How To Make Diy Squishies At Home With Balloons
📖 Table of Contents
The first time I tried making DIY squishies with balloons, I was skeptical. I had heard about them on social media — those squishy, soft, and oddly satisfying toys — but I didn’t expect how much fun they could be to make at home. I had just finished a long day at work and wanted to unwind with a project that didn’t require power tools or a trip to the store. I was surprised by how quickly I could create my first squishie using just a few basic tools and some creative thinking.[3]
What started as a simple experiment turned into an afternoon of crafting and a new hobby I never expected to take up. Making squishies with balloons is not just about the end product — it’s about the process, the textures, the way the squishy balls feel in your hands. The satisfaction of building them from scratch. I found myself making more and more, and even gifting them to friends who were just as surprised and delighted as I was.[4]
Since that first weekend, I’ve made dozens of squishies, each with its own unique look and feel. The process is simple, but the results are surprisingly satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, this project is accessible, fun, and oddly therapeutic. Making squishies at home with balloons is a great way to spend an afternoon, and it’s also a perfect way to introduce kids to the joys of hands-on creativity.
Why You'll Love This Squishy Crafting Project
- Easy-to-find materials and simple tools mean you can start right away.
- A fun, tactile activity that brings a sense of accomplishment and creativity.
- A great way to make personalized gifts or keep a stash of calming toys at home.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike, with endless room for customization and experimentation.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
As of September 2026, the foundation of any squishy is a balloon. I’ve found that using a standard party balloon, like the ones you find at dollar stores, works best. They’re durable, and the size is just right for stuffing. You’ll also need a balloon pump — I recommend the adjustable kind so you can control the inflation level without popping the balloon.[1]
Once the balloon is inflated, the next step is stuffing. I like to use soft foam balls or squishy foam pieces, which you can buy in bulk at craft stores. These materials are pliable and provide the perfect squishy texture. If you’re on a budget, you can even use old foam mats or foam from old projects.
For personalization, glue, fabric, and markers come in handy. I’ve used fabric scraps to create unique covers for my squishies, and I’ve decorated them with permanent markers. These additions make the squishies more colorful and tailored to your style. You can also add beads or small trinkets for extra texture and visual appeal.
Invest in a good-quality balloon pump with a pressure control feature. This will help you avoid over-inflating the balloon and reduce the risk of popping. I’ve found that a basic model from a hardware store works well for this project.
How to Inflating the Balloon Properly
Start by inflating the balloon to about half its full size. I’ve learned through trial and error that over-inflating can make the balloon too tight and less squishy. It also increases the risk of the balloon popping when you start stuffing it. The goal is to leave enough space inside the balloon for the stuffing material to expand and contract naturally.
Once the balloon is inflated to the right size, tie it securely with a knot. I use a balloon pump with a pressure setting that allows me to control how much air goes into the balloon. This ensures that I can inflate the balloon to the right size without overdoing it.
After the balloon is tied, I check the tightness of the knot. A loose knot can cause the balloon to slip, which can lead to messy stuffing and a less satisfying result. I’ve found that using a knot-tying tool or a simple twist with my fingers can help me secure the knot properly.
Inflate the balloon just enough so the stuffing can move freely — this is the secret to a satisfying squish.
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Stuffing the Balloon with Squishy Foam
I recommend using small pieces of foam, around 1 inch in diameter, for stuffing. These pieces are soft and flexible, and they compress easily when you squeeze the squishie. Larger pieces can be used for a more defined texture, but they might not compress as well.[2]
I start by placing the foam pieces into the balloon, one by one. I’ve found that it’s easier to use a funnel to help guide the foam pieces into the balloon without spilling. This method also helps to avoid getting foam everywhere, which can be a pain to clean up later.
As I stuff the balloon, I make sure to distribute the foam pieces evenly. Uneven stuffing can cause the squishie to feel lumpy or uneven. I’ve learned that taking the time to stuff the balloon carefully and evenly is worth the effort. It makes the squishie feel more natural and satisfying to use.
A funnel is a useful tool for stuffing the balloon with foam. It helps you guide the pieces into the balloon without spilling. I’ve found that using a plastic funnel with a wide opening works best for this.
