12 safe fidget toys that soothe anxiety and help kids focus

These kneadable erasers pull double duty as a useful school supply and a silent fidget! Little hands can roll, pull and knead just like play dough to bring a bit of calm and focus.

Stress balls are another great quiet fidget. A simple, repetitive squeeze and squish can help reduce tension, increase focus and even provide a bit of hand strengthening.

With six sides of fun, Zuru Fidget Cube by Antsy Labs lets kiddos click, glide, flick and roll away their antsiness. The size is great for little hands, but note that some features are louder than others if they’re using it in a school setting.

These accordion-esque tubes can be bent, stretched and connected to keep hands busy, with the added bonus of a satisfying popping sound.

Whether rolled, stretched, squeezed or squished, this putty delivers endless hours of satisfaction. In fact, we think the more you play with it, the better it gets. Pro tip: Go with a darker color so the grime doesn’t show quite as much.

The toy that’s synonymous with fidgets! This metal spinner silently keeps kids’ hands busy, offering stress relief whether they’re seated at their desk or enduring long (read: boring) car rides.

These clickable, snappable toys can be bent and locked in a variety of ways or even connected together for more impressive structures.

Squish toys that don’t leave mess behind? Hallelujah. Crayola’s colorful Globbles can be smooshed, stacked and stretched and stay sticky even after being washed.

An endless loop that twists, bends and tangles, the Tangle can also be popped apart and put back together. The variety of textures adds another layer of appeal for fiddling.

What’s more cathartic than popping bubble wrap? The addicting rubber Pop It is like bubble wrap that never runs out. (Full disclosure, I’ve definitely snatched this one out of my kid’s hand to get a turn.)

Similarly, the makers of the uber-engaging baby toy Dimpl , have created a compact version that’s ideal for keeping in their pocket when they need a little extra stimulation.

For kiddos who benefit from oral stimulation, especially those with ADHD, sensory processing disorder or autism, the Spaghetti Chewy Fidget is a top choice. The fun and flexy bundle of BPA-free silicone “noodles” can be braided, twisted or chewed on and includes a clip to keep them close at hand.