Fidget Toys That Will Help Your Kids Focus

Pop Its, Infinity Cubes, and spinners! Learn the science behind why fidgets work, and grab a few of our favorites for your kids.

August 31, 2021

By: Amanda Mushro

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Photo By: Anna Blazhuk

Fidgets for Focus

As you look over your child’s school supplies, you may want to add one more item — a fidget toy. While sending toys to school with your kid is usually a bad idea, fidgets can actually be beneficial to helping children of all ages do better in school. So, while fidgets may seem like a distraction to us, they can be useful tools to help kids feel confident in school and be more successful.

Fidgets have been shown to help kids stay focused, calm their nerves, and help them regroup their ideas and emotions. One Harvard study found that just a small amount of movement, like fidgeting with hands, increases dopamine and norepinephrine — neurotransmitters that aid attention and focus. Another study found that "attitude, attention, writing abilities, and peer interaction improved" for kids who were allowed to use fidgets.

From preschoolers all the way to college students, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fidgets that offer a variety of sensory options. Here are our picks for every type of student.

Pop Fidgets

You can find these toys just about everywhere these days, and there is a really good reason why kids love pop fidgets. The soft silicone buttons offer a relaxing sensation that helps kids manage anxiety and stress. So, if kids are having a hard day or they need a quick break from schoolwork, a pop fidget may give them the relief they need.

BUY IT: Amazon, $12.99

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

Putty is a real delight to the senses and Crazy Aaron’s Putty is the best. Stretching, sculpting, snapping, and rolling, make this putty an awesome fidget. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and scents to try. Each putty is stored in its own metal tin, so it never dries out or makes a mess. This "Hide Inside" version lets kids play a fun game of I spy with their textured putty. We also love the "Glow in the Dark" and "SCENTsory" putty options!

BUY IT: Amazon, $12.95

Fidget Cubes

This twelve-sided fidget cube gives kids plenty of sensory seeking options. From spinning and clicking to rolling and flicking, each side offers easy ways to stay focused while fidgeting.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8.99

Fidget Pens

This pen was designed for older kids who may not feel comfortable taking out a fidget. While it looks like a regular pen, it actually comes loaded with several sensory seeking options — click, spin disk, bouncy clip, click switch, rolling ball, smooth dip, and textured grip. This pen allows kids to fidget, focus, and continue writing when they are ready.

BUY IT: Amazon, $14.99

Sensory Tubes

These colorful tubes give kids the chance to pop, stretch, and connect. The tubes keep little fingers busy so their brains can stay calm and focused. These tubes are a fan-favorite of teachers in preschool and early elementary school.

BUY IT: Amazon, $6.99 (4 Count)

Chair Bands

For kids who can’t calm their feet, these bands are a great sensory-seeking fidget. Just place a band across the legs of the chair and kids can bounce out their energy, anxiety, and nerves. These bands are great for school or at home when kids have to sit for long periods of time.

BUY IT: Amazon, $39.00 (12 Count)

Fidget Ring

For a smaller fidget toy that is quiet and a little more discreet, this ring could be a good option. It’s designed to be stretched, pulled, squished, and spun. Kids can wear one or a few to seek out the sensory sensation that works best for them.

BUY IT: Amazon, $11.90

Rainbow Spinner

Not only does this toy look cool when you give it a spin, but reviewers say it has a long spin time and it’s super durable. So, if your kids are fidget spinner fans, this may become their new favorite.

BUY IT: Amazon, $12.99

Dimple Fidgets

If dimple fidgets appeal to your kids, then this variety pack is a great option. Just attach the dimple fidgets to their backpacks or pencil cases so they’ll always have one close by while they’re at school.

BUY IT: Amazon, $13.99

Chain Fidget

This toy is loved by adults and teens because it’s quiet, but still offers a variety of fidgeting styles. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and offers the same sensory comfort as other fidgets.

BUY IT: Amazon, $7.99

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