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In this article, we'll walk you through the different types of fidgets. What exactly is a fidget? And more importantly, what makes a good fidget?

The term fidget comes from the English verb "to fidget" — to move restlessly, to tinker with something. Fidgets are also defined as a tool, used by many teachers and experts in the field.

A great way to define how fidgets are used comes from Bridget Gilormini: "Fidgets give the user the opportunity to give their hands or body something to do, which then allows their brain to focus on the task at hand, like listening to a teacher or reading."

There are many different types of fidgets, and just as many ways to define the term.

One well-known example is the fidget spinner, which captured the world's attention in 2017 — a "toy" promoted as helping people who struggle to concentrate, or who need to move to release nervous energy, anxiety, or stress.

Fidget spinner (visual, tactile, auditory)

Fidgets can be grouped into categories based on the type of stimulation they provide.

A fidget can offer auditory, visual, or tactile stimulation — some combine several at once.

Articulated fidgets (auditory, visual, tactile)

Fidget cube (auditory, tactile)

Pop bubble fidgets (tactile, visual)

Different fidgets bring their own kind of stimulation, though the main goal is always the same: helping us focus or self-regulate.

The fidgets of everyday life

According to John Ratey, M.D., fidgeting increases dopamine levels in the brain. This naturally reduces anxiety and boosts feel-good brain chemicals. That's why so many people fidget or pace in stressful situations — our bodies are trying to calm us down.

You'll notice the word "fidget" comes up in many contexts, and that both adults and children seek out, in everyday life, the same benefits that fidgets provide.

Whether it's doodling with a pen in class, listening to music while working, tapping a foot, chewing gum, drumming fingers on the steering wheel while waiting for coffee, or fiddling with something after a long day — we're all chasing that same sense of focus through auditory and tactile stimulation.

3D-printed fidgets?

With this foundation for what a fidget is, let's focus on articulated fidgets.

3D printing is what makes these articulated fidgets possible today.

3D printers build objects layer by layer, from bottom to top. Prints (fidgets, in this case) are printed one layer at a time. This lets us print several connected pieces without fusing them together — creating the articulated joints of our anti-stress toy.

This result is impossible to reproduce with molds…

This 3D printing technology lets us achieve these articulations, and much more, without any assembly afterward — meaning simple products to make, and therefore very affordable for you.

What makes a good fidget?

Let's start by figuring out who this fidget will be useful for…

For younger age groups, fidgets that support sensory and motor stimulation tend to work best — both for concentration and for supporting a child's development. Think chewable fidgets, soft anti-stress balls, and more. Some visual stimulation can also be a good fit.

When it's time to choose a fidget for an older age group, we take into account the different types of stimulation a fidget offers, and which one suits the individual best. See the categories listed earlier in this article to explore your options.

Personally, I also think it's important for a fidget to be easy to carry around — small enough to fit in a bag, or even better, in a pocket. That way, it can be used discreetly, without drawing attention.

To conclude

A fidget can take many forms: a specialized tool, an anti-stress toy, or even a simple pen you fidget with in class to focus better.

Its main purpose is to help regulate stress and anxiety, or to support concentration while completing a task.

Fidgets are useful to a wide range of people and loved for the many options available on the market — making them a great anti-stress toy and a great tool for everyone.