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10 Best Stress Relief Toys in 2022 (Licensed Professional Counselor-Reviewed)

In today’s fast-paced world, things can get kind of stressful, and we don’t always have the time to step back and sort out our emotions. Instead, for the most part, we’re expected to just keep going whether we’re comfortable or not. Luckily, there are stress relief toys made specifically to help you dispel stress and cope with your emotions on the go.

But there are a lot of different kinds, and which one is right for you really depends on your own situation. In our buying guide reviewed by a licensed professional counselor, we’ll go over the factors you should consider when deciding which stress toy is right for you. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started, with Chuchik's Fidget Cube taking our top spot.
Last updated 09/26/2023
Omolola Taiwo
Expert
Licensed Professional Counselor
Omolola Taiwo

Omolola Taiwo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Katy, Texas who provides psychotherapy services to young adults, adults, and couples. She specializes in wellness-oriented and trauma-informed care, with an integrative approach of cognitive-behavioral interventions, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and wellness consulting.

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mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Stress Relief Toy – Buying Guide

Stress is a very personal experience, and the situations we become stressed in differ. So keep in mind your own feelings of stress as well as the underlying stressors as you consider what toy might be the best for you.
1

Choose a Type of Toy Based on Your Type of Stress

Stress manifests itself in different ways for different people, so you want to be sure the stress relief toy that you choose fits your individual needs.

Pick a Concentration Toy for Anxious Stress

Pick a Concentration Toy for Anxious Stress
For those who suffer from anxiety or stress that causes you to overthink and panic, a toy that requires concentration can help to distract you from those feelings. By concentrating on something else, you refocus your thoughts, which prevents you from overthinking and lets you mull things through without that lens of panic.


Concentration toys often come in the form of building block-type toys as well as puzzles or even coloring books. Just make sure that the toy you choose doesn’t make you more frustrated and that it doesn’t distract you from eventually getting your work done.

Pick a Fidget Toy for Nervousness and Restlessness

Pick a Fidget Toy for Nervousness and Restlessness
Fidget toys allow you to mindlessly move your hands (or sometimes even your feet) to dispel restlessness or extra energy as well as physically release stress. For some, they can also help to increase concentration by adding a physical level of involvement to what would otherwise be passive reception.


These can sometimes overlap with concentration toys, and if you find that you react to a variety of stressors, having a toy that both occupies your mind and gives you physical release could be good.

Pick a Stress Ball Toy for High Tension

Pick a Stress Ball Toy for High Tension
Stress balls are probably the first things that come to mind when you think of stress relief toys. 

Stress balls can come in a ton of different shapes, sizes, and textures, but they’re all meant to be squeezed or otherwise handled roughly to help you deal with negative emotions. Tightening and releasing your muscles can help to alleviate physical tension and stimulate endorphin release.

Omolola Taiwo
Licensed Professional Counselor
Omolola Taiwo

The correlation between physical and mental stress is indicative of the energy it takes when under large amounts of stress. It's because of this mind-body connection that stress balls for high tension are helpful. Also, consider that the progression of muscle traction brings attention to areas in the body that may be holding on to more tension.

2

Find the Right Size for Your Space

Find the Right Size for Your Space
Think about where you’ll keep your stress toy–in your pocket? On your desk? On a shelf? 

When deciding on a stress toy, don’t forget that it’s something that should be on hand during your most stressful moments and not something that you need to actively search for. With that in mind, look for a toy that you’ll be able to keep with you wherever you need it.

3

Ensure That It Won’t Distract Your Neighbors

Ensure That It Won’t Distract Your Neighbors
If you’re working in an office or classroom setting, sounds and lights can be distracting to the people around you (which can potentially cause even more stress). 

So if you’re in a space that requires you to be in fairly close proximity with other people, it’s best to look for a toy that won’t be too distracting to others. Of course, if that’s not a concern for you, go crazy!

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10 Best Stress Relief Toys

Here are our 10 best picks for stress relief toys. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Omolola Taiwo. Prices were gathered from respective EC sites on June 30, 2022.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Chuchik

