What’s the deal with fidget spinners?

Fidget Spinners have recently been so popular that it has practically become a fidget craze. Increasing awareness of the educational benefits of fidget toys, fueled partially by recent studies that indicate that busy hands lead to improved concentration has fueled the surge in popularity of fidget spinners. Current research indicates that when nervous and fretful energy is redirected in an appropriate way, kids are better able to focus on the task at hand. Contrary to what was once commonly believed, channeling that energy with fidget spinners allows kids greater concentration and ultimately better performance.

Fidget spinners are a particularly effective tool for keeping restless hands busy and fidgety kids on task because the motion is simple and repetitive, meaning it is not a cognitively strenuous task. In other words, a fidget spinner is an effective fidget tool because it is able to redirect extraneous energy in a way that is not overly distracting (for the fidgeter or the other kids nearby). They are usually a completely silent fidget toy, making them a perfect classroom fidget (or office toy!)

Best fidget toys for kids

Image	Product	Why it's great	Learn more
	Aku Ring	Aku Ring is a stretchy sensory development fidget with tactile nubs that kids love to squeeze and bend. Often used as an occupational therapy tool and is also great for channeling your child’s fidgeting.	Check price
	Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty	An excellent (as well as silent) fidget toy for manipulating under the desk. The calming, tactile nature of Aaron’s putty makes it a soothing fidget toy for ADHD kids.	Check price
	CubeBot Rainbow	Cubebot is a puzzle, action figure, robot, and transformer combined; but the fluidity and repetitiveness of its motion make it a perfect fidget toy.	Check price
	Fidget ring	Kids who are self conscious about their fidgeting will love this incredibly discreet fidget ring. It can be worn on one finger like a standard ring, and manipulated easily with another finger on the same hand or the other hand. It’s a quiet, non-distracting fidget that’s perfect for classroom use.	Check price
	Finger Feet	If fidgeting is a major problem for your kids, let them walk their hands around! Oh, and if you’re looking for fidget toys for nail biters, this may have just solved your problem.	Check price
	Hoberman sphere	A classic, and a favorite of kids and adults, the Hoberman sphere can easily expand from 9 inches to 30 inches in diameter. Great for short breaks in tasks.	Check price
	Hot Wheels 50 pack	Many kids are calmed by rolling these fidgets around on the desk or along their legs.	Check price
	Ivan’s Hinge	Fold, loop, bend, twist, and turn the articulating joints of Ivan’s Hinge. Irresistibly fidgety and creative, it makes a perfect focus toy for kids with ADHD.	Check price
	Jacob’s Ladder	A classic, award-winning cascading desktop game with endless, engaging possibilities	Check price
	Jeliku	Highly tactile, instantly engaging, and extremely open-ended. A sensory therapy toys that can be manipulated into geometric shapes, colorful designs, and abstract patterns. One of the best fidget toys for autism.	Check price
	Coil Spring	A long way from the submarine anti-vibration device it was once designed to be, the Slinky has quickly evolved into one of America’s most beloved toys and fidget tools.	Check price
	Klixx	An articulated chain that can be bent into countless shapes, letters, numbers, and symbols, it will keep imaginations active, hands busy, and withstand hours of play. Klixx is one of the best fidget toys for ADHD.	Check price
	Stringy ball	Can be squished, rubbed and rolled between the hands, and pulled on. ADHD kids love to fidget with the soft rubber strands, and parents love that it can be passed in the house without damaging anything.	Check price
	Pin art	Tactile and engaging for the hands, as well as fun to create new designs. Amazing as a sensory therapy toy, as well.	Check price
	Springy Thingy	Springy Thingy will roll up and down the arm and expand and compress. A brilliant spinning fidget toy that also stows away easily in it’s flattened form.	Check price
	Squishies Animal Eye Poppers	Think of it as a stress ball for kids – you can squeeze just like a stress ball (and with all of the benefits), but with a cute eye-popping effect.	Check price
	Switch Pitch	This ball magically switches from one color to another by inverting the individual pieces in one fluid, seamless motion. It’s utterly captivating to fidget with and to watch!	Check price
	Tangle Jr.	If a younger child can’t stand sitting with idle hands, this is the perfect (and portable!) solution for waiting rooms, car rides, classrooms and more. One of the best fidget toys for anxiety.	Check price
	Tangle	Tangle is the ultimate fidgeting device. A captivating, bendable fidget with an extremely ergonomic feel – used for stress relief as well as hand therapy and dexterity building.	Check price
	Ultimate Fidget	The name says it all – a captivating, durable metal rolling fidget for kids. The Ultimate Fidget is perfectly quiet, making it one of the best fidget toys for the classroom as well as one of our favorite metal fidget toys for ADHD kids.	Check price
	Thumbchucks	Thumbchucks are a new take on a classic toy called Begleri beads. Like Begleri (which were popularized in Greece in the 1960s), Thumbchucks are held in the meaty part of the hand between the thumb and forefinger, then spun rapidly around the entire hand by flipping it over and catching with your pinky. That’s the gist, anyway, but there are hundreds of ways to play! Either learn some tricks or absentmindedly fidget with this awesome light up fiddle toy.	Check price
	SCIONE Metal Fidget Spinner	Fidget spinners are incredibly popular right now. Hold it between two fingers and flick the spinner with another finger or start it by waving your hand, then see how long you can get it to spin!	Check price
	Pure Brass Gears Linkage Fidget spinner	An easy to use fidget spinner that acts as a stress reducer, relieves anxiety and boredom, and increases focus. Smooth bearings make for an incredibly long spin time. Kids with ADHD get a particular benefit out of the continuous, effortless play pattern of a simple fidget spinner toy.	Check price
	Wikki Stix	Stimulate the imagination and creativity, tame fidgety fingers, adhere to almost any smooth surface as well as to one another, and can be peeled up and re-positioned. Wikki Stix also tends to be a fantastic calming toy for ADHD.	Check price
	Finger Fidget Pencils	Turn something your child already has in every class into a great fidget device. The fascinating finger fidgets are also removable and reusable. Since you already need a pencil anyways, it’s a great fidget toy for ADHD students!
	Classis fidget spinner assortment	Additional weights in the lobes help to keep the momentum going using centrifugal force.

