OCD And ADHD People Please See: 16 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Anxiety
Thanks to the fidget spinner craze, fidget toys have seen a huge upswing in recent years, as they can improve concentration, reduce restlessness, and manage anxiety.
Anxiety triggers a surge in stress hormones, which can lead to excess, usually pent-up energy. If you've nowhere to direct that energy, you're more likely to fidget. For example, you play with your hair, bob your knee, bite your nails, and cross your arms.
Fidget toys give you a place to channel that energy. This serves as a distraction for the brain, reducing anxiety and improving concentration. Experts disagree on how effective they're, but many people swear by them.
What are fidget toys?
The name can be a bit deceiving, because fidgets aren't actually traditional toys. Instead, they're small, unobtrusive objects used to channel anxious energy. The fidget spinner is perhaps the best-known fidget toy, but there are other variations as well:
β fidget cubes
β chewable jewelry and accessories
β rings
β keychains
β kneadable doughs
Can fidget toys help with anxiety?
Fidget toys are designed to help with:
β anxiety
β obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
β attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
β general stress relief
Curious about trying them out? We've compiled 16 well-rated options that meet a variety of needs. We've considered the following points:
β User reviews. We only included fidget toys that have primarily positive reviews and at least a 4-star rating.
β Type of fidget toy. We included different types of fidget toys, from discreet handheld options to larger pieces that stay on your desk.
β Price point. We’ve included various options from several different price points, from under $10 to just over $30.

Via Amazon
Great quality cubes... I havn't speedcubed in a few years. I have never also messed or owned a 2x2x2, but It's very fun. If you are a beginner, the Warrior W is plenty fast enough for you.
I chose this over the MFRS cube but the MFRS2 or MFRS3 cubes could be better. This cube is also better than the YJ Yulong speed cube which I have owned in the past. Great bundle I highly reccomend this for beginners.

Via Amazon
- Perfect for ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism
- The flippy chain doesn't dIstract or draw attention (unlike its cousin, the fidget spinner)
I love this fidget toy. Other flippy chains have smaller diameter split rings but I prefer the larger split rings on this one. It doesn't come with other color bands for customizing but I don't mind as black is nice. I did buy another flippy chain that comes with the bands in case I felt like customizing but I haven't bothered yet.
To play with this toy, you can "roll" it by rotating the links end over end, over and over in your hand, which is soothing. You can also grip just one of the links and shake it, flipping it back and forth, making a nice rattling sound. I also like to push my finger between the links, making them parallel to one another and wear the flippy chain like a ring.
The best thing about the flippy chain is that it is small and flat and slips easily into a pocket. The "rolling" flipping action is also silent and easily concealed.

Via Amazon
- Quiet, discreet and design loops in on itself for infinite play
Colorful, pretty and well made. You can keep it discreetly in your hand or pocket during meetings. You can quietly roll it around in your fingers. Great little fidget.
PS: It's small, make sure to keep it well and prevent kids from swallowing it.

Via Amazon
- Each cube can be rotated from any direction and angle
- Great for fidget, anxiety, adhd, autism, staying awake and other attention disorder issues, like nail biting, smoking, leg shaking, etc.
This thing is pretty cool! I have a sensory disorder and adhd. This fidget cube is solid metal, itβs cool to the touch. Itβs about half the size of a Rubikβs cube when in the shape of a cube.
It folds out, swings on a couple of hinges. Itβs a lot of fun to play with, keep my hands occupied.
Would not recommend if the person likes to throw stuff, it could do some serious damage.

Via Amazon
- Notice:Product consists of many small parts! Not suitable for children under 14 years
Although the base stand is a little smaller than expected, the beads are more magnetic than I thought they would be.
Large beads are more magnetic than small ones, and all the beads stick together without falling off, creating a variety of shapes.
This totally helps with stress and anxiety while at work, I typically bite my nails, and this has done a great job at helping me stop. Which was my primary reason to purchase it.

Via Amazon
- You won't believe your eyes or ears.
- Disk will spin faster and louder the longer it goes.
- Just give it a spin and gravity does the rest.
- A hypnotic display of light and sound.
It is a disk that can be spun on its edge, and it will rotate for a long time. The disk is made of plastic, so it is lightweight and easy to carry around. It is also very durable, so it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The disk is also very affordable, so it is a great value for the money.
We have had a lot of fun with this toy. It is great for kids of all ages. It is also a great toy for adults who want to relax and have some fun. The Toysmith Euler's Disk is a great toy for anyone who loves to play with spinning objects.

Via Amazon
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." -Isaac Newton
It is steady and strong. It was packed very well in a cushion packed box. It would make a fine gift. It was a little expensive but well worth the money. The balls swing for a nice length of time and that is the part that I like the most.
I own 2 of these gadgets but my other one did not come from this company and it doesn't swing as long. Everyone in my house likes it too; they keep touching it every time they walk by. It is also very beautiful to look at the balls are shinny and they make a nice little clinging sounds each time the balls touch one another; which brings about a very calming effect when listening.

