Fidget Toys can be helpful with providing sensory needs and also keeping your hands busy. Instead of picking or pulling, you’re directing some of your energy into playing with them. They can also help you focus or keep you calm.
I’m going to show you a couple of my personal favorite fidget toys (coming from someone that has trichotillomania and bites/picks at their nails).
Spiky Sensory Finger Rings
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One of my favorite “fidget toys” is office supplies. I love playing with pens, binder clips, staple removers, etc., but I wanted to try out some different fidget toys that I saw online or shared on a couple of social media forums.
This one has been my absolute favorite so far. It’s a circular, lightweight, metal fidget toy. Or, as the description says on the website, Sensory/Tactile Spiky Sensory Finger Rings.
I find playing with these sensory finger rings to be more enjoyable than office supplies. The rings are quiet as opposed to me clicking the pens or binder clips. I rub my fingers on them. I roll them up and down my fingers. The edges are rounded and give me the tactile sensation that I want. As I’ve been writing this post, I’ve been using this particular fidget toy.
The pack comes with 10 rings, which is good because I can split them up and put them in places I know I pull or pick. I have two pouches that I can grab that also have some fidgets or various items in them. I can grab a pouch if I’m going to sit in a different area.
Gear Ties
My second favorite fidget toy isn’t even categorized as a fidget toy. I learned about it while on a coaching call when I bought the Habitaware Keen 2. The coach found the ties in their house and liked the grooves in the ties.
So I decided to try them and see what they were like.
These “fidget toys” are called Gear Ties. They’re mostly used for tying up cords for electronics. But people also use them while camping, doing crafts, closing snack bags, or tying various other things. In addition, they’re reusable and flexible. So if you buy them to use as a fidget toy, you could also use them for something else if the need arises.
I bought the 3-inch ones, but they come in multiple sizes. There are various colors or an assorted pack.
The gear ties are flexible, so I bend and twist them around. They have long grooves going lengthwise on the ties, and I like rubbing my fingers on them. The Gear Tie is also quiet, so I’m not concerned with noise and can be discreet.
A plus about having these gear ties is if you forget or aren’t using barriers on your hands/fingers, you could wrap these around your thumbs.
For example, let’s say you’re getting an urge to pull your hair. Take the gear tie and gently wrap it around the end of your thumb and cover your nail. Of course, it may not guarantee that you won’t pull. But this could temporarily help until the urge passes, and you have your thumb covered. It’s worked for me so far.
Fidget Cube
This fidget toy I’ve seen over the years and is what I personally think of when I think about a fidget toy. And that is the fidget cube.
The fidget cube has a different simulating feature on each of its six sides. There is a joystick; clicker; a flat, circular roller; four small, soft buttons; a flat side with tiny, soft ridges; and three spinnable gears.
Those features can be convenient to have in one cube. The downside is, it’s not completely quiet. Some of the features are loud, and some have no noise at all. So if you do get this fidget cube, you’ll have to be mindful of what environment you’re in (probably not best in a quiet classroom). Or only use the features that you know are quiet.
It comes in various colors and pretty designs.
Pop Fidget Toys
The popping fidget toys are one of the most satisfying and relaxing toys I’ve come across. I ordered a rainbow 2-pack, which came in a circle and square. You press the bubbles in; then, on the other side, you push them out. The bubbles make a nice “popping” sound. These toys are bendable, so if you want to squish them in your hands, you can.
Some of my family members enjoy playing with these poppers, and they do not have a BFRB. So I think if you have some lying around, people of all ages will find these relaxing. You could even make a game out of popping them if you wanted.
They’re definitely not quiet because they pop, but they’re great to use at home or in areas where the noise won’t be disruptive.
Final Thoughts
Fidget Toys are going to vary from person to person based on what they like and their needs. The toys I listed satisfy my needs. I use them in different situations, or if I’m feeling in a particular mood, I might use a certain fidget.
If you need help choosing a toy, this article from the Canadian BFRB Support Network gives a good explanation about choosing a fidget toy.
Let me know what fidget toy you like to use in the comments!