Fidget toys comparison matrix

What are the benefits of fidget toys for kids?

• fidget spinners are great for helping kids to stay focused on demanding tasks or projects
• fidget spinners can help to combat bad habits or compulsions
• fidget spinners have additional benefits for kids with ADD, ADHD, autism, and countless special needs applications
• fidget spinners have numerous occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) applications
• fidget spinners help with stress and anxiety relief
• fidget spinners improve overall concentration and focus/attention to detail

Fidget spinners also have the additional benefit of preventing other unwanted behaviors, including potentially irritating habits like smoking, nail-biting, hair twirling or leg bouncing. Depending on a variety of factors digits can range from a few dollars to considerably more expensive. Entry-level spinners are perfect for most kids, although kids with ADHD or special needs that use fidget spinners on a regular basis may have better results with a fidget designed for frequent use and that can handle the additional mileage.

Smart-Toys recommend fidget spinners as a method of improving attention for all kids, whether in classrooms (that permit them), at home, or during any time spent working on a particularly difficult task. The more mentally strenuous a task is, the more a fidget spinner can help a child dedicate the appropriate amount of mental resources to the project while filtering out distracting impulses. They also alleviate mild (or even moderate) anxiety or stress.

Here are some things to consider before buying a fidget spinner:

• do I want a ball bearing or non-ball bearing fidget? (Ball-bearing spinners can be more expensive but are smoother and easier to spin).
• do I want a dual-bar, tri-bar, or even quad-bar spinner?

Why do people fidget?

Fidgeting is great for redirecting restless and nervous energy, and fidget toys can help with this. Properly directed movement can enhance opportunities for learning.
Fidgeting is a typical behavior for both kids and adults, and almost all humans fidget to some extent. According to numerous case studies, as well as a comprehensive understanding of human cognition, it is clear that learning is enhanced when movement and sensory input are correctly incorporated. Fidget toys can help to properly direct this restless energy. And, in addition to the positive effects on focus, memory, attention, and absorption of new material in the classroom, fidget toys also have the added benefit of enhancing dexterity, coordination, and fine motor skills in the developing muscles of small hands.

