12 Best Fidget Toys That Work to Ease Anxiety
The best gadgets for adults and kids to squeeze, spin or play with for a dose of calm.
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Fidget toys — from those ubiquitous spinners to an entire galaxy of brightly colored popping toys — are as popular as ever with kids who need to burn off a little extra energy or who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety. But it's not just children who can benefit from fidget toys: Whether you're stuck on an endless Zoom call, fretting in the waiting room of the doctor's office or just need something to distract you from biting your nails, fidget toys work to help stop anxious feelings in adults, too.
Here's a quick look at our top picks for the best fidget toys of 2022:
What are fidget toys?
Fidget toys are small objects you can hold in your hand to keep your fingers busy and channel nervous energy. There are all kinds of different types of fidget toys, including:
- Jewelry
- Cubes
- Spinners
- Stress balls
- Keychains
- Chewable items, like pendants or straws
- Sand, putty or other objects with a soothing texture
Though fidgets are often recommended for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or who just need a little extra help self-soothing, there are many adults who swear by them as well. In fact, they've become especially popular over the last few stress-inducing years, says Jennifer Rothman, LCSW, who works with special-needs children. "Anxiety thrives on unpredictability, and we've had a lot of that!" she says.
Can fidget toys really help with anxiety?
To date, there isn't much proven scientific evidence surrounding the mental health benefits of fidget toys. But as anyone who's ever jangled coins in their pocket or played with the zipper on their hoodie knows, having a physical item to focus on certainly seems to help transfer any anxious energy from your brain to your fingers.
"We use sensory input to help ground ourselves," explains Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and Executive Technical Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, who has 15 years of experience researching and testing toys and other parenting products. "Fidgets can be great tools for keeping us regulated in a non-disruptive and quiet manner."
"Self-regulation is a skill that takes years to develop in the growing and developing brain of a child, and many adults continue to need external tools to help with self-regulation as well," adds occupational therapist Melissa Putterman-Spitz. "Fidgets are a therapeutic and helpful way in which both children and adults can organize themselves, stay focused and decrease anxiety due to the repetitive, rhythmical movements that result in slower breathing and overall calmness."
Editor's note: A fidget toy is not a replacement for professional help. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, unable to focus or are otherwise struggling, seek the help of a medical professional. For more info on anxiety, visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
What to consider when choosing a fidget toy:
Since there are so many varieties of fidget toys, there are a few factors you'll want to consider when sorting through the options to find the fidget that's right for you or your child.
- Needs: Consider your or your child's behaviors and inclinations to find a suitable toy, whether you're looking for something that can sit on your desk while you work, something discreet that you can hold in your hand during class or something portable you can take with you in your purse.
- Safety: Avoid any toys that have sharp edge and pinch points, advises Rothman. "Safety and durability are key," she says. If you're buying one for a child, be sure to check the recommended age and pass on anything with small parts that can be swallowed. If you are a pet parent, beware of any small parts that a dog or cat may try to snack on.
- Price: Fidget toys can be as cheap as $1 or can go to price points as high as $30 or more for visually compelling items meant to be displayed on your desk.
To find the best fidget toys, our editors tried out several popular fidgets ourselves — and then we also asked some savvy parents and experts to share their favorites. Finally, we crossed-checked online reviews for positive ratings and feedback. Read more about our top picks for the best fidget toys to stash in your purse, pocket or desk:
Not only did our tester love the tactile feel of the small, smooth magnetic stones ("It's like slime without the mess"), but she said the crunchy sound as she manipulated them in her hands had a soothing ASMR vibe. Note: This one is only for adults, as the pieces can be very dangerous if swallowed!
Nutty Toys Pop Tubes (8 Pack)
If you have younger kids, these colorful plastic tubes that twist and connect will keep their little hands busy long enough for you to make dinner or even get a little bit of work done. They are also good for building fine-motor skills.
This tiny toy is nothing more than a few bolts and rings attached for flipping and spinning, but fans say it keeps their hands busy and has even helped them kick smoking or biting their nails. Note: The small size means it's not recommended for younger kids.
Children have long known how soothing it can be to run sand through your fingers, either on the beach or on a play table. But this sandbox was designed for adults. Keep it on your desk, and when work stress gets too overwhelming, you can just roll a rock through the sand or let it slide through your fingers.
Manipulating a substance with a soothing texture can offer a sense of calm. Designed for kids but beloved by all ages (but admittedly pricier than other putties), this colorful goo gives a satisfying squish as you hold it, squeeze it or stretch it. We know more than one adult who keeps a tin of it around to help calm down during anxious moments.
Brainwright Gyrings Fidget Widget
Invented by a 12-year-old boy who needed something to keep him focused in school, this colorful fidget spins and has rings that can pop on and off.
We love the color and the texture of this silicone stress ball. It fits perfectly in your hand and gives a satisfying squish — squeeze it as you sit through an annoying video call or even under the desk if your endless meeting is in person.
Simpl Dimpl Simpl Dimpl Keychain
Made of colorful silicone, this toy slips easily into your pocket or on your kid's backpack. It gets rave reviews for the addictive pop action of the buttons, which keeps the hands of kids and fidgety adults busy for hours.
There are so many varieties of fidget rings out there, but we love this one for its simple yet effective design. The ring, which comes in sizes 4–10, has an orbit of beads that you can spin when your fingers need a little stimulation. One mom we know bought it for herself, but her teenage son loved it so much, he started wearing it to create his own moments of calm.
We love the adorable space-explorer design of these classic popping toys. They're meant for kids — and there is some sort of game involved — but honestly, no one is going to judge you if you have these colorful dudes on your desk.
NEXTAKE Wooden Spiral Lollipop Stress Relief Toy
This wooden toy, which spins when you rub it in your hands, is so colorful and fascinating that you can keep it on your desk as a piece of art. It is mesmerizing to see the shape change as the pieces spin through the air — comfort for your eyes and hands.
If you're looking for a classic stress ball to squeeze when your boss asks you to rewrite that report again or your in-laws comment about your parenting choices, grab one of these colorful balls, which come in a pair of hard and soft, so you can pick the best one to match your anxiety level.
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