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 EDC: LOOP GEAR SK01s LEP Flashlight [Buy]
Lautie Shuffle | aroundsquare MKUltras | Project Ratchet Ring | Antsy Labs Fidget Cube | LOOP GEAR SK01s LEP Flashlight |
 |  |  |  |  |
| $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $ | $$$$ |
| Brand: Lautie | Brand: aroundsquare | Brand: Project Ratchet | Brand: Antsy Labs | Brand: LOOP GEAR |
| Model: Shuffle | Model: MKUltras | Model: Ratchet Ring | Model: Fidget Cube | Model: SK01s |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Best Fidget Toys
The Best Overall Fidget Toy: Lautie Shuffle
Purchase
The Most Premium Fidget Toy: aroundsquare MKUltras
Purchase
The Most Wearable Fidget Toy: Project Ratchet Ring
Purchase
The Most Fidgetable Fidget Toy: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube
Purchase
The Best Fidget Toy for EDC: LOOP GEAR SK01s LEP Flashlight
Purchase
Lautie Mechanic-E Ring Spinner
Purchase
aroundsquare Knucklebones
Purchase
Squid Industries Squiddy-B
Purchase
FidgetThings Chill Pill
Purchase
Mechforce EDC Gyroscope Gen2
Purchase
Magnus ToadX Slider
Purchase
Prometheus Lambda Spin Tops
Purchase
Shire Post Mint Be Good/Stay Evil Decision Maker
Purchase
ButterfieldMachine Begleri Copper Worry Beads
Purchase
PopSockets PopPuck
PurchaseHow 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 EDCers of 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.
