If you've spent any time on TikTok or YouTube lately, you've probably seen people squeezing colourful slushy squishies that crunch, stretch and slowly bounce back into shape. They're oddly satisfying, incredibly relaxing to play with and have become one of the hottest sensory toy trends.
The good news is that you can make a simple DIY (do it yourself) version at home using a few household items. While it won’t feel exactly like the professionally made versions, it’s a fun craft for older children and adults who enjoy sensory activities. If you’d rather skip the DIY, we’ve also rounded up some of the most popular squishies available on Amazon.
How to Make a DIY Slushy Squishy
What you’ll need
- A clear balloon
- Hair gel or clear slime
- Instant snow powder (or white water beads crushed into small pieces)
- Small foam beads or mini craft beads (optional for extra crunch)
- Funnel
- Food colouring (optional)
- Plastic bottle or measuring jug
Step 1: Mix the filling
In a bowl, combine about one cup of clear hair gel with a tablespoon of instant snow powder. Let it sit for a few minutes while the powder expands. If you’d like a colourful squishy, add a few drops of food colouring and stir well. For extra texture, mix in a handful of tiny foam beads.
Step 2: Fill the balloon
Stretch the balloon over the end of a funnel and slowly spoon or pour the mixture inside. Fill it until it’s comfortably full but still soft enough to squeeze. Avoid overfilling, as the balloon needs room to stretch.
Step 3: Seal it
Carefully remove the balloon from the funnel and tie a tight knot. For extra durability, many people place the filled balloon inside a second balloon before tying it off.
Step 4: Squish away
Your homemade slushy squishy is ready to squeeze, stretch and squish. Keep it away from sharp objects and supervise younger children, as homemade squishies can burst if punctured.
DIY vs Store Bought
Making your own slushy squishy is a fun afternoon project, but professionally made squishies usually offer a smoother texture, slower rebound and far better durability. They’re designed to handle hundreds of squeezes without losing their shape, making them a great option if you’re looking for a long-lasting sensory toy. Here are some of our favourite squishies on Amazon right now.
Cheese Squishy Stress Relief
Shaped like a piece of Swiss cheese, this quirky squishy combines a fun novelty design with a soft, slow-rising texture that feels satisfying in your hands. Made from durable BPA-free TPR material, it slowly returns to its original shape after every squeeze and is perfect for anyone who enjoys realistic food-themed sensory toys.
Add a cheesy twist to your sensory collection: https://amzn.to/4fJW83f
Coconut Oil Squishy
Inspired by the silky texture of coconut oil, this crystal-clear squishy feels incredibly smooth while offering impressive stretch and bounce. It provides gentle resistance without becoming sticky and easily springs back into shape, making it ideal for relaxing during work, studying or everyday downtime.
Experience one of the smoothest squishies around: https://amzn.to/4wsbqzq
Bread Squeeze Squishy Toy
If slow-rising bread squishies are your favourite, this realistic loaf delivers exactly the satisfying squeeze people love. Crafted from high-density PU material, it’s soft, durable and designed for repeated squeezing while helping restless hands stay busy throughout the day.
Treat yourself to a bakery-inspired stress reliever: https://amzn.to/4vMW4Ex
Slushy Crunchy Squishy Stress Ball
Designed to mimic crushed ice, this colourful slushy squishy combines a silky outer texture with crunchy beads inside for an extra sensory experience. Its pocket-sized design makes it easy to carry everywhere, whether you’re at school, travelling or taking a break at work.
Discover the crunchy squishy everyone is talking about: https://amzn.to/4fe0aRj
Apple Slushy Squishy Stress Ball
This realistic green apple offers a wonderfully soft squeeze and slow rebound that helps relieve tension while keeping your hands occupied. It stretches, twists and moulds easily before returning to its original apple shape again and again.
Keep this fruity stress reliever close by: https://amzn.to/4bXbtuW
Strawberry Squishy
Bright, colourful and surprisingly realistic, this giant strawberry squishy combines deep pressure, a slow-rising texture and a sweet scent to create a satisfying sensory experience. Its generous size makes it equally fun as a desk decoration or everyday fidget toy.
Add some berry-sweet fun to your collection: https://amzn.to/3RrUTfF
Slushy Watermelon Squishy
Complete with realistic watermelon colours and a soft slushy feel, this squishy gradually rises back into shape after every squeeze. It also doubles as a playful desk decoration that brings a splash of summer colour wherever you place it.
Bring home this juicy watermelon favourite: https://amzn.to/3RucL9U
Apple Slushy Coconut Oil Squishy
Combining a translucent apple design with a smooth slushy texture, this compact squishy is perfect for keeping in a bag, desk drawer or pencil case. It’s easy to squeeze whenever you need a quick sensory break during the day.
Give your hands something satisfying to squeeze: https://amzn.to/45fMbo2
Which One Will You Squish First?
Whether you enjoy creating your own sensory toys or collecting professionally made squishies, there’s no denying why these colourful fidgets have become so popular. Homemade versions are a fun craft project that lets you experiment with different textures, while store-bought squishies offer impressive durability, realistic designs and satisfying slow-rising effects that are difficult to recreate at home.
Whichever route you choose, there’s something wonderfully relaxing about slowing down, squeezing a squishy and enjoying a few moments of simple sensory fun.
VIEW ALL SQUISHIES ON AMAZON HERE.
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