Rating Fidget Toys!
Image found at: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheraplay4kids.com%2Fnew-blog-78%2F2019%2F7%2F14%2F5-types-of-fidget-toys-to-match-your-childs-sensory-processing-needs&psig=AOvVaw0cIpKk2lHxwgoKrTU0lyTj&ust=1683904072692000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCMCS3dPF7f4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAK
What are fidgets?
Fidgets are “toys” that can help people specifically with ADHD or autism, but anyone can use them. They come in a variety of colors, types, and uses. Many people use them for many different reasons such as to help them focus or to “fidget” with something if they are stressed. Some of the most common ones (and ones that will be rated in this article) are pop its, stress balls, fidget cubes, and fidget spinners.
Ratings:
Each fidget thing will be rated on the following categories…
| Categories | Description | What a “1” means | What a “5” means |
| Concealability: | This category will indicate how easy it is to hide. | Not able to hide at all | Very easy to hide |
| Judgment:
|
How much other will judge you for it (because fidget toys are stigmatized1) | People will heavily judge you for this fidget
|
No one will judge you for this fidget.
|
| School: | The appropriateness for school. | This fidget toy will distract students in class and teachers will most likely tell you to put it away. | No problem. Teachers most likely will not tell you to put it away. |
| Work: | The appropriateness for work (specifically for workplaces that most teens work in such as: a grocery store, retail, restaurant2) | Not allowed at most workplaces or would heavily disrupt the flow of work. The boss/manager will most likely tell you to put it away. | Completely acceptable for work (within reason). Boss/manager will most likely not tell you to put it away as long as it doesn’t get in the way of you doing your job. |
Fidget Rings
Description: There are different types of these rings. The most common types are ones that spin and ones that you can beads along the band.
Concealability: 5 (you don’t even need to hide them, they look like any other normal ring)
Judgement: 5
School: 5
Work: 5
Fidget Cube
Image found at: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgVo80kuCxRidP6hmKZQF7zBJj_-lnl95T8A&usqp=CAU
Description: Each side of this cube has a different thing to fidget with. The most common things on these are buttons, things to roll, a video game controller joystick (a disc you can move) and a switch (similar to a light switch).
Concealability: 4
Judgement: 4
School: 5
Work: 5
Stress Ball
Image found at: https://sc04.alicdn.com/kf/H0e974ee9aa934050904eaf841d6ea5bcS.jpg
Description: This is something you can squeeze to alleviate stress. They come in all different colors and can be filled with nothing and be foam all the way through or can sometimes have things like Orbis on the inside.
Concealability: 3 (can easily fit in pocket or bag)
Judgement: 4
School: 5
Work: 3
Pop-It
Image found at: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzNFBQ4occz_CtoXrPZhKR56-wu8-0JFFtX8GizO3ZXGGIt2QkMiVxZUcP-CjZnF8Zu-s&usqp=CAU
Description: Similar to bubble wrap, this is something that makes a popping sound. Pop-Its have little bumps on it that you can push to make the popping noise. They are available in all different shapes and colors.
Concealability: 1-5 (depends on size and shape of pop it)
Judgement: 1
School: 3
Work: 2
Noodle
Description: This is a rubbery noodle shaped thing that you are able to stretch. Like many of the other things on this list they come in all different colors and sizes.
Concealability: 3 (may fit into pockets but will fit into bag or pursue)
Judgement: 2
School: 4
Work: 3
Fidget Mochi
Image found at: https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/H8653457e55f448aca6080b875485b607q.jpg_.webp
Description: These are (typically) in the shape of cute little animals. They are rubbery and fun to stretch.
Concealability: 4 (will fit into pocket but some tear apart easily and might break when pulling it out of your pocket if the pockets are small)
Judgement: 3
School: 5
Work: 5
Fidget Water Tube
Image found at: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCEpWuZmCuHtD6JD8pwZrgK0LoVtZcL7jhYg&usqp=CAU
Description: This is a tube typically filled with water, glitter, beads, and sand. You can flip it over to watch the things in it slowly fall back down to the bottom.
Concealability: 1
Judgement: 3
School: 1
Work: 1
Fidget Spinner
Image found at: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613yJdaxymL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg
Description: A fidget spinner is a thing that you hold in the center and spin. They come in a variety of styles such as multicolored, glow in the dark, and clear just to name a few.
Concealability: 4
Judgement: 4
School: 5
Work: 5
- 1: Fidget toy stigmas: they are only for kids, they distract you.
- 2: If you work with preparing food (as a cook/chef) it might now be appropriate to play with a fidget toy if you are preparing food for people.
Writer’s note: The ratings are based off personal experience and testimony from others who use/have fidget toys.
Your donation will support the student journalists of Dakota High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
Isabella Aluia is currently a Dakota Highschool senior. They enjoy spending their free time doing anything that involves creativity (drawing, occasionally...
