Image: MomJunction Design Team
Fidget toys help relieve anxiety symptoms, helping you focus better and stay calm. We have created a list of the best fidget toys for anxiety to help you choose the right one. If your child feels overwhelmed in crowded places or suffers from anxiety, a fidget toy can keep them stimulated and calm without any disruption or hassle. It is better to let your child use a fidget toy than prevent them from fidgeting, as it can have negative consequences. These toys also work well for adults, allowing you to concentrate and perform better.
Thus, fidget toys are a safe and innocuous way of managing anxiety without stressing out. These toys are available in various designs, colors, and sizes to cater to children and adults. So, go through our list of the tried-and-tested fidget toys to select one that suits your needs.
Top Picks
Do Fidget Toys Help With Anxiety?
Fidget toys help cope with anxiety, higher than normal energy levels, and extreme sensitivity to a particular environment. When a person has any of these conditions, they tend to bite their nails, pinch their skin, or pull at their cuticles. Fidget toys allow them to vent those feelings in a harmless way. Using a fidget toy is a known rapid stress management technique but should be used as a supplement to other treatments. It is calming and soothing for those with anxiety and is known to reduce anxiety levels. Now that you know what they are and how they help, here’s our list of the best fidget toys.
11 Best Fidget Toys For Anxiety To Help Kids Relax In 2024
1. Best With Diverse Toys: ChicFunhood Fidget Sensory Toys Bundle For Adults And Children
Bring home this set of 32 sensory fidget toys for anxiety and enhance focus in both children and adults. Stress and anxiety can be relieved drastically by squeezing, flipping, stretching, and playing with these fidget toys. These durable toys have shown excellent results in therapy for anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and autism, and help prevent habits such as peeling of skin and biting of nails. This set of fidget toys for adults and children includes a whole range of diverse fidget toys that keep the hands busy and the brain focused while being fun at the same time.
They are safe, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, and free of BPA, phthalates, and latex. These toys are small and can be conveniently carried in your pocket. They also make great birthday party favors, classroom rewards, or pinata fillers. This video review will help you understand more about the product.
Pros
- Improve memory skills
- Smooth edges
- Boost hand-eye coordination
- Stimulate creativity
Cons
- Some pieces may be smaller than expected
- May not be suitable for children below three years
2. Best To Relieve Restlessness: Chuchik Fidget Cube – Wooden
This tough and sturdy cube made of ABS plastic can effectively calm your child. Its ergonomic shape and non-slip, smooth silicone coating ensures that it fits just right in the hand, and it comes in a protective, water-resistant case, so that your child can carry it wherever they go. This anxiety fidget cube has both silent and clickable components, and its size makes it barely noticeable when in use.
It’s suitable for anyone with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and hyperthyroidism, and also helps improve motor skills, strengthens muscles, and increases circulation. As per reviews, this ADHD fidget toy has been found to relieve restlessness, agitation, and hyperactivity and improve concentration and focus.
Pros
- Buff-free edges
- Protective case
- Enhances concentration
- Relieves stress
Cons
- Buttons may be flimsy
- Joystick may be noisy
3. Best Therapeutic:Dr. Arthritis Button Fidget Cube
The Dr. Arthritis fidget cube is a unique therapeutic tool designed to help cope with physical and mental stress. This cube is equipped with buttons, joysticks, rotating discs, massage nubs, and gears, which can help individuals manage feelings of discomfort and anxiety. Made of high-quality, durable plastic and boasting rounded edges, the toy is lightweight and discreet, making it travel-friendly. Moreover, the easy-grip fidget toy can also be used for arthritis or mobility challenges in the fingers to improve dexterity and reduce stiffness.
Pros
- Ideal for all ages
- Smooth silicone and rubber buttons
- Available in two colors
- Carrying case included
Cons
- Buttons might be slightly flimsy
- Some might find it noisy
Trivia4. Best With Round Corners: Daily Vibrations Infinity Cube – Light Blue
This soothing tie-and-dye, light blue, anxiety fidget cube helps both adults and children alleviate chronic stress and improve focus. It is a combination of eight cubes attached with metal hinges and brass pins, and each cube measures 2x2x2in. It’s compact and small enough to fit in one hand and can be carried anywhere to provide relief from fidgeting. Liked by many reviewers, this toy makes a great sensory toy for those with anxiety, stress, ADHD, or autism.
It also helps lessen the frequency of habits such as cracking knuckles, biting nails, clicking pens, pinching, shaking legs, or technology overuse. Made of durable, semi-alloy metal material, it’s lightweight and easily portable. The calming toy features rounded corners to reduce stress on the fingers and can be used for long durations. This cube can also help develop muscle dexterity, coordination, and fine motor skills.