Fidget toys should be able to be manipulated in an open-ended way – let hands squeeze, knead, stretch, twist, and shape their fidgets!

How to use a fidget spinner

Fidget spinners work by holding either a central hub or outer spoke between two fingers, most commonly the thumb and forefinger or thumb and middle finger. Relax, move the hand gently, and watch the fidget toy begin to spin almost effortlessly. The amount and quality of the ball bearings determine the smoothness and duration of the spin.

If you’re having trouble getting started, hold the fidget spinner in one hand and give it small, continuous flicks or whacks with the other hand to get it started and keep it spinning indefinitely. Remember, fidget spinners must be used responsibly in order to be an effective tool to improve concentration. Fidget spinners only improve focus when they are easy and automatic enough to be in the background of the child’s attention. If a fidget tool becomes the center of attention, it is working counter-actively to the intended purpose.

Frequently asked questions about fidget spinners:

Why do fidget toys work?

For many student’s optimal learning, tactile input is critical. When this important tactile input is not properly provided, more distracting fidgeting behaviors can arise, including biting the nails, tapping feet, drumming on a desk, twirling a lock of hair, or chewing on the end of a pencil. It is important to provide appropriate input to head off this either socially unacceptable or simply non-useful fidgeting activity that may crop up.

Fidget toys are appropriate for all ages and genders and most developmental abilities. They also exist in many varieties of sizes, shapes, weights, and textures. Many parents will learn that the effectiveness of a certain fidget object can wane as time passes, so it is advisable to try different fidget items and keep them in rotation.

Fidget toys help with better focus, attention, and listening for many cognitive tasks.

• sixth-graders who used stress balls have been shown to be demonstrably less distracted during school, especially kinesthetic learners in particular
• bodily movement during cognitive tasks leads to better outcomes for most children
• fidget toys boost productivity because they give the brain a break without being resource-intensive or overly distracting, thus preventing minds from wandering
• fidgeting actually reduces daydreaming in class and during cognitive tasks
• fidgeting encourages sensory integration, or extra sensory input not otherwise obtained from the environment
• fidgeting reduces anxiety and stress (they don’t call it a stress ball for nothing!)

Do fidget toys help with with ADHD in kids?

While idle hands may not really be the devil’s plaything, there is a lot of evidence that keeping kids hands busy has a positive influence on their attention. That’s one reason that experts recommend that kids with ADHD use fidget toys in the classroom, and many children with autism can benefit from fidget toys while learning. In fact, research indicates that most children learn better when their hands are active; funneling expandable energy in this manner allows them to better focus on what they are trying to learn. Some teachers have gone so far as to replace all of the chairs in their classrooms with inflatable exercise balls to keep their kids both active and focused; but where this is not feasible, teachers and parents may be advised to utilize fidget toys (sometimes referred to as “fidget widgets”) in order to maintain concentration on more intensive tasks like school, homework, or other projects.

We’ve found that these two fidget toys are particularly good for ADHD:

Fidget Cube

The Fidget Cube is, well, a fidgeting cube. Fidget cube relieves stress and anxiety, and is basically a funny object that does nothing – except deliver “satisfying mini-experiences”. The fidget cube satisfies the innate urge to manually manipulate things, in a variety of entertaining ways: Click, Glide, Flip, Breathe, Roll, Spin. It’s a restless hands toys that is especially good for folks with autism and ADHD (but also for everyone), this type of fidget toy can be very helpful for maintaining focus. This strangely addicting, high-quality desk toy will help your concentration at work, in class, or at home.

Knuckies Spinning Fidget Phone Grip

A fidget toy attached to your phone is brilliant because it’s always right in your pocket! Most adults already fidget with their phone nonstop, so why not make it a little more interesting? We love this awesome fidget toy that sticks to the back of your phone, because not only can you spin and fidget with the stand…but you can also hold the stand while you spin the phone. The best part about it?

It’s way more than just an awesome fidget toy that attaches to one of the items that are ALWAYS with you, but it’s also incredibly functional: Never drop your phone, easy draw from the pocket, and free up your hands. If that’s not enough for you, here are even more functions: phone stand (which swivels for landscape or portrait!), GPS mount, video stabilizer, grip for games… and way more.

