When fidget spinners became the hot new trend a few years ago, some teachers hated them. Others embraced the fad, though, understanding that the best fidget toys actually help many kids concentrate on their schoolwork. The key is finding quiet devices that won’t distract other students. This roundup of the best fidget toys is classroom-friendly and silent but useful for students of any age. Don’t be surprised if you end up using one of these clever gadgets yourself!
Need to save a little cash? Try these inexpensive DIY fidgets you can make on your own!
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Fidget Spinner
Here’s the original that started the trend: a fidget spinner! They’re still beloved, and the holographic rainbow finish on this one makes it among the coolest we’ve seen.
Buy it: MAGTIMES Rainbow Fidget Spinner on Amazon
2. Mini Spinners
Want enough spinner fidget toys for the whole class? Try this bulk pack of smaller spinners made of lightweight but sturdy plastic.
Buy it: Super Z Outlet Mini Fidget Spinners, 24-Pack on Amazon
3. Fidget Band
Some kids have more trouble keeping their feet still than their hands. That’s where fidget bands are useful. Attach them to chair or desk legs, and kids can kick and swing quietly while they work.
Buy it: Fidget Chair Bands, Set of 3 on Amazon
4. Bubble Pop Fidgets
Bubble wrap was a fidget toy long before these toys became a must-have! Check out ways to use these pop fidgets in the classroom. We love these toys that let anxious fingers “pop” bubbles over and over again.
Buy it: AYGXU Fidget Toys 8-Pack on Amazon
5. Marble Fidgets
The concept is so simple: It’s just a mesh tube with a marble inside. But there’s something very soothing about sliding it back and forth while you work.
Buy it: AUSTOR 20 Pieces Marble Fidget Toys on Amazon
6. Marble Maze
Here’s another version of a marble fidget toy. Guide the marble back and forth through the simple maze. You can find patterns online to sew these yourself or buy them at the link.
Buy it: SensiPalStore on Etsy
7. Infinity Cube
This is one of the highest-rated fidget items on Amazon. The infinity cube never stops moving, and you can turn it from any angle. If this sturdy version is a little pricey for your budget, try a plastic model instead.
Buy it: JOEYANK Infinity Cube Fidget on Amazon
8. Rainbow Fidget Ball
This clever little fidget is a puzzle too! Push the small colorful balls into the center of the bigger ball, then try to get them back into the right spots.
Buy it: CuberSpeed Rainbow Magic Ball on Amazon
9. Fidget Slug
Yup, you read that right: slugs! These cute little buggers have 3D printed flexible bodies you can wriggle and adjust to relieve anxiety.
Buy it: CleverContraptions on Etsy
10. Fidget Cube
Fidget cubes are terrific because they give you lots of different options. This one has lots of 5-star reviews and comes with its own case.
Buy it: PILPOC theFube Fidget Cube on Amazon
11. Fidget Dodecahedron
If 6 sides are good, 12 must be twice as nice! Expand the fidget cube fun with this dodecahedron version.
Buy it: DoDoMagxanadu Fidget Dodecahedron on Amazon
12. Tangle Toys
These might not seem that intriguing at first, but they’re surprisingly fun to fidget with. Reviewers absolutely love them for kids and adults too.
Buy it: Tangle Jr. Original Fidget Toys, Set of 3 on Amazon
13. Mini Hoberman Spheres
Hoberman spheres are fun to fidget with, but they’re also great for mindful breathing exercises. They’re an excellent addition to your classroom calm-down kit or corner.
Buy it: 4E’s Novelty Expandable Breathing Ball Spheres, 4-Pack on Amazon
14. Fidget Bracelet
This pretty bracelet doubles as a fidget device. It’s a smart choice for older kids and adults who feel like they’re past the “toy” stage.
Buy it: DiPrana on Etsy
15. Monkey Noodles
Pull, stretch, wrap, twirl … whatever helps you concentrate! These toys have thousands and thousands of 5-star reviews.
Buy it: Monkey Noodle 5-Pack on Amazon
16. Stretchy Fidget Men
Feeling stressed? Take it out on this stretchy little guy. You get enough for a whole class for pennies apiece.
Buy it: Stretchy Happy Man Fidget Toys on Amazon
17. Fidget Snake
This toy style has been around for years, and they’re endlessly fun to play with. Twist them into different shapes and see what you can make!
Learn more: Ganowo Sensory Fidget Snakes, Set of 3 on Amazon
18. Squish Panel
Water beads have a fun squishy texture, but they can make a real mess. This sealed bag makes these classroom fidget toys safe no matter where you go.
Buy it: SensiPalStore on Etsy
19. Kneadable Erasers
Kneadable erasers were originally intended for artists to allow them to create useful shapes to erase small lines. They’ve become popular fidget toys too. These are food-scented, which is a plus for most people, but nonscented versions are available too.