Pros
- One-handed operation design
- Non-slip material
- Rounded corners
- Compact and quiet fidget toy
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Paint may not be chip-resistant
"This fidget toy always keeps my little one's hands busy and mind-focused— just like a developmental accessory. I mostly appreciate its well-distributed weight, which is ideal for his one-handed operation. It does have a clicking noise, but it doesn't seem to distract him either."
5. Best Non-Toxic: Trekbest Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
This colorful anxiety fidget cube is made of eight non-toxic, ABS plastic blocks measuring 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.6in. The blocks are linked with strong stainless steel metal bearings and can be rotated in any direction. The best-selling cube is small enough to be placed in one hand and can be carried around discreetly in a pocket. It can be folded and unfolded over and over again with one hand.
It’s great for relieving anxiety and stress and clearing the mind. It can also help your child get out of habits such as nail biting, pulling of cuticles, or leg shaking. It’s known to be therapeutic for those who have autism, dementia, and Asperger’s. However, this fidget toy for kids is not recommended for children below the age of three years.
Pros
- Boosts hand-eye coordination
- Enhances focus
- Improves finger movements
- Break- and rust-resistant
Cons
- Connectors may be a bit flimsy
- May be small for adults
6. Best For Grip: Tom’s Fidgets Flippy Chain Fidget Toy – Blue
This is quite a heavy-duty fidget toy for chronic fidgeters and those with anxiety, stress, pain, or lack of focus. It keeps one’s fingers busy so that the mind can concentrate on the work at hand. With many positive reviews, these fidget toys are handmade from bike chains and the stainless steel chain links and steel split rings do not corrode or rust, and have been thoroughly washed and cleaned to remove all grease.
The silicone O-rings provide added grip and texture and do not fade. They are designed to be completely silent and are easy to carry, so you can use them discreetly whenever you want. The flippy chain fidget toy for concentration can help children stop habits such as biting nails and shaking legs.
Pros
- Good grip bands
- Strengthens fingers
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Boosts concentration
Cons
- Smaller in size than expected
- May pose a choking hazard
Point to consider
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 6,654 good reviews on Amazon.
7. Best With Protective Case: Pilpoc The Fube Fidget Cube
The fube fidget cube by Pilpoc can help reduce stress and anxiety, providing sensory stimulation and improving concentration. It features a unique cubicle design featuring six different sides with various tactile features, including buttons, spinners, switches, and a joystick. The time-tested desk fidget toy is made of premium-quality materials and is designed to be noiseless when used. In addition, this premium fidget toy comes with a protective case for easy storage and is suitable for both adults and children. Moreover, It can also help those with ADHD, OCD, and autism relieve stress and tension and gain focus.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Soft silicone features
- Rounded corners for superior grip
- Compact design allows you to carry it in your pocket
Cons
- Joystick may be longer than expected
- Plastic may seem chalky to some
8. Best Relaxing Colors:Woogoo Push Pop Fidget Toy
The soft, silicone push pop fidget toy makes for an ideal sensory toy for children, adults, and those with special needs. The bright colors and pleasant popping sounds are relaxing and help one concentrate. You children can create games with this fidget toy to reduce anxiety and develop their logical reasoning and planning skills. The tried-and-tested bubble fidget toy for relaxation is made of odorless, non-toxic, food-grade, and environmentally-friendly silicone, and is safe to use. This soft, durable toy is also easily portable and convenient to wash and reuse.
Pros
- Soft and durable
- May help relieve acute stress and anxiety
- Improves focus
- Washable and reusable
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"These bubble toys act like a pleasant distraction for my kids when they're being fussy. The satisfying 'pops' provide a fun, playful tactile experience. Occasionally, I find my husband popping them too to get rid of the work pressure. All in all, it's been a valuable tool at our home."
9. Best For Sensory Play: JYXT Sensory Fidget Toys Set
This versatile set includes a whole range of fidget toys to ensure you’re never out of choices. The silicone toy set is a great addition to your child’s fidget toy collection as it helps reduce anxiety and stress and improves concentration. Tested by many reviewers, the toys encourage children to pull, stretch, twist, and wrap them into any shape they want, thus dissipating excess energy. They are also easy to clean as they just need to be rinsed and air dried. Each toy is compact and easily portable, so your child can put them in their pocket and use them whenever and wherever they want.
Pros
- Water-proof
- Helpful for ADHD, ADD, and OCD
- Improves focus
- Develops hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Tiny parts may pose a choking hazard
"Engaging in a variety of activities, this set constantly keeps my young one's mind active and focused. The items are probably not that enduring, but thoroughly entertaining. The only thing I wish for is a secure case for easy storage."
