The Best Fidgets in My Collection

If you’re anything like me, fidgeting is a necessity. Whether it’s to manage focus, relieve stress, or just keeping my hands busy, I’ve built up quite the collection. Looking over some of my favorites, here are some of the best fidgets in my collection!

*This post may include affiliate or referral links. At no extra cost to you (and with a special reader discount, in some cases!), I’ll receive a small commission or other rewards to help support An Ideal Life. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

The information in this blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read online. The author of this post is not a licensed medical professional and does not assume any liability for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.

Read more: our Neurodivergence archive

If there’s one fidget I always have in reach, it’s a Tangle! These colorful, twisty, interlocking pieces are endlessly satisfying. As one of the best fidgets by far, Tangles provide the perfect balance of resistance and fluidity. They’re quiet, portable, and come in so many different textures that I’m constantly adding new ones to my wish list.

Nee-doh squish come in so many varieties, from classic stress balls, chonky animals, abstract shapes, and even gummy bears and candy hearts! The soft, malleable toys are so soothing, they make tension melt away a little. They’re ideal for stress relief and perfect for mindless squeezing during a deep focus session.

These are arguably some of the most universal choices for the best fidgets. Perfect little pocket fidgets, they’re soft, stretchy, and just so cute! With nearly every animal you can think of, these little guys provide a gentle sensory experience and a little more calm.

I seriously love Thinking Putty. Unlike the fan-favorite slime, this one has a bit of resistance and can stretch, snap, or bounce depending on how you use it. Some even change color or glow in the dark! These are one of the best fidgets when I want something both tactile and versatile. Alternatively, I keep a Silly Putty or two on hand, too!

Fidget cubes are fantastic multi-functional fidgets. Each side has a different type of movement or texture—clicking buttons, spinning dials, a soft switch—making them perfect for those days when you want a little more variety. My personal favorites are made by Antsy Labs. They’re so “good touch!”

For smooth, repetitive motion, infinity cubes are definitely one of the best fidgets by far. These little interconnected cubes fold and unfold endlessly, providing a rhythmic, almost meditative experience. I’d go so far as to say they’re almost hypnotic! They’re one of my favorite fidgets for zoning out or staying engaged during long conversations.

I really like cube fidgets, can you tell? There’s something uniquely satisfying about the smooth, controlled turning of a Rubik’s cube. Even if I’m not actively trying to save the puzzle, I find that the rhyme movement helps with focus, especially when I need to concentrate on something auditory, like a podcast or a long conversation.

I can distinctively remember eyeing these up as a kid, but it was only a few years ago that I got one of my own. These feature metal or plastic pins (typically colorful—mine is rainbow!) you can press your hand (or any object, really!) into to make an imprint. Pin art fidgets are both tactilely and visually satisfying, with a cool mix of texture and movement.

I’d be remiss to create a list of the best fidgets out there without including these little guys! Marble mesh fidgets feature a marble inside a mesh tube, and they’re almost weirdly compelling. Rolling the marble back and forth through the fabric provides a smooth, satisfying motion and they’re super discreet, so they’re great when you need something small, silent, and subtle.

Bike chain fidgets bring a completely different kind of satisfaction to the table! They’re some of the best fidgets when I need something that offers a bit of resistance but still has a smooth, controlled movement. The repetitive click-and-turn motion is just engaging enough to stimulate my brain and promote focus.

I love my acupressure rings for when I need a fidget that’s silent and unobtrusive. These little metal rings—which admittedly look quite a bit like a torture device—apply gentle pressure to your fingers as you roll them up and down, providing just enough sensation to be grounding without being distracting. I find them them particularly helpful for PTSD dissociation!

You’ve likely heard me mention Calm Strips before, so it’s no surprise that they’re one of the best fidgets out there, in my humble opinion. These adhesive, reusable strips provide a subtle, tactile sensory experience that’s super helpful for focus. They even come in different shapes and textures! Whether I’m rubbing them absentmindedly or using them for intentional grounding, they’re a portable yet useful addition to any collection.

Not all fidgets are designed for your hands—some are made for your mouth! Chewable fidgets are perfect for individuals who seek oral sensory input, whether it’s for focus, self-regulation, or stress relief. If you naturally chew on pens, hoodie strings, or nails, these might be one of the best fidgets for you!

The Science Behind Fidgeting

Fun fact: fidgeting is a scientifically backed way to improve focus, regulate sensory input, and relieve stress.

Fidgeting helps with focus and attention.

If you’ve ever found yourself doodling during a meeting or tapping your fingers while thinking, you’ve experienced the benefits of fidgeting, even if you didn’t realize it. Studies suggest that small movements help the brain stay engaged by giving it just enough sensory input to avoid distractions.

This is particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals, especially those of us with ADHD. By engaging the hands, fidgets help anchor the brain and allow better focus on the task at hand.

Fidgeting regulates sensory input.

For people with sensory sensitivities, fidgets provide an essential way to manage stimulation levels. Some folks experience sensory overload, where too much input (bright lights, loud noises, crowded spaces) becomes overwhelming. Others experience sensory under stimulation, where they need extra input to feel comfortable. You may experience both of these sensitivities at different times!

Fidgeting relieves stress & anxiety.

Fidgeting can also help trigger relaxation responses in the body. Squishing a stress ball or rolling an acupressure ring over your finger stimulates nerve endings and helps lower cortisol levels, reducing tension. The best fidgets for these moments mimic self-soothing behaviors like kneading, tapping, or stroking, which can be especially comforting during high-stress moments.

Fidgeting improves fine motor skills.

Beyond helping with focus, certain fidgets can also build hand strength and dexterity. This is especially useful for those of us with chronic pain who need low-impact ways to keep our hands engaged.

Choosing the Right Fidget

With so many different types of fidgets available (including many I haven’t mentioned here), it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. The best fidgets for you depend on what you’re looking to accomplish:

For Stress Relief and Tension Release

When you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, fidgets with a soft, squishy texture can help relieve tension and provide calming sensory input.

For Focus and Attention

Some people concentrate better when their hands are engaged in repetitive movement. Fidgets that provide smooth, continuous motion are great for increasing focus without causing distraction.

For Sensory Regulation and Grounding

For those of us who experience sensory overload or need grounding, some of the best fidgets for self-soothing are those with tactile elements.

For Discreet Fidgeting

Not every fidget is appropriate for every situation (or so say the neurotypicals). If you’re in class, at work, or just in a social setting that isn’t conducive to loud or large fidgets, opt for those that are silent (or near-silent) and small.

For Visual Stimulation

Some of the best fidgets are as fun to look at as they are to use! If you tend to seek visual stimulation, movement and color-changing elements are great.

As someone who is both neurodivergent and chronically ill, having a variety of fidgets lets me match my tool to what my body and brain need at any given moment. Some days, I need a squishy fidget to release tension. Other days, I need something rhythmic to help me concentrate. And sometimes, I just want a little boost of happiness from something fun!

What would be your picks for the best fidgets in your own collection?