Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you’re having a tiring day at work, you need a source of refreshment. We have created a list of the best desk toys that will keep you entertained and give you a moment to unwind. It is important to relax when working long and tiring hours. That’s why having desk toys at your workplace, however childish the idea may seem, will make your work environment better. They help take care of your stress levels, allowing you to devise ways to cope with it to increase your productivity level. These relaxation toys stimulate your senses and add a personal, fun touch to your desk.
Available in multiple styles, designs, and colors, choosing the right desk toy can be challenging. So, explore our list of the best-selling and coolest desk toys from trusted brands to choose a toy that can help relieve work stress and improve your creativity while sitting on your table as desk decor.
Top Picks
17 Best Desk Toys
1. Best Spinning Toy: Toysmith Euler’s Disk
Image: Toysmith Whether you are looking for an entertaining toy or a fascinating educational tool, the Toysmith Euler’s Disk can provide you with hours of enjoyment and learning. It combines science, physics, and fun in one neat package. The disk is made of heavy-duty chrome-plated steel that gives it the weight it needs to spin and balance correctly, and the base is made of plastic, which provides a stable platform for the disk to rest on. This novelty item creates a mesmerizing display of light and sound, and the volume gets louder the faster it spins.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Suitable for people of all ages
- Contains nine pieces of magnetized holographic foils
- Develops spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination
Cons
- May get scratched easily if played on rough surfaces
- Requires a smooth and flat surface to play on
2. Best Durable: US Handicrafts 1920 Marine Telescope Collectible Décor
Image: Top Toy Whether you’re a collector of nautical décor or simply looking for a stylish and functional piece to add to your home, the 1920 Marine Telescope Collectible Décor might be a suitable choice. The body of the telescope is made from high-quality brass, and the lens is made from premium optical glass that provides clear, distortion-free viewing. Measuring 12 inches in length, this durable and time-tested marine telescope is the appropriate size for displaying on bookshelves, desks, or other nautical-themed spaces.
Pros
- Vintage look
- Suitable gift option
- Engraved imprints
- Push-and-pull mechanism
Cons
- May not be suitable for outdoor use in harsh weather conditions
- May not offer a large viewing range
"I have to say this telescope set stands out for its excellent craftsmanship. Both the telescope and the wooden box with brass inlays have a remarkable finish. It has been a prized display piece in my study."
Point to consider3. Best To Prevent Tension:Speks Geode Magnetic Fidget Sphere
Image: Speks 60 rare earth magnets meet 12 geometric pentagons in this magnetic fidget sphere that can be broken down and reconstructed to relieve anxiety, stress, or tension. You can build any structure you want with the magnetic magic of this awesome desk toy, and then bring it crashing down with your hand. You can already feel the stress melting away, can’t you? As the pieces connect on any side, you can connect them as you want and discover new configurations. You can use your creativity and imagination to build towers, tall structures, pyramids, and spheres in a 100+ combinations.Use this magnetic toy to unwind, impress coworkers, and alleviate stress and tension. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.
Pros
- Stackable and shakeable
- Enhances focus
- Easy to snap
- Available in other colors
Cons
- Magnets may cause a choking hazard for children
- May be smaller than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,018 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
4. Best With Smooth Finish:Robotime 3D Wooden Treasure Box Puzzle
Image: Robotimeonline Stay engaged with the Robotime 3D wooden treasure box puzzle. The puzzle game includes 158 pre-cut puzzle pieces with a plywood sheet, enabling you to detach and attach them without additional tools or glue. In addition, the clever interlocking system keeps the wooden puzzle pieces tight and secure, while the functional lid turns it into an attractive box, allowing you to store small items. The brainteaser has fine and smooth detailing and takes almost 4.5 hours to assemble.
