35 Best Fidget Toys for Anxiety That Help With Work Stress
From jewelry to desk accessories, these fidget toys for anxiety can help you battle stress, keep your cool and stay focused.
These Fidget Toys for Anxiety Really Help People
Remember back in 2017 when kids were obsessed with fidget spinners? As it turns out, they were onto something. While no conclusive evidence has proven that fidget toys are a remedy for ADHD or anxiety, many people find them helpful for relieving boredom and anxiety.
Proponents of the toys feel that by keeping their hands busy, they can calm their minds, stay focused and avoid other more problematic habits.
These gadgets are the best fidget toys for anxiety, ADHD or just plain old stress.
35. Nee-Doh Schylling Color Change Balls
How to use it: Squeeze it
Bottom line: Anyone with a kid already has a few of these around the house, but they're probably covered in fuzz. Otherwise, we'd have already stolen them for ourselves. They're delightfully squishy, and just having one in your pocket makes the day feel somehow easier.
Shop now on Amazon: Nee-Doh Schylling Color Change Groovy Glob Set of 3, $13.90
34. Decompression Magnetic Metal Pen
How to use it: Build away during stressful Zoom meetings
Bottom line: This pen should have existed 20 years ago. It's a pen, but it's so much more than that. It's also a fidget toy — and one that's actually fun. It's made with magnets, so it can be reassembled into any shape you can imagine. We like the colorful version, but it also comes in black, silver and gold.
Shop now on Amazon: HKDGYHON Decompression Magnetic Metal Pen, $15.99
33. Magic Shape Shifting Box
How to use it: Fold the cube into different geometric shapes
Bottom line: This fidget toy gets a two for subtlety but a 10 for fun. It can transform into more than 70 different shapes, and figuring out how to make the same one more than once is strangely challenging. It requires some real focus, so it'll definitely take your mind off whatever's worrying you.
Shop now on Amazon: Shashibo Shape Shifting Box, $25
32. Cool Alloy Fidget Spinner
How to use it: Spin it or remove the small weights to adjust the balance
Bottom line: Playing Russian roulette is a terrible idea. This has the same vibe, minus the disturbing consequences. The entire anxiety toy spins, as most do, but small, weighted bullets can be removed and replaced. It's weirdly addictive (and whisper quiet).
Shop now on Amazon: Anzmtosn Cool Alloy Fidget Spinner, $16.98
31. Sensory Stress Balls
How to use it: Squish it, or store it in the fridge for cooling relief
Bottom line: Sensory stress balls are basic, inexpensive anxiety relief toys that are severely underrated. Something about the way the small, brightly colored balls of gel ooze between your fingers is satisfying to the senses. Pop one in the freezer for a few minutes, and it'll also relieve a headache.
Shop now on Amazon: KLT Sensory Stress Balls Set, $15.96
30. Pop Ball It Fidget Toy
How to use it: Pop, squish and bounce it
Bottom line: We hate how much we love these. They look like they're for kids, but these toys are everywhere. This set is somehow the combination of a squishy stress ball and a pop-it mat, and they're dirt cheap. It would be nice if they came in more subdued color options, but maybe we could use the boost of bright, bubbly energy.
Shop now on Amazon: Genuvi Pop Ball It Fidget Toy, $7.19
29. Transformable Thor's Hammer Fidget Toy
How to use it: Spin it one of two ways
Bottom line: Marvel fans have anxiety too, and there's no rule that says fidget toys for adults have to be boring. We're adults. That means we call the shots, and if we want to buy a tiny hammer to play with, we will.
Shop now on Amazon: Anzmtosn Transformable Thor's Hammer Fidget Toy, $10.98
28. Pure Brass Cube Anti-Anxiety Fidget Spinner Toy for Adults
How to use it: Spin it or take it apart and reassemble it
Bottom line: Look at this thing. It looks like the gears from every cartoon we watched as kids, only made of smooth, satisfying brass. Spin it. Deconstruct it. Keep it in your pocket to keep your irritation at manageable levels while Joe from corporate announces that, instead of paid time off, you'll be rewarded with a pizza party.
Shop now on Amazon: Papuka Pure Brass Cube Anti-Anxiety Fidget Spinner Toy for Adults, $19.99
27. Stress Relief Fidget Spinner Ball
How to use it: Rotate and twist
Bottom line: This stress relief toy for adults serves more than one purpose. Firstly, it prevents you from destroying yet another ballpoint pen by obsessively clicking it. Secondly, it doubles as a massage tool to alleviate a sore neck or relieve shoulder pain after long hours at your desk.
