Everyday Carry

The 15 Best Fidget Toys to Keep Calm and Carry On in 2024

Authored by:
Chris Van Hoven
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
The 15 Best Fidget Toys to Keep Calm and Carry On in 2024

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Physical movement, no matter how small, can help you loosen up, release stress, and better handle troublesome times. It can even manifest involuntarily, such as when you have the urge to repeatedly click your pen, squish some bubble wrap, or flip your pocket knife open and closed. While it’s always fun to play with the gear we have on us or lying around, some of our gear wasn’t designed for such wear and tear. These fidgety urges are best accommodated with a discreet and dedicated gadget or toy.

Fidget toys are designed to take on the stress of repeated movement and are also a great way to soothe your nerves, calm your mind, and enhance your focus. These little gadgets have also been proven to be a good way to replace unwanted habits like shaking your leg, biting your nails, or cracking your knuckles. Or you can choose to have one on you because it’s fun to play with. Perhaps a fun fidget toy is what you need for a calmer mind and a more relaxed attitude, something important to remember during this time. Check out our picks for the little trinkets you can keep your hands and mind busy to reduce stress and worry during those tough days.


Our Top Picks

The Best Overall Fidget Toy: Lautie Shuffle [Buy]

The Most Premium Fidget Toy: aroundsquare MKUltras [Buy]

The Most Wearable Fidget Toy: Project Ratchet Ring [Buy]

The Most Fidgetable Fidget Toy: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube [Buy]

The Best Fidget Toy for Everyday Carry: LOOP GEAR SK01s LEP Flashlight [Buy]


Lautie Shuffle
aroundsquare MKUltras
Project Ratchet Ring
Antsy Labs Fidget Cube
LOOP GEAR SK01s LEP Flashlight





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Brand: Lautie
Brand: aroundsquare
Brand: Project Ratchet
BrandAntsy Labs
Brand: LOOP GEAR
Model: Shuffle
ModelMKUltras
Model: Ratchet Ring
ModelFidget Cube
Model: SK01s
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now

The Best Fidget Toys

Lautie

The Best Overall Fidget Toy: Lautie Shuffle

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Lautie
Model
Shuffle
Rating


Just released
Price
$$$
Measuring just 1.57” x 1.18” and weighing a mere 2.38oz, the Lautie Shuffle is a sliding/shuffling fidget tool that’s easy to pocket. It features two halves meticulously machined from stainless steel or zirconium with added copper accents, but its near-flawless machining isn’t the only ace it has up its sleeve. The two halves of the Lautie Shuffle slide against each other effortlessly through a series of magnets and a pivot point to create an enjoyable slide motion with an equally satisfying clicking sound. If you’re in a place where you’d rather be more discrete, you can reduce the click sound volume by squeezing them together a bit more when you slide them. These don’t come by often, so drop by their Facebook group page if you’re looking to grab one for yourself. This ensures that you’re buying the real deal, as many replicas are out there.
aroundsquare

The Most Premium Fidget Toy: aroundsquare MKUltras

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
aroundsquare
Model
MKUltras
Rating


Price
$$$
The thing that separates the aroundsquare MKUltras from the rest of the fidget toys on this list is that they can be worn instead of stored, making them legitimate fashion accessories. Combining elements of traditional Mala and Komboloi beads, the MKUltras can be used in various ways, ranging from quiet bead counting to raucous flipping. It consists of 19 Micro Boss beads (~12mm) and one 15mm Boss bead to close the loop, strung on a durable cord. The Ultras are also available in a variety of materials: titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or copper, each with its unique weight, feel, and balance.
Project

The Most Wearable Fidget Toy: Project Ratchet Ring

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Project Ratchet
Model
Ratchet Ring
Rating


