9 best fidget toys

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What are fidget toys? 

Fidget toys are small items that are self-regulatory tools. These products can be handheld devices that a person squeezes or more multifaceted products with switches to slip, dials to rotate, and buttons to click.

Most fidget toys allow a person to engage in repetitive actions that can help focus the mind. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, or sensory conditions may use these products to release tension and stress.

CHADD, an advocacy organization for children and adults with ADHD, states that the act of fidgeting can help some people focus, solve problems, and remember information. However, there has been little scientific research to support these claims.

Who are fidget toys for?

People may find fidget toys helpful if they have conditions such as ADHD, stress, and anxiety. Those without a diagnosis of a mental health condition or behavioral condition may also benefit from these products to help them focus on the tasks at hand.

However, there is little scientific evidence that fidget toys can help improve focus and relieve stress. One study on school-age children with ADHD found that while fidget toys decrease activity levels, they also negatively affect levels of attention.

Can fidget toys help with anxiety?

There are some studies on fidget toys for anxiety or OCD, though most have found there is no effect. There is n ot enough evidence to say that the use of fidget toys reduces anxiety.

However, anecdotally, these products may give people a point of focus that may help distract them from some of the symptoms of their condition. There is no harm, risk, or significant cost of fidget toys, so they may be a lower-budget option for people who are trying to ease symptoms of anxiety.

One of the most common anecdotal support for fidget toys is that these products may help people with ADHD focus on tasks, especially children. However, research is limited and provides mixed results.

For example, a 2022 study on three students with ADHD, ages 7 or 8 years old, found that the fidget toys helped increase on-task behavior. On-task behavior in this study meant that children were sitting at their desks and not disrupting lessons.

However, the researchers note that it is impossible to determine how well the children were concentrating on the task at hand. While fidget toys appeared to make the classroom less disruptive, there was not enough data to suggest that children who use these products pay more attention in class.

Another 2022 study found that supplying three students ages 8 or 9 years old with perceived attention difficulties with a fidget toy did not improve behavior.

How we choose products

Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria where possible:

• Budget: Products that fit a range of budgets.
• Type of fidget toy: Products that click, spin, twist, and stretch.
• Age suitability: Products that are suitable for adults and children.
• Noise levels: Products in a range of noise levels, including silent toys.

Fidget spinner comparison

The following table compares the products in this article on price, age range, material, and more.

List priceAge rangeMaterialCustomer rating

Chuchikaround $8children and adultsnon-plastic silicone4.3 out of 5 stars

Onoaround $35adultsaircraft-grade aluminum4.7 out of 5 stars

Crazy Aaron’saround $14children 3 years and oldernontoxic silicone4.6 out of 5 stars

Gawrishingaround $16childrennontoxic latex4.3 out of 5 stars

AUSTORaround $12children and adultsnylon and marble4.8 out of 5 stars4E’s Noveltyaround $30children and adultsplastic4.5 out of 5 stars

Impresaaround $15children 3 years and olderlatex4.6 out of 5 starsPalm
Tangle Classic$10children 3 years and olderplastic4.8 out of 5 stars

B-KIDSaround $10children 3 years and olderplastic4.5 out of 5 stars

How to choose a fidget toy

People may wish to consider the following when choosing a fidget toy:

• Noise levels: A person may wish to opt for quiet products if they intend to use them in public, schools, or places of work to avoid disturbing others.
• Age of the user: People should avoid fidget toys that present a choking hazard due to small parts or the design.
• Ease of use: People may wish to purchase a fidget toy that does not require focus to use the product. This can help stop people from paying more attention to the fidget toy than the work or studying they want to focus on.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some common questions about fidget toys.

What is the best fidget toy?

There is no one best fidget toy. People should consider the type of fidget actions a product offers, the noise levels, and the toy’s safety when choosing a product.

What is the best fidget toy for anxiety?

There is no scientific research into the best fidget toy for anxiety.

People should consider which type of fidgeting they find the most calming. For example, some people may find stretchy putty calming, whereas others may prefer toys that they twist and pull.

What is the best fidget toy for focus?

The best fidget toy for focus is one that a person can use while engaging in other tasks.

For example, some people may prefer a toy that they can rub, twist, or turn without looking at it. Fidget toys that are quiet and unobtrusive may also help with focus.

What is the best fidget toy for kids?

Fidget toys for children should not have any small parts that are a choking hazard or a design that could otherwise harm them.

Children may find that small, quiet, and unobtrusive toys are more suitable to keep their focus on school work and to avoid distracting others.

Summary

Fidget toys offer a range of activities that may help increase focus and reduce stress.

While people with ADHD, OCD, and anxiety may benefit from these products, there is little scientific evidence that fidget toys can increase focus and reduce stress.