Fidgets, Not Just A Fad BY AMANDA CIANI
I n 2017, American teachers had a new classroom enemy: the fidget spin- ner. Almost every homeroom had an abundance of students with pockets full of fidget spinners galore. Kids clacked them on their desks, flung them at their peers, traded them at lunch, and cried when they lost their favorite fidget. Some schools even went on to place bans on the popular sensory toy. But eventually, the cool factor of the fidget spinner faded, and the youth moved onto the next big craze. Did fidget spinners get an unfair, bad rap? Probably so. But consider this: These sensory tools gained popularity as toys because when they were used as intended, they worked! Merriam-Webster defines the noun of fidget as, “something (such as a toy) that is designed to be held and manipulated (as to decrease
stress and anxiety).” It may be suggested, however, that fidgets are so much more than just a toy, and they are truly so much more than just a fad. Let’s dig into the world of fidgets, how they work, who they benefit, and also consider reintroducing them to the classroom (and boardroom, and beyond). A FIDGET FOR EVERYONE Believe it or not, reader, you have probably fidgeted in your lifetime. Whether twirling your hair, clicking a pen, or bouncing a knee, fidgeting helps humans manage stressful moments and can even increase focus. There are SO many types of fidget tools on the mar- ket, and available to 3D print, in 2026. Deep Pressure Fidgets: weighted blankets, stuffed animals, and shoulder vests, compres- sion clothing, and more. Gross Motor Fidgets: balance boards, trampolines, swings, rocking stools, exercise
balls, and more. Oral Fidgets: chewerly (chewable jewelry), gum, sour candy, z-vibes, and more. Repetitive Motion Fidgets: chain fidgets, click rollers, fidget spinners, fidget cubes, spinner ringers, and more. Resistance Fidgets: firm putties, hand grips strengtheners, resistance bands, and more. Tactile Fidgets: stress balls, putties and doughs, tangles, pop-its, velcro strips, senso- ry rings, worry stones, and more. Visual Fidgets: bubblers, glitter jars, sand jars, lava lamps, and more. HOW FIDGETS WORK While it may appear that fidgets just keep the user occupied, there is much more than meets the eye in terms of the purpose and the benefits of these sensory tools. Fidgets actually work in multiple ways, with a variety of benefits.
18 APRIL 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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