Price
$$$
Project Ratchet’s Ratchet Ring is a fidget tool that’s both tactile and wearable, with the added bonus of being discreet. Turning the Ratchet Ring rewards you with just the right amount of resistance, leading up to a satisfying click you can both hear and feel. Its balance between tactility and discretion allows you to play around with it wherever you are, whether in a conference meeting or on the commute home. The Ratchet Ring is crafted entirely in SUS316 stainless steel, ensuring absolute smoothness and long-lasting durability no matter how many clicks you put it through.
Antsy

The Most Fidgetable Fidget Toy: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Antsy Labs
Model
Fidget Cube
Rating


Just released
Price
$
This may be the quintessential design for those who take their fidgeting seriously. This high-quality vinyl desk toy is a six-sided cube that accommodates different fidgety impulses. The Fidget Cube gives you something to click, roll, glide, flip, and spin, satisfying your urge to keep your hands busy in different ways and potentially increasing your focus and productivity (we hope). You can even get the companion Prism silicone keychain holder to keep your Fidget Cube on hand.

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LOOP

The Best Fidget Toy for Everyday Carry: LOOP GEAR SK01s LEP Flashlight

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
LOOP GEAR
Model
SK01s
Rating


Just released
Price
$$$$
For those looking for a little more functionality out of their fidget toys, the LOOP GEAR SK01 LEP (Laser Excited Phosphor) Flashlight provides the practicality of a flashlight with some fidget fun thrown in. Nicknamed "Skywalker,” the SK01 boasts an impressive manufactuer-rated throw range of up to 1.6 kilometers in a compact and durable titanium alloy package. Both the lower ring in the head and the tactical ring spin freely, adding a surprisingly satisfying fidget factor to the light.
Lautie

Lautie Mechanic-E Ring Spinner

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Lautie
Model
Mechanic-E
Rating


Just released
Price
$
Lautie’s stainless steel Mechanic-E Ring Spinner puts a twist on the traditional fidget ring by allowing you to add or subtract magnets to change the ring’s resistance. With no magnets installed, the Ring Spinner rotates freely with a simple flick. Adding 1-2 magnets sets the ring on “ratcheting mode,” providing continuous and dense magnetic feedback. With 3-5 magnets installed, the ring is set to “Buddha bead mode,” with moderate feedback intensity that simulates the experience of flicking Buddha beads. Placing 6-8 magnets sets the Ring Spinner to its maximum magnetic resistance, delivering a strong, crisp sound with every rotation.
aroundsquare

aroundsquare Knucklebones

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
aroundsquare
Model
Knucklebones
Rating


Just released
Price
$
Knuckle rollers can take a while to master despite looking deceptively simple. But taking the time to learn some tricks can prove to be extremely satisfying. aroundsquare’s Knucklebones are the original knuckle rollers and are great for training the fingers, warming the hands up before other activities, building manual dexterity, or just straight-up freestyle play. They come in a wide range of designs, sizes, weights, and materials, such as titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, and even wood.
Squid

Squid Industries Squiddy-B

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Squid Industries
Model
Squiddy-B
Rating


Just released
Price
$
With its origins reportedly going as far back as 800 AD, the butterfly or balisong knife could very well be the world’s first fidget tool. The knife itself is designed so that it can be “flipped” open, and many have since discovered creative and fun tricks that they can do with the opening and closing motion between the two handles. The Squiddy-B balisong trainer from Squid Industries is a great way to learn some flashy balisong tricks without the threat of losing a finger or two. It’s light, durable, and well-balanced, but its o-ring noise suppression system sets it apart from other balisong trainers, allowing you to practice in near silence.
FidgetThings

FidgetThings Chill Pill

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
FidgetThings
Model
Chill Pill
Rating


Price
$
The Chill Pill from FidgetThings is a highly customizable magnetic pill that releases a nice audible clacking sound when each end comes together. Many customizing options are available, ranging from materials such as aluminum, titanium, acrylic, or stainless steel, down to how you want the material to be finished. If you’re the type who likes to experiment with different combinations, then you’ll love that the Chill Pill has a removable magnet system that lets you mix and match the halves. Each combination has a different “clack” noise, leaving you to discover your personal favorite. Its packaging is great, too, as each Chill Pill comes in a mock prescription bottle with details about your Pill on the label. We particularly like this titanium variant because of its durable, lightweight characteristics.
Mechforce