What makes a fidget toy good for kids

If you have kids with ADD or ADHD (or see any on a daily basis), you have no doubt noticed them playing with fidget spinners left and right. These captivating devices have captured the attention of kids of a wide variety of ages, and for good reasons. Although seemingly simple, it’s strangely satisfying to feel the spinner rotate smoothly and effortlessly between your fingers. Kids have a great time seeing how long they can spin.

However, fidget spinners are more than just fun; they have also been demonstrated to be a fantastic tool for helping kids focus. Fidget toys have been used from classrooms to therapies to assist kids in paying attention to tasks. The reason they are so helpful is that they are a mindless task that can redirect nervous and fretful energy, as well as reduce stress and anxiety, without distracting mental resources from more cognitively strenuous tasks.

There is a wide selection of fidget toys for ADHD available on the market today, but perhaps none quite so widely used as fidget spinners. They are especially useful as classroom fidget toys because they are almost completely silent, so they will not disturb the other students in school.

Using fidget toys to increase sensory input and focus for kids with ADHD

Fidget spinners have been shown to have particular benefits for kids with ADHD. Although it can be difficult for kids with ADHD to sit still in class, fidget spinners help them focus by giving them a socially acceptable method of channeling restless impulses without distracting them from the task at hand. The repetitive motion helps direct mental resources in an appropriate way.

Besides helping with focus, kids with ADHD also often find fidget toys useful for winding down after strenuous tasks, self-regulating, staying relaxed, and discouraging unwanted behaviors such as nail-biting, skin picking, leg bouncing, and others. Every kid is different, and the best fidget toy for one child may not be right for another. It can be challenging to determine which is the best fidget spinner for your child with ADHD.

How to use fidget toys for ADHD

fidget toys are beneficial for almost every kid, but they are also believed to have additional special benefits for children with ADD, ADHD, and autism as well. Remember, fidget toys that are used in a classroom with ADHD students must be used appropriately. Be sure to supervise kids to make sure they are not distracting themselves or other students. If fidget toys are misused, they can be counterproductive to their intended purpose. Educate kids on the proper use of fidget toys, explaining that they are tools meant to improve focus on tasks at hand, but should not interfere. Also firmly set down rules regarding how and when fidget toys should be used. It may even be advisable to print out a list of “fidget rules” and store it where the fidgets are kept. (Always consult with your pediatrician or physical therapist if you have any questions or doubts.)

What are fidget toys?

A fidget toy is any object that can be used to keep the hands busy. They are often small or hand-held, (sometimes referred to as “EDC” or “everyday carry” fidget toys), so that kids or adults can manipulate them easily.

What are fidget toys used for?

Fidget toys are commonly used in the classroom, occupational therapy, and similar settings for redirecting restless and nervous energy. Studies have found that kids who fidget while learning is more likely to pay attention, retain information, and perform better on cognitively strenuous tasks. In other words, fidget toys help them learn! While it was once believed that fidgeting in class is a distraction, we now realize that appropriately directed energy actually helps kids direct more mental energy to the task at hand, whether it’s studying, absorbing lectures, or focusing on a project. Thus, fidget toys can be used as a classroom tool, or just a fun “restless hands” object to fiddle with.

Why are fidget toys good transitional items? Are fidget toys good for sensory integration?

Keeping the hands busy during a period of unexpected (or expected!) change can reduce fear and unease resulting from uncertainty.

Are fidget toys effective?

The answer to this question is a little more complex. The truth is, the RIGHT fidget toy can be very effective, while the WRONG fidget toy is just a distraction (both for the child using it and the other kids in the class). A truly effective fidget toy must be able to be played within the periphery without being overly distracting (meaning it has to be SILENT!)

Why use fidget toys?

Remember, a fidget toy is intended to be used on the periphery of a child’s attention; if they become the CENTER of attention, they are counter-productive to the intended purpose. But, appropriate use of a fidget toy not only helps with focus, but can be a socially acceptable form of sensory input that actually helps deter other less desirable behavior, including biting the nails, tapping feet, drumming on a desk, twirling a lock of hair, or chewing on the end of a pencil.

Why do fidget toys work?

Recent research indicates that the vast majority of kids actually learn and retain information better when their hands are active. Redirecting restless energy appropriately via a fidget toy can be a powerful tool in helping kids focus on other, more cognitive resource-intensive tasks.

