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The Best Stress Toy | 2023

Last updated on February 6, 2023

We looked at the top 13 Stress Toys and dug through the reviews from 32 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Stress Toys.

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Our Picks For The Top Stress Toys

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Our Take
  Top Pick

Power Your Fun Handheld Stretch Stress Toy Balls, 3-Pack

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Power Your Fun

Handheld Stretch Stress Toy Balls, 3-Pack

Overall Take

Color-Changing DesignThis stress toy is not only designed for children who need to unwind. It's also perfect for adults who have trouble being still.

  Runner Up

Boxer Gifts Squidgy Llama Stress Toy

Boxer Gifts

Squidgy Llama Stress Toy

Overall Take

Simply AdorableThis stress toy is excellent for gift giving and fits neatly inside a Christmas stocking.

  We Also Like

CHUCHIK Multifunctional Fidget Cube Stress Toy

CHUCHIK

Multifunctional Fidget Cube Stress Toy

Overall Take

Small and PortableNot only is this stress toy small and portable, but it also comes in a variety of colors and shapes.

  Strong Contender

YoYa Toys Beadeez Water Bead Stress Relief Calming Balls, 3-Pack

YoYa Toys

Beadeez Water Bead Stress Relief Calming Balls, 3-Pack

Overall Take

Great for Gift GivingThese stress toys are surprisingly satisfying to squeeze, making them a breeze to increase hand strength.

  Also Great

Tech Tools Stress Buster Mini Punching Bag Toy

Tech Tools

Stress Buster Mini Punching Bag Toy

Overall Take

Resilient SpringGreat for work or home use, this stress toy attaches to any smooth surface.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the stress toys available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

32

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

19,825

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

The Best Overall

Power Your Fun Handheld Stretch Stress Toy Balls, 3-Pack

Our Expert Score

9.7

Our Take

Keep your hands occupied with this stress toy set. The box includes yellow, blue and pink squishy balls that slowly reduce anxiety as you play with them. Users will also enjoy how the color inside the balls changes with each squeeze.


The Best Bang For Your Buck

CHUCHIK Multifunctional Fidget Cube Stress Toy

Our Total Score

9.7

Our Take

Keep your mind off your troubles with this stress toy. This gadget is equipped with six different features, including gears, a flip switch and a spinner. Since the device is small enough to fit in the pocket of your jeans, you can easily take it anywhere you go.

Our Stress Toy Buying Guide

According to the National Health Interview Survey, approximately 75% of people feel stressed about something at least every two weeks. Since it is well known that stress wreaks havoc on our bodies, it is important to do what we can to reduce our stress levels. One simple solution is to begin using stress toys on a regular basis. There are stress toys for both children and adults, so you’re sure to find one that fits your interests.

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Determine who you’re buying the stress toy for. Something like the YoYa Toys Beadeez Water Bead Stress Relief Balls, 3-Pack is geared more toward children, as it is created using bright colors and offers additional sensory input in the way of the water beads.

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Always check the product packaging when choosing a stress toy for a child. You want it to be hypoallergenic and free of toxins, like BPAs and phthalates. If your little one is allergic to latex, make sure that isn’t in the construction, as well.

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Adults would benefit from a set of stress balls that is nice and firm. Not only are some sets made to fit in adult-size hands, but they also come with inspirational quotes on them. Others are sold in an attractive tube that makes for a great gift for friends, family members and co-workers.

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If simply squeezing a ball doesn’t provide you with enough stimulation, you can opt for a fidget cube instead. The CHUCHIK Multi Function Fidget Cube Stess Toy has six different functions to keep your mind and fingers busy. You can flip a switch, thumb the gears or spin the circular disc.

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Another option to reduce your stress levels is to set-up a small punching bag. Look for a model that has a large suction cup that can be attached to your work desk, kitchen countertop or living room coffee table. As soon as you feel the need to vent, give the punching bag a few hits. The durable spring will keep returning the bag to you until you begin to feel calm once again.

Simplemost Fun Fact

Endocrinologist Hans Selye was the first person to use the word “stress” in a medical context. In the 1930s, He used the term to describe the responses he was seeing in the animals he was studying. Later, he also used the word to describe certain reactions he observed in humans.

Here are a few more interesting facts about stress:

  • One method the Ancient Greeks used to reduce their stress levels was to chew bubble gum.
  • Some jokingly say that their gray hair is caused by stress. This is a myth; however, stress has been proven to be one of the causes of hair loss.
  • One of the first sets of stress balls was created by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty. They are sometimes referred to as Baoding balls and are believed to relieve stress as they apply pressure to the acupuncture points on your hands.

The Stress Toy Tips and Advice

  • Always read the recommended age for the stress toy you purchase, as some toys pose a choking hazard for children under the age of three.
  • The FDA does not evaluate the claims made by stress toy companies. They produce may or may not relieve stress, improve concentration or strengthen the muscles in your hands.
  • Find a stress toy that matches the size of your hand, otherwise, it may be uncomfortable to hold.
  • Keep in mind that some stress toys make a lot of noise. These models would not be good choices for use at school or in the office, where noises can be distracting to others.
  • If your stress toy has a suction cup on the bottom that doesn’t always stick properly, there are a few things you can do to fix that. Try wiping the suction cup and the surface you plan on sticking the stress toy to with a lint-free cloth. If that doesn’t work, wipe a little rubbing alcohol over the surface and the suction cup. You’ll also want to make sure you’re using the toy in a room that is cool and dry, as heat and humidity will affect the suction cup’s ability to stay put.
  • Stress balls benefit from occasional washing. A little dish soap and warm water is all you need. Afterward, set the balls out to dry naturally, as towels may leave lint on the balls. Once dry, rub a little baby powder over the surface of the balls and they will be ready to use once again.
  • Size and function play roles in the pricing of stress toys. For example, the CHUCHIK Multi Function Fidget Cube Stess Toy is pocket-size and among the most affordable stress toys. The YoYa Toys Beadeez Water Bead Stress Relief Balls, 3-Pack is moderately priced. Larger models are able to command the highest price.

About The Author

Alicia Bodine 

Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer specializing in health and nutrition. She enjoys spending time searching for the best all-natural products that will keep her and her family in optimal health. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared on leading health and wellness publications. When she's not writing, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her kids, cooking in the kitchen or playing with her two kitties, Flitter and Otter. Alicia loves researching the latest and greatest gadgets, products and items that help her save time, energy and money.