Who says fidgeting is bad? For many kids with autism, sensory disorders, listening challenges or other special needs fiddling with a toy can help them keep calm, focused and attentive. Koosh balls are cool for wee ones, but how about teens?
Find a few fixations in our photo gallery of fidget toys for older kids who can benefit from a bit of positive preoccupation
Fidget Spinner
This little dude has some mixed reviews, but the idea behind it is to provide kids on the spectrum a sense of comfort and focus. The center ring has a baring inside. Hold the circle and use a finger to spin it. This particular spinner, by the same folks that make the Fidget Cube, can hold a spin up to three minutes and costs around $13. Other fidget spinners are available and range from $3 on up.
Kinekt Gear Ring
This patented product won’t give away its secret purpose at first glance. However, fidgeters will recognize the hidden potential that the Kineckt Gear Ring has for fingers. The micro-precision gears work in unison when the outer bands are turned, providing instant relief for restlessness. Available at Kinekt Design online for about $95.
Finger Fidget Pencils
Sold in packs of four, these fidget-friendly pencils keep fingers busy. Each one has a different fidget near the eraser that can be taken off and moved onto another pencil. The cool designs feature a wing nut plus nut-and-bolt pencils — along with two others. Check them out on Amazon for under $10 a pack.
Roger Von Oech’s Eureka Ball
Have a LEGO lover in your life? Then the Eureka Ball by Creative Whack is for you. This kinetic toy uses 12 blocks and rare earth magnets to create endless design possibilities. Excellent as a fidget while encouraging right and left brain communication and problem solving. Warning: Keep away from pacemakers and young kids (small magnets are located in the toys and, if dislodged, are very dangerous if swallowed). For ages 14 and up. Find it at Amazon for about $28.
Ultimate Fidget Toy
Best suited for tweens and teens, due to its small size, this fidget will help ease anxiety and can be quickly stored or retrieved from a pocket. Designed by a person with ADHD, the ultimate fidget toy is sure to be a hit with anyone needing to fidget. Available via Amazon for $11.
Tangles by Zuru
This fidget toy not only keeps busy hands occupied and bust brains calm – it also doubles as a puzzle and movable sculpture. They come in all kids of colors and styles at most toy retailers and big-name stores like Walmart and Target for $5.99-$99.99.
The Ultimate Stress Relieving Cube
The Fidget Cube has six sides, each with something to flip, glide, click, spin or roll, in order to help kids focus. It retails for about $13 and comes in an array of colors including blue on white, pink on white, black on black and others.
Spiky Sensory Ring
For just $10 on Amazon this fidget toy offers relief for those with ADD, ADHD, OCD, autism and high levels of anxiety. They’re colorful, hypoallergenic and can be twisted, squeezed, rolled and thrown, and have no issues bouncing back.
This post is updated regularly.
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