“The first time I tried making DIY squishies with balloons, I was skeptical.”— DIY Furniture with Mdf editors
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Sealing the Squishie and Adding Personal Touches
Once the balloon is stuffed to your desired level, you’ll need to seal it. I use a strong adhesive, like a hot glue gun, to secure the opening of the balloon. This ensures that the stuffing stays inside and the squishie remains intact. I’ve found that using a hot glue gun works best because it creates a strong bond and dries quickly.
After sealing the balloon, you can add fabric covers or decorations. I’ve used fabric scraps to create personalized covers, and I’ve decorated the squishies with permanent markers and beads. These additions make the squishies more colorful and tailored to your style.
I’ve also used fabric glue to attach decorative elements like buttons or beads. These small details add texture and visual interest to the squishie. I’ve found that using a fabric glue that dries clear works best because it doesn’t leave a visible mark on the fabric.
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Testing and Enjoying Your Squishie
After the squishie is sealed and decorated, I like to test it by squeezing it in my hands. This helps me determine if the texture is right and if the stuffing is evenly distributed. If the squishie feels too firm or too soft, I can adjust the amount of stuffing or the size of the balloon.
I’ve found that it’s helpful to test the squishie with different hand sizes. If the squishie is too small, it might feel awkward to use. If it’s too large, it might be harder to handle. I’ve learned that finding the right size and texture takes some trial and error, but the results are worth it.
Once I’m satisfied with the texture and size, I like to use the squishie for a few days to see how it holds up. I’ve found that squishies made with soft foam pieces tend to last longer and feel more satisfying to use. I’ve also discovered that some squishies can be used as stress relievers, which is a bonus for those of us who need a little extra comfort.
💰 Budget Build
Use dollar store balloons and foam scraps from old projects to create a low-cost squishie that feels just as good.
⏰ Weekend Version
Perfect for a quick project on a Saturday or Sunday, this variation includes easy-to-find materials and step-by-step instructions.
✨ Upgraded Finish
Add fabric covers and decorative elements to give your squishie a more polished and personalized look.
🏠 Small-Space Adaptation
Make a smaller squishie that’s perfect for tight spaces or travel, using compact balloons and minimal stuffing.
🚪 Rental-Safe Option
Create a squishie that’s easy to clean and safe to use in rental apartments, using washable materials and non-damaging tools.
| The mistake | Why it happens | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Over-inflating the balloon | Over-inflating the balloon can make the squishie too tight and less squishy. It also increases the risk of the balloon popping when you start stuffing it. | Use a balloon pump with a pressure control feature and inflate the balloon to about half its full size. |
| Using the wrong type of foam | Using the wrong type of foam can affect the texture and durability of the squishie. For example, using hard foam pieces can make the squishie feel less satisfying to use. | Use soft foam pieces, like foam balls or small foam pieces, for the best results. |
| Not sealing the balloon properly | If the balloon isn’t sealed properly, the stuffing can spill out, and the squishie can lose its shape over time. | Use a strong adhesive, like a hot glue gun, to secure the opening of the balloon after stuffing it. |
| Using the wrong type of glue | Using the wrong type of glue can cause the balloon to tear or the glue to dry in a way that affects the texture of the squishie. | Use a strong adhesive like hot glue or fabric glue that dries clear and doesn’t affect the texture of the materials. |
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How To Make Diy Squishies At Home With Balloons
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Common Questions
Can I use different types of foam for stuffing?
How long do the squishies last?
Can I use a regular balloon pump instead of an adjustable one?
Are there any safety concerns with making squishies?
References
- large-sorted.txt - Computer Science (cs.wellesley.edu)
- Easy Make-At-Home Sensory Tools and Toys (inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu)
- (PDF) The 5th Wave - Academia.edu (academia.edu)
- Catawba County, North Carolina (catawbacountync.gov)
Cite this guide
DIY Furniture with Mdf (2026). How To Make Diy Squishies At Home With Balloons. https://mdfcreate.com/how-to-make-diy-squishies-at-home-with-balloons/
Feel free to cite or share this guide.