When people feel anxious, nervous or impatient, they sometimes do one or more of the following actions:
- Crack their knuckles
- Twirl their hair
- Play with their watch, ring or other accessories
- Chew a pencil
- Open and close a retractable pen
These actions fall into the category of fidgeting. This term refers to the act of moving as a response to boredom, anxiety or stress.
Some see the habit of fidgeting as an annoyance. If you’re an entrepreneur, however, you could see fidgeting as a good business idea or opportunity. You could sell fidget toys to people looking to satisfy their boredom or quell their anxiety.
What are Fidget Toys?
Fidget toys are small objects that aid with active listening, calming, attention and focus. They come in a variety of textures, sizes and shapes.
People use fidget toys for a variety of reasons. Those who are looking to pass or kill time can reach into their pocket or bag, grab this toy and play with it.
Others play with fidget toys for anxiety. Individuals who are feeling nervous about hitting the slopes, for instance, may use these gadgets to obtain relief.
Fidget toys became all the rage in 2017. Many toy companies marketed these products as stress relievers, especially to those looking to keep their hands busy and their brains preoccupied. The popularity skyrocketed further when people started uploading videos of tricks using fidget toys. YouTubers, for instance, would perform tricks to mesmerize and impress their viewers.
Why Buy Fidget Toys
These pocket-sized items are beneficial for both kids and adults. Here’s what these products can do for you:
Calms You Down
When you’re angry, annoyed or stressed, you can reach for a fidget spinner or a stress ball to reduce the negative emotions you’re feeling. This is perfect for people who have a long day and want to do something to cool off their heads.
Serves as a Good Distraction
By diverting your attention to the fidget toy, you’ll stop focusing on the source of your stress. You’re also giving your mind and body some time to relax.
Offers Physical Benefits
The regular use of fidget toys, such as stress balls, can strengthen the muscles of the hands and fingers. Working on these muscles can prevent repetitive injuries. What’s more, exercising the hands and fingers using these products may be helpful to individuals with conditions like arthritis.
Examples of Fidget Toys
The term “fidget toy” doesn’t just refer to a fidget spinner or a stress ball.
Here are other examples of products that fall under the fidget toy category:
Flippy Chain
This fidget tool consists of clean bike chain links that stand up to regular use and silicone bands for added texture. You could attach this to a keychain to avoid losing this toy.
Useless Box or Useless Machine
This product isn’t your traditional fidget toy. It’s a large box with a switch. When you flip the switch on, a robotic finger will come out and flip off the switch. The useless machine provides a distraction from upsetting or distressing thoughts.
Acupressure Rings
This item consists of springy rings that stimulate the pressure points on your fingers. Relieve stress and enjoy a massage when you slide this toy up and down your finger.
Adult Play Dough
Also known as the stress relief dough, this fidget toy for adults is similar to the stuff you played with when you were a child. This product, however, contains essential oils to help calm your nerves.
Newton’s Cradle
This classic toy consists of spheres hanging from a metal frame. You trigger a pendulum effect in motion by drawing one ball back and releasing it. Watching the spheres move can offer a soothing effect.
Learn How to Make Fidget Toys Before Selling Them
If you’re planning to sell your line of fidget toys to your community or a local market, you’ll need to know how to make them. Once you’re aware of the steps to make this product, you’ll have an idea of how you’ll go about mass producing this toy.
Not sure where to begin? Try your hand at making a DIY fidget spinner.
A Short Guide in Creating a DIY Fidget Spinner
This incredible toy is a device that you can spin to your heart’s content. When making a DIY fidget spinner, you’ll need the following materials:
- A durable housing material, such as hard cardboard
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Glue gun
- Coins
- Pencil or some type of marker
- Cutting tool, such as a pair of scissors
- Toothpick
Once you have the materials you need, follow these steps:
- Use a coin to trace four circles on your housing material. One circle should be in the middle. The second circle should be on the top. The last two circles should be on the bottom. Space these three circles out as evenly as possible.
- Draw lines to connect the three outer circles to the middle circle. This produces the traditional shape of a fidget spinner.
- Repeat the first two steps on a different piece of housing material. From there, cut out around the outside of each drawing to create two fidget toy cutouts.
- Get creative by decorating your fidget spinner with paint and other art materials.
- Once the paint is dry, glue coins on the blades of one of the housing cutouts. Once dry, glue the other cutout to the back to create a thick fidget spinner.
- Use a toothpick or a similar sharp object to poke a hole in the middle of the housing.
- Using a coin and pencil or marker, trace two circles on a new piece of material. Cut out these two circles and glue them on both ends of the toothpick.
- Add a touch of hot glue to secure the circles and the toothpick in place.
- Take your cutting tool and snip off the extra piece of the toothpick on both ends.
Once you’re familiar with the basic process, you could use more high-quality materials to create better toys. Alternatively, try your hand at other fidget toy creation projects, such as a stress ball and a useless machine.
Additional Notes When Making Fidget Toys
When making a fidget toy, you may need to meet the requirements established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
If you’re going to produce a custom fidget spinner, for instance, check the guidelines posted by the CPSC. Depending on how you classify the product, you may need to secure a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) that the product adheres to the requirements set by the independent agency.
Tips When Selling Fidget Toys Online
If you’re going to sell fidget toys (or any kind of toy) locally, you’ll want to do so on the web. The online toy sector in the United States has grown 13.3 percent between 2014 and 2019 — an opportunity you can’t pass up.
When selling fidget toys online for the first time, take note of these suggestions:
Create an Online Store
People who are new to the online selling world may think of selling their products on Amazon, Etsy and other similar online marketplaces. Instead of taking that route, you should create and launch an online store of your own. This enables you to:
- Build an e-mail list
- Promote your brand more easily
- Set yourself apart from other online toy businesses
If you’re thinking that designing your website is daunting, don’t fret. You could use e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, to create a professional-looking virtual storefront.
Use Vibrant, High-Quality Images of Your Fidget Toys
A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. When promoting your fidget toys on your website or social media, make sure that the images you upload are of excellent quality. This way, kids and parents alike can marvel at your awesome products.
Differentiate Yourself
The online world has thousands of toy sellers. If you want to be successful in this venture, you’ll need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. An example is to wrap your fidget toys in nice paper and include a personalized thank-you note. Strategies like these help boost brand credibility and create a personal connection with your customers.
Fidget toys serve as the solution to people who want to manage their anxiety and minimize restlessness. When you’re promoting and selling these products, don’t forget to have fun and show your potential customers that your toys are both fun and awesome.