Buy it: Raymond Geddes Mash Ups Scented Kneaded Erasers, Pack of 24 on Amazon
20. Stress Relief Balls
Work off your fidgets by squeezing these squishy emoji balls! This assortment is lots of fun and comes with enough for your whole class.
Buy it: LovesTown Face Stress Balls, Set of 24 on Amazon
21. Roller Chain
Spin the disks or move the sections to make different shapes. These fidget devices are small enough to fit in a pocket.
Buy it: Flippy Roller Chains Fidget Toys, 2-Pack on Amazon
22. Whatz It Fidget
There’s something irresistible about this colorful wooden toy, according to Amazon reviews. Kids and adults love twisting and turning it into interesting shapes.
Buy it: Whatz It Fidget Toy on Amazon
23. Original Fidget Retro
Full of buttons and rollers, this cute little device is designed to look like a retro game controller. One caveat: Some of the buttons do make a clicking noise, so this one might not be the best choice for quiet classrooms.
Buy it: WTYCD The Original Fidget Retro on Amazon
24. Thinking Putty
Pull, stretch, mold, and watch the mesmerizing colors change under the light. Thinking putty is kind of like Silly Putty—it never dries out and lasts pretty much forever.
Buy it: Crazy Aaron’s Super Illusions Thinking Putty, 4 Mini Tins on Amazon
25. Chain Fidget Toy
For older kids who might prefer a more discreet toy, this little device is less than 2 inches long. It twists, turns, and rolls, and it slides into your pocket when you’re not using it.
Buy it: Vanblue Bike Chain Fidget Toys, 5-Pack on Amazon
26. Effacera Pop Fidget Spinner Toys
Get the best of both worlds with this combination of Pop-Its and fidget spinners! The colorful tie-dye patterns make them all the more fun.
Buy it: Effacera Pop Fidget Spinner Toys on Amazon
27. Speks Geode Magnetic Fidget Sphere
This is another great option for older kids who want to flex their creativity while making shapes with these magnetic blocks. Reviewers describe it as a “premium fidget toy.”
Buy it: Speks Geode Magnetic Fidget Sphere on Amazon
28. Shashibo Shape-Shifting Box
With a beautiful design that can bend and fold into various geometric shapes, this fidget toy is as nice to look at as it is to play with!
Buy it: Shashibo Shape-Shifting Box on Amazon
29. Glow Magic Ball Rainbow Cube Puzzle
One teacher in the reviews for these puzzle balls says they like to use the fidgets as bell ringers at the start of class, and students love competing with them in speed contests.
Buy it: Glow Magic Ball Rainbow Cube Puzzle on Amazon
30. Magnetic Fidget Pen
As a pen, stylus, and building toy, this unique fidget gadget has multiple unique features to keep students focused.
Buy it: Magnetic Fidget Pen on Amazon
31. Transformable Chain Robot Spinners
Not only can configuring and reconfiguring these robot fidget toys help kids decompress, but you also get to play with transforming robots. Who can resist these classroom fidget toys?
Buy it: Transformable Chain Robot Spinners on Amazon
32. Fidget Cube
This simple stress-relieving fidget toy has six sides, all offering different features including click, glide, flip, breathe, roll, and spin.
Buy it: Fidget Cube on Amazon
33. Orbit Ball Toy
Put the ball into the slide and then watch it roll back and forth. The orbit ball can be twisted to switch the race track to make it more fun.
Buy it: Orbit Ball Toy on Amazon
34. Magnetic Fidget Rings
Learn tricks with these fidget magnets that allow you to flip, twirl, and spin the rings around your fingers. What’s more, they can improve motor skills and dexterity.
Buy it: Magnetic Fidget Rings on Amazon
35. Star-Shaped Puzzle
This cool 3D star-shaped puzzle is one of the best fidget toys for the classroom. Not only is it colorful and fun, but it also makes a satisfying popping sound!
Buy it: Star-Shaped Puzzle on Amazon
36. Textured Silly Stretchy Strings
Each string has a unique texture and tension, including the super-stretchy rope, car wash fringe, totem pole, bumpy rock wall, ribbed ridges, and hard-to-stretch snake skin.
Buy it: Textured Silly Stretchy Strings on Amazon
37. Ice Cream Puzzle Pop
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Well … this particular ice cream puzzle pop should actually do the opposite. What a cool way to chill out.
Buy it: Ice Cream Puzzle Pop on Amazon
38. Spinning Wands
Pressing the button creates a mesmerizing display of swirling LEDs and an eye-catching spectacle of color.
Buy it: Spinning Wands on Amazon
39. Fidget Toy Bundle Pack
Grab a little bit of everything with this 40-piece bundle of fidget toys, including chain fidgets, marble mazes, block games, and more.
Buy it: Fidget Toy Bundle Pack on Amazon
What are the best fidget toys in your classroom? Share your favorites on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out these great ideas for your classroom calm-down kit.
