The Best Fidget Toys to Keep Hands Busy and Minds at Ease
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From spinners to games, these are the best fidget toys for all ages
Medically reviewed by Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPPFact checked by Rich Scherr
Fidget toys are small objects that pop, spin, twist, stretch, squish, or provide another way to keep hands busy. These toys come in a variety of styles, like fidget spinners or stress balls, for kids of all ages and adults. At the beginning of the fidget spinner craze, some claimed these toys had therapeutic value for children with ADHD or autism, but scientists are divided about this. Still, kids love them, which is why it’s helpful to know which are the best fidget toys out now.
“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 them. 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.
In order to find the best fidget toys, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Scientific American on fidget spinner safety and the benefits of fidget toys. Moreover, we spoke with Dr. Weyand about the age- and school-appropriateness of fidget toys and what to look for in them. A pediatric psychologist on our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy and integrity around fidget toys.
Best Overall: Fat Brain Toys Simpl Dimpl
Pros
Mini keychain clip included
Portable
4 color combinations
Cons
Key ring can pinch fingers when not in use
The name says it all: This is a simple toy that provides immediate sensory and fidgeting satisfaction with the push of the little dimples, which is why it’s our top pick. Toddlers to preteens will enjoy the Simpl Dimpl’s compact and lightweight keychain design that easily clips onto a backpack or beach bag. Unlike those giant pop-it toys, you can take this anywhere.
The fidget toy’s frame is made with durable plastic, while the dimples are 100% silicone. Available in four bright color combos, the Simpl Dimpl can be safely pushed, popped, or poked by children ages 3 years old and up.
Price at time of publication: $7
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Type: Pop
Best Spinner: Scione Fidget Spinners
Pros
12 fidget spinners included
Multiple style options
Easy to use/discreet
Cons
Bearings loosen over time
The Scione Fidget Spinners earn our top spot because this pack includes enough fidget spinners for the whole family to enjoy. Recommended for children 3 years old and up, this pack from Scione includes 12 classic fidget spinners in a variety of colors and patterns, like camo or galaxy themes.
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
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Spinner
Best for Adults: Speks Geode
Pros
Build various shapes and patterns
More than two dozen color options
Pentagon or triangle shapes
Cons
Not portable (easy to lose pieces)
The Speks Geode is an impressive—and reversible—magnetic sphere that transforms into different shapes and patterns. One of our writers received a sample from the brand and uses her Speks Geode throughout the day (especially when she’s hit writer’s block) to give her mind a break. The company says you can mess up any masterpiece you want because the pieces self-align—and it’s true. All 12 pieces feature five rare earth magnets inside for the ultimate construction and deconstruction, with all pieces coming back together beautifully each time.
It’s important to note that the company does not recommend the Speks Geode for children, so we suggest this fidget toy for adults or older teens.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 14 years old and up | Type: Magnetic
Best Doll: Fidgie Friends Fashion Doll
Pros
Encourage imaginative play
Multiple fidget toys
Rooted hair
Cons
Not for younger children
Sometimes, just a single fidget toy doesn’t feel like enough, especially when you’re giving a gift. These 10.5-inch dolls, however, are multiple toys in one, and we know plenty of kids who will adore them. As of this writing, there are four different dolls (Watermellow, Unicorn Sprinkles, Boba Bubbles, and Dandielion Wishes), each of whom wears multiple fidget toys (pop-it wings, squishy skirts, sequins-flipping mermaid tail, etc.) in addition to rooted hair and working joints. They’ll encourage imaginative play as well as fidgeting.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 6 years old and up | Type: Doll
Related: The 20 Best Dolls of 2023
Best Collectible: Pop It! Pets Mystery Bag
Pros
Small and portable
Fun to collect and trade
Some change color
Cons
Can be easily lost if not clipped
These “pets” are two toy trends in one: Single-bubble versions of the original Pop It! toy delivered to kids in a blind bag, meaning they don’t know which five pets they’ll get until after they’ve opened it. There are 100 different pets—some are animals, others are inanimate objects like tacos—and each comes with a card that’s also part of a map to their “world.”
Whether you let your kids keep buying more to create a full-on pet collection is up to you, but they’ll get plenty of pleasure out of just five of them, which can clip onto keychains, zippers, or backpacks for mobile fidgeting fun.
Price at time of publication: $10
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Pop
Best Game: Buffalo Games Pop It! Pro Game
Pros
Engaging and exciting
Encourage motor development
Many levels of play
Cons
Not meant for quiet/educational settings
Most toys on this list are meant to be fidgeted with quietly, perhaps while something more important is happening in the room. Not this one. Pop It! Pro is a single-player game that will take up a child’s (or adult’s) entire attention as they watch a lighted pattern and then try to push the bubbles to repeat it. With increasing difficulty levels, this frenzied little game is quite addictive, so distribute it wisely.
Price at time of publication: $17
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 5 years old and up | Type: Pop
Related: The 33 Best Family Board Games
Best for Teens: Fat Brain Toys Executive Magnetic Sculptures
Pros
Sculpt into different shapes
Creative outlet
Base is compact
Cons
Bearings themselves are not magnetic
As any compulsive doodler or pen-clicker knows, fidgeting isn’t just for kids. This sculpture is recommended for children 11 years old and up, but we think teens and adults will love it just as much. It features a magnetic base that’s 2.5 inches in diameter, so you can stack, mold, fiddle, or sculpt the included non-magnetic metal spheres on top. Just remember to keep it away from small siblings.
