Make a stress ball from a balloon (and it's not at all stressful!)

Stress balls are great for busy little (or big) hands and are also a fantasic sensory activity.

All you need are:

• Balloons (plain colours or decorated) - we used 20cm, helium quality

• Funnel (or use the top half of an empty plastic drink bottle - just make sure it's dry)

• Pen or pencil to help push the filling into the balloon

• Flour - this makes a soft and pliable filling

How to make your stress balls

1. Blow up the balloon and then deflate it - this stretches it out and makes it easier to fill.

2. Pull the end of the balloon over the funnel.

3. Carefully pour your filling into the funnel, shaking and tapping it as you go.

4. Use a pen or pencil to push it through.

5. Keep adding more filling until you're happy with the size of your stress ball.

6. Remove the funnel and tie a knot in the balloon.

Your stress ball is finished!

You can also cut the end off another balloon and stretch it over your finished stress ball for extra strength.

Use different fillings for different sensory experiences

You can use a variety of fillings. It's a great way to use up pantry items that are close to, or past their 'use by' date.

• Uncooked rice - gives a different texture.

• Cornflour - creates a slight creaking sound when squished.

• Flour - the softest and most pliable filling.

• Ooblek (2 parts cornflour to 1 part water. Just mix together until smooth and pour it through the funnel) - this starts off quite firm but becomes softer as you squeeze it.