What are the best fidget toys to focus?

Fidget toys are fantastic self-regulation tools that can greatly help with focus and attention. Furthermore, tactile input is critical for optimal learning. For suggestions on the best fidget toys to improve focus, check out our list above.

Why do fidget toys have bearings?

A particular type of fidget toy known as a fidget spinner consists of 2, 3, or even 4 arms around a central hub with ball bearings. The amount and quality of the ball bearings is a factor in the smoothness and duration of the overall spin.

How do fidget spinners work?

The center hub is held in between two fingers and spun with small wrist motions. A flick with the finger can help to get it started. This mindless, repetitive motion has been shown to help kids focus.

Are fidget toys for good for anger?

Fidget spinners can be a sensory tool to help calm an angry child

Are fidget toys good for anxiety?

Yes, fidget toys can diminish anxiety and stress for many children and adults.

Are fidget toys for good for trich?

Fidget toys can help to curt-tail certain undesirable behaviors, including smoking, picking, trichotillomania, and more.

Are fidget toys good for picking? What is a good fidget toy for pickers?

Fidget toys can be a useful deterrent for dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder or skin picking. The best fidget toys for pickers redirecting nervous energy into more socially acceptable behavior.

Can fidget toys be used for OCD?

Fidget toys are often useful tools for anyone struggling with OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as redirecting nervous energy can help counteract some of the compulsive symptoms.

Fidget toys to chew

Chewable fidgets and chewable jewelry can be particularly effective for sensory needs and self-regulation therapy because they are calming and increase oral sensory awareness. They are often useful for kids with ADHD and kids with autism to manage sensory overload by relieving pressure.

How to make fidget toys

There are fidget toys that you can make at home (you can make your own DIY fidget spinner from home using a skate bearing, nuts and bolts, and other household items.) although it is much easier with a 3-D printer! In fact, many fidget toys that you can buy are 3-D printed as well.

Fidget toys to 3D print

Read more about how you can 3-D print your own fidget spinner here.

Which fidget spinner spins the longest

Fidget spinners with stainless steel bearings will often have the longest spin duration. The fidget spinner with the quietest and longest continuous spin time is the Rotablade, with a spin time of up to 10 minutes when held in a vertical orientation.

Are there fidget spinner with lights?

There are many fidget Hand Spinner With LED LIGHTs that create brilliant designs when spun at high speeds, like this one.

What is the fidget spinner with pennies?

Here is one model of a fidget spinner that uses pennies as counter-weights.

What is the fidget spinner with gears?

This fidget Spinner features a 2-tier interlocking gear design that causes the outer edges to spin at the same speed as the central hub, for a beautiful effect.

What are some good fidget toys for adults? What are good fidget toys for meetings?

Adults may be interested in some less obvious fidgets that can be manipulated discretely. We often recommend a fidget ring, like this one.

What are good fidget toys for the elderly? What are good fidget toys for dementia?

Sensory therapy including fidget toys has been identified as an effective way to reduce anxiety, calm nerves, and provide comfort for the elderly. Many people find fidget blankets like this one useful.

What are the best fidget toys for feet?

Bouncy Bands are elastic bands that stretch between the front two legs of a chair, allowing students to remain in constant motion while they work by bouncing their feet. Not only do most children enjoy bouncing their feet while sitting, Bouncy Bands help diminish anxiety, hyperactivity, frustration, and boredom, and are completely silent!

Fidget toys for toddlers

Read more about the best fidget toys for toddlers here.

Where to buy fidget toys? Where to buy fidget toys in Canada

You can buy amazing fidget toys for shipping into the USA and Canada using any of the links or images on this page, or browse all fidget toys here.

This informational guide to fidget spinners is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice or a substitute for advice from a medical professional. We strive to bring you the absolute best fidget spinners, but as always, be sure to verify manufacturers recommended age and other warnings. Smart-Toys is not affiliated with the manufacturers. We are participants in the Amazon Affiliate program, which means that commission from affiliate links helps to support this site’s mission at no additional cost to you. Read more about us here.

More articles you’ll love from Smart-Toys:
Best fort building kits
Best LEGO alternatives
Best activity bars
Best Nanoblock sets