10 Best Stress Relief Toys in 2022 (Licensed Professional Counselor-Reviewed)
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.
Quick List - Top Stress Relief Toys
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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How to Choose a Stress Relief Toy – Buying Guide
Choose a Type of Toy Based on Your Type of Stress
Pick a Concentration Toy for Anxious Stress
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
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
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.
Find the Right Size for Your Space
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.
Ensure That It Won’t Distract Your Neighbors
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!
10 Best Stress Relief Toys
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chuchik Fidget Cube | | Something for Every Kind of Fidgeter | |
2 | Dammit Doll Classic Stress Relief Toys | | Take All of Your Frustrations Out on This Doll | |
3 | Kotaro Kendama Pro Bamboo Kendama | | A Japanese Game That Requires Full Concentration | |
4 | Speks Set of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls | | Magnetic Balls You Can Create, Mash, or Fidget With | |
5 | Joeyank Infinity Cube | | For the Fidgeter Who Likes More Complex Movement | |
6 | Serenilite Hand Therapy Stress Ball | | A Smaller Stress Ball Made With Durable Gel Filling | |
7 | Impresa Products Monkey Fidgetz | | Super Simple Fidget Toys to Keep Anywhere | |
8 | Alan Goldsher Desktop Tetherball | | Let Off Steam With a Game of Tetherball | |
9 | Autbye Moondrop Fidget Desk Toy | | Test Out Different Planets' Gravities | |
10 | Play Visions Giant Stress Ball | | A Giant, Malleable Stress Ball |
Something for Every Kind of Fidgeter
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.
Take All of Your Frustrations Out on This Doll
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.
A Japanese Game That Requires Full Concentration
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.
SpeksSet of 512 (2.5mm) Magnetic Balls
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.
For the Fidgeter Who Likes More Complex Movement
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.
A Smaller Stress Ball Made With Durable Gel Filling
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.
Super Simple Fidget Toys to Keep Anywhere
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!
Let Off Steam With a Game of Tetherball
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.
Test Out Different Planets' Gravities
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.
A Giant, Malleable Stress Ball
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?
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.
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: 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.