The Best Fidget Toys for Classrooms: A Teacher's Perspective - Rainy Day Reader

The Best Fidget Toys for Classrooms: A Teacher's Perspective

Hi! I’m Sarah, a teacher with ADHD and owner of Rainy Day Reader! I want to share my thoughts on fidget toys. If you’re an educator or a parent, you probably have your own opinions about fidgets—whether they’re distractions or helpful tools. Well, I’ve worked with many fidgets in my classroom, and I’d like to give you a breakdown of what works (and what doesn't) based on my personal experiences. Let's dive into the world of fidget toys!

3D Printed Fidgets

3D Mini Mystery Fidgets | 3D Printed Fidgets | Rainy Day Reader

Photo by LaurenAnnBoutique


I absolutely love 3D printed fidgets! They have so many moving parts, which makes them incredibly fun to stim with. Whether you’re twisting, turning, or sliding pieces around, these fidgets can keep your hands busy in the best way. However, they do come with one drawback: they tend to be loud.

In my classroom, I avoid using 3D printed fidgets during quiet work or focus times because of the noise factor. But, if you're in a setting where the volume isn’t a concern—like during free time or breaks—these fidgets are a great option for students who enjoy tactile engagement. They’re perfect for stimming, but maybe not for silent reading time!


Pop-Its: The Quintessential Fidget Toy



Pop-Its are probably the most well-known fidget toy right now. They’re bright, colorful, and undeniably fun, but like 3D printed fidgets, they can also be loud. Because of this, I use Pop-Its selectively in my classroom. If the environment is already a little noisy, they fit right in without causing too much disruption. However, for quiet work, they might be a bit too distracting.


That said, Pop-Its are perfect when students need something to fidget with during more active times or during lessons that allow for group participation and movement. They offer a satisfying sensory experience while giving students a way to focus their energy.


Snapping, Connecting Fidget

Photo by Mias Shop

Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite classroom fidgets—the snapping, connecting fidget. These are fantastic for forming shapes, letters, and even numbers! While they can be a little loud due to the snapping sound, I find that the satisfaction they bring outweighs the noise. The versatility of these fidgets makes them great for hands-on learning activities.

Students can create patterns, spell words, or just have fun snapping the pieces together. They’re especially useful during lessons where we encourage creativity and physical engagement. Yes, they’re noisy, but sometimes the joy they bring makes that completely worth it!



Tangles: My All-Time Favorite Classroom Fidget


Finally, we have my absolute favorite: the Tangle fidget. This is my go-to fidget for the classroom because it’s quiet, mesmerizing, and incredibly versatile. Tangles can be twisted and turned into different shapes, but unlike other fidgets, they don’t make much noise at all.

Another great feature? You can detach and reattach sections of the Tangle, allowing students to adjust the size to their liking. This fidget is perfect for quiet work times or when students need a calming, focus-enhancing tool without disrupting others. It's my number one recommendation for any classroom!


Final Thoughts: Find What Works for Your Students


At the end of the day, every classroom and every student is different. What works for my students may not work for yours, and that’s okay! The key is to experiment with different fidget toys to see which ones meet the needs of your students. Some students might thrive with Pop-Its, while others might prefer a quieter option like the Tangle. The best fidget is the one that helps your students stay focused, calm, and engaged in their learning.

If you have feelings about fidgets like I do, don’t be afraid to try different types and see what fits best for your classroom environment!

Want to check out more fidgets? Explore our Fidget & Sensory collection! 

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