The 9 Best Fidget Toys for Adults and Kids

Ever had a situation where you felt like you just couldn't sit still? You might have tapped your foot, drummed your fingers – or played with a fidget toy. Because fidget toys give you a place to direct your energy, they can help reduce distraction and enhance focus and productivity. Anyone can use fidget toys, though they're especially helpful for those who are prone to distraction, like people with ADHD or anxiety.

If you're looking for a fidget toy, consider our picks below. These toys have been recommended by four behavioral health specialists to give you an engaging sensory experience. Plus, many of them are relatively simple with few small parts, meaning a safer and more focused experience for those who have pets or young kids.

Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty is a colorful putty which can be great for both adults and kids, says George Sachs, a psychologist and founder of the Sachs Center. "It gives you really good resistance so that you get that feeling of some sort of release," Sachs says.

Not to mention, since the putties have a satisfying texture as well as engaging scents, they can be a great sensory soother for kids, says Karen Tsiropinas, a therapist at Cope With School NYC.

Easily manipulated into different shapes, these small magnetic balls offer a slightly more creative way to fidget for people who might get bored with standard toys, Sachs says. Speks are satisfying on a sensory level, with an ultra-smooth handfeel and clean clicking noises when they connect.

Keep in mind, though, that while these can be great for an adult who wants a sleek fidget toy, they aren't safe for kids or those with pets around.

A great pick for the office, the Ono Roller is a simple squeeze toy that helps you release energy by clutching the roller in your hand. Like other fidget toys with few moving parts, this fidget can help you without distracting you.

Also called an infinity cube, the Shashibo Box is a folded cardboard box that can be manipulated into many different shapes. The hypnotic movements of this toy can be particularly helpful for calming anxiety, according to Tsiropinas. Plus, infinity cubes come in lots of different themes and colors that can add more interest to the toy, says Sachs.

This toy requires a bit more focus and attention, but it can be a great fidget if you have a minute to take a breather from your work, says Courtney Glashow, a therapist at Anchor Therapy.

By focusing your attention on solving a Rubix puzzle, you effectively distract yourself from your anxious energy, allowing you to move past your nerves.

Squeeze balls are a classic stress-reliever for a reason. Nee-Doh is a pliable ball that's great for ADHD and anxiety, since it provides a calming tactile sensation, Tsiropinas says.

Stress balls like Nee-Doh can also be helpful for people with anger problems, Glashow says, adding that this toy is suitable for kids and adults of all ages.

Some of the most popular fidgets on the market, Pop-Its are simple toys in which bubbles are pushed back and forth on a silicon mat. "They make a really satisfying popping sound as you play with it, and a lot of kids and adults find this enjoyable and helpful," Glashow says.

Pop-Its are often made with colorful designs that feature cartoon characters and superheroes, but there are also more subtle options for adults as well.

Marble Mesh toys are a simple fidget option that provide minimal risk of distraction. Moving the ball around inside the mesh helps users use up their energy. Plus, the unique sensation of the smooth ball inside the mesh can be satisfying, Tsiropinas says.

Spiky plastic balls like these can provide a useful sensory distraction for someone dealing with anxiety. All you have to do is roll the ball around in your hand. "For a young child who really is very dysregulated, it can be something to focus on… so they can start to breathe," Tsiropinas says.

The best fidget toy for you will depend on your personal preferences. Some people like gooey slime, while others hate the texture. Likewise, while a repetitive clicking sound could soothe one person, it may prove distracting to someone else. Ultimately, finding the best fidget toy for you will require some trial and error, Tsiropinas says.

Some top considerations include looking for an age appropriate toy, a toy that's safe for you and members of your household, and keeping in mind size and portability if you want to take your fidget with you on the go. Here are some common types of fidget toys:

Keep in mind, too, that it's okay if fidget toys just aren't for you. "Not everyone benefits from fidget toys, and some people may find them distracting or counterproductive," says Jeff Ditzell, the founder and lead psychiatrist at Jeff Ditzell Psychiatry. If you've tried several different types of fidgets and still haven't found anything that works, don't worry: there are other strategies that you can try.

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