10. Best Colorful: Zalik Pop It Fidget Toys
If a fidget toy for you is synonymous with popping games, this pack of four by Zalik can be a perfect choice. Designed with bright, vibrant multi colors, these toys are ideal for most children and adults. These durable popping pads come in four distinct shapes — heart, square, circle, and octagon — to break the monotony and keep your child engaged for a considerable time. Apart from alleviating stress and anxiety, the tactile fidget toys can also be used to conduct a pressing and popping race to make playtime more entertaining and engaging.
Pros
- Washable balls
- BPA-free durable silicone
- Rainbow-themed
- Make an audible pop sound
Cons
- Some may find it hard to pop
- May pose a choking threat to toddlers
11.Best Durable: Ecerangus House Pop Fidget Toy
Alleviate stress with this Ecerangus Christmas house fidget toy. This fidget toy is soft, has no sharp edges, and is made of premium-quality material. It is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe to use. The pop fidget toy helps improve hand-eye coordination, restores mood, and develops color recognition. This handheld fidget toy is suitable for children with autism, high anxiety, and OCD. They can play with this fidget toy for autism in cars, flights, restaurants, and other places.
Pros
- BPA-free silicone material
- Washable and easy to clean
- Easy to carry
- Wear-resistant
- Strengthens parent-child interaction
Cons
- May be slightly larger than expected
- Popping sound may be loud
How To Choose The Right Fidget Toys For Anxiety?
Consider these crucial factors when choosing a fidget toy for anxiety to help your child relax.
- Quality: Despite its small size, it’s vital that a fidget toy is extremely well made. It’s going to be used frequently and it’s important that it doesn’t wear out or break upon extended use. The durability of the toy matters especially if you have paid rather heavily for it.
- Texture and feel However insignificant it may seem, a fidget toy should have multiple features and textures like hard, soft, squishy, or bumpy that keep your fingers busy while you focus on the task at hand. The moving parts should be smooth and should feel light, the textures soothing, and it should be weighted without feeling heavy.
- Entertaining but not distracting: The aim of a fidget toy is to give an outlet to your anxiety and excess energy so that you can focus on the task at hand rather than focusing on the toy itself. If sounds or bright colors are distracting, then a muted and discreet colored toy would be a better idea. It should be simple enough to meet your fidget requirements without becoming a distraction. For example, a fidget spinner with shiny parts and flashing lights may become more of a toy than a tool to handle anxiety.
- Safety: Needless to say, a fidget toy needs to be safe at any cost. Sharp edges and parts that can pinch your body are a strict no-no. Avoid any fidget toy that has small parts if you have children around you, and always check the recommended age on the product before buying it.
- Motor movements: You need to check what motor movements are preferred and whether the fidget toy caters to that. There are fidget toys available for different motor movements like squeezing, rubbing, flapping, flicking, or pulling, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
- Frequency and place of use: The fidget toy you choose would depend on where, when, and how it will be put to use. The choice would depend on the frequency of use and where you will be using it. That would determine whether you would need a wearable solution, one that can be attached to a keychain, whether it should be school-approved, or for use at home.
- Additional features: You now have access to a number of fancy fidget toys with special features of sound, light, and even smells. This sensory input may be required by some users, but for others, it may be unnecessary and even overwhelming. So, you can make the choice depending on what you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do fidget toys help with stress?
Yes, fidget toys are quite helpful with stress. These toys can distract your mind from stressful situations and divert your attention so that you can completely concentrate on the movement of the toys. Some fidget toys also have a fragrance to help with stress.
2. Can adults use fidget toys?
Fidget toys are not age-restricted. People of any age can use a fidget toy to relieve stress and anxiety or just for fun.
3. Can fidget toys help with ADHD?
Yes, fidget toys can help people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), where individuals mainly have trouble paying attention. Fidget toys can help these individuals by increasing their concentration through their fidgeting movements.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose has extensive experience writing well-researched articles, with her focus area being kid’s products, toys, and gifts. In this article, she lists the best fidget toys for anxiety based on user reviews, with detailed information on each product. She has also included a buying guide with useful tips for buying fidget spinners to help her readers make the right decision. These best-selling fidget spinners come in various designs and can help you feel calm and focused.
Fidget toys can help children manage symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and ADD and help them relax. From shuffling and clicking to pressing, the various fidget modes on these toys help divert their attention and manage stress. This article consists of a diverse range of the best fidget toys. To look for the best one, find a durable toy that can survive wear and tear in the long run and suits their requirements. You could also opt for a lightweight and portable fidget toy so your child can easily carry it around to help calm them down.
Infographic: What Are The Benefits Of Playing With Fidget Toys?
In recent years, fidget toys have gained popularity mainly due to their usefulness in managing anxiety. From Rubik’s cubes to fidget spinners, these toys can be found in homes, schools, and even offices. Check out the infographic below to learn the advantages of these amazing toys. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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