“My message to parents would be that we do not have sufficient evidence to support the idea that fidget toys will be helpful for all children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. I would encourage parents instead to consider whether a particular fidget toy is helpful for their child,” Chelsea Weyand, PsyD, ABPP, at Akron Children’s Hospital, tells Verywell Family. “Additionally, I would ask parents to consider treating symptoms and not disorders. For example, a fidget toy may not improve your child’s ADHD, but it may help your child sit still in the classroom.” Look for fidget toys that are fun, age appropriate and durable, so you or your child can get plenty of use out of it. Additionally, keep in mind whether it’s suitable for and allowed in school, if your child plans to take the toy with them to the classroom. We carefully considered design, age recommendations, material, ease of use, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best fidget toys on the market. Price at time of publication: $5 Each fidget spinner has ball bearings and bearing weights under the center disc for smooth, long spins. All three corners of the fidget spinner are rounded to help prevent any scratches or injuries to fingers. To rotate, simply put one finger on each side of the center and spin with your other hand. Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $21 Price at time of publication: $20 Because it’s quiet, the Tangle Jr. has been used in studies looking at whether physical activity can help students with ADHD focus while learning. The results aren’t definitive, but you can always try this fun toy at home first. Price at time of publication: $24 Each cube measures about half an inch, and when it’s stretched into a line, the toy measures 6 inches total. While this fidget toy is on the smaller side, it’s handy to have close by in your bag for restless moments. Price at time of publication: $7 Price at time of publication: $7 The water-resistant spinner features adorable hand-drawn icons of shapes, numbers, and animals for educational and visual appeal. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors, like pink, blue, or gray. Toss it in the dishwasher or use warm water and soap when it’s time for a quick clean. Price at time of publication: $15 The company recommends washing the balls in warm water and soap before air drying them. You can also apply a little bit of baby powder once they’re done air drying to make the balls feel like new again. Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $7 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $19
What to Look for When Buying Fidget Toys
Type of Toy
Fidget toys first became popular in 2017 with the release of fidget spinners. Now, fidget toys have expanded beyond spinners and into fidget cubes, pop-its, keychains, rings, and more. For example, instead of only spinning a fidget toy, you can now twist, pull, stretch, roll, or pop to relieve nerves, anxiety, and stress. The type of toy that’s best for you or your child will depend on a few factors, like age, material, and where you plan to use the fidget toy.
Age Level
As with any toy, it’s important to check age recommendations before buying to ensure safety for everyone playing. “Be certain that the fidget toy selected for your child is age-appropriate and free of choking hazards if they still put things in their mouth. Fidget toys should be seen as a coping tool and not as a replacement for therapeutic or medical intervention,” explains Dr. Weyand. When buying for a child, check the manufacturer’s age recommendations, as a fidget toy made for preteens may be too difficult to use by a preschooler.
Durability
It’s no secret fidget toys get a lot of attention and love, so a durable fidget toy is a must. Opt for a stronger material, like wood or silicone, so their fidgeting doesn’t sacrifice the integrity of the toy. Plus, you want the toy to hold up against being dropped and tossed.
School-Appropriate
Many fidget toys are not allowed in the classroom as they may distract students from learning or listening. “They can be very distracting for certain children in the classroom setting, making many issues associated with these conditions [ADHD, autism, anxiety] worse. Families should collaborate closely with the teacher before planning for their child to use a fidget toy in the classroom,” Dr. Weyand recommends. Some studies have shown that using fidget toys in the classroom have improved attention, writing abilities, peer communication, and attitude. “[Fidget toys] may be helpful in decreasing specific symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and autism in some children with these disorders,” says Dr. Weyand. “They are also a low-cost intervention, so if effectiveness is demonstrated for your child, that is a bonus.” For classrooms that allow fidget toys, opt for one with a small footprint that doesn’t make noise to avoid any distractions in the classroom.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than seven years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. While a fidget toy will depend on a person’s age, Katrina recommends the Simpl Dimpl for younger children, and the Executive Magnetic Sculptures for teens and adults. “A fidget may not treat autism, but it may serve as an effective coping strategy when your child with autism becomes angry in a public setting,” says Dr. Weyand, adding that fidget toys are also used in behavioral therapy. “Fidgets can also be used in behavioral therapy as an evidence-based intervention for certain habit disorders, such as hair pulling and skin picking. The psychologist works with the patient and family to identify a preferred fidget, and when the patient has an urge to pull their hair or pick their skin, they would use the fidget instead. … However, I would not recommend parents initiating this intervention on their own.”
