![]() The best way to figure out if a fidget toy may work for you is to give it a try. Kinesthetic learners used the stress balls more consistently and showed the greatest improvement in attention. The findings show that when students used the stress balls, their writing improved and they were less distracted. Researchers observed and videotaped the students during the 7-week intervention as well as for 3 weeks before it began. Some people find fidget toys provide the tactile manipulation needed to remain calm and focused during work, school, or home.Īnother 2006 pilot study observed 29 sixth-grade students who were allowed to use stress balls in the classroom. However, research on their effectiveness for this purpose is lacking.Ī 2018 study suggests fidget toys can be a fun way to increase fine motor control, which is the ability to move the small muscles in the hands to complete intricate tasks like writing. Some people find that fidget toys help them stay calm and focused. If it’s going to be used at school or work, for instance, it’s best to avoid one that is distracting or makes noise.įrequently asked questions about fidget toys Can fidget toys help?įidgeting is a common human behavior that often occurs when a person is nervous, in a stressful situation, or is attempting to focus on a task or pay attention. If buying for a teen or adult, consider the environment where the toy will be used. If buying for a young child, be sure the fidget toy is durable and doesn’t have any small parts that could be a choking hazard. ![]() Though fidgeting isn’t an age-specific phenomenon, it’s always a good idea to consider age before buying a fidget toy. How to pick an age appropriate fidget toy For example, you may find it calming to squeeze a soft, squishy stress ball where someone else might prefer the action of a hard plastic spinner. Will a child be carrying the fidget toy back and forth to school? Will an adult use it in an office environment? These are all things to consider before choosing a product.Īlso, certain materials, textures, and motions might be more beneficial than others, depending on personal needs. When choosing a fidget toy, it’s a good idea to consider who will be using it before hitting the “buy now” button. What is the best fidget toy for kids?įidget toys for children should not have any small parts that are a choking hazard or a design that could otherwise harm them.Ĭhildren may find that small, quiet, and unobtrusive toys are more suitable to keep their focus on school work and to avoid distracting others.If you didn’t find what you were looking for on our list, here are some tips on finding the right product for you. Fidget toys that are quiet and unobtrusive may also help with focus. The best fidget toy for focus is one that a person can use while engaging in other tasks.įor example, some people may prefer a toy that they can rub, twist, or turn without looking at it. For example, some people may find stretchy putty calming, whereas others may prefer toys that they twist and pull. People should consider which type of fidgeting they find the most calming. There is no scientific research into the best fidget toy for anxiety. People should consider the type of fidget actions a product offers, the noise levels, and the toy’s safety when choosing a product. While fidget toys appeared to make the classroom less disruptive, there was not enough data to suggest that children who use these products pay more attention in class.Īnother 2022 study found that supplying three students ages 8 or 9 years old with perceived attention difficulties with a fidget toy did not improve behavior.īelow are some common questions about fidget toys. However, the researchers note that it is impossible to determine how well the children were concentrating on the task at hand. On-task behavior in this study meant that children were sitting at their desks and not disrupting lessons. However, research is limited and provides mixed results.įor example, a 2022 study on three students with ADHD, ages 7 or 8 years old, found that the fidget toys helped increase on-task behavior. ![]() One of the most common anecdotal support for fidget toys is that these products may help people with ADHD focus on tasks, especially children. There is no harm, risk, or significant cost of fidget toys, so they may be a lower-budget option for people who are trying to ease symptoms of anxiety. However, anecdotally, these products may give people a point of focus that may help distract them from some of the symptoms of their condition. There is n ot enough evidence to say that the use of fidget toys reduces anxiety. There are some studies on fidget toys for anxiety or OCD, though most have found there is no effect.
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