Top Fidget Toys for Kids

Keep her hands busy with a Koosh ball so she can focus her mind. Photo by author
Keep her hands busy with a Koosh ball so she can focus her mind. Photo by author
10/8/20 - By Rose Gordon Sala

Fidget toys are a great stress relief tool that can help kids calm their minds and focus on learning and other activities. Fidget toys can also be downright fun to play with. 

Here are some of our favorite fidget toys for kids. Find more fun toys in our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear, Toys, and Hacks.  

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Fidget spinner pens let you click while you work.

Top Fidget Toys for Kids

1. Fidget Spinner Pen

This fidget spinner is built right in to one of a student's most basic tools: the ballpoint pen.

2. Koosh Balls

These balls don't bounce or make any noise, but kids can shake 'em, pull on the threads, and otherwise fidget with them out of sight of the camera. 

 

Therapists love twisty Tangles.

3. Tangles

These classic brain toys come in a variety of textures, sizes, and colors, but all allow kids to twist and manipulate the toy in their hand.

4. Fidget Spinner

Fidget spinners come in endless varieties, but the basic idea is a simple hand toy to beat stress and keep the holder focused.

5. Liquid Motion Bubbler

A gel timer is soothing to watch but might also serve a dual purpose to keep everyone on task.

Placing a weighted stuffed animal into a child's lap will help some to remain seated for class.

6. Weighted Lap Dog

No pet at home? Try a weighted stuffed animal for a calming effect that might help some wigglers focus in on storytime.

7. Monkey Doodle Stretchy String

Little hands can stretch this no-mess string into shapes.

 

Ark Brick Stick

8. Ark Brick Stick

Some kids may benefit from these oral sensory tools that they can nibble.

9. Fidget Cube

A fidget cube delivers a palmful of mini fidget toys with each side of the cube offering a little button to press or a new texture to examine.

A bowl of Kinetic Sand might be just the right amount of sensory input.

10. Kinetic Sand

Kids can dig their fingers into this sand or even squeeze it, because Kinetic Sand holds its shape.

11. Marble Fidget

Move the marble back and forth in this finger-catcher like fidget toy for a quiet distraction.

12. Silly Putty

Stretch it, shape it, or just roll it around in your hand. Silly Putty also makes less mess than its slime or Play-Doh counterparts, making it just right as a fidget toy.


Kids who wiggle while working might prefer an Active Kids Chair.

Flexible Seating for Kids

13. Bitty Bottom Seat Cushion

A portable seat cushion for wigglers, this certainly takes up less space than a yoga ball.

14. Active Kids Chair

Many kids just need to wiggle a bit to learn. These chairs offer support but also the option to move.

The Kore Wobble Chair comes in toddler and kid sizes.

15. Kore Wobble Chair

Another flexible seating option. This stool comes in many sizes and colors.

16. Wobble Cushion

Convert any seat, floor or chair, to a wiggle spot with this cushion.


Chair bands let kids bounce away that nervous energy.

17. Chair Bands

Wiggly feet find an outlet with chair bands that tie around the legs of the chair.

18. Rocking Chair

The gentle rocking motion can soothe and calm kids at any age.

19. Bean Bag Chair

Sitting in a bean bag chair can almost feel like a relaxing hug.

Active kids might appreciate a break with this seat.

20. Balance Ball with Feet

Let 'em bounce—quietly and steadily—with this balance ball seat.


Preschoolers can take an active break with the Wobble Balance Board.

Best Toys for Movement Breaks

21. Wobble Balance Board

This Montessori-favorite lets kids rock back and forth, balance, slide, and get creative in their movements.

Break away from screens with a quick bounce session on the Little Tikes indoor trampoline.

22. Indoor Mini Trampoline

A 10-minute bouncing break is a great way to get the wiggles oit. 

Spin and rock with the Bilibo toy.

23. Bilibo

Part toy, part spinning chair, this popular Swiss-designed item can be flipped every which way while kids twirl, tip, or just sit in it. Be aware: It is less chair, more creative muse for the preschool set. My kids even use it to carry things around the house.

Note: The learning tools and products above were all recommended by experts we spoke with. Some may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase. There is no extra cost to the reader.​

Photos courtesy manufacturers