Fidget Packs for Focus: Demystifying the Benefits for Children and Adults
Do you or your child have trouble staying focused? Fidgeting – the involuntary movement of our hands, feet, or other body parts – is a common response to communicate our body is dysregulated. This is when there is a mismatch between our bodies' level of calmness and alertness, for the task at hand. While fidgeting might sometimes be disruptive in certain settings, a new trend has emerged that transforms this natural behaviour into a tool for focus: the fidget pack.
But are fidget packs just a fad, or do they offer genuine benefits? This article dives deeper into the world of fidget packs, exploring what they are, what comes in them, and how they can help improve focus and well-being for children and adults alike.
What is a Fidget Pack?
A fidget pack, is a small, portable collection of various objects designed to provide sensory input and keep restless hands occupied. These packs typically contain a variety of tactile and auditory fidgets, catering to different sensory preferences.
But fidget packs aren't just for kids; adults can benefit from them too. Whether it's combating workplace stress or staying attentive during meetings, fidget packs offer a discreet solution for managing anxiety and maintaining focus. With portable options that can easily slip into a pocket or purse, adults can access the calming effects of fidgeting whenever and wherever needed.
What Comes in a Fidget Pack?
The contents of a fidget pack can vary. Each item serves a unique purpose, providing tactile stimulation, visual interest, or a combination of both. Some common items include:
- Clickers: These satisfying little buttons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and sounds, offering a simple and quiet way to fidget.
- Fidget spinners: A popular choice, fidget spinners allow for a smooth, repetitive spinning motion that many find calming and focusing.
- Slinky: A timeless classic, Slinkys offer a delightful tactile experience with their unique coiling properties. They can be stretched, twisted, and manipulated in endless ways, providing a fun and engaging way to fidget.
- Pop-its: These silicone squares feature small bubbles that can be popped inwards and outwards, providing a satisfying popping sound and a pleasing texture.
- Fidget cubes: These multi-sided cubes offer various textures, like rolling balls or labyrinths, and clicking mechanisms on each side, catering to a range of fidgeting preferences.
- Putty: Squishable and moldable, putty provides a calming sensory experience for those who enjoy resistance in their fidgeting.
- Marble mesh: This stretchy mesh filled with marbles offers a unique combination of textures and weight, perfect for fidgeting with one or two hands.
Benefits of Fidget Packs for Children
Fidget packs have become increasingly popular tools for educators and parents looking to support children who struggle with focus, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or anxiety. Here's how fidget packs can benefit children:
- Improved focus: By providing a discreet outlet for fidgeting energy, fidget packs can help children stay focused on the task at hand, whether it's listening in class, completing homework, or reading a book.
- Reduced anxiety: Fidgeting can be a calming mechanism for children experiencing anxiety. The repetitive motions and sensory input provided by fidget packs can help soothe nerves and promote relaxation.
- Sensory stimulation: Children with sensory processing issues may benefit from the variety of textures and sounds offered by fidget packs. This stimulation can help them regulate their sensory input and improve their ability to focus.
- Self-regulation: Fidget packs can empower children to self-regulate their behaviour. By providing a healthy outlet for fidgeting, children can learn to manage their energy levels and emotional state.
Benefits of Fidget Packs for Adults
The benefits of fidget toy packs aren't limited to children. Adults can also experience a range of positive effects from using fidget packs:
- Increased concentration: Just like children, adults can benefit from having a discreet way to channel their fidgeting energy. This can be particularly helpful during long meetings, lectures, or while working on focused tasks.
- Stress reduction: Fidgeting can be a helpful way to manage stress and anxiety. The repetitive motions and sensory input from fidget packs can provide a calming effect and help adults de-stress.
- Improved productivity: By reducing fidgeting and promoting focus, fidget packs can help adults be more productive at work or while completing tasks that require sustained attention.
- Mindfulness: Fidgeting can be a form of mindfulness, bringing awareness to the present moment. Focusing on the tactile sensations and sounds of a fidget pack can help adults clear their heads and improve their overall well-being.
Choosing the Right Fidget Pack
With a wide variety of fidget packs available, it's important to choose one that caters to individual preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Sensory needs: Think about what kind of sensory input is most calming or stimulating for the user. Do they prefer tactile sensations, sounds, or a combination of both?
- Age and abilities: Consider the age and physical abilities of the user. Some fidget packs may contain small parts that are not suitable for young children.
- Environment: Choose a fidget pack that is discreet and quiet enough to be used in various settings, such as classrooms or workplaces.
Are Fidget Packs Right for Everyone?
Fidget packs are more than just a passing fad. They offer a practical and effective tool for improving focus, reducing anxiety, and promoting overall well-being for both children and adults. By offering a range of tactile and visual stimuli, these packs empower individuals to harness the power of fidgeting in a positive and constructive manner.
So, whether you're seeking to support a child's learning journey or improve your own focus and productivity, consider exploring the world of fidget packs and unlock their transformative benefits today. One of the good ones available in the market is OT’s Choice Fidget Pack Value Pack!
This fidget toy pack is a good choice if you’re not quite sure which fidget toy will work best for your child. The pack comes with 6 fidget toys, including a snake fidget, a stretchy caterpillar, Wacky tracks, a bead fidget, a marble fidget, and a pop cube! These toys are great for children ages 3 years and up and are the perfect addition to their arsenal to promote imaginary play and support focus and attention.
Grab the OT’s Choice Fidget Pack Value Pack here!
Please note, we recommend fidget packs as a maintenance strategy to support regulation. Fidget Packs will be most effective when used in collaboration with preparatory strategies. For more information on fidgeting and preparatory / maintenance strategies, please see