Pros
- Number-embossed rotating knob
- Includes instruction sheet
- Durable
- Has password lock
- Keeps you stimulated
Cons
- Locking mechanism might be slightly flimsy
- Some parts might be smaller than expected
"Building the box with my nine-year-old was a rewarding experience. It was a bit challenging, given the delicate pieces. I would suggest handling the pieces with care. The final result, though, is satisfying, and I use it for decorative purposes."
5. Best Minimalist:Schylling Woodpecker Toy
Image: Schylling The entertaining Schylling Woodpecker toy helps you relax as you drop the bird and watch it peck the pole from top to bottom. Its strong wooden base keeps the toy tip-free and stable, while the spring attached to the woodpecker and post keeps the pieces connected. The red, soft feathers of the bird make it look immersive and real. It produces a sound as the woodpecker taps the post on its way to the base, keeping you entertained during those deep-thinking sessions.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Minimalistic design
- Suitable for ages five and up
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not have a lighting system
"This woodpecker toy is beautifully simple and holds a nostalgic appeal. The spring mechanism is pretty reliable, although it tends to stretch when mishandled. Regardless, it is a whimsical toy that delights both kids and adults with its pecking motion."
6. Best High-Quality: The Swinging Sticks Kinetic Energy Sculpture
Image: The Swinging Sticks The magnetic kinetic toy has a sleek and elegant design with its unique structure that seems to defy gravity. These swinging, high-quality aluminum sticks form a double pendulum that creates a relaxing and fluid motion, changing direction and speed. This premium-quality sculpture almost looks like a museum wonder and gives the impression of always being in motion. This sculpture is both entertaining and relaxing, and is powered by AA batteries. It has accurately calibrated magnets and weights, and is a balance of physics and mathematics. Driven by electromagnetic fields and electric current, it gives an illusion of constant motion and can be a good distraction from stress and tiredness.
Pros
- Hand-assembled
- Operates noiselessly
- Built-in neodymium magnets
- Precision-engineered for tolerance
Cons
- May spin faster than expected
- May require battery
"This kinetic desk sculpture was a gift to me, and it has made quite an impression. It's quiet and smooth and helps relax my mind with its elegant motion. It seems pretty durable, too, and I hope to get long-lasting use from it."
Do rememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 839 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
7. Best Stress Buster:4E’s Novelty Expandable Breathable Ball
Image: 4e's Novelty Alleviate stress with the expandable breathing ball by 4E’s Novelty. This ball helps you relax your mind and body by enabling you to practice various breathing techniques as you expand and contract the ball. Made of plastic, the stress ball is expandable from 5.5 to 12 inches and is suitable for adults as well as children. You can use this tried-and-trusted ball for focusing, regulating emotions, alleviating stress, and rejuvenating your thoughts when seated in the office.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Bright and colorful
- Can be used as an ADHD aid
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Some parts may be a bit fragile
- Colors may vary
8. Best With Carrying Case:Pilpoc theFube Infinity Cube Fidget Desk Toy
Image: Pilpoc Pilpoc’s theFube Infinity fidget toy is made of CNC anodized aluminum alloy for durability. It helps relieve stress and anxiety in students and working professionals by keeping their hands and thoughts occupied. The fidget toy enhances manual dexterity, relaxes people with ADHD, and might help eliminate habits such as smoking and nail-biting, making it a trusted choice of many. The toy comes packaged in a portable carrying case and can be used as a distractor for children or adults anytime, anywhere.
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Has a smooth surface and rounded corners
- Has durable metal hinges and brass pins
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May be stiff for some
- Paint might chip over time
"I reach for this infinity cube whenever I need to take my mind off something. It requires a bit more hand strength than the plastic ones I've owned, but the cube's quality build and smooth hinges make it fun to manipulate."
