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As no one really needs to tell you as a parent, all kids have a lot of energy. And that abundance of get up and go can sometimes make them fidgety – which means they may have trouble focusing or sitting still.
And if your child is somewhere on the spectrum for autism, anxiety or ADHD, their restlessness could surface in extreme inattentiveness, hyperactivity or nervous habits like foot tapping, nail-biting or skin picking.
No matter where your child is on the scale of activity and attention, a fidget toy can be extremely helpful. Although it may seem antithetical that moving their hands with a toy can help kids focus, it’s actually the separate movement that helps them to channel their excess energy and still their minds.
Of course, no two kids are exactly alike; and a fidget toy that may work for one child may not engage another. Some children like tactile stimulation given by textured objects. Others need visual stimulation. And some little ones simply love to push, pull or feel pressure on their muscles – something known as proprioceptive input.
To help you find the right fidget toy for your child, we’ve gathered a wide variety of options in different categories. So before you get restless, let’s dive in!
Editor Favorites:
Stretchy, Twisty and Squishy Toys
If your child likes the push and pull of proprioceptive movements, these stretchy, twisty and squishy toys will give them a great outlet while also helping to calm them down.
1. Tangle Relax Therapy ToyÂ
Kids can twist and turn this lightweight, rubbery tangle therapy toy in all directions to engage their restless fingers and calm their minds. And if a section pops off, they can pop it right back on. It’s also nice to know that this toy is toxin and latex-free for kids with sensitive skin.Â
2. Impresa Products Monkey Noodle 5-Pack
We love the fun colors of this simple but engaging toy. No matter how much kids stretch, twist and squeeze it, the monkey noodle bounces right back into shape. And because it doesn’t make noise, it’s appropriate for just about any setting.
Added plus: it’s hypoallergenic, non-toxic and free of phthalates, BPAs and latex.
3. Crazy Aaron’s Putty Color
Squishing and stretching stuff is just plain fun. And it’s even more fun when you can squish something with glitter. Kids will love the soft texture and fun colors of Aaron’s thinking putty, and parents will love the lightweight tins that are perfect for families on the go.
4.Clever Contraptions Fidget Slug
These squishy little slugs have flexible bodies that kids can wriggle to their heart’s content. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes, from baby to jumbo. You can even order specialty slugs that glow in the dark or change color with the temperature.
But one of the things that we love most about this sensory fidget toy is that it’s made from biodegradable, plant-based and environmentally safe plastic. Hurrah!
5. KINYAO Mini Kawaii Squishies Mochi
These mini mochi guys are so cute that you absolutely have to squish them. Great for younger kids, this basket comes with 24 different mochis that they can squeeze, pull and even trade with other children. Another plus? They’re easily cleaned with water!
6. LovesTown Face Stress Balls
Stress balls have been around for a long time, but these squishable emojis come with all sorts of funny faces for kids to squeeze out their anxiety. Wheeeee!
7. Arggh Ball
It may just be the ultimate stress ball. This giant, squishy orb is super soft and durable and filled with a non-toxic gel. All kids have to do to calm down is squeeze, focus, breathe and repeat!
8. Raymond Geddes Mash Up Scented Erasers
Although originally intended as a tool for artists, these kneadable erasers also make great fidget toys. And the fun part is that you can order them in food flavors like root beer float, orange slush and more. Smells like a great idea!
(PS: They’re also available in unscented versions for kids with odor sensitivities.)
Related: 3 Simple Tips To Calm your Anxiety Quickly [Complete Guide]
Pop Bubble Toys
Even before the fidget toy craze began, we all knew how absorbing bursting a bunch of plastic bubbles can be. The push combined with that little bubble wrap pop is just so satisfying. If you have a little popper on your hands, they’re sure to enjoy these fidget toys.
9.iTechjoy Push Pop Bubble Handbag
Now kids can pop bubbles with toys that double as other useful objects. Like this super fun handbag from Tganghak. Who knew fidgeting could be so fashionable?
10. Depointer Keyboard Shaped Push Pop Fidget Toy
Not every kid will enjoy a push pop handbag, but many will be enticed by this keyboard-shaped push pop toy that they can also practice their typing on. Control, alt, relax!
11. Azsure Jumbo Pop Fidget Toy
For kids that are always poppin’, try this giant 484 bubble toy. Not only will they have tons of bubbles to pop, but it can also be used to play games. Made from non-toxic rubber, it’s safe for kids and the environment.
