacto knife in order to get a more precise and neat look; however, you can use scissors instead. I then painted my cardboard cut out with blue paint and let that dry while I drew out circles on a piece of paper. I drew 6 circles due to having 6 empty slots on where they would later go. I also decided to paint the circles so my entire device could be one color but you can totally switch it up and choose many different colors.

This step includes you taping your cut out circles onto clear tape on both sides. You will then cut out the laminated circles. After cutting the laminated circles out, you will have to cut a slit through the middle of each circle and fold them slightly in order to get a cone look. You will then use smaller tape pieces in order to stabilize the cones, so they will stay in that shape.

The cones from step 3 will then be placed over the empty slots in which you will have to tape to the back of your cardboard cut out. Tape each piece in order to secure it tightly so it will not move. You can then choose to paint the back again or leave it as it is like I chose to do. After this, you are all finished with your DIY Fidget toy and you can enjoy laying back and de-stressing by pushing forward or backwards the circles.