9. Best Flexible:Speks Magnetic Silicone Building Set
Image: Speks In this desk toy, 22 rare earth magnets meet eight flexible pieces of bendable silicone in three striking colors to make a unique desk toy. The fleks are exactly what fidgety and restless fingers need— soft, smooth, tough, snappable, playful, pliable, and flexible. Allow yourself to go through a digital detox by making a 100+ shapes by pulling them apart, twisting them, or snapping them together. Give a personal touch to your work desk by arranging and rearranging them into different shapes. This time-tested set comes in a nice gift box with a metal building base and a starter guide. Each piece of silicone has a magnet at the end so that you can build exquisite designs and set up a scene that is unique to you.
Pros
- Boosts creativity
- Enhances problem-solving skills
- Easy to hold and snap together
- Available in other colors
Cons
- May cause choking for children below three years of age
- May be smaller than expected
"The magnetic toy has been a good buy. The bold colors and tactile design are just what I wanted in a fidget toy, and it has been ideal for my idle hands during work calls. The pieces click together satisfyingly too."
10. Best To Stay Calm:YayaCat Moving Sand Art Picture
The exquisitely-made sandscape is mesmerizing as you rotate the glass and see the sand shifting and swirling into oceans, clouds, mountains, and landscapes with the most intricately detailed patterns and lines. The calming movement of the sand can relax you and relieve stress and tension. Crafted with tempered glass, liquid, and sand, this sand picture measures 8.75×7 inches and comes packed in a gift box with a greeting card and an instruction manual. This desk toy contains golden, black, and white colored sand with air bubbles that measure 1.15 inches. It’s sure to help you unwind during a stressful work day and make you feel calm and serene.
Pros
- Cultivates patience
- Helps relax the eyes
- Includes acrylic feet stand
- Standardized air bubble size
Cons
- May be slightly fragile
- Amount of air may not be regulated
"I've found this sand art frame to be a soothing addition to my home office. It requires a bit of finesse to set up the perfect fall of sand, but with practice, it has become a form of relaxing entertainment that I enjoy."
11. Best For The Workplace:DMaos Ferris Wheel Fidget Spinner
Relieve your stress in the workplace with this fidget spinner shaped like a ferris wheel. It comprises a stand, five vibrantly colored marbles, five metal balls, and a screwdriver. Constructed from durable stainless steel and R188 bearings for stability, it can move at high speed and has a spin time of two to six minutes. This simple and discreet fidget desk toy keeps you calm and relaxed. The five colorful marbles give you a rainbow effect as the ferris wheel rotates. You can also play with this multi-mode toy without the stand, by spinning it on your finger.
Pros
- Enhances focus and concentration
- No battery required
- Easy to assemble
- Smooth-finished spinners and stand
- Great toy for anxiety and stress relief
Cons
- Maybe slightly noisy
- May be a bit heavy
"It fits comfortably in my hand, and the spinning is smooth and quiet, making it ideal for staying focused during tasks like conference calls. The frame is excellent for display as well."
12. Best Productivity-Boosting:Licraft July Pro Butterflies Desk Sculpture
Made of premium-quality stainless steel with an ABS plastic base, the metal pieces of this exquisite sculpture defy gravity as they stick together. The base has a diameter of 2.75 inches and includes stickers to decorate the plain metal pieces. This creative desk toy stimulates the brain and makes you feel more energetic and productive. You can give wings to your imagination as you design and construct various geometric designs. With high therapeutic value, it’s ideal for teens over 14 years of age, as well as adults with a poor attention span and aspergers. It gives your work desk an attractive look and also reduces screen time for both adults and teenagers.
Pros
- Dual-side colored
- Strong magnets
- Makes a great gift
- Provides an outlet to creative energy
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May be slightly unstable
"This butterfly-themed magnetic set has served me well as a stress reliever. Although the magnetic base can sometimes be tricky, it's engaging as I have to strategize how to stack the butterflies, which acts as a good distraction."
