Fidgets are all the rage and I’ve caught the bug. So I did what any professional play therapist does and I bought all the toys and played with them. For research, of course!
Procedure
Ok, if I’m a social scientist [and therapists are], I have to tell you the procedure I used to ‘test’ these fidgets. I played with them, used them in a therapy setting, a lecture setting, and let my kids use it in 2 different settings–the car and in an auditorium setting.
Fidget Cube
This is a picture of the fidget cube I found on Amazon. I loved that it looked like wood [it isn’t] and that I thought of it as an executive fidget cube. It wasn’t the cheapest, but it didn’t break the bank. I put it through my testing and discovered some things about it. The fidget made interesting sounds, fit in my hand, and clicked and whirred easily. Did it help me to concentrate? Yes-as long as I wasn’t self conscious about the noise and as long as someone wasn’t always begging to ‘test’ it. So here are the scores I can give this as a fidget.
Distracting: Yes
The sounds are distracting and I found that the people around me typically asked me to share it or would focus on it in some way.
Interesting: Yes
The thumb toggle was really fun and the buttons were great. Even though they are loud, the clicks are satisfying and fun.
Pocket Sized: Yes
This fits in your pocket and can even be used in a large pocket. Doing that will actually make the distraction a lot less.
Tough: Yes
This cube has survived my purse, my kids, and my office for about 2 months. Pretty tough!
Verdict Not for school, but really cool
Squishy Ball
These really made me think of stress balls. When I saw them online, I had no idea how cool they were! When you squeeze them, two layers of plastic and some colored goo make great sounds and sights to look at. While these are great fun, there are some definite drawbacks. The black mesh comes off easily, usually within the first 5 minutes of real play. If you have a person with limited self control or strong curiousity, within 10 minutes, the ball loses containment of the goo and you get to clean it up. So here are the scores.
Distracting: Yes
You can’t take your eyes away from it and it just calls out to be squeezed, tossed, and stared at.
Interesting: Yes
Absolutely!
Pocket Sized: Yes
You can carry this in the pocket, but it can’t be used there. You’ve got to see it to use it!
Tough: No
Like I said, it breaks easily.
Verdict Really fun but distracting. Use it as a toy, not an aid for focus.
Fidget Spinner
This fidget is another one that I bought because it looked like an ‘executive’ fidget. It is classy, smaller than a regular spinner, and heavy. Putting it through the testing, it was quiet, satisfying, and did not require visual attention. Here are my scores:
Distracting: No
This flashy spinner works easily under a table, so it doesn’t have to be distracting.
Interesting: Yes
Its’ weight and size made it interesting.
Pocket Sized: Yes
You can carry this in the pocket, but it can’t be used there.
Tough: Yes
While the spinner part can come off, it is a metal spinner so it doesn’t break easily.
Verdict Great for school or work if used correctly.
Marble Fidget
Fidgets handed out by school counselors are rare, but that is exactly how I discovered these! And they met and exceed all my needs/expectations!
Distracting: No
While cool looking and feeling, these fidgets are easily used without showing to anyone.
Interesting: Yes
The cloth it is made from is stretchy and rough, making it fun to feel with your fingers.
Pocket Sized: Yes
You can carry this in the pocket, and can even be easily manipulated inside the pocket.
Tough: Yes
Absolutely! The material is tough, easily washed, and doesn’t fray.
Verdict Great!
Need help concentrating? Working on ways to address organizational and lifestyle issues that are really stubborn? Our therapists can help you with common sense ways to make your life work better for you. Call us at 940-222-8703 and one of our clinicians will answer the phone for a quick consultation. Don’t wait.
Christy Graham, LPC Supervisor Registered Play Therapist Supervisor
Christy Graham works as the head cheerleader of Acorn Counseling Education Services. She provides training for parents, child care workers, and therapists who work with children. Her 17 years of experience with children and families allows her to teach evidence-based approaches to life’s biggest challenges. Her family keeps her humble and ready to learn. Call 940-222-8703 for a consultation on your family or simply schedule an appointment online.
**All pictures were taken from the Amazon.com advertisements for the fidgets I tried out. Reviews on Amazon are linked to my account.