How to Make & Sell Handmade Worry Stones & Fidget Tools: A Mindful Side Hustle for Therapists
Creating something with your hands can be deeply grounding—and for therapists, it can also be a powerful extension of your work. Handmade worry stones and fidget tools are not only calming aids for clients but also meaningful products that you can sell as part of a mindful, purpose-driven side hustle.
Whether you’re a school counselor, private practice therapist, or mental health advocate looking to expand your reach, this guide walks you through how to create, use, and market worry stones and sensory tools that resonate with your audience.
Why Worry Stones & Fidget Tools Make Powerful Therapy Aids
Worry stones have been used for centuries as tactile grounding tools. When held or rubbed, they help calm the nervous system through rhythmic, repetitive motion—supporting self-soothing, focus, and anxiety relief.
Therapists often use them to help clients with:
- Emotional regulation during difficult conversations
- Sensory grounding for kids and adults with anxiety or ADHD
- Daily self-care practices as a portable mindfulness object
Pairing them with affirmations or intentional breathing makes them even more impactful.
The Original Intent Behind Worry Stones
Traditionally, worry stones are small, smooth stones with a thumb-sized indentation. People have used them throughout history to relieve stress by rubbing the stone with their thumb—a self-soothing technique rooted in ancient Greek and Tibetan practices.
As tactile tools, they work especially well for clients with anxiety, sensory challenges, or fidgeting habits. The rhythmic motion and sensory feedback can help anchor a person in the present moment, which is why many therapists include them in grounding exercises or trauma-informed care plans.
How to Make Handmade Worry Stones (That People Actually Want to Keep)
Materials You’ll Need:
- Polymer clay or air-dry clay (non-toxic)
- Small sculpting tools or fingers to shape
- Stamps or alphabet tools for affirmations
- Optional: texture rollers, mica powders, or glaze
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Warm the clay in your hands until it softens.
- Roll into a pebble-sized oval or teardrop shape.
- Press your thumb gently into one side to create the signature indentation.
- Optional: Stamp a calming word or symbol—like “breathe,” a butterfly, or a spiral.
- Let air-dry or bake according to clay type instructions.
- Lightly sand and seal (if desired) for a smooth finish.
💡 Therapist tip: Tailor colors, textures, or symbols to match therapeutic goals—like calm tones for grounding or bold colors for empowerment.
🎨 Want more simple crafts with therapeutic value? Explore other easy-to-make tools like affirmation cards and sensory bottles—perfect for budget-friendly sessions or client gifts.
👉 Easy DIY Therapy Tools You Can Make on a Budget`
DIY Fidget Tools for Kids or Clients on the Go
In addition to worry stones, fidget tools like spinning rings, sensory keychains, or textured beads can be made with similar materials. These are especially helpful for children who benefit from movement-based focus tools or discreet classroom supports.
Simple Fidget Tool Ideas to Try:
- Braided fabric or leather keychain loops
- Polymer clay beads strung on stretch cord
- Aromatherapy-infused stones with essential oils
Encourage kids to personalize them as part of a session—it can increase buy-in and connection to the tool.
Packaging Ideas That Elevate Your Brand
Thoughtful packaging helps your tools feel intentional and therapeutic. Try this:
- Wrap each stone in soft muslin or kraft paper
- Add a small card with a mindfulness prompt or breathing exercise
- Include a handwritten note or quote (great for Etsy or local markets!)
Branding your packaging with affirming, grounded energy makes your product more than just an object—it becomes a message.
How to Sell Handmade Worry Stones as a Therapist
Where to Sell:
- Etsy (great for reaching a mental health-aware audience)
- In your therapy office or waiting room
- Local makers markets or mental health awareness events
- Your website or email newsletter (if you offer digital tools too!)
Marketing Tips:
- Share stories or affirmations that inspired your designs
- Use Instagram Reels to show behind-the-scenes or “how it’s made”
- Offer bundle options for clients or therapy-themed gift sets
💡 If you’re a therapist selling items online, be clear about boundaries—make sure clients know purchases are optional and separate from therapy sessions.
🛍️ Ready to expand beyond handmade tools? Learn how to design and sell your own therapist-themed T-shirts, mugs, and stickers with ease.
👉 How to Sell Therapist-Inspired Merch
Common Uses for Worry Stones in Therapy
You can introduce worry stones during:
- Grounding exercises for clients with trauma or dissociation
- Transitions—such as starting or ending a session
- Homework prompts—like keeping the stone in a pocket and journaling moments of tension
- Parent-child therapy—create matching worry stones to promote emotional connection at home
They’re also effective as part of take-home kits, sensory baskets, or classroom calming corners.
A Mindful Side Hustle That Aligns With Your Values
Creating and sharing tools that support emotional regulation, nervous system healing, or daily mindfulness is more than a craft—it’s an extension of the work you already do. And if you’re looking for a creative outlet that also adds income, this is a meaningful place to start.
You don’t need to be a full-time maker to make an impact—just a little intention, heart, and clay.
Want to Deepen the Impact?
If you enjoyed this guide, you might also love:
- 5 Essential Things Every Therapist Needs to Know About Nervous System Regulation
- Easy DIY Therapy Tools You Can Make on a Budget
- Therapeutic Swings for Child Therapists
Looking for more ways to turn your creativity into a meaningful business? Explore my Therapist Side Hustle Series for step-by-step guides on how to create, package, and share mental health-inspired products that support both your clients and your income.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article may contain affiliate links. I only recommend items I believe are helpful for therapists, counselors, and educators. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Eve, a former school counselor with a master’s degree in School Psychology and a passionate advocate for children and families navigating sensory challenges. As a mom of children with sensory sensitivities, I deeply understand the journey special-needs parents face, and I dedicate myself to researching and sharing practical solutions to help children thrive and feel comfortable in their bodies. My goal is also to empower counselors, therapists, and psychologists with creative strategies and supportive resources to enrich their everyday practice. When I’m not writing or exploring new therapeutic approaches, you’ll find me spending quality time with my family and continually seeking inspiration from everyday moments.
