Why Everyone Needs a Fidget Toy: The Comfort of Stimming

At times life can be intense because there is just so much going on, while at other times we may find ourselves bored because there is so little happening that we begin to fatigue. Instinctively, we begin engaging in habits like tapping our foot, twirling our hair, or clicking our pen. These small repetitive, seemingly purposeless actions, known as “stimming” – short for “self-stimulatory behaviour” – can help us manage excess or insufficient sensory input by redirecting our focus on something tangible. Stimming can involve any repetitive movement or action that provides comfort and reduces unease, making it a natural response for both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals alike. We explored the world of fidget toys within our team, uncovering a mix of intentional tools and everyday objects that bring comfort and clarity to our busy lives. From pop-it keychains to scrunchies, everyday items and purpose-built tools alike can help regulate focus and ease tension.

Pop-it Keychain

The ‘pop-it’ keychain is a versatile tool. Its tactile surface provides a satisfying popping sensation, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple, portable stim toy to redirect nervous energy. The act of pressing and popping the bubbles can alleviate anxiety and be an effective way to replace less desirable habits like skin-picking. Small and easily attached to a keyring, the pop-it keychain is a handy, inconspicuous option for managing restless hands throughout the day. 

Kneaded Eraser  

The kneaded eraser, typically found in the art supplies of pencil and pastel artists, doubles as an incidental self-regulating tool. Its pliable, putty-like texture allows for endless reshaping, providing a sensory experience that engages both touch and sight. When stretched, it lightens to a bright grey before returning to a darker shade when kneaded back together. This transformation offers a visual distraction, while molding the eraser can help recenter focus, making it a great tool for moments of restlessness or boredom alike.  

Crochet   

While crochet may not be classified as a traditional fidget toy, it serves as a powerful tool for concentration and relaxation. The rhythmic motion of hooking yarn and creating stitches provides a repetitive, calming activity that can foster hyper-focus or soothe an anxious mind. The tactile engagement with yarn and the progression of a project offers a creative outlet while helping to channel energy. As a hobby or a self-soothing technique, crochet is a valuable resource for those looking for a meditative, purposeful activity.

Scrunchie (Hair-Tie) 

Often, the best fidget toy may be something we already have within arm’s reach, or even something we are wearing—like a hair tie or ‘scrunchie’. Their elastic nature offers resistance when stretched, providing a discreet and satisfying way to channel fidgety energy. The decorative frills and array of available colours and patterns also make them pleasing to behold.  

Hacky Sack 

Similarly, a hacky sack does not just make for great fun when kicked around with friends but also makes for a wonderful stim-toy. This is especially the case for those who get clammy hands when anxious, as the cotton fabric crocheted ball will naturally absorb moisture. Rolling a hacky sack between the fingers provides subtle resistance, making it both fun and effective for sensory input.

Koosh Ball 

Though originally a 90s toy craze, Koosh Balls remain a popular choice for sensory play and fidgeting due to their soft, stretchy texture. The soothing tickly sensation felt when brushing the koosh ball across the skin can have a massaging and therapeutic effect. At the same time, its rubbery fibers can be stretched and snapped like rubber bands, or it can be twirled and bounced around from its loop.  

Ono Roller 

The Ono Roller is a purpose-built self-regulatory device consisting of two cylinders orbiting each other on an axis. Similar in nature and mode of use to Chinese Baoding Balls (aka medicine or meditation balls), they provide a fluid and dynamic sense of motion as they are manipulated in the hand. There are many purpose-built fidget toys available, from haptic sliders and fidget spinners to chewable jewelry or ‘chewelry’. The array of offerings out there all but guarantees that there is something for everyone.

Everyday Objects

Sometimes stim toys can present from the most unlikely of objects. For instance, a defective CPU chip can make an excellent sensory tool, engaging multiple senses at once. Its weight, engineered from heavy metals, provides satisfying resistance, while the intricate circuitry is both interesting to look at and feel.

Natural Found Objects

Beyond manufactured objects, natural materials like stones and sea glass found on a beach can serve not just as keepsakes but can equally feel nice to hold and look at when they have the right weight, texture, and colour. Sometimes, a particular stone or piece of sea glass stands out, inviting you to pick it up.

It is worth noting that different stim toys may suit certain situations better than others. Reflecting on the variety of preferences within our team, each item, whether bought with intention, or found by chance, meets a specific sensory need. Choosing a stim toy is deeply personal—what feels comforting and effective varies from person to person. As fidget toys gain wider recognition, they highlight the universal need for sensory self-regulation in schools, workplaces, and beyond.

The now-famous Fidget Cube, an ingeniously designed stim toy, started as a modest Kickstarter campaign with a goal of $15,000. It ended up dwarfing all expectations as it raised over $6.4 million, with pre-orders flooding in from programmers, developers, teachers, and the public as people reveled in its ingenuity (see the Fidget Cube Kickstart Campaign here). It has since become a staple on desks everywhere, valued for its versatility, craftsmanship, and intelligent design.     

Recognizing the benefits of these small, grounding tools reinforces the reality that stimming is universal. As they become more common, they highlight a broader acceptance of sensory grounding—a reminder that, in our own way, everybody stims.

One final team insight: It turns out many of us cannot resist playing with those snapping headphone cases that protect our cherished earbuds—they are oddly satisfying to open and close, with just the right weight and sound that makes the action of taking out or putting away our media feel so complete. What everyday objects do you instinctively reach for to stay focused or feel at ease? Have you discovered unexpected stim toys ‘in the wild’? Share your favorites with us!