The Seven Best Fidget Toys Out There!
Whether you have a neurodiverse child or just one who needs a little focus strategy or method to distress, a fidget toy will help them recenter and reengage. There are many fidget toys, but there are a few that shine.
If you are unfamiliar with fidget toys, they offer support when kids are upset or stressed. The fidget encourages the child to focus on the movement, sound, and texture. This allows them to slow down their heart rate and respiration as they focus on the toy rather than the stressful situation. As a result, it enables them to self-regulate or release and soothe stress.
Here is a segment I did for another brand in 2024 that shows some additional fidget and social-emotional toys you may want to consider.
As a toy expert with experience working with autistic children over the past decade, I believe that fidget toys often provide the strategy kids need. You can find these in most retailers, such as Learning Express, Walmart, or Amazon.
A classic fidget Spinner is an excellent option for most kids. However, I know many schools have banned them, and they tend to get into hair and get stuck. So, while they are still a great fidget toy, here are some others to consider.
SENSORY FIDGET TUBES (Hand2Mind)
Each set of sensory fidget tubes comes with one calming glitter tube, one fantastic fidget tube, one magical reverse hourglass, and one soothing gravity spinner. There are no batteries or electronic noises. Having one of each sensory tube offers a unique experience depending on what the child needs and how they react, so you have one on hand for anything that may arise.
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CHUCKLE & ROAR POP IT! (Buffalo Games)
Pop It! from Chuckle & Road provides great sensory interaction and keeps kids engaged and their little hands busy. Not only does it provide a fidget opportunity, but it also works on fine motor skills. While there are a lot of similar products in the market, what I like about Chuckle & Roar’s version is that it is washable and durable. It can also be played as a game, so it offers a lot of value. Even a number/letter version can be a fun, tactile way to work on educational concepts for children with processing issues or ADHD.
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DIMPLE DIGITS (Fat Brain Toys)
What I love about Dimple Digits is that they are larger silicone bubbles, so even younger children can engage in sensory soothing – in addition to working on fine motor skills. My favorite is the keychain version. Kids can take it to school, but it is also really discrete for older kids. They can leave it in their pocket and fidget with it there without having to draw attention to themselves. If you don’t want that bubble wrap sound effect, the pop is more discrete than the Pop It version above. There are other Dimple Digit styles – like one that looks like a flower and has Spanish and English numbers. There is also one shaped like a butterfly.
BUY IT NOW ON AMAZON or directly at FatBrainToys.com.
SILLY PUTTY (Crayola)
Remembering the original putty with all the slime and compounds in the marketplace is hard. However, it offers the same fidget experience but in a small egg shape that you can take with you anywhere. At such an inexpensive price point, it is easy to take, toss, or refresh when it gets dirty. For easy access, you can also have several items stashed around the house, such as a car, purse, etc.. You can often find them in craft stores, supermarkets, and dollar stores. You can also get a bulk pack on Amazon.
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BLOCKAROO (Blue Marble)
Blockarros are soft-sided foam blocks that are dishwasher safe, float in water, and click together using magnets. Plus, they rotate. While Blockaroo sets are great building blocks, they can also double as fidgets. Just take two of them, and you can snap them together over and over, or rotate them. Both actions act as a fidget. Then you get the bonus of having a great building, pool, or bath toy!
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