Looking for a creative, low-prep group activity for your preschool or daycare class? Paper squishies are a hit with toddlers! They’re colorful, soft, fun to make, and help develop fine motor skills while keeping little hands busy.
You can make squishies of all kinds of objects, from emojis, food items, and treats to phones, laptops, toys, and even favorite cartoon characters. The possibilities are endless!
Here are some fun paper squishy ideas:
- Emojis: Smiley faces, hearts, silly expressions
- Food items: Pizza slices, watermelon, mango, oranges, avocadoes
- Confectionery treats: Oreo cookies, cupcakes, muffins, candy
- Toys & objects: Mr. Potato Head, Spongebob, phone, laptop, Coca-Cola can
These squishies are perfect for group activity time with preschool toddlers—teachers can guide them while kids draw, color, cut, and stuff their own creations.
Materials Needed
- A4 papers
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Scissors (safe toddler scissors if possible)
- Cotton for stuffing
- Glue
- Clear tape
Optional: markers for outlining details
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Squishy Shape
Pick one of the ideas above: emoji, food, toy, or object. For preschoolers, simple shapes are best.
2. Draw the Shape
Fold the A4 paper in half. Draw the chosen shape so that it can be mirrored on both sides, giving the squishy a matching front and back.
3. Color the Shape
Let the toddlers color their squishies with crayons or colored pencils. This is excellent for fine motor skill development.
4. Cut Out the Shape
Carefully cut around the drawing, keeping the front and back aligned. Cutting helps children practice hand-eye coordination.
5. Make the Pocket
Glue or tape the edges of the squishy, leaving one side open. This will be the pocket for the cotton. Teachers can assist toddlers during this step as a group activity.
6. Stuff the Squishy
Fill the pocket with cotton to make the squishy soft and fun to squeeze. Kids love shaping it as they go, which also develops hand strength and coordination.
7. Seal and Secure
Tape or glue the remaining side shut. Reinforce edges so the squishy lasts longer and doesn’t tear.
8. Enjoy Your Squishies!
Now you have fun, colorful squishies that kids can play with during indoor activities, group time, or even storytime.
💡 Tips for Teachers and Caregivers:
- Use simple shapes for toddlers under 3 years.
- Encourage kids to name their squishies or talk about what they represent—great for language development.
- Turn it into a group activity: each child can make their favorite shape, then everyone shares or arranges them together.
- Use this activity to teach colors, shapes, or even counting while making the squishies.