13. Best For Stress-Relief :Yoya Toys Liquimo – Liquid Hourglass Bubbler
Image: Yoya Toys A cool, visually stimulating desk toy, these liquid bubblers are suitable for children and adults. These toys work by letting gravity guide the colored droplet at a steady pace. It will help improve your child’s visual tracking skills and awareness. They do not need batteries or electrical power and can provide hours of fun. Available in a pack of three, these toys help calm you down and relieve stress, letting you concentrate better. These safe and non-toxic bubblers come in three vibrant colors and make a suitable gift option.
Pros
- Long-lasting design
- Compact size
- Suits those with symptoms of hyperactivity, and autism
- Helps relieve symptoms of ADHD
- Leak-proof design
Cons
- May be wobbly
- Some may find the material thin
"My infant and four-year-old are mesmerized by the dance of oil and water inside these enclosed containers. They are smaller than I had expected but are decently crafted and work great to keep my children engaged."
14.Best For Rust-Resistant: Sunnytech Solar Plane Aircraft Balancing Toy
The kinetic art balance toy has an ingenious design and unique style, which works on solar power. It’s balanced on a tiny screw, and when put under direct sunlight, the black propeller will run fast and drive the aircraft to rotate 360° around the center stand with balance. This kinetic desk toy can help you relieve stress and calm you down. The chromium plating makes it rust-resistant and wear-resistant. This classic desktop toy provides many benefits and entertainment, is suitable for various locations such as the house or office, and is an intriguing device that demonstrates balance and helps show the laws of conservation of momentum and energy.
Pros
- No battery or electrical outlets needed
- Noiseless
- Fade-resistant
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Can’t work inside the room or across glass windows
- May be a little smaller than expected
"This solar-powered airplane is a fun addition to my desk. The craftsmanship is impressive–it's slightly more animated than static models. It balances and rotates well when exposed to a decent amount of sunlight, but I suggest you handle it carefully."
15.Best Portable:Vanreyin Stress Relief Keychain
This set of 8 push-and-pop sensory toys is made of high quality silicone material and is extremely soft, durable, and safe to use. These adorable mini toys come in vibrant and bright colors, and the bubbles can be pressed to make a soft and satisfying popping sound. It’s great for relieving stress, boredom, and anxiety, and is just the right size so that you can carry it anywhere. This cool desk toy and stress reliever can be hung on the knob of a desk drawer for easy access and can even be used as a keychain. It also boosts reasoning strategies, logical thinking, mathematical thinking, and mental mathematics.
16. Best Interactive:Physics Products Tensegrity Structure Desk Toy
Based on the law of tension, this science desk toy seems like magic as it defies gravity and floats. This toy is a great conversation starter with its innovative and unique shape. Its contemporary design and sleek finish give a touch of elegance and charm to your work desk. This innovatively designed desk toy can be elevated and brought down with the help of the pins. All you need to do is put the pins in place to lift the structure, and remove them to start rebuilding again. This product is extremely durable and has been through compressive tests to ensure a high quality. Measuring 7×4.5×4.5 inches, it’s sure to mystify any one who sees it.
Pros
- Junction points are shielded with wood plugs
- Mountable and dismountable
- Has no visible ties
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May not come with clear instructions
- May not hold any product on top that weighs more than one pound
"Even though it was tricky and time-consuming for me to assemble it, the end result made for an intriguing desk ornament for my office desk. The illusion of hovering, especially from a distance, has made it quite the conversation starter. I would recommend it."
17.Best Compact:Mechforce EDC Gyroscope Gen2
Image: Mechforce If you want a true experience of physics with a 3D gyroscope, this is the product for you. Its sleek movement helps you get a clear understanding of angular momentum, gimbal lock, and inertia, as well as relieving stress. This miniature sized gyroscope also relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s a fantastic innovation based on a traditional fidget toy and is crafted with stainless steel and five ceramic ball bearings in the core. It measures 2x2x0.68 inches, weighs 0.34 pounds, and is the perfect office toy for people with a scientific bent of mind.