Via Amazon
- The garden is contained in a handsome 9-inch by 9-inch rosewood frame, perfect for desk or coffee table.
- The sand garden set includes a long-handled rake, a bamboo rake and a broom to create meditative patterns in the sand.
It is suitable for use by people of any age.
I bought this for me to relieve tension. I used it for a couple of days and was enjoying playing with it. Kids came for a visit and it went home with them. They had fun putting it on their face, making hand prints and a few other creative objects.
I plan on ordering another one for me LOL.

Via Amazon
- A perfect white elephant gift
- Fully assembled, don't need to install it by yourself
- 6.1*3.7*2.8 inches
Lot's of fun, I put a Sticker on it that says "please do not flip switch", people have to do it then...
As someone else mentioned it is not quite as cute as the one seen in Fargo but it does the trick. I did have a little trouble getting it to work though. If yours won't work and you are sure the batteries are fresh and in the correct position, completely open it, turn it on and gently force the movement.
Mine acted like it was frozen in place but a gentle push "unlocked" it. It is the one of the silliest things but it makes you smile.

Via Amazon
- A chewable, wearable, and discrete sensory solution
- Recommended for ages 5 years and up
- This teal one is XT ("Xtra Tough"), recommended for moderate chewers
A lot of people worry that the harder these are, the worse it is for the teeth.
I consulted a pediatric dentist specifically for this and he said no problem. They're not hard plastic, they're soft and chewy and help our kids focus better.
When I tried it myself, I noticed a good thing - my teeth are jacked up real bad, my molars don't line up and neither do my front teeth, top and bottom. But it's still really easy to chew on and doesn't hurt my teeth. I can grind my canines against it and it hasn't punctured yet (though I'm not being super forceful). It does occasionally make a squeaking sound if I rub my teeth on it wrong, but it's not that bad.

Via Amazon
- Designed for kids to increase focus and attention
- Can be used on any chair or desk with 2 legs wider than 10"
- Installs in seconds
Studies show that physical activity helps to increase focus and attention while sitting, especially for kids and teens with ADHD. Teachers and parents now have the perfect solution for kids that need to wiggle while they sit. Kick Bands provide quiet sensory-motor input to help self-regulation in class or at home.
Kick Bands were specifically designed to allow active students freedom to move their feet while seated. Physical activity β even a little foot-tapping or bouncing β increases levels of the neurotransmitters in the brain that control focus and attention. Kick Bands can play a key role in sharpening focus and increasing attention.

Via Amazon
- The perfect chew tool for autism, adhd, spd, special needs or kids needing oral stimulation.
It is absolutely sturdy and absolutely safe and non-toxic.
All Panny & Mody Sensory chewelry necklaces are sourced from Australia.
They are made of FDA approved, CPSC/CPSIA Certified, 100% Food Grade Silicone.

Via Amazon
- Can help to improve energy and concentration
- Includes convenient carrying pouch
- Made out of stainless steel
If you are a piano lover or a mountain climber, I would highly recommend you try this great thing that massages your finger joints dramatically.
I'm happy with these. They've held up under repeated use so far, none of them have broken. Asides from their general benefits I find them effective for helping take my mind off of my chronic pain or to focus on when I'm anxious. I'll usually keep one with me in a pocket. The colored ones were initially much tighter and less yielding than the gold and silver rings, but they eased up more with repeated use. They still put on more pressure though, so I alternate what I use if I prefer less pressure.

Via Amazon
- Variations available for all stainless steel chain necklace and stainless steel clasp.
- High Gloss coating prevents any skin reactions to the pendant
I purchased the necklace because I've noticed that I constantly fiddle with things with my hands without really realizing it, and decided to buy something that could withstand my fidgeting.
First of all, it's beautiful and much more lightweight than I expected! The chain seems to be decent quality, and the colored links slide through and around each other easily when touched. The necklace makes a pleasant quiet jingle sound when the links move.
I requested that the artist put together a mix of "light silvers, blues, and purples" and I think the final result was beautiful. I'm already considering ordering a second one in different colors. I'm going to at least wait to see how this one stands up to the test of time for a while, but it seems quite sturdy and I'm not particularly concerned.
Overall this necklace is great for those like me who need something to fidget with that is also functional. The clasp is easy to work so I imagine it would be great for children as well as adults, and it also just looks great as an abstract piece of jewelry. I love when form and function mesh so well.

Via Amazon
One of the easiest ways to calm an anxiety attack is to find something to occupy your hands.
The Tangle Therapy Relax is a perfect solution. It features a hard interior with rubberized, textured outside, perfect for handling and occupying your mind.
The twisting and turning action has a calming effect that can help you work through your panic attack easily.

Via Amazon
- No fake fragrance or petroleum products. Just 100% essential oils.
- Will stay soft up to a year or more.
- Made with natural products like olive oil, epsom salts and mediterranean sea salt.
This has a great scent. I can tell it's real essential oil. The texture is pretty good. It's not too soft, not too stiff. However, it does leave a residue on your hands.
I've had mine for about 2 weeks and it's starting to dry out a little bit, but not crumbling yet. It's definitely been helpful for my anxiety.
Fidget toys can be a handy thing to have around in moments of stress and anxiety.
While it's debatable how well they work, there's no evidence that they make your symptoms worse, so it's worth a try if you're interested.