Mechforce EDC Gyroscope Gen2

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Mechforce
Model
EDC Gyroscope Gen2
Rating


Price
$$
The Mechforce EDC Gyroscope Gen 2 comes with a design that's a little more industrial and technical, providing a way for your to enjoy gyroscopic physics on the go. Playing with this helps you understand and get a literal feel for inertia, angular momentum, and the gimbal lock, famous for causing an engineering incident on the Apollo 11 Moon mission. This compact contraption features five bearings to keep the action smooth and snag-free, allowing you to fidget with the EDC Gyroscope as much as you want.
Magnus

Magnus ToadX Slider

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Magnus
Model
ToadX
Rating


Just released
Price
$$$$
After the success of their highly-popular Toad Slider, Magnus set out to improve on “the world’s most popular slider” with the Magnus ToadX, a minimalist magnetic slider with stepped lines and a tactile “X” design in a small 1.65” x 1.18” package. It’s available in both titanium and zirconium, and you can choose between Teflon or zirconium plates for either option. Its small size and light weight (just 1.6oz for the titanium Body + Teflon plates option) make it easy to carry around and pull out when needed.
Prometheus

Prometheus Lambda Spin Tops

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Prometheus
Model
Lambda
Rating


Just released
Price
$$$$
While fidget toys offer tactile stimulation for your hands, spin tops are a great way to shift your sensory input and focus visually, allowing you to take a quick mental break from what you’re doing. More often than not, new ideas and solutions make themselves known after you take a step back and “remove yourself” from your task. These Lambda Tops from Prometheus come in two versions, Solid (more stable spins) and Two-Piece (longer spins). Both variants are ruby-tipped, making it highly resistant to wear and tear from friction against the ground or your choice of spin surface. Long spins are particularly preferred, with some even purchasing concave glass plates to get top performance from their toy.

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Shire

Shire Post Mint Be Good/Stay Evil Decision Maker

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Shire Post Mint
Model
Be Good/Stay Evil Decision Maker
Rating


Price
$
Shire Post Mint are a small, family-run business that specializes in producing licensed fantasy coins. Some of their previous work includes coins for franchises like Lord of the Rings, American Gods, and a plethora of coins for Game of Thrones. Made from 18.8 grams of solid copper, their Be Good/Stay Evil Decision Maker isn’t just satisfying to slide against each other, but it can also help you with certain questionable decisions. After all, are bad outcomes still your fault if your choice was decided by fate? We’re kidding, of course, but what isn’t a joke is how well the coins have been crafted. All their coins are struck one at a time in the USA using antique machinery and traditional coining techniques, meaning no two coins are the same.
ButterfieldMachine

ButterfieldMachine Begleri Copper Worry Beads

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
ButterfieldMachine
Model
Begleri Copper Worry Beads
Rating


Price
$
This small skill toy is derived from the Greek rosary, which functions as worry beads that you can manipulate to soothe emotions and calm the mind. The Begleri consists of a two beads or weights at either end of a cord, designed to be flipped between and across your fingers. It takes a little skill, and there are more advanced tricks for the Begleri that you can learn in your spare time. Various models give you many choices for hand-held stress relievers, with the end weights made of other materials like titanium and stainless steel, plus different colors and patterns on the cord.
PopSockets

PopSockets PopPuck

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
PopSockets
Model
PopPuck
Rating


Price
$
The PopPuck from PopSockets takes a completely different approach to sensory fidget toys. Described as “a magnetic skate park for your thumbs,” the PopPuck features a set of two magnetic “pucks” that attach to a magnetic bowl. The pucks can be stacked or flipped around, leading to a variety of combinations in the way you can move and pop them. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also learn advanced tricks from their website, some of which will take quite some time to master. But once you start the flippy chain, playing around with the PopPuck can be extremely satisfying. You can collect multiple puck designs with bright colors as well. The bowl extends to a magnetic leash, allowing you to Snap your PopPuck on and off your backpack and pop it at a moment’s notice.

