Fidget spinners. Ah, these little guys have been giving me a run for my money this week. We’ve had them in our house for ages alongside all our other fidgets and DIY fidgets. But when fidget spinners started getting banned across the country (now worldwide), I had to take a stand and share what I thought. I already had plans to share our DIY fidget spinners, but because of my post going viral, I haven’t done much more than respond to comments and keep my site from breaking. In the meantime, I have seen some amazing DIY fidget spinners pop up and now I plan to share them with you.
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Maybe its the cost, maybe it’s just another toy, or maybe you refuse to give in to a fad… whatever the reason, you don’t have to buy a fidget spinner
Related: Why Fidget Spinners Should Be Banned In Schools (The Argument Against It)
Totally Awesome DIY Fidget Spinners for Your Little Makers
Lego Fidget Spinners …
How can you go wrong with Lego? We have been working on a Lego spinner but my good friend beat me to it and hers is amazingness your kids will love!!! Click here for instruction to make a Lego Fidget Spinner.
I am in love with this video on how to make 5 different Lego spinners and I could watch this video all day!
Want to make a tiny lego fidget spinner? I love these variations as well.
So grab a box of technics parts and have a field day with your kids or students challenging them to make their own Lego Fidget Spinners. What will they come up with?
Related: Sensory Hacks for A Fidgety Child
Cardboard Fidget Spinners …
Don’t have Lego? Looking for a frugal way to make fidget spinners? Try these awesome penny fidget spinners.
There are so many awesome options. Here is an another cardboard fidget spinner with no bearings.
Unique DIY Fidget Spinners
As if making fidget spinners wasn’t awesome enough for fine motor strength… build in some weaving to the project to make paracord fidget spinners.
Or, one of my favorite newest spinner ideas… use zipties!!! How clever is this? This guy on reddit has a gorgeous one!
You can even use rubber bands to make your own fidget spinner. Who knew?
Some kids are getting super creative and are making fidget spinners from skateboards.
Finally, if you’ve got a kid that loves 3D printing, you have to check out these awesome DIY 3D Printer Fidget Spinner Templates you can print or use them for inspiration to design your own.
Honestly, I could go on and on about all the awesome DIY fidget spinners that are possible. The point of this list is to show you that while this “new fad” might be annoying, could be banned in many schools and has everyone arguing … there are some awesome benefits to encouraging kids (and adults) to think outside the box, get creative and invent new ideas.
That’s what we really want, right?
If fidget spinners
Many people have also mentioned that fidget spinners are too loud, too annoying and just toys. There are tons of other options out there if you are in the mood to try fidgets but want to stay clear of a fad. I plan to write a whole list, but for now here are a few to get you started!
We just made these awesome DIY Lego Fidget Cubes which are perfect for both makers and fidgeters alike!
FIDGETS THAT AREN’T ANNOYING
The Fidget Fix (5 awesome fidgets for a super low cost)
DIY Stress Balls
Therapy Putty
Rubber Bands
Calming Slime (Yes, I’m scared of all the slime haters… but it’s a great tool)
Alternatives to Store Bought Fidget Spinners
Oh, and while you are here. If you are looking for more ways to engage your wiggly kids, provide support for your disorganized kiddo, or simply want to take all the frustration out of your day with your little one and you know a kid with hidden “super powers” … you will want to check out my new book coming out in August, The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day (Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack Mealtimes and Help Grownups Understand Why You Do the Things You Do)!
With over 75 day to day solutions for your kiddos from DIY fidgets to games that teach social skills, it empowers children to help adults understand why they do the things they do. You can pre-order now
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Thanks for sharing all of these great DIY spinners! My kids and I made a couple of lego spinners. I also finally caved and bought them spinners. To keep the spinner fun going I came up with a board game that uses the spinners. We’ve had a lot of fun playing it. Its available to download as a PDF http://www.namesakedesign.com/2017/05/are-fidget-spinners-driving-you-crazy.html
This is pretty amazing, thank you for sharing the videos! I found these instructions where someone describes how to make a pretty leather case for fidget spinners: https://www.ambytion.com/a/s/UMSuXWfeoqmj7N3Hrysy5W