Price at time of publication: $7
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 11 years old and up | Type: Magnetic balls
Related: The 79 Best Gifts for Teens of 2023
Best for ADHD: Tangle Jr. Original Fidget Toy
Pros
Interchangeable parts
Vibrant colors
Can double as a bracelet
Cons
Pieces can be lost
Children ages 3 and up will enjoy twisting, tangling, taking apart, and putting back together this colorful toy. The Tangle Jr. comes in a wide variety of color schemes (some with textures, too), which you can mix and connect with other Tangles. Kids can mold the Tangle into different shapes, expressing their creative side. Plus, this package includes three separate Tangles to mix and match together.
Because it’s quiet, the Tangle Jr. has been used in studies examining 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: $21
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Twist
Best Puzzle: Toysmith Wood Fidget Puzzle
Pros
Create a variety of shapes
Bright colors
Great for adults or children
Cons
Small
Elastic inside can snap with rough play
This isn’t exactly a puzzle to solve, but kids and adults will enjoy arranging and twisting Toysmith’s Wood Fidget Puzzle into various shapes. Twelve colorful wooden blocks connect together via an elasticized string, allowing you to create a straight line or make (and teach) fun shapes.
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 it close by in your bag for restless moments.
Price at time of publication: $7
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Twist
Related: The 8 Best Puzzles for Kids
Best Sensory: Impresa Spiky Sensory Finger Rings, pack of 10
Pros
Wearable
Made with stainless steel
10 included in pack
Cons
Tighter fit on adult fingers
Recommended for children 3 years old and up, these spiky sensory rings can be worn by anyone in the family. The stainless steel rings are 1 inch in diameter, and they’re stretchy enough to fit fingers of any size. When the urge to fidget strikes, simply roll the rings up and down your finger to create a unique, calming sensation.
Price at time of publication: $9
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Ring
Best for Toddlers: Bella Tunno Beginner Spinner
Pros
Safe to chew on
Hand drawn icons
Easy to clean
Cons
Toy doesn’t spin (rotate via hands)
For a fidget toy you’ll get years of use from, we recommend the Bella Tunno Beginner Spinner. Recommended for newborns and up, the spinner is made with non-toxic, food-grade silicone that’s safe for teething littles to put in their mouths.
The water-resistant spinner features adorable hand-drawn icons of shapes, numbers, and animals for educational and visual appeal. Plus, it’s available in several 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: $10
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: Newborn and up | Type: Teether
Related: The Best Baby Teethers for Soothing Your Little One's Sore Gums
Best Stress Balls: Power Your Fun Arggh Mini Stress Balls
Pros
Color changing
Squishy
Non-toxic gel filling
Cons
Can pop if squeezed too hard
Squeeze away those worries with these mini stress balls that change colors when you squish them. Filled with a non-toxic gel, the stress balls change from blue to green, pink to purple, or yellow to orange. They are safe for children 8 years old and up and measure 2.5 inches in diameter, so they’re small enough to take on the go.
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: $17
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 8 years old and up | Type: Ball
Best Stretchy: Impresa Monkey Noodles
Pros
Stretches up to 8 feet
Non-toxic material
Hypoallergenic/BPA-free
Cons
Attract pet hair/fuzz
Can snap fingers/hands
The fidgeting options are endless with these strings that stretch up to 8 feet long! Stretch, twist, pull, wrap, squeeze, or twirl the strings into different shapes, knots, and more. Recommended for children ages 3 and up, the fidget strings are hypoallergenic and made with non-toxic materials. Plus, they come in a variety of vibrant colors, like green and yellow.
Price at time of publication: $13
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Twist, pull, squeeze
Best Putty: Crazy Aaron's Super Scarab Thinking Putty
Pros
Stretch, bounce, squish, and more
Hues change based on light angling
Vibrant colors
Cons
Stiff if lid not properly closed
If you or kiddos love fidgeting with putty, we think you’ll enjoy stretching, twisting, sculpting, pulling, and snapping Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. This putty changes color hues based on light angles, resembling a galaxy with purples and blues that intertwine beautifully. It comes in a 3.2-ounce tin can for storage to keep it fresh and is recommended for children ages 3 and up.
Price at time of publication: $15
Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Type: Putty
Related: The 22 Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds of 2023
How We Selected the Best Fidget Toys
We chose the best fidget toys by researching reviews from customers and competitors, studying the features of dozens of products on the market. We considered design, age recommendations, ease of use, material, and value when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Chelsea Weyand, PsyD, ABPP, at Akron Children’s Hospital, and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on fidget spinner safety.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fidget toys help with anxiety?
“When considering the effectiveness of fidgets for youth with anxiety, autism, and ADHD from a research standpoint, there is no consistent evidence of their effectiveness in these populations. In fact, some studies indicate that fidget toys increase distractibility in the classroom, which indicates that they may make symptoms worse,” says Dr. Weyand. “A fidget may not improve anxiety overall, but it may serve as a helpful distraction during painful medical procedures, talking in front of a large group of peers, etc.,” she adds.
Do fidget toys help with autism or ADHD?
Dr. Weyand tells Verywell Family she has many patients with ADHD, anxiety, and autism who use fidget toys and find them helpful to manage symptoms associated with their disorders. It’s important to keep in mind that fidget toys don’t treat a disorder, but they can help improve symptoms.
“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.”
What fidget toy is most popular right now?
While there are dozens of fidget toys on the market, there are a few favorites among kiddos and adults. “Pop-it toys and infinity cubes still seem to be very popular, as well as stress balls,” explains Dr. Weyand.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina received a sample of a Speks Geode from the brand and uses it at her desk every day. She loves how the pieces magnetically snap together to create different patterns and shapes.