Pros
- Compact design
- Improves focus
- Comes with a smooth finish
- Pre-assembled
Cons
- Screws may loosen up after some uses
- May have a clanking metal sound
"I've spent quality time with this gyroscope and appreciate its smooth spin and solid craftsmanship. I like displaying it on my work desk, and though it is not the easiest to maintain, it's beautifully engineered and offers a satisfying tactile experience."
How To Choose The Right Desk Toys?
Here are a few pointers on how to choose the right desk toy so that it reflects your own personality and uniqueness.
- Funny desk toys: Sometimes a funny character, while you are at work, can give you comfort and a positive vibe when you are feeling low, anxious, or stressed. Just a glance at it when you are tense can immediately raise your spirits and make you feel good about yourself. A Batman bobble head or a magnetic head of Einstein for paper clips are a few examples of fun desk toys.
- Scientific desk toys: If you are passionate about science and technology, this kind of desk toy would be perfect for you. It can definitely uplift your mood in your breaks, as their movements are usually mesmerizing and help you to relax and forget about your stress and anxiety. They also enhance focus and concentration and make good conversation starters, which is a distraction in itself. Desk toys like a perpetual motion revolving gadget, a pendulum swing balance ball, a robot-shaped LED desk lamp, or a magic balancing bird that seems to defy gravity, will all appeal to those with a scientific bend of mind.
- Game desk toys: These make a great distraction in a tight work schedule and bring in a lot of positive energy into your schedule. Game inspired desk toys give you a great energy boost, reduce stress, tension, and anxiety, and freshen your mind so that you can go back to the task at hand. A fidget hand spinner, a mini tabletop bowling game, a rubric puzzle cube, or a magnet cube toy are all good game desk toys that can relax you while being unobtrusive in the workplace.
- Geeky desk toys: People who live in a high tech or imaginary world can go in for a geeky desk toy without giving it a second thought. Those with a love for quirky stuff usually appreciate something different and there are many options that they can choose from. A model sports car, a gyroscope, or a magnetic swinging finger creative decision maker are ideal for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can children play with desk toys?
Yes, desk toys are kid-friendly, and some scientific desk toys can also pique their curiosity.
2. Are fidget toys good for anxiety?
Yes, fidget toys can help with anxiety by distracting children’s minds with their rhythmic, repetitive motion. They also have a calming effect and can help with focus and attention (1).
3. Do fidget toys help with ADHD?
Yes, fidget toys may help people with ADHD focus and concentrate. Also, these toys are known to help children with ADHD improve their academic performance (1).
4. Are fidget toys good for autism?
People with autism also have a lack of concentration and anxiety. Therefore, fidget toys can be beneficial for them (2).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced writer and reviewer of toys and gifts. She does in-depth research to bring you high-quality products. After going through multiple forums and positive reviews of users, she has created a list of the best desk toys. Desk toys can help relieve stress and enhance your productivity level. Thispost also includes a buying guide to help you identify your requirement and aid you in choosing the right desk toy.
The best desk toys can be a much-needed addition to your desk as they make your workspace look visually appealing while providing some entertainment. Picking a toy can help raise your spirits and can make work enjoyable and stress-free activity. We recommend picking a tactile and interactive toy that lightens your mood and helps work to unleash stress and anxiety. This article lists diverse options spread across different types, from geeky and scientific to funny and scientific. So, go through these tried-and-tested products and consider your preferences to ensure the toy you invest in brings you joy while helping you refocus on your work after that much-needed break.
Infographic: Your Buying Guide For Desk Toys
A desk toy can be a fun way to get a breather between all the hectic meetings. The toy can also help relieve stress or act like a cute paperweight. Go through the infographic to get an appropriate toy for your desk. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Can Fidget Toys Help Your Child’s Ability To Focus?
https://www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/can-fidget-toys-help-your-childs-ability-to-focus/ - How “Fidget Toys” Are Helping Kids With ADHD
https://www.pacer.org/cmh/learning-center/parenting/support-adhd/fidget-toys.asp
Recommended Articles
