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- Carl R. Greer/Andrew D. Hepburn Award for Best Nonfiction Essay (Miami University, 2020)
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The popularity of fidget toys has risen exponentially in recent years, as well as the discourse surrounding them. Many groups of teachers, parents, professionals and students swear by them. Fidget toys are small tools you spin between your fingers to help reduce anxiety. Think of it as an outlet to channel everyday stressors. That being said, they’re not a substitute for professional help, but they may be a great tool to help manage anxiety and stress symptoms.
We searched the internet for the best cheap fidget toys and chose the ones with the best price, appearance, durability and customer reviews.
Here are our top picks for the best fidget toys for $10 and under.
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A fidget that interests people of all ages with anxiety needs to be fun and easy to use, all without making adults feel childish. WTYCD’s retro fidget toy does just that. The small game controller fidget is discrete and has eight different functions to play with and touch — including four colored buttons, a joystick, a textured roller, a gear scroll, a switch, a dial, a keyhole and a pick. This fidget could be used at home, work, school or during travel, but be aware that two of the colored buttons do make a little noise (similar to a pen clicking).
Use the keyhole to add a wristband or add to a keyring.
Best features:
- Pocket-size and lightweight; fits in an adult’s and a child’s hand
- Comes in eight different colors and designs, as well as a two-pack option for $10
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One of the more popular fidget toys for anxious adults is a fidget cube, and Appash offers an excellent affordable and sturdy option. The six-sided fidget has seven features — a joystick, a cluster of five buttons, a switch, a dial, gears, a silver rollerball and a large smooth button. In addition, the cube is made of soft textured rubber so each side is smooth and sleek. It is easy to rotate from one textured side to another and designed to keep your hands busy during long meetings, classes or anxious periods. It comes in six different colors.
Be aware that the switch, buttons and gears make a small clicking sound.
Best features:
- Portable, fits in a pocket
- Seven features in one small fidget
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Pop It balls combine two popular fidgets — a pop it and a stress ball. This set of four balls is covered in plenty of raised bumps that can be pushed and squeezed. Made of non-toxic silicone, the rainbow colored balls are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and are very lightweight. As a sensory toy, the fidgets offer texture, noise and stress relief to anxious hands. They’re also easy to clean.
If you decide to use these in a classroom, be aware that they do make noise.
Best features:
- Makes popping sounds
- All the benefits of a stress ball
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Fidgets for children need to be entertaining enough to occupy their busy hands. These brightly colored, textured and plastic pop tubes are guaranteed to grab their attention. Each set comes with four pop tubes for one low price. Similar to Lego and other building blocks, you can even connect a few pop tubes together to make larger tubes. The rigid tubes can be pulled and bent to make shapes, letters or words. Every time a tube is pulled or pushed together, it makes a sound, similar to a bendy straw. Let your young kids play with these fidgets on their own or join in on the fun.
However, be aware that the tubes can dented during rough play. If you use these in the classroom, be aware that they make noise.
Best features:
- Fun texture and sounds
- Can connect the tubes together for more play
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These non-toxic, non-latex and hypoallergenic stress balls are great for students in the classroom. Each ball comes filled with jelly water beads, making them fun to squish and squeeze. One set comes with three water bead stress balls, and there are a few colors and sizes available. The best thing about these fidget balls is that they make virtually no noise, and therefore won’t disrupt class. At home, students can also toss, bounce and play catch with these fidgets.
Note that these fidgets might not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts.
Best features:
- Quiet, discreet stress ball
- Customer service will offer a refund or replacement within 90 days
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How do fidget toys help with anxiety?
Where can I get cheap fidget toys?
What is the most stress relieving fidget?
What is the best homemade fidget toy?
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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