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Best Fidget Toys for ADHD: The Game-Changing Tools Every Neurodivergent Child Needs in the Classroom

Apr 24, 2024

4 min read

fidget toys for adhd classroom. Infographic explains what ADHD fidgets are.

Attention parents! Get ready to discover the amazing world of fidget toys – the secret weapons that can help kids with ADHD focus and succeed in the classroom. These groundbreaking tools are like magic wands, allowing students to move and learn at the same time. With our exciting list of the top seven non-distracting fidget toys, you’ll be equipped to transform your child’s classroom experience and unlock their full potential.

When choosing a fidget toy for someone with ADHD, you can consider things like:

  • Price
  • Material safety
  • Noise level
  • Whether it’s quiet and engages sight or touch 

1. The Sensory Genius Stress Ball

When it comes to fidget toys for ADHD classroom use, the Sensory Genius Stress Ball is a top contender. This squishy, non-toxic stress ball provides a tactile experience that can help kids with thinking and learning differences maintain focus.

Plus, it’s quiet and discreet, making it an ideal choice for the classroom setting.

ProsCons
Quiet and discreetMay not be suitable for kids with latex allergies
Non-toxicIf handled roughly, it can puncture
fidget toys for adhd classroom. A child plays with a fidget toy in the classroom with ADHD
Read more: What is Fidgeting in Kids?

2. The Tangle Therapy Toy

The Tangle Therapy Toy is a versatile and engaging fidget tool that can help neurodivergent kids stay focused in the classroom. Its interlocking, twisting segments provide a satisfying sensory experience, while its compact size ensures it won’t be a distraction to others. We recommend this toy for its portability and effectiveness.

ProsCons
Compact and portableSmall parts may pose a choking hazard for younger kids
Engaging and versatileMay become tangled if not handled properly

3. The Fidget Spinner

fidget toys for adhd classroom. A child plays with a fidget toy in the classroom with ADHD.
Read more: Fidget Toys for ADHD | Do They Help?

Though fidget spinners gained popularity as a trendy toy, they can be highly effective for kids with ADHD in the classroom. These small, spinning devices can help improve focus and concentration while providing a calming sensory experience. Opt for a quiet, high-quality spinner to minimize distractions.

ProsCons
Improves focus and concentrationCan be distracting if not used quietly
Calming sensory experienceNot suitable for kids prone to dropping items

Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids

A young child demonstrates brushing teeth on the best tablet for kids by Goally, highlighting a kid-friendly interface.

4. The Marble Fidget Toy

Marble fidget toys are simple yet effective tools for kids with thinking and learning differences. These toys consist of a marble encased in a fabric tube, allowing the child to manipulate the marble quietly and discreetly. It’s an excellent option for tactile stimulation without causing disruptions in the classroom.

ProsCons
Quiet and discreetMay not be as engaging as other fidget toys
Simple and effectiveNot suitable for kids who may try to open the fabric tube
Read More: ADHD in the Classroom

5. The Putty Peeps Therapy Putty

Putty Peeps Therapy Putty is a fantastic fidget toy for ADHD classroom settings. This non-toxic, colorful putty can stretch, be squeezed, and molded, providing a satisfying sensory experience. It’s also a great tool for building hand strength and fine motor skills, which can be beneficial when using Goally’s learning tablet.

ProsCons
Non-toxic and colorfulCan be messy if not handled carefully
Builds hand strength and fine motor skillsMay dry out if not stored properly
Goally tablet showing Mood Tuner, the emotional regulation app for kids to help them manage big emotions.

6. The Chewigem Chewelry

For kids who tend to chew on objects, Chewigem Chewelry is a safe and stylish solution. These wearable fidget toys come in various designs, such as necklaces and bracelets, and non-toxic, and BPA-free. They provide a discreet sensory outlet for kids with ADHD in the classroom.

ProsCons
Safe and non-toxicMay not be suitable for aggressive chewers
Stylish and discreetCan be a choking hazard if the cord breaks

7. The Flippy Chain Fidget Toy

Last but not least, the Flippy Chain Fidget Toy is a durable and discreet option for kids with ADHD in the classroom. This toy features interlocking rings and a silicone band, allowing for quiet, repetitive fidgeting. It’s an excellent choice for kids who need a subtle sensory outlet during class while using Goally’s learning apps.

ProsCons
Durable and discreetMay not be as engaging as other fidget toys
Quiet and repetitiveSmall parts may pose a choking hazard for younger kids

Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD

Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.

Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.

A young child demonstrates brushing teeth on the best tablet for kids by Goally, highlighting a kid-friendly interface.

Wrapping Up: Fidgeting for Success

There you have it – seven non-distracting fidget toys for ADHD classroom use that can help your neurodivergent child stay focused and engaged during lessons. Each of these tools offers unique benefits, so consider your child’s specific needs and preferences when selecting the perfect fidget toy. With the right sensory support, your child can thrive in the classroom and beyond. Happy fidgeting!


FAQs About Fidget Toys for ADHD in the Classroom

What is a fidget toy?
A fidget toy is a small, handheld object that individuals, often those with ADHD, use to help them focus, reduce anxiety, and manage sensory input.
How can fidget toys benefit a child with ADHD in the classroom?
Fidget toys can aid a child with ADHD in the classroom by improving focus, reducing anxiety, and facilitating sensory regulation, making the learning process smoother.
Are fidget toys disruptive in a classroom setting?
No, many fidget toys, like the Sensory Genius Stress Ball, are designed to be quiet and discreet, minimizing disruption in the classroom.
Can fidget toys help children without ADHD?
Yes, while fidget toys are particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, they can also help any child in need of a focus aid or stress relief.
How can parents introduce fidget toys to their child's teacher?
Parents can have a conversation with the teacher about the benefits of fidget toys, sharing how it could support their child's learning and focus in the classroom.

This post was originally published on 04/17/2023. It was updated on 02/02/2024.

Article by

Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.