Shop now on Amazon: Asuku Stress Relief Fidget Toy, $18.95
26. 4-in-1 Metallic Focus Toy
How to use it: Spin it in four different ways
Bottom line: Is it just a cube? Yes. But it's a cube that can be spun in not one, but four different ways. It's practically indestructible, and you can pick from subdued silver or black to the fun, neon rainbow shade above. Reviewers mentioned that it has a nice weight to it, so if you want to hold something heavy in the palm of your hand, this one's a winner.
Shop now on Amazon: Zhanmai Fidget Cube Spinner Anti-Anxiety Focusing Fidget Toy, $10.99
25. Magnetic Ball Toy
How to use it: Mold these magnetic balls into any shape you want
Bottom line: One of the most unique fidget toys for adults with anxiety, Speks magnetic balls are tons of fun to play with. The cool, sleek magnets can be molded into almost any shape you can think of, and they're elegant enough to keep on your desk at work.
They're small enough to fit in your pocket, too, keeping your hands busy during stressful meetings that totally could have been emails.
Shop now on Speks: Speks 2.5mm Magnet Balls, $27.95
24. Chuchik Fidget Cube
How to use it: Roll it, flip it, switch it
Bottom line: The Chuchik stress cube is similar to many other anti-anxiety toys, but its ergonomic shape and sleek design make it more appealing to adults.
It has a non-slip silicone coating that's surprisingly soft, and there are plenty of quiet but clickable components to fiddle with, reducing pesky habits like nail-biting.
Shop now on Amazon: Chuchik Fidget Cube Toys, $10.97
23. Flo Stress Relief Straw
How to use it: Breathe through it slowly
Bottom line: You already know how to breathe, but are you breathing deeply enough to stay relaxed? Probably not. This breathing necklace fidget toy stretches out the exhalation portion of breathing to naturally lower heart rate and calm you down.
It's only two inches long and very slim, so no one would guess you're walking around with a metal straw for a necklace. The chain is also adjustable.
Shop now on Amazon: Fl? Stress Relief Mindful Breathing Necklace, $49.90
22. Kinetic Sand Kalm
How to use it: Channel your inner child and play in the sand
Bottom line: Kinetic sand is a mess when kids use it, but for adults, this is one of the best fidget toys ever. It's pure zen.
This sandbox is made specifically for adults. It fits on most desks so you can take a break from work for a sandy, sensory experience. The included tools help you mold the sand into beautiful patterns, too.
More importantly, the sand will never dry out.
Shop now on Amazon: Kinetic Sand Kalm, Zen Box Set for Adults, $20.97
21. Pocket Ball
How to use it: Roll it in your pocket
Bottom line: One of the sleekest fidget toys for adults we've seen, the pocket ball helps minimize bad habits by occupying your hands.
The ball in the center of the toy rotates in all directions, so you can spin or twist it however you like.
It's perfect for those with anxiety, ADHD or sensory processing disorders.
Shop now on Etsy: Pocket Ball, $15
20. Anxiety Ring
How to use it: Wear the ring and roll the balls on it when you're feeling stressed
Bottom line: These rings are handmade, come in two colors and fit hands of all sizes. They have great reviews, and one reason is how easy it is to fidget with it surreptitiously.
It looks just like a normal ring, but it's a lot more soothing to play with. Because of how subtle it is, we'd rank this one of the best fidget toys for adults with anxiety.
Shop now on Etsy: Anxiety Bead Ring with 6 Beads, $13+
19. Wacky Tracks
How to use it: Snap the links together to build a chain
Bottom line: Admittedly, this snap and click fidget toy is on the garish side. It's not meant specifically for adults, so it comes in bright, neon colors.
If you're cool with that, it's one of the best fidget toys for adults on a budget. You can snap, click and bend this plastic toy to your heart's content, and for only a few bucks.
Shop now on Walmart: Wacky Tracks Finger Fidget Stress Reliever, $8.99
18. ONO Roller
How to use it: Roll it. Easy peasy.
Bottom line: A simple fidget toy, the Original ONO Roller only does one thing: roll. The simplicity is more of a plus rather than a limitation.
You can roll it between your hands, on your shoulders or anywhere else that's feeling tense and sore. It's made of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it's completely silent.
The perfect gift for that coworker who can't stop clicking their pen.
