“Idle hands make fretful minds.” – Shelley Shepard Gray
It seems that humans have gravitated towards inventing toys designed for fidgeting for thousands of years.
- Yo-yos are said to date back to around 500 B.C.
- Spinning tops have been found from even earlier during the 8th century B.C.
- Rubik’s Cubes came onto the scene in 1974.
- Stress balls started being sold in the 1980s.
Then came spinners.
According to an article at the Independent in the UK,
“Fidget spinners – which are two or three-pronged devices with a ball bearing in a circular pad in the centre, which the user balances with their index finger and thumb before flicking with their free hand – were invented by American Catherine Hettinger, who filed a patent on the design in 1993.”
Spinners and their variants took the world by storm, it seemed, and it wasn’t long after 2017 that there were spinners everywhere, and every kid had to have one.
But none of this should come as a surprise given the nature of our body’s need for releasing restless energy. Foot tapping, drumming fingers on surfaces, twirling one’s fingers – these are all ways we naturally try to expend restless or nervous energy.
However, many experts state that re-directed fidgeting behaviors can actually enhance learning. And, although spinners may have waned in popularity, fidget toys have not. As one source put it,
“Fidget toys are self-regulation tools to help with focus, attention, calming, and active listening. There are many different types of fidget toys, ranging from squeezable stress balls to bendable sticks to malleable putty.”
Fidget toys such as a fidget cube, for example, keep the hands occupied which helps focus the mind. They help children with tactile exploration as well as help alleviate anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity.
7 Fidget Toys – The Answer for Idle Hands and Fidgety Kids
1. OMG! Pop Fidgety!
One of the most popular fidget toys for 2021 is the OMG! Pop Fidgety. This pop fidget toy is like a never-ending bubble wrap! A fun bubble-popping fidget toy, the OMG! Pop Fidgety reduces stress and keeps hands busy! Available in squares and circles, solid and rainbow colors.
2. Pulled Pork
This delightful take on stress balls is 3.5 inches of stretchy sand-filled porcine fun! More than a fidget toy, this little piggie is cute, to boot. This little porker makes for a great Easter basket filler or party favor. Simply adorable!
3. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty®
We highlighted this product in a previous article, as well, but for fidget toys, these wild putty varieties are the bomb! Available in dozens of different, crazy forms, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty offers multiple ways to keep young hands – and minds – occupied and amazed.
4. Squishimals
There is something relaxing and comforting about stretching, squeezing, and simply squishing something between your hands and fingers. This is probably why kids love squeezing and stretching these realistic Squishimals creatures! Whether it’s a realistic tree frog or an adorable gecko, these fidget toys are sure to fit the bill.
5. Tiny Tin Tops
These colorful and teeny tiny tin tops are made with the classic Schylling retro look! Made of tin, they hark back to a time when our great-grandparents had their own “fidget spinners” much like these. Each tin-top measures just 2.25″ in diameter. They are sold separately and come in a variety of color schemes.
6. Mondo Coronavirus Stress Ball
Stress balls are the “old school” fidget toy of the ’80s. The first product to be called a stress ball was invented in 1988 by a TV writer named Alex Carswell. With this novelty version, you can squash the coronavirus while relieving your stress! This stress ball is a hefty five inches across in size.
7. NeeDoh Cool Cats
“The Groovy Glob!” The NeeDoh stress ball will help you mellow out! Perfect for schools, special needs, and personal stress relief! A fun and perfect-sized fidget toy, it is also appropriate for those with ADD, ADHD, OCD, Autism, and anxiety, and helps promote focus, attention, and centering.
Hands-On Fun with Fidget Toys for Active Kids of All Ages
At Fundemonium, you’ll find fun fidget toys to keep young hands – and minds- occupied. In addition, we offer a dazzling selection of other toys, games, and hobby items, all designed for fun.
That’s because Fundemonium is more than a toy store – it’s a family fun experience, a place where families and kids of all ages can meet and play.
And Fundemonium also offers a safe and friendly place where adults and children can enjoy creative fun. In addition to toys, we stock a huge selection of arts and crafts projects and materials, games, models, and hobby products for your entire family.
Got questions? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff makes it their business to help you have fun.
One way we can do this by always doing our best to quickly respond to your questions and website inquiries about arts and crafts (and toys!) and you can also find answers to your questions by calling us at (707) 540-0701.
So, if you’d like to speak to one of our Fundemoniacs, just give us a call during our business hours.
Thank you and we hope to see you soon!