12. LEBEMPEL Glow in the Dark Bubble Sensory Toy
If your restless little one is having a hard time falling to sleep, this glow in the dark pop toy could help to calm them down. It admits a soft, blue fluorescence and is made from food grade, non-toxic and odorless silicone. Ahhhhhh.
13. LAVONE Baby Yoda Fidget Toy
If your kid is a fan of Baby Yoda, they’ll love this calming pop toy in the shape of this beloved character. Made of non-toxic silicone, the world’s littlest Jedi is available in multiple colors, including olive, blue and red.
14 . OHZIY Rotatable Fidget Bracelet
Bubble popping stress relief will always be at hand with this clever fidget bracelet. Not only do the bubbles make a satisfying sound, but there’s also a small windmill in the middle that will spin with the flick of a finger. Made from soft, BPA-free silicone, it won’t harden, crack or peel.Â
15. Claire’s Super Pop Controller Fidget Toy
Replace your kid’s video game controller with something much more soothing. Easy to grip, the unique design of this fidget toy features different-sized bubbles in an interesting configuration. And it will definitely help children to calm down and focus more than a video game!
Fidget Cubes
If your kid likes to click pens or push buttons when they have to sit still, these fidget cubes may be for them.
16. Dodecagon 12-Sided Infinity Cube
This bestselling fidget cube has it all, including buttons, sliders, squishy buds, spinners, rollers and more! And the best part is that all that mind calming activity comes in a pocket-sized toy. Durable and lightweight, this cube also comes with its own carrying case. What more could a wandering mind ask for?
17. Gejoy Infinity Cube Fidget Desk Toy
This durable infinity cube will stand up to kids’ fidgety fingers as they flip and fold it into a myriad of shapes. We also like the smooth texture and rounded edges that make it safer to play with.
Fidget Spinners
For kids that like visual stimulation, a fidget spinner may do the trick.
18. Magtimes Rainbow Anti-Anxiety Spinner
This popular rainbow spinner launched an entire trend and will definitely capture your child’s attention as it whirls around, creating a rainbow effect. Made of stainless steel with bearings that revolve at top speeds, it produces an extra-long spin and will also stand up to heavy use.
19. Faimocas Fidget Spinner
Have a slightly older child? The Faimocas fidget spinner kicks it up a notch with lights that glow in the dark. And for especially boarded and anxious minds, it can also be assembled and disassembled.
20. Rubik’s Cube Magic Star Spinner
It’s not just a spinner, it’s also a puzzle! This genius idea from Rubik’s Cube will keep restless minds engaged for hours. Kids can twist it, turn it, spin it and solve it!
Tactile Stimulation Toys
Some kids like to touch everything and feel different textures. If that’s your child, try one of these tactile stimulation fidget toys.
21. Impresa Products Spiky Sensory Finger
Especially helpful for kids who pick at their skin, this tactile/sensory toy creates a unique sensation as kids roll it up and down their fingers. So simple and yet so easy. And because they’re so small and lightweight, they can travel anywhere.
22. Monkey Ring
For kids who need tactile stimulation, these spiky but soft monkey rings can be twisted, squeezed and rolled across the skin for a calming sensation. They’re also hypoallergenic, contain no latex, BPAs or phthalates and are dishwasher safe (which helps to keep you calm).
23. Hibery Monkey Stringy Balls
Another good fidget toy for kids who like tactile input is this stringy ball from Hibery. It comes in a rainbow of colors and has a fun feel. It also fits right into the palm of their hand and can be easily slipped into a pocket.
Fidget Toys for Older Kids
Older kids that need help focusing may have grown out of the toy phase and need something a little more grown-up or discreet.
24.Fidget Bracelet
If your child is a little older, they may appreciate this fidget toy that doubles as a bracelet. Manipulate the wire petals, and you can transform this beaded flower into all kinds of shapes. Ingenious and also very zen.
25. Sumind Flippy Roller Chain Fidget Toy
This mini fidget toy features six rollers that can be rotated on your finger and twisted in any direction. It also fits right into your pocket, which makes it super easy to carry anywhere.Â
26. Vanblue Chain Fidget Toy
Another discreet fidget toy that may be appropriate for older kids is this chain fidget toy that can be twisted, turned and rolled to keep fingers busy and minds calm. Its mini size also makes it easy to slip in and out of your pocket.