Fidget Cube

Chuchik Fidget Cube 1

$10.97

Low Mid

Something for Every Kind of Fidgeter

2

Dammit Doll

Classic Stress Relief Toys

Dammit Doll Classic Stress Relief Toys 1

$15.87

Mid

Take All of Your Frustrations Out on This Doll

3

Kotaro Kendama

Pro Bamboo Kendama

Kotaro Kendama Pro Bamboo Kendama 1

$13.99

Mid

A Japanese Game That Requires Full Concentration

4

Speks

Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls

Speks Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls 1

$34.95

High

Magnetic Balls You Can Create, Mash, or Fidget With

5

Joeyank

Infinity Cube

Joeyank Infinity Cube 1

$20.99

High Mid

For the Fidgeter Who Likes More Complex Movement

6

Serenilite

Hand Therapy Stress Ball

Serenilite Hand Therapy Stress Ball 1

$10.49

Low Mid

A Smaller Stress Ball Made With Durable Gel Filling

7

Impresa Products

Monkey Fidgetz

Impresa Products Monkey Fidgetz 1

$9.99

Low Mid

Super Simple Fidget Toys to Keep Anywhere

8

Alan Goldsher

Desktop Tetherball

Alan Goldsher Desktop Tetherball 1

$8.84

Low Mid

Let Off Steam With a Game of Tetherball

9

Autbye

Moondrop Fidget Desk Toy

Autbye Moondrop Fidget Desk Toy 1

$19.99

High Mid

Test Out Different Planets' Gravities

10

Play Visions

Giant Stress Ball

Play Visions Giant Stress Ball 1

$22.99

High Mid

A Giant, Malleable Stress Ball

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

ChuchikFidget Cube

Fidget Cube 1
Source:amazon.com
Fidget Cube 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.97
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.97
Low Mid

Something for Every Kind of Fidgeter

This little device has six different action functions on it–flip, roll, glide, spin, rub, and click–and can fit easily into your pocket. It feels smooth and comfortable in your hand and is built to take a lot of wear and tear.

Some reviewers complain that certain buttons and parts lack resistance, making the toy less effective at relieving stress. Some of the buttons are silent, while others do make loud noises. But most reviewers enjoy that it has many options for destressing.  It also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with it.  

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No.2

Dammit DollClassic Stress Relief Toys

Reference price
$15.87
Mid

Take All of Your Frustrations Out on This Doll

This ugly-cute doll with extra tough material and stitching is made to be abused. Twist it, throw it, smash it, or even bite it–this doll can take all of your anger, stress, and frustration.

It comes in one of several random patterns (but if you want one with a specific design, those are available too). Due to the nature of this toy, this one might be best saved for private use.

Reviewers who went with the random design mention that sometimes the seller would send over one that isn't pictures - like a veteran or a soccer mom doll. If you're planning on buying for someone specific, it might be better to pick a design. It's perfect, however, as a gag gift for anyone and works as advertised.

No.3

Kotaro KendamaPro Bamboo Kendama

Reference price
$13.99
Mid

A Japanese Game That Requires Full Concentration

A kendama is a Japanese toy that involves trying to catch and balance a wooden ball on the attached handle. There are four different ways you can catch it, and it actually takes quite a bit of concentration as well as hand-eye coordination.

This toy is a great distraction as it will pull you completely from your thoughts. However, it does require quite a bit of space for swinging the ball and will likely create some noise (if you can get the ball anywhere near the handle, that is!). Reviewers find it very rewarding to play with, as you get better with practice.
No.4

SpeksSet of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls

Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls 1
Source:getspeks.com
Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls 2
Source:getspeks.com
Reference price
$34.95
High
Reference price
$34.95
High

Magnetic Balls You Can Create, Mash, or Fidget With

These little magnetic balls can be manipulated to make almost any shape you can think of. This toy would do well for mindless movement as well as more concentrated design efforts. The magnets are rust-resistant, and the pack comes with a carrying case, metal stand, and splitter card.


It also comes in several different colors including some multi-color sets, which could make for some fun patterns. However, each ball is only 2.5 millimeters in diameter, and even together they make up a pretty small cube, which some reviewers complain about. But they're highly engaging and perfect as a STEM toy for kids.

No.5

JoeyankInfinity Cube

Infinity Cube 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$20.99
High Mid

For the Fidgeter Who Likes More Complex Movement

This high-quality metal cube is actually made up of eight smaller cubes connected with joints that allow you to roll it open and closed in various directions. It’s great as a fidget toy with slightly more complex movements.

As it is made fully from metal, it will make some sound–reviewers liken it to change in a pocket. People with smaller hands may also find it difficult to use with one hand. It also is a bit loose-jointed, though that's actually for fluid motion! Reviewers like that it's durable and has a comfortable weight to it.
No.6

SereniliteHand Therapy Stress Ball

Hand Therapy Stress Ball 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.49
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.49
Low Mid

A Smaller Stress Ball Made With Durable Gel Filling

This stress ball is smaller than most, making it easier to grip and play with between your fingers. It is super durable as it is filled with gel rather than foam, which can quickly break down with too much squeezing.

