Buy Or DIY: How To Make A Squishy Stress Ball

Feeling a little stressed out lately? OK, feeling a lot stressed out lately? Not to worry: We've got you covered. Meet your new best friend, Mr. Squishy Stress Ball.

We've put together a super simple, step-by-step guide with everything you need to DIY your own squishy stress ball. Whether it's an after school project with the kids or just for you, this craft is a winner.

Keep scrolling for a list of supplies and our easy-peasy demonstration video. And if crafts make you cranky? We rounded up some stress balls you can shop instead.

Trust us, either way you go, you're gonna love squeezing the heck out of your new best friend.

See all of our favorite Black Friday toy sales here.

DIY It

Watch: How to Make A Squishy Stress Ball

What You'll Need:

1. Three balloons — or you can purchase this 72-count bag of balloons and make squishy stress balls for all your friends.

2. Rice or flour

You can purchase a 5-pound bag of Mahatma long grain rice or...

...a 5-pound bag of Pillsbury all purpose flour. Dealer's choice!

3. Funnel

This Nopro plastic funnel set comes with three different sized funnels.

4. Scissors like this Scotch multi-purpose scissor.

Directions:

1. Stretch out your balloon. (Pro tip: Simply blow it up for some extra stretch.)
2. Choose your filling: rice or flour.
3. Stick a funnel into the neck of the balloon.
4. Slowly fill the balloon. Pour slowly to avoid clogging the neck of the balloon! If it does clog, use a pen or pencil to clear the opening.
5. Remove the funnel from the balloon and let out as much air as you can. (Pro tip: To release the air, pinch near the neck and separate your finger and thumb slightly. Too wide an opening can blow flour everywhere.)
6. Tie the neck of the balloon closed tightly.
7. Snip off the excess rubber.
8. Grab your second balloon, and snip off the end.
9. Grab your last balloon, and snip the end, leaving enough to tie.
10. Tie the end, and voila! You've made yourself a squishy stress ball.

Buy It

If the idea of creating one stresses you out, there's another option: You can always buy a squishy stress ball...

Pull and Stretch balls (2-pack), $5.30
We're partial to these pull and stretch balls from Rhode Island Novelty. Just look how they stretch!

The Friendly Swede Stress Relief Squishy Balls (Set of 3), $12.99
These bright fidget balls will help you focus and relieve stress while also strengthening your hands and wrists.

Stretchy String Fidget/Sensory Toys (5 pack), $9.99
These are a different twist (and stretch!) on the standard SSB, but these stretchy string fidget toys can stretch from 10 inches up to 8 feet.

Stress Ball Hand Therapy Gel Squeeze Ball, $14.89
Squeeze your hand stress away and improve your grip with this premium stress ball. It's a great fidget solution for kids and adults alike.

Looking for more ideas for a perfect present? Check out Patch's 2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids!

All prices and savings listed in this post are as of publication and could change. Patch may earn a commission on some purchased items.