Shop now on Amazon: Ono Roller Rose Gold, $29.99
17. Bubble Sensory Toy
How to use it: Press each bubble to flip it inside out
Bottom line: Who hasn't gone nuts popping bubble wrap? It's indisputably fun and oddly satisfying, but it's also loud as heck. If you brought bubble wrap to the office, you probably wouldn't have an office to go to much longer.
This silicone popper toy captures the soothing bubble-popping action, only quietly. Once you pop the bubbles on one side, just flip over the toy and do it again.
The tactile toy is BPA-free, and it's an affordable fidget toy for adults and kids alike.
Shop now on Amazon: Push and Pop Bubble Fidget Sensory Toy, $6.45
16. Fidget Dodecagon
How to use it: Explore all the switches and buttons with your fingers
Bottom line: If you get bored easily, try playing with this fidget dodecagon toy. On each of its 12 sides, it has knobs, clickers, sliders, rolling balls and fun textures to keep your hands busy and your mind focused.
It's small enough to carry in your pocket, and it's one of the most diverse fidget toys we've seen so far. It's great for people who tend to bite their nails or pick at their skin when they're feeling anxious.
Shop now on Amazon: Fidget Dodecagon –12-Side Fidget Cube, $7.64
15. Anti-Anxiety Fidget Spinner Toy
How to use it: Flip or spin the toy's moving metal parts
Bottom line: This fidget toy is similar to the original fidget toy, only classier and more interesting. Its shiny silver design is pleasing to the eye, and it looks more like a tool than a toy. For adults who aren't into taking cheap-looking toys to work, this one's a winner.
This fidget spinner for adults with anxiety is also unique. Using smooth ceramic ball bearings it spins in multiple directions, and it's straight-up mesmerizing to watch.
Shop now on Amazon: Anti-Anxiety Fidget Spinner, $16.99
14. Magnetic Rings Toy
How to use it: Roll it, wear it or both
Bottom line: Three silicone-coated magnetic rings might not sound very interesting, but they're surprisingly soothing to hold. You can take them apart or roll them around, twist them around your fingers, spin them, you name it.
This lightweight toy is also one of the cheapest fidget toys for adults with anxiety on the market, even though it doesn't look like it.
Shop now on Amazon: Magnetic Rings Fidget Toy Set, $9.99
13. Fidget Pad
How to use it: Click, flip, spin and roll the toy
Bottom line: While the Amazon listing for this toy is marketed primarily to children, it's a great fidget toy for adults, too. It has four different moving components that you can fiddle with in your pocket, including a glider, switch pad, clicker and finger massager.
It's all black so it's not too much of an eyesore if you keep it on your desk or on a keyring. More importantly, it's quiet enough that you won't drive your coworkers up a wall.
Shop now on Amazon: Duddy-Cam Fidget Pad 8 Fun Features, $6.75
12. Roller Chain Toy
How to use it: Roll the silicone bands for quiet stress relief
Bottom line: The six chain links that make up this cool fidget toy are interlaced with silicone bands that roll smoothly and silently.
Keep the roller chain in your pocket during stressful meetings to roll away your worries without drawing attention.
Shop now on Amazon: Fidget Flippy Roller Chain Toys with Metal and Silicone Rings, $10.99
11. Stress Ball
How to use it: Squeeze it
Bottom line: Look, it doesn't take a genius to work out how to use these classic stress balls. Stress balls have been around for ages, and these work exactly like you'd expect them to. Just squeeze one of three, progressively firmer eggs to release tension and stiffness.
The repetitive squeezing action will help alleviate stress and strengthen your grip in one fell swoop. It's not the most unique fidget toy for adults with anxiety, but it still gets the job done.
Shop now on Amazon: Freegrace Hand Grip Strengthening Stress Relief Squeeze Balls, $12.99
10. Acupressure Ring
How to use it: Wear it and roll it
Bottom line: Acupressure rings look spiky, but they're surprisingly comfortable. Made from stainless steel, they have dozens of points that massage your finger when you slip one on.
This type of unusual fidget jewelry works by applying the ancient principles of acupressure in a miniature package. Just wear the rings to improve focus without going to visit an acupressurist.
Shop now on Amazon: Goda Acupressure Massage Rings, $8.99
9. Fidgetland Noah
How to use it: Flip and roll it between your fingers
Bottom line: The Fidgetland Noah was one of the first fidget toys for adults. It became crazy popular on Etsy after it appeared on Shark Tank, and that's because it works.
