Have you noticed more people squeezing squishy toys lately? Stress balls are popping up everywhere again, and everyone wants to have one. There are cute dumpling squishies that look like food, some have colorful Orbeez beads inside that feel bumpy. Needohs are super soft balls that feel like dough. There are even squishies that look like clear ice cubes. They are all so much fun to pop and squeeze.

Stress balls are becoming a popular trend again because they are fun, quiet, and help us feel calm. Many kids like new types because they have a satisfying squishy feel and come in bright colors. Unlike loud toys, these are silent, so students can use them at their desks to help them focus on their schoolwork without making any noise. For instance, a freshman in Osbourn High School named Andersson Flores Melgar said, ”I think everyone is a little extra worried or tired lately. Stress balls are easy to use and help people feel calm quickly.”

Stress balls have become a go-to for many, as Andersson Flores Melgar noted. Currently, the dumpling stress ball is viral, thanks to its hyper-realistic look and satisfying texture. These squishies are often tucked inside a tiny, realistic steamer basket, making them as much a food accessory as a fidget tool. People are looking to the dumpling squishy because it looks like real food but feels like soft, squishable dough. As Javier Via Llanes, a freshman at Osbourn, said, “The dumpling ones even come in a little steamer basket. People love them because they look like food but feel like soft dough, and everyone is looking for rare dumplings.”

Everyone has a favorite stress ball to squeeze. Some people like ones that feel like soft dough, but other people like ones with little beads inside. One person might have a bright yellow ball that looks like a happy face, while someone else has a purple one that is very stretchy. Needohs have been trending everywhere as well, for instance, a sophomore in Osbourn named Abigale Dereje said ”I usually go for Orbeez-brand or the NeeDoh ones. They have the best feel and don’t pop as easily as the ones you find at the dollar store.”

Stress balls are very good for kids to have in school. When a student feels nervous, they can squeeze the ball to help their body feel calm. It helps their brain pay attention to the teacher instead of feeling worried. Squeezing the ball also keeps their hands busy so they can sit still and listen. It makes it much easier to learn and do their work at their desk. For instance, a freshman at Osbourn named Kayla Moore said ”It helps me concentrate. It gives my hands something to do while I listen to the teacher.” Squeezing the ball helps them focus on their work. It is a great way to help everyone learn.

Some kids think stress balls are the best. They are squishy and soft in your hand. Other kids like fidget spinners more because they spin really fast. A fidget spinner makes a cool sound, but a stress ball is quiet. People think the squishy ball feels better to squeeze, and some like to watch the spinner go round and round. Both toys are fun to play with at school. Seeing them in school, for instance, a freshman named Guyliana Llombo said ”Yes, fidget spinners are kind of old now, and they can be loud. Stress balls actually help your hands feel better if you’ve been typing or writing all day.” Stress balls are often better than fidget spinners because they are silent and help you relax. They are perfect for school because they don’t make noise and can be hidden in your hand or pocket.

Do you think stress balls are worth the hype? Do you think they’re better than the original fidget spinners? Let us know in the comments!