It has good resistance without being difficult to squeeze. The outer fabric layer is made from easy-to-clean nylon in case it gets a little too much action. Some reviewers say that the seam on the ball isn't very durable, but more love the texture of the ball, which gets softer over time. 
No.7

Impresa ProductsMonkey Fidgetz

Reference price
$9.99
Low Mid

Super Simple Fidget Toys to Keep Anywhere

These super-simple fidget toys are simply a marble in a tube of mesh. They’re meant to be played with between your fingers to help you keep moving and stay calm and focused.

They’re small and come in a pack of eight, which makes them perfect for stashing anywhere you might find yourself needing them. On top of that, they’re durable and made from BPA-free plastic. Reviewers have said that the marbles can easily come out or the product can break quite easily, so it's not safe for younger kids and pets.

Positive reviewers say that they are simple and effective; plus, they're not too distracting, so you can still concentrate on the task at hand when using them!

No.8

Alan GoldsherDesktop Tetherball

Desktop Tetherball 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.84
Low Mid
Reference price
$8.84
Low Mid

Let Off Steam With a Game of Tetherball

For those who just want to go outside and play but find themselves trapped in an office all day, this might be the next best thing. This desktop tetherball kit is great for mindlessly flicking or for taking a work break with a deskmate.

While it would probably make for pretty cool desk decor, note that playing with it might distract your neighbors. Additionally, reviewers say that the base isn’t too heavy, so if the game gets too rowdy, the pole might topple over.

However, others say that the product is surprisingly high-quality, with the pole being made of metal. It's also amazingly fun to play with, even in the office, and a great conversation starter.

No.9

AutbyeMoondrop Fidget Desk Toy

Reference price
$19.99
High Mid

Test Out Different Planets' Gravities

These three little metal devices represent the relative gravity on Earth, Mars, and the Moon. Flick them up and watch them visually demonstrate the laws of physics as they come down at different speeds.

All three of these are also magnetic and can easily stack or balance together. These could make a great, non-distracting desktop fidget that doubles as a cool decoration. Unfortunately, the product does not come with instructions or an explanation of what the toys are for, but most reviewers find them fun to play with and like the idea behind them.

No.10

Play VisionsGiant Stress Ball

Reference price
$22.99
High Mid

A Giant, Malleable Stress Ball

This gigantic stress ball is super soft and malleable. It can be molded into various shapes and will slowly return to its original spherical figure. It’s great for those who just want to take out some frustration or need a large-scale kinetic distraction.

However, some reviewers note that the ball may come apart soon after opening the box (though if it doesn’t right away, it probably won’t ever). Plus, it’s pretty big and might be visually distracting to others in close proximity. On the other hand, reviewers love how squishy it is, comparing the texture to Play-Doh.

Why Are Stress Relief Toys So Helpful?

Why Are Stress Relief Toys So Helpful?
We all know that playing with our fingers and squeezing things helps to calm us, but why? Well, the different kinds of toys each serve different stress relief purposes.


Concentration toys are pretty self-explanatory–they distract you from whatever’s bothering you and give you a quick mental vacation, so to speak. Plus, putting off a stressful task and giving it time to stew in your subconscious often germinates new ideas.


Physical toys like fidgets and stress balls offer a different kind of escape. One that involves feelings of stress evolved as a response to physical danger and would trigger a fight or flight instinct (that’s the feeling of anger or restlessness you feel in stressful situations).


However, in modern times, we can’t exactly just run away or punch an annoying boss in the nose, so we end up with all of this energy trying to get out - which is where stress relief toys come in!

Omolola Taiwo
Licensed Professional Counselor
Omolola Taiwo

As there are plenty of options for stress relief toys, they all serve the beneficial purpose of diverting your attention to relieving the pressure of demand and responsibility. You may look at these toys as a mandatory addition to your agenda or routine. This allows your window of tolerance to hold space for productivity and mental clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Omolola also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about stress.

What are some ways to relieve stress?

"Some ways to relieve stress include an activity with a cathartic release," Omolola says. "Taking breaks in the midst of tasks is a huge component of pacing yourself and being mindful of your stress levels. Adult coloring while outdoors and deep breathing can bring a full-body release of stress that supports your effort in stress management."

Looking for Other Ways to Pass the Time?

If you're just looking for ways to relieve boredom or if you're trying to pick up a new hobby, then there are other toys and DIY kits that you can consider purchasing. And if you need help picking the best one, then take a look at some of our other articles for more information!

Top 5 Stress Relief Toys

No. 1: ChuchikFidget Cube

No. 2: Dammit DollClassic Stress Relief Toys

No. 3: Kotaro KendamaPro Bamboo Kendama

No. 4: SpeksSet of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls

No. 5: JoeyankInfinity Cube

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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