The design is simple. Two interlocking rings are paired with a wide silicone band that rolls effortlessly. Essentially, it's a treadmill, but for fingers.
It's small and discreet, so you can use it anytime you're feeling nervous.
Shop now on Amazon: Fidgetland Jumbo Noah, $15
8. Mezmoglobe
How to use it: Watch it spin
Bottom line: You've got to admit that this is one eye-catching fidget toy. One of the best ever fidget toys for adults with anxiety, this spinning desk toy looks both artistic and professional.
It's also incredibly soothing to watch. Its design creates an optical illusion, so it looks like the lines on it are flowing continuously.
Don't buy it unless you're cool with curious coworkers, because they'll definitely want to see how it works.
Shop now on Mezmoglobe: Mezmoglobe Silver Tone, $35
7. Fidget Pen
How to use it: Click it, spin it and slide it
Bottom line: If you don't know a pen clicker or chewer, you probably are a pen clicker or chewer. Here's the solution.
This fun fidget toy for adults is a ballpoint pen, only better. You can write with it, obviously, but you can also get all your fidgeting out using the pen's built-in switches, sliders and twisters.
Shop now on Amazon: Thumbs Up UK Fidget Pen, Multicolor, $9.99
6. Infinity Cube
How to use it: Flip it and fold it
Bottom line: Relaxing, quiet and tactile all in one, this is by far one of the coolest fidget toys for adults we've tried. You can flip it and fold it any which way into a never-ending cube.
It's hard to make yourself stop flipping it, but that's the whole point. It keeps your hands busy to prevent you from obsessively shaking your knee, tapping your foot or checking your phone.
In our opinion, every office needs a few of these.
Shop now on Amazon: Infinity Cube Fidget Toy, Sensory Tool, $9.95
5. Fidget Spinner Necklace
How to use it: Wear it and spin it
Bottom line: Fidget toys are useful for people of all ages, but not everyone wants to carry a toy around. This subtle fidget spinner necklace is as discreet as it gets.
Fidget jewelry like this is ideal for adults who want to practice mindfulness and relieve anxiety without it being obvious. The silver chain is virtually unbreakable, and the stainless steel charm is totally hypoallergenic.
You can choose any length you like, too.
Shop now on Etsy: Fidget Mindful Spinner Bead Necklace, $23.41
4. Worry Coin
How to use it: Rub it between your fingers
Bottom line: This haptic worry coin is roughly the size of a quarter, but it's infinitely better at relieving stress than some spare change.
It's made of two magnetic halves that slide together smoothly to help calm restlessness and improve focus. It's also pretty nice to look at and comes in multiple finishes.
It's one of the most premium fidget toys for adults, and it makes a great gift for your favorite workaholic.
Shop now on Amazon: Manzelun Kinetic Desk Toys, Full Body Optical Illusion Fidget Spinner Ball, $15.99
3. Glux Putty
How to use it: Stretch it, tear it or squish it
Bottom line: Remember silly putty? It's literally just that, only prettier. This iridescent blue putty is non-toxic and lasts for ages as long as you don't drop it on the ground.
Mold it, fold it or stretch it to give your hands and mind something to center around. Playing with putty might seem like an activity for kids, but it's just as soothing for grownups. Keep it away from your kids though, because they'll definitely hijack it.
Wouldn't you?
Shop now on Amazon: Copernicus Toys Iridescent Glux Prismatic Super Putty, $11.99
2. Tangle Therapy
How to use it: Twist it
Bottom line: It doesn't do a lot, but it does what it does well.
This textured fidget toy for adults was originally designed to help strengthen hands and build range of motion, but it doubles as an excellent stress reliever.
Just twist it and fold it to keep your mind off your worries.
Shop now on Amazon: S&S Worldwide Therapy Tangle, $14.99
1. Fidget Spinner
How to use it: Spin it, of course
Bottom line: Love 'em or hate 'em, the original fidget spinner is one of the cheapest, most convenient fidget toys for adults with anxiety. It started out as a craze amount grade-schoolers, but the fidget spinner is just as amusing for adults.
You can balance the spinner on the tip of your finger and watch it go. The effort of keeping it spinning without dropping it requires just the right amount of concentration to calm an anxious mind.
Plus, it's small, easy to use and cheap to replace. It's not the fanciest fidget toy, but the fidget spinner gets the job done.
Shop now on Amazon: Scione Fidget Spinner 12 Pack, $18.99