Why They’re More Than Just a Fad
Sensory fidget toys, like fidget spinners and stress balls, might seem like a passing craze, but they’re more than just a trend. These toys have become incredibly popular over the years, and research suggests they might actually be beneficial for both children and adults.
Why Do We Fidget?
Understanding why people fidget is an important part of managing attention, behaviour, and sensory needs. You can learn more in our ADHD Support Guide, which explores strategies for focus, regulation, and daily support.
Fidgeting isn’t something new, and it’s not limited to just fidget spinners. If you’ve ever found yourself tapping a pen during a meeting or doodling in a notebook while listening to a lecture, you’ve been fidgeting. Fidgeting usually happens when we’re bored, nervous, or just need to move.
A study in 2013 found that when people watched a long lecture, they fidgeted more as their minds started to wander. Surprisingly, the study also found that fidgeting helped people remember more of what they were learning. This matches up with what teachers and parents have noticed - fidget toys can help kids with attention issues focus better in class.
The Benefits of Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are often used as part of ADHD-friendly sensory tools designed to support focus and emotional regulation.
Fidget toys are often seen as a way to manage nervous habits, especially in people with anxiety. For those who struggle with anxiety or conditions like ADHD fidget toys can be a useful tool to help them stay focused without causing a distraction.
Here are some potential benefits of using fidget toys:
- Improved Focus and Learning: A small study in 2006 found that sixth graders who used stress balls during class showed better focus, had a more positive attitude, and even improved their writing skills.
- Reduced Anxiety: Fidget toys can help reduce feelings of anxiety by giving restless hands something to do. This can be especially helpful in situations that cause stress, like before surgery, as one study found. Take a look at the range of anxiety relief toys for kids that Playinc offers.
- Help for ADHD: Kids with ADHD often need to move to stay focused. Research from UC Davis found that moving, even just a bit, can actually help improve performance on tasks that require a lot of concentration. For more practical guidance on using sensory tools in everyday routines, see our guide on Managing ADHD with Fidget Toys.
- Brain Stimulation: Fidgeting isn’t just about keeping your hands busy. It can also stimulate the brain stem, which controls important functions like breathing and heart rate, helping you stay alert.
- Support for PTSD Sufferers: Fidget toys can act as a quick way to manage stress, especially for those with PTSD. They help distract from negative thoughts and feelings, making it easier to cope with flashbacks or panic attacks.
While fidget toys can be helpful, they aren’t a replacement for medical treatment. If you’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health issues, it’s important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional for proper care.
Choosing the Right Fidget Toy
Fidget toys are part of a wider range of sensory tools designed to support children with different sensory processing needs.
Not all fidget and fiddle toys for kids are the same. Some are better suited for different needs. For example, toys that require touch rather than sight are often recommended for use in schools because they don’t distract from what’s being taught.
Tactile fidget toys, like stress balls or fidget cubes, are particularly useful for people who need extra sensory input. They can help both children and adults manage their emotions and behaviours, especially if they have sensory processing challenges.
Everyone’s different, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you or your child feels anxious or has trouble focusing, trying out a fidget toy might be worth a go. You might find that keeping your hands busy helps your mind focus better.
Sensory fidget toys are more than just a passing fad—they can be a practical tool to help manage stress, improve focus, and support mental health. Whether you’re in the classroom or at work, these toys might just be the small distraction you need to stay on track.