Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices
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.
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.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chuchik Fidget Cube | $10.97 Low Mid | Something for Every Kind of Fidgeter | ||
2 | Dammit Doll Classic Stress Relief Toys | $15.87 Mid | Take All of Your Frustrations Out on This Doll | ||
3 | Kotaro Kendama Pro Bamboo Kendama | $13.99 Mid | A Japanese Game That Requires Full Concentration | ||
4 | Speks Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls | $34.95 High | Magnetic Balls You Can Create, Mash, or Fidget With | ||
5 | Joeyank Infinity Cube | $20.99 High Mid | For the Fidgeter Who Likes More Complex Movement | ||
6 | Serenilite Hand Therapy Stress Ball | $10.49 Low Mid | A Smaller Stress Ball Made With Durable Gel Filling | ||
7 | Impresa Products Monkey Fidgetz | $9.99 Low Mid | Super Simple Fidget Toys to Keep Anywhere | ||
8 | Alan Goldsher Desktop Tetherball | $8.84 Low Mid | Let Off Steam With a Game of Tetherball | ||
9 | Autbye Moondrop Fidget Desk Toy | $19.99 High Mid | Test Out Different Planets' Gravities | ||
10 | Play Visions Giant Stress Ball | $22.99 High Mid | A Giant, Malleable Stress Ball |
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Omolola also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about 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."
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!
No. 1: Chuchik|Fidget Cube
No. 2: Dammit Doll|Classic Stress Relief Toys
No. 3: Kotaro Kendama|Pro Bamboo Kendama
No. 4: Speks|Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls
No. 5: Joeyank|Infinity Cube
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices