Last Updated on August 5, 2026 by Editorial Team
Want to learn how to make a paper squishy at home? You’re in the right place! Paper squishies are fun, inexpensive crafts that kids can make using just a few simple supplies like paper, tape, markers, and cotton. They’re easy to customize with cute designs, making them a perfect DIY activity for rainy days, classrooms, or creative afternoons at home.
Unlike store-bought squishies that are usually made with polyurethane foam, DIY paper squishies use everyday materials you probably already have around the house. Cotton balls are one of the most popular fillings, but there are several other options if you don’t have cotton available.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a paper squishy step by step, discover the best materials and fillings to use, and pick up a few helpful tips to make your homemade squishies softer, sturdier, and more fun to squeeze.
What is a squishy, and why do kids love them?
A squishy is a small fidget toy that one can squeeze, play with, and have fun with! It is similar to a stress ball and works as a great stress reliever. Kids love squishies because squeezing them relieves tension and calms the mind. They feel happy to see them get back in shape after compression.
Though kids play more with squishies, a squishy is great for adults too! It serves as a sensory toy and helps people relax by distracting their minds from the daily grind.
How to make a soft and fluffy paper squishy at home
You’ll need:
- White A4-sized paper
- Pencil colors
- Colorful markers
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Transparent tape
- Cotton balls
Steps to follow:
Take an A4-sized white paper and fold it in half. You don’t need to tear it or cut it at this moment; save the step for later.
Use a pencil to trace or draw items of your choice. You can make a smiley, a donut, an ice cream, a car, or anything you like. Today we are creating paper squishies of one of the most-liked fast foods in the world – a burger with a soft drink!
Once you complete your drawing, grab some colors and start coloring! You could use pencil colors for lighter portions of the drawing and markers for portions you want to appear nice and bright.
Notice how we have used markers to highlight the cheese, patty, tomatoes, and lettuce in this drawing.
After you color the entire image, use a black marker to outline each layer of the burger so everything appears distinct.
Color the soft drink cup as well before you move on to the next step.
With a pair of scissors, cut the paper in half, as shown in the image. This will make it easier for you to cut out the drawings properly.
Begin cutting the burger first, and then do the same with the soft drink cup. And yes, be careful when you’re cutting the complex edges of your drawing.
You will now have two pieces of cutouts for each drawing—one plain white cutout and the other with the drawing.
Now that you have your cutouts ready, let’s start putting together your paper squishies.
Take the burger cutouts and place the white one on the table.
Make several pieces of transparent tape and start covering the white cutout with them. Try not to leave any space between the tape and cover the paper entirely.
Keep the length of the tape longer than the size of the cutout for easy handling and assembly.
Fold the extra portion of tape and secure it on the opposite side of the cutout.
Once this is done, place the colored cutout over the taped white cutout.
Cover the colored cutout with tape in a similar manner. See that the two cutouts remain aligned while you are applying tape to the top cutout.
While you must cover the cutout with tape, leave a small portion at the bottom of the burger to insert the filler in the paper squishy.
Make small cuts on the tape at the intricate edges for easy folding. Cover the top of the burger and other edges properly so that the filling does not come out of the squishy after you seal it.
Remember the small portion we did not apply tape to? Apply gentle pressure to both sides of the burger, and you will see a small opening at the base of the burger.
Use this opening to fill cotton balls inside the paper squishy. If you don’t have cotton balls, you could also use foam pieces, thin plastic grocery bags, or even tissue paper to puff up your squishy.
Now seal the opening with more tape. See that the edge is covered appropriately. And you’re done! Your burger paper squishy is now ready.
Use the same technique of covering the cutouts with tape and filling them with cotton to make your soft drink squishy as well.
Now enjoy!
What Can You Put Inside a Paper Squishy?
The filling you choose can make a big difference in how your paper squishy feels. Some materials create a soft, slow squeeze, while others make the squishy firmer or easier to shape. Here are some of the most common options:
- Cotton balls – Soft, lightweight, and one of the easiest fillings to use.
- Loose cotton – Gives a fuller look and creates a soft squeeze.
- Polyester stuffing (polyfill) – Ideal if you want a fluffy, evenly filled squishy.
- Tissue paper – Great for quick DIY projects when cotton isn’t available.
- Soft fabric scraps – A good way to recycle old fabric while giving your squishy a unique texture.
Our recommendation: Cotton balls are the easiest option for beginners, while polyester stuffing usually gives the softest and most even squeeze.
How to Make a Paper Squishy Without Cotton
Don’t have cotton balls or fluffy stuffing at home? No problem! You can still make a fun paper squishy using simple household materials. While the finished squishy may feel a little firmer, it will still be enjoyable to squeeze and play with.
- Tissue paper – Crumple it loosely to create a soft filling.
- Paper towels – Fold or crumple them for extra cushioning.
- Scrap paper – Small pieces of waste paper can help the squishy hold its shape.
- Soft fabric scraps – Lightweight fabric provides a comfortable squeeze and is easy to reuse.
Tip: Avoid packing the filling too tightly. Leaving a little space inside helps your paper squishy feel softer and easier to squeeze.
Paper squishy: A tool for sensory exploration
In addition to being a fun craft activity, paper squishies are great for sensory play and can enhance sensory skills in children. They engage the senses of touch, sight, and hearing (sometimes) and give kids a multisensory experience.
Parents of toddlers and preschoolers can make paper squishies and use them along with books to develop sensory skills. They can also support their child’s vocabulary development by introducing them to suitable sensory words like “fluffy,” “spongy,” “glossy,” “crackle,” and more while they play with their paper squishy.
Final thoughts
Making paper squishies is a fun, engaging activity. The fact that these are inexpensive and easy to make makes them a perfect craft activity. Kids can make them at home, at a birthday party, and even at school!
So, the next time your kids want to do something creative, give them the idea of making a paper squishy. Share our step-by-step guide and let them enjoy the process. The outcome will be so cute and satisfying that it will surely nudge them to make many more squishies in the future.
I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “One Loving Mama,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.