The trend started off unnoticed. Walking into math class, you spot a girl holding a purple cube and think nothing of it. But you slowly become more aware when in English you see a group of guys passing around a blue cube. Feeling like you’re missing out, you decide to go to the store and purchase your first pink NeeDoh cube.
NeeDohs gained fame again through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s hard not to notice this trend among classrooms, as the craze for NeeDohs has grown across the world, helping students and adults alike get through school or work days.
These neon-colored stress toys come in gel-like textures like the cube, water-textures, foam fillings, and many more.
“I like the gel ice cube and the pop-it ball textures because they fit perfectly in my hand, and because I like the ASMR they make,” Senior Chloe Cato said.
Due to their popularity, NeeDohs and other stress toys are becoming common in classrooms. Some teachers could think this is problematic because it could distract students from their work, but in most cases, these toys are used as tools for success.
“It only becomes a distraction when you share them and throw them around, they’re fine when you keep them to yourself for focus,” biology teacher Breanna King said.
Students who have a hard time focusing or sitting and listening for long periods of time benefit from NeeDohs because they give their hands something to do. It also prevents some students from more distracting ways of focusing, like tapping on surfaces, clicking pens or keyboards, or talking.
“I like NeeDohs because they help kids with learning disabilities or focusing issues, keeping them busy with their hands instead of being hyperactive,” freshman Olivia Byrne said.
Stress balls are also great for classrooms because of how discreet they are. Most fit in the hand, and they don’t distract others in the room, which is perfect for the students using one.
Needohs come in all shapes and sizes, sold at grocery stores like Walmart, Walgreens, and Target for $3-6.