How to Choose the Best Fidget Toy

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism can also benefit from using sensory toys. Fidgeting helps them stimulate neural pathways and improve tactile awareness and fine motor skills, which is beneficial for those who have trouble with sensory processing. Many fidget toys also have a history and purpose in mindfulness and meditation.

With that said, not all fidget toys are created equal. With so many variations and kinds of fidget toys, it’s important to note the different features, shapes, and materials used, as well as their respective functions. Here are some key points to consider when looking for a fidget toy that’s right for you or your child.

Function

Fidget toys can be used in several ways, most of which involve hand movements such as spinning, flipping, flicking, sliding, or pressing. Find the one that you feel would hold your interest the most, since maintaining focus is one of a fidget toy’s key benefits.

Noise levels

Most fidget toys are designed to produce clacking, clicking, or sliding sounds as they’re manipulated, which can be extremely pleasant to the user. It’s important to pay special attention to your surroundings, though, as the people nearby may not appreciate hearing these sounds as much as you do. Some fidget toys can be operated silently, allowing you to enjoy them while being considerate to those around you.

Portability

Fidget toys come in different shapes, but are meant to be relatively portable, allowing you to easily pocket them and pick them up when needed. Most fidget toys are highly compact, with the largest ones barely exceeding two inches in length. This is because they’re meant to be operated with one hand, preferably within your palm. Some fidget toys come with special hooks or rings so you can easily attach them to your bag or belt.


Fidget Toy FAQ

What are the best fidget toys for anxiety?

Fidget toys can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety, as they provide great ways to release nervous energy. Some examples of the best fidget toys for anxiety include fidget spinners, which are designed to spin around in your hand; stress balls, which you can squeeze to release tension and ease anxiety; and fidget cubes, which provide a range of sensory experiences, including buttons to push, switches to flip, and balls to roll. They're small and portable, making them great for on-the-go anxiety relief.

What good are fidget toys?

Fidget toys can provide several benefits, such as reducing anxiety by providing a physical outlet for nervous energy. They can also improve focus for people who have trouble concentrating by helping channel excess energy to minimize distraction. They increase productivity by breaking up the monotony of repetitive tasks to provide a mental break, allowing you to return to work with renewed focus. They promote relaxation by providing a calming sensory experience. Lastly, they are great tools for providing sensory stimulation and regulating sensory input for people with sensory processing issues.


How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what's new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men's essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

Chris Van Hoven is a multifaceted writer with a keen interest in technology, watches, and the world of automobiles. When he geeks out about technical details and specifications, his enthusiasm for these subjects is contagious.

Having contributed extensively to renowned publications, he has made a name for himself as an authority in the Philippine automotive industry. His expertise can be seen through his engaging articles as Editor-in-Chief of C! Magazine, a prominent car magazine where he offers insightful reviews and comprehensive analysis of various vehicles.

In addition to his automotive pursuits, Chris's horological inclinations are evident in his work for Calibre Magazine and Vintage Grail. Here, he explores the latest watch releases, trends, and the significance of various vintage timepieces, captivating readers with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

Beyond his writing endeavors, Chris is an avid gamer, finding solace in the immersive world of PC gaming. His passion for gaming and tech-related gadgets allows him to stay at the forefront of the industry, always seeking the latest advancements and sharing his experiences with others.

Combining his love for technology, watches, and automotive wonders, Chris Van Hoven stands as a versatile writer who has built a reputation for his expertise and engaging style. His ability to weave together captivating stories and detailed analysis continues to capture readers and fuel his dedication to these ever-evolving fields.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.