Homemade stress balls are so easy to make. They are so much less expensive than the store bought ones and I actually like the feel of them better as well. We have been making DIY stress balls for years, but this time, I wanted to try something a little bit different, so we made mermaid stress balls.
I really love the way they turned out. They look super fun, but they also offer a very different tactile experience because of the textures in them. Children will enjoy exploring through their sense of touch.
Stress balls are sometimes called squeeze balls or sensory balls. Kids can get visual and tactile sensory input from these. Homemade stress balls are also a great calming tool for kids (and adults). They are perfect for including in your child’s calm down kit. 
These are also small enough to be kept in a backpack, desk or a child’s room. This enables kids to have a calm down tool with them wherever they go. They also make a great fidget and are quiet to play with, so most teachers don’t mind students using them in the classroom.
Squeezing stress balls can ease tension and when combined with calm down breathing techniques, are an effective method of reducing overall stress or calming down in the moment.
*Please note that there are small parts in these stress balls and the small parts and the balloon are choking hazards so as with all sensory play activities, adult supervision should be used at all times.
How to make mermaid stress balls:
Materials needed:
- blue, green, and clear water beads
- faux pearls
- holographic white glitter
- clear balloons
- small funnel or an empty water bottle
Water Beads
Faux PearlsHolographic GlitterClear Balloons
Directions:
- Soak the water beads according to the directions on the package so that they are full sized.
- Stretch the end of the balloon over the end of a small funnel or the tip of an empty water bottle.
- Add the glitter, faux pearls and water beads to the balloon. You want to fill it until it is the size you want.
- Tie off the end of the balloon. Cut the excess away.
- Your mermaid stress ball is now ready to squeeze, squish or hold.
Get 175 sensory activity ideas in convenient printable lists which are ideal for using in the home, classroom or in a therapeutic setting.
You may also want to read:
What to Include in a Calm Down Kit
