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Did you know that experts recommend Fidget toys for kids with Autism and ADHD? I’m an obsessed mother who enjoys finding toys to help other parents handle challenging parenting. So, I’ll show you how the best Target fidget toys can help your child, whether they have autism, ADHD, or love popping things.
Fidget toys are a type of toy also known as sensory tools, and they work wonders for kids of all ages. They don’t offer various activities, but they provide countless themes for kids who love certain characters or animals. Let me explain the benefits of fidget toys and show you the excellent Target choices to consider.
My Top Target Fidget Toy for Autism and ADHD
Fidget toys enhance a child’s emotional, physical, and developmental experience. I’m focusing on children with autism and ADHD because a good friend struggles with her little one. I often look for ways to help her, and toys offer many advantages. Fidget toys marry peaceful playtimes with sensory stimulation.
Therefore, my ultimate fidget toy from Target is the Fidget and Comfort Muff. It’s not only a fidget toy because it provides comfort in the form of a blanky. It’s the best fidget toy I’ve seen. It has four incredible fidget toys attached to the blanky, including a Scooby-Doo, bean bag, teether, and fidget ball.
In addition, the muff has pockets and zips for little fingers to stay busy while children focus on the toys. It keeps improving because the fidgeting and comfort muff provides emotional support, which is crucial for children with ADHD and autism. Comfort feels a galaxy away for these little ones.
However, I also selected a few excellent fidget toys from Target for various age groups and types:
- Best Target Baby Rattle Fidget
- Best Target Bubble Pop Fidget Toy
- Best Target Baby Sensory Roller Pack
- Best Target Baby Sensory Worm Toy
- Best Target Dodecagon Cube Fidget Toy
- Best Target Fidget Spinner & Bubble Pop Toy
- Best Target Fidget Snake Cube
- Best Target Gyro Fidget Toy
- Best Target Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Fidget Toy
- Best Target Infinity Cube Toy
- Best Target Noodle Fidget Pack
- Best Target Sensory Fidget Tube Pack
- Best Target Silly Putty Pack
Parental Advice for Fidget Toys
There’s research to conclude how fidget toys help children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Unfortunately, some research doesn’t support using fidget toys to help children with these disorders. Still, a substantial body of evidence over the last few years supports the idea.
For example, Southeastern University in Lakeland found that fidget toys (sensory tools) helped children focus better in preschool. The success poured into their social engagements and emotional self-regulation. In addition, the Children’s Mental Health and Emotional or Behavioral Disorders Project supports the ADHD claim.
Children with ADHD and autism struggle to pay attention to their surroundings. Fidget toys help them focus on a task they enjoy while it calms their emotional outbursts. I don’t want to travel too deep with the research. I make my own opinions, and the supportive research is newer than the unsupportive claims.
As a mom, I can advise you to consider themes and types. A themed fidget toy merely appeals to characters, cartoons, animals, and shapes a child enjoys. However, the styles also matter. Here’s a basic rundown of some popular types of fidget toys available:
- Baby rattle fidgets (be careful of noises with ADHD and autistic babies)
- Baby sensory rollers
- Baby sensory worms
- Blox fidget flexors
- Bubble pop fidgets
- Chain fidgets
- Dodecagon cube fidgets (a 12-sided cube with buttons and shapes)
- Fidget balls
- Fidget bands
- Fidget and comfort muffs
- Fidget cubes
- Fidget spinners
- Fidget tubes
- Goo-Jit-Zu figures
- Gyro fidgets
- Infinity cubes
- Infinity stars
- Link fidgets
- Magic balls
- Marble fidgets
- Noodle fidgets
- Pop tubes
- Reversible mood plush
- Sensory circles
- Silly Putty
- Slinkies
- Snake fidgets
- Spinning tops
- Stress balls
- Stress dolls
- Squishy cubes
- Vortex spinners
- Wiggly fidgets
Bonus Tip: Avoid fidget toys that make noises because they can snap a child out of their focus and frighten them. These fidget toys are suitable for regular children, but avoid them if your little one has ADHD or autism.
How I Selected the Best Target Fidget Toys
I’m focusing on children with autism and ADHD, meaning I’ll pick various fidget toy types safe enough for little ones with the disorders to enjoy. The toy must meet at least one of three criteria to be safe for kids with ADHD or autism:
- The toy should say it’s safe for kids with ADHD or autism
- It should improve concentration and memory
- It must be a sensory tool to stimulate a child’s senses and maintain their focus
Best Target Fidget Toys: My Top Recommendations
Fidget toys offer a