Puzzle Fidget Toys
These puzzle-focused toys help with focus, creativity and problem-solving skills.
27. CuberSpeed Rainbow Magic Cube Puzzle
The CuberSpeed Rainbow Magic Cube has 12 holes and 11 colorful balls. The objective is to mix the balls up and then try to get them back to their matching colored slots by pushing them around with your finger. Simple but addictive, this game will definitely hold kids’ attention.
28. Ganowo Sensory Fidget Snake
Rotate the triangular blocks of this fidget toy and puzzle, and it can be transformed into all kinds of imaginative shapes. A great way to both tease and calm overactive brains.
29.MagneDotz Magnetic Balls
These magnetic balls stick together and can be formed into all kinds of different shapes like pyramids, cubes, flowers, stars and much more. Not only will they help with focus and calmness, but they also promote problem-solving and creative thinking.
Related: The 20 Best Gifts For Teen Boys [2021 Buyer’s Guide]
More Fidget Toys
Haven’t found anything right for your anxiety relief? Here are a few more gadgets to choose from.
30. 4E’s Novelty Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere
This expandable ball grows from 5.6 to 12 inches and is meant to be used as part of a breathing exercise. While holding in front of their bellies, kids can expand the ball as they breathe in and contract it as they exhale. Breathe in calmness, breathe out the fidgets!
31. Gnawrishing Chair Bands
For kids that can’t stop moving their feet, these stretchy sensory tool bands attach to a desk to allow them to quietly swing their legs as they focus on their work. Genius!
32. Austor Marble Fidget Toy
It’s just a simple mesh tube with a marble inside, but when you slide it back and forth, it’s extremely calming. And it definitely beats biting your nails! Made of durable nylon, this little toy can be machine washed and air dried.
33. SensiPalStore Marble Maze
Another deceptively simple and yet calming marble toy is this one from SensiPal. All kids have to do is squeeze the marble through a simple maze sewn into a soft fleece. This is also an extra quiet fidget toy that can translate to any environment, including classrooms.
Attention, Flibberty-gibbets!
As you can see, fidget toys have grown far beyond pop toys and spinners to include a wide variety of therapeutic devices. When choosing one for your child, be sure to consider both their habits and the setting. While some toys may be appropriate at home or on a trip, toys that are too noisy or absorbing may not be appropriate for a classroom.
But with a little discretion and forethought, the right fidget toy can work wonders for your child – and help you relax too!
You might also be interested in: The 39 Best Stocking Stuffers For Kids [Shopping Made Easy]
The 33 Best Fidget Toys:
- Tangle Relax Therapy Toy
- Impresa Products Monkey Noodle 5-Pack
- Crazy Aaron’s Thinking PuttyÂ
- Clever Contraptions Fidget SlugÂ
- KINYAO Mini Kawaii Squishies MochiÂ
- LovesTown Face Stress Balls
- Arggh Ball
- Raymond Geddes Mash Up Scented Erasers
- iTechjoy Push Pop Bubble Handbag
- Depointer Keyboard Shaped Push Pop Fidget Toy
- Azsure Jumbo Pop Fidget Toy
- LEBEMPEL Glow in the Dark Bubble Sensory Toy
- LAVONE Baby Yoda Fidget Toy
- OHZIY Rotatable Fidget Bracelet
- Claire’s Super Pop Controller Fidget ToyÂ
- Dodecagon 12-Sided Infinity Cube
- Gejoy Infinity Cube Fidget Desk Toy
- Magtimes Rainbow Anti-Anxiety Spinner
- Faimocas Fidget Spinner
- Rubik’s Cube Magic Star Spinner
- Impresa Products Spiky Sensory FingerÂ
- Monkey Ring
- Hibery Monkey Stringy Balls
- Fidget BraceletÂ
- Sumind Flippy Roller Chain Fidget Toy
- Vanblue Chain Fidget Toy
- CuberSpeed Rainbow Magic Cube Puzzle
- Ganowo Sensory Fidget Snake
- MagneDotz Magnetic Balls
- 4E’s Novelty Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere
- Gnawrishing Chair Bands
- Austor Marble Fidget Toy
- SensiPalStore Marble MazeÂ









































