What is a fidget toy?
To put it simply, fidget toys are sensory toys that occupy your mind to prevent negative emotions or behaviors.Flushing Hospital Medical Center defines fidget toys as “self-regulation tools to help with focus, attention, calming, and active listening.” Though they began to increase in notoriety in 2017, when the fidget spinner craze swept the nation, fidget toys (and fidgeting) have always been around—if you’ve ever incessantly clicked a ballpoint pen or vigorously chewed piece after piece of gum, then you’ve used a fidget item. Much like the reasons people might need them, no two fidget toys are alike: They can come in the form of a squishy stress ball, moldable putty, or the latest TikTok craze, poppable silicone molds. These days, they can even disguise themselves as inconspicuous, everyday items like accessories and office supplies, meaning you can take them with you everywhere and keep them out within reach. The main point of a fidget toy is that you don’t have to devote all your attention to it, which is why as kids became too distracted by customizing and doing tricks with their fidget spinners, many schools banned them from use. However for the 9.4 million children with ADHD and the 4.4 million who have anxiety alone, having a fidget toy in the classroom can actually serve as a valuable tool to help improve their ability to focus. While it may seem counterintuitive, these toys provide a much-needed mental break that in turn stimulates concentration and productivity.
Who can use pop and fidget toys?
Many associate it with kids, but as more people began to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became more noticeable that adults do plenty of fidgeting too. No matter your age, fidget and popping toys can help alleviate stress and strengthen one’s ability to concentrate, especially if you have ADHD, anxiety, autism, OCD, PTSD, orSAD. Other benefits listed byFlushing Hospital Medical Center include “[enhancing] dexterity, [improving] coordination and fine motor skills, and [assisting] in the development of muscles of small hands.” One study of sixth grade students in Georgia found that kinesthetic learners, in particular, saw an increase in attention span when using stress balls, to the point that “student achievement on writing paragraphs improved.” Furthermore, the study determined that all types of learners saw improvement in “attitude, attention, writing abilities, and peer interaction… due to stress ball use.” Additional studies show that fidgeting improves cognitive skills for kids with difficulties like ADHD, and providing them with the proper tools to fidget can make it a safer outlet for themselves and less of a distraction for their peers. While many schools still do not permit fidget toys in the classroom, you can request a 504 accommodation or have it written in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) if you think it will benefit them.
What are some signs someone might benefit from a fidget toy?
Some signs you or someone you know could benefit from fidget toys include:
Difficulty listening or concentratingHaving a short attention spanCausing disruption or personal harm during stressful situationsRestlessness, tension, or an inability to sit stillForgetfulnessStruggling to stay organized, particularly when prioritizing tasksExtreme nervousness about new environments or life events
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15 Best Pop Its and Fidget Toys
Push Pop Bubble Fidget Phone Case, $2.50, Shein
Pop, pop, squish, squish, oh what a (stress) relief it is! If you find yourself constantly losing your fidget tools, Shein’s Push Pop Bubble Fidget Phone Case is a great option that you can take with you anywhere you go. This colorful case is available in 10 colors for iPhone 7-12 Pro Max models—just know Shein has a $3.99 shipping fee if you don’t meet the $49 minimum requirement for free shipping. Push Pop Bubble Fidget Phone Case, $2.50, Shein
Antsy Labs Fidget Cube, $15, Walmart
With nearly 155,000 backers and $6.5 million raised through their viral Kickstarter fundraiser, Antsy Labs’ viral Fidget Cube continues to be a crowd-pleaser since the campaign’s launch in August 2016. All six sides of this convenient gadget have different features, such as flickable switches and clickable buttons, with some being noiseless for those times when you don’t want to distract others. Plus, it’s small enough that you can pop it in your desk drawer, car console, or coat pocket and securely hold it in your hand when needed. Antsy Labs Fidget Cube, $15, Walmart From jewelry and phone cases, to balls and (key) chains, there are plenty of options for you to find a sensory tool that works for you. We hope our fidget and pop toy recommendations bring you the peace and clarity you’re looking for as you tap, pop, spin, and flick away your pent-up energy and anxiety! Next, the surprising benefits of mindfulness.
