How to make a homemade squishy

Squishies have become a popular sensory toy for children of all ages. They are soft, pliable, and come in various shapes and sizes, making them an excellent tool for tactile stimulation and stress relief. 

While there are many options to buy squishies, making them at home is an affordable and creative way to produce unique and personalised toys.

What you need

To make a homemade squishy, you will need a few simple items that are easily found in most households. These include:

• Memory foam or foam rubber: Memory foam is an excellent material for making squishies as it has a slow bounce-back effect that gives it a satisfying squishy feel. Foam rubber also works well and is a more affordable option.
• Scissors: You will need a good pair of scissors to cut the foam material into the desired shape.
• Markers: Use markers to draw the shape or design of the squishy on the foam material.
• Fabric glue: Fabric glue is necessary to hold the squishy together after it has been cut and shaped.
• Paint or other decorations (optional): Use paint or other decorations to give the squishy a personal touch.

Method

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can start making your homemade squishy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Draw the shape of the squishy on the foam material using a marker. You can make any shape you desire, but popular options include animals, food, and cartoon characters.
2. Cut the foam material along the drawn lines. Be sure to cut through all layers of the foam material.
3. Apply fabric glue to the edges of the foam material and press them together. Be sure to leave a small opening to fill the squishy with stuffing.
4. Fill the squishy with stuffing material such as cotton, foam, or small plastic pellets. You can also add essential oils or fragrances to the stuffing to give the squishy a pleasant scent.
5. Seal the opening with fabric glue and allow it to dry completely.
6. Once the squishy is dry, decorate it with paint, glitter, or other decorations as desired.

The benefits of squishies

Homemade squishies can be a fun activity to do with children as it allows them to express their creativity while also providing a unique sensory toy. 

Squishies can provide numerous benefits for children, including:

1. Stress relief: Squishies can help relieve stress and anxiety in children by providing a tactile and soothing sensation that can help them relax.
2. Sensory stimulation: Squishies can provide a fun and interactive way for children to explore different textures and shapes, which can help with sensory development.
3. Fine motor skills: Making homemade squishies can help develop fine motor skills in children as they use scissors, glue, and paint to create their own unique toys.
4. Creativity: Making homemade squishies allows children to express their creativity and imagination by designing and decorating their own unique toys.
5. Cost-effective: Homemade squishies are an affordable and budget-friendly option compared to buying them at the store.