The Rubik’s Cube has been fascinating and frustrating us since 1980, and the appeal of this vintage fidget toy - created before fidget toys were even a thing - shows no sign of fading. My 9 year old and her friends like the Pop Its - it's relaxing for them popping it but it can also be a racing to finish game where they allocate half to each person and see who can pop their half first with one hand or one finger."(Advice from Mumsnetter Name12341) Our verdict

My daughter has ASD... She’s almost 15 and loves gadgets and building things. She loves Rubik’s Cubes and Sudoku.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Lovemusic33) Our verdict But these toys are now widely used by children and adults who tend to fidget. They help with concentration and anxiety and help to occupy the hands, preventing bad habits such as nail biting.Yes, fidget toys can be really helpful for children and adults with ADHD as they provide stimulus for touch and expelling energy, which can help those with ADHD focus. What fidget toys are best for ADHD?

Although the cube has found a new generation of fans, the fact that it’s not changed in the 41 years since its launch means those who remember the original Rubik’s Cube craze can be carried off on a wave of nostalgia with every game. Built to last, the Rubik’s Cube is one of the best fidget toys for occupying the hands at the same time as developing motor skills, concentration and cognitive mapping skills. Ring fidgets were designed as the best fidget toys to help combat anxiety in a discreet way. They have beads or rotating pieces on the main band that can be spun with the fingers on your other hand to help you relax. Size: 19cm x 6.5cm x 2cm | Material: Magnets and Alloy Steel | Type: Magnetic Crinkle Pen| Age: 12 years+ What we like We couldn't list the best fidget toys without mentioning the infamous fidget spinner. Fans of these silent, spinning fidget-conquerors will love honing their skills on the abeec Magnetic Rings Spinz. All you have to do is place two of the rings on your fingers, keeping the third one free to rotate and turn at ever-increasing speeds. This can take a little while to master, so a little patience is needed.Some of the best fidget toys, such as the ubiquitous fidget spinner, were initially created to help children with autism improve concentration and focus. Fidget toys also help to channel any stimming behaviours that may be potentially unhealthy or harmful. Size: 6.2cm x 5.9cm x 4.7cm | Material: Plastic | Type: Multi-type | Age: Adult (though could be used by children 11+) What we like Found the fidget cube quite useful as it can be used with one hand (so can be used when writing or drawing).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Calligraphy572) Size: 22.6cm x 11.4cm x 5.2cm | Material: Plastic | Type: Sensory strings | Age: 3 years+ What we like

One of the best fidget toys for lowering stress and helping to manage ADD and ADHD, the toy is made up of durable silicone and rust-resistant metal rings that can be ‘fidgeted’ in an infinite loop motion to relax the mind and promote wellbeing. We like the design of it, which looks cool enough for a teen to take to school or college. It looks more like a puzzle than a game. Size: 16.5cm x 7.9cm x 2.9cm | Material: Stainless Steel and Silicone | Type: Flippy Chain | Age: 3 years+ What we like Durability: If your child is likely to use the toy often or is known for being a bit heavy-handed, make sure you buy a robust toy built to last. It may be worth paying a bit more for a top-quality fidget toy to save money in the long run. We think Pop It toys are a great choice, particularly if you’re splashing out for the first time on a fidget toy. Our choice for the best budget fidget toy would be the Claire's Push Poppers Fidget Toy Keyring. It’s discreet and lightweight enough to live on your keys or bag, is great for all ages and still offers plenty of popping satisfaction. Where is the best place to buy fidget toys? I have a 10yo on the autism pathway who loves fidget toys. They're popular atm for children without SEN too."(Advice from Mumsnet user chiefcha) Our verdictBefore joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger. For babies and toddlers, the Fisher-Price My First Fidget Cube is ideal for keeping fidgety hands engaged. Older primary-aged children, they'll enjoy the colourful designs of the Pop-it Fidget and the Stretchy Strings. Do schools allow fidget toys?

If spinners and poppers aren’t your thing, stretch toys may be the best fidget toys for you. Stretchy strings come in many colours and textures and these dinosaur ones are particularly good for ‘sensory seekers’ - children who love to investigate and are calmed by certain textures. Well, that varies between types. Some are noisy, some are unsafe for young children, some aren't well-made, and some are easily destructible. That's why we recommend making a considered choice before purchasing using our list of the best fidget toys. What are the best fidget toys for anxiety? My autistic son is nearly 10, he's a sensory seeker, he loves 'brain putty', also those cushions with flippy sequins, stretchy bands, wobble cushions, one of those pin things where you press your hand or face in it and it makes the shape on the other side, Rubik's cubes.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user WeJammin) Our verdictThat entirely depends on the school; speaking directly to them is the best way to find out. Remember, most have SEND sensory toys readily available as part of their provision, and they prioritise children with a specific and diagnosed need. What is the best fidget toy for school?