Staying calm is easier said than done. As someone who deals with anxiety, trust me, I've been there. Whether you have attention struggles, stress, autism, anxiety, ADHD, or another mental health issue, fidget toys can help ease you into a calm state of mind. And don't let the word "toy" make you underestimate these tools — they're useful and effective, and they can be enjoyed by all ages. You deserve the stress relief, too. After all, it's nice to take out your nervous energy on something that's built to handle it.
Fidget toys are necessary for many of us; whether you want to relax before an important meeting or need help focusing before an exam, having a handy sensory toy in your back pocket can help. Fidget toys come in all sorts of fun shapes, colors, and designs that are made to ease your senses.
Whether you're looking for a fidget toy that disguises itself as a piece of jewelry or you want a toy that can fit in the palm of your hand, we've rounded up some of the internet's favorite fidget toys from retailers like Amazon and Walmart so you can get them sooner rather than later. See them for yourself ahead.
— Additional reporting by Alexis Jones
The Three-Piece Finger Magnetic Ring ($8) will keep fidgeting hands busy with its ability to shift shapes and rotate. Its smooth surface makes it easy to move, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, so you can take it anywhere.
The Shape Shifting Box ($25) transforms into 70 different shapes, so you'll never get bored. It's made with a strong internal magnet system that allows multiple cubes to connect together so that you can collect more to build even larger structures. The box fits comfortably in your hand for ease of use.
You can't go wrong with the classic stress ball. This Serenilite Hand Therapy Exercise Stress Ball Bundle ($21) provides three different kinds in soft, medium, and hard variations. Conveniently throw these in your purse or jacket pocket, and pull one out whenever you need a moment of zen.
Fidget spinners are a cult favorite for a reason. This five-pack from Scione Fidget Spinners Toys ($11, originally $20) on Amazon comes with five different-colored spinner toys, so you swap out a new one each day of the work week. Take them with you wherever you go, and pull one out when you need it most.
Work on your hand strength and satisfy your fidget needs simultaneously with the Vive Therapy Putty, Occupational Hand Tools ($13, originally $15). The putty comes in a range of firmness levels — from extra soft to extra firm, depending on your needs. You'll love being able to soothe and strengthen at the same time.
The Yogi Fidget Toy ($27 for two) is playable with just one hand, making fidgeting super discreet. You can use one at the dinner table, under your office desk, or at a classroom desk. The yogi comes in a pack of two so that you can pick and choose which one you want to play with.
Jewelry that doubles as a calming mechanism? Yes, please. This 925 Sterling Silver Anti Anxiety Ring ($7) is designed with beads that you can subtly shift back and forth to help you stay focused or relaxed. The ring comes in five different sizes and is hypoallergenic, nickel free, and lead free.
Use the Speks Geode Magnetic Fidget Sphere ($30) to build structures that you can break down. The best part? If you shake them in your hand, they'll magically self-align. Simply fidget around and build your favorite configuration — it's a great distraction that helps you destress.
The Snap and Click Fidget Cubes ($7 for six) can pivot into different shapes, so your hands are always occupied. One reviewer wrote, "I've been looking for more fidgets as I work through my ADHD, and this one is by far the best." Use them to break nervous habits like nail biting and more.
Pop away stress with the Pop It Push Pop Fidget Toys ($3). You can buy one in any of the five calming colors available online, including sage, black coffee, gardenia, terra cotta, and zen blue. It's great for those nervous in a classroom or to use as a distraction during work meetings.
Squish the Mini Glitter Stress Balls For Adults ($11 for three) whenever you're feeling stressed, angry, or anxious as a way to calm down. The ball fits right into the palm of your hand and comes in yellow, pink, and blue colors to help aid in concentration and focus.
Relieve restlessness with the Infinity Cube Fidget Toy ($4) that can be used with one hand. The cube comes in 13 different designs and can easily fit into your palm. It is a tad noisy when used, though, so make sure that you're on mute if you're using it during a Zoom meeting.
The Jumbo Water Trick Snake Filled With Sparkle Streamers ($13) is satisfying to squeeze. Plus, it brings back a bit of nostalgia from the '90s. The toy is filled with colored water and shimmery sparkling streamers so that you never get bored of playing with it. Just be careful — it can fall out of your hand rather quickly.