Within the last few months, fidgets have seen their rise once again in a new form of anxiety-relieving toy. However, this is not the first time that a fidget craze has taken over society. Fidgets have been popular toys and used as tools to relieve stress for countless decades, from ancient times to the present day.
In Ancient Greece, it was common for small stones to be used as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, called worry stones. The polished stones were often made from materials like agate or marble. People would rub the smooth surface of the stone with their thumbs whenever they felt worried or needed to calm down. Not only were the stones used for their calming effect, but they also often believed that certain stones had healing or protective powers.
The invention of the fidget cube was a monumental moment in 2015 and marked the beginning of the popularization of fidgets. The small plastic cube offered six different types of fidgets in one, giving users more variety within one toy. Faces with a switch, buttons, or even a smooth surface, much like the worry stone, were commonly seen on these toys.
2017 saw the rise of the fidget spinner, a small toy that is placed between the user’s thumb and pointer finger that spins when flicked. This fidget took over classrooms and the internet as the obsession with it spread. Collectible versions could be purchased, coming in various shapes and colors. This trend eventually faded out, to be replaced by the next fidget fad, but the days of the fidget spinner will always be remembered by many.
Foam squishies quickly took the place of the fidget spinner as the next fidget trend in 2017. The slow-rising foam material provided stress relief and satisfaction. The toys could come in any shape or size, with the most popular being based on foods or animals, some even being scented. These squishies were also widely popularized by influencers, furthering their grasp on the internet.
In 2026, the most popular fidget by far is the Needoh; its numerous textures, consistency and color draw consumers in like no other product. Not only that, but the wide promotion of it by influencers has made its popularity boom. NeeDohs and similar squishies allow users to take stress out on the object and relieve nerves.
The rise and popularity of fidgets are sure to continue, with a new phenomenon sweeping societies for years to come. From ancient Greeks to Gen Alpha, it is clear that fidgets will always relieve stress and provide entertainment for generations to come.
