25 Best Fidget Toys and Devices For a More-Focused Classroom

When fidget spinners became the hot new trend a few years ago, some teachers hated them. Others embraced the fad, though, understanding that 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 fidgets is classroom-friendly, silent but useful for students of any age. Don’t be surprised if you wind 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

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

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/Amazon

4. Bubble Pop Fidgets

Bubble wrap was a fidget long before these toys became a must-have! Check out ways to use these pop its in the classroom. We love these toys that let anxious fingers “pop” bubbles over and over again.

Buy it: AYGXU Fidget Toys 8-Pack/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/Amazon

6. Marble Maze

Here’s another version of a marble fidget toy. Guide the marble through the simple maze, back and forth. You can find patterns online to sew these yourself, or buy them at the link.

Buy it: SensiPalStore/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: JOEYANG Infinity Cube Fidget/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

9. Fidget Slug

Yup, you read that right: slugs! These cute little buggers have 3-D printed flexible bodies you can wriggle and adjust to relieve anxiety.

Buy it: CleverContraptions/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/Amazon

17. Fidget Snake

This style of toy 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

18. Squish Panel

Water beads have a fun squishy texture, but they can make a real mess. This sealed bag makes them safe to fidget with anywhere you go.

Buy it: SensiPalStore/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 non-scented versions are available too.

Buy it: Raymond Geddes Mash Ups Scented Kneaded Erasers, Pack of 24

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

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/Amazon

22. What’Zit Fidget

There’s something irresistible about this colorful wooden toy, according to the Amazon reviews. Kids and adults both love twisting and turning it into lots of interesting shapes.

Buy it: What’Zit Fidget Toy/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/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/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 slides into your pocket when you’re not using it.

Buy it: Vanblue Chain Fidget Toys, 5-Pack

Do you use fidget devices in your classroom? Share your favorites on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out great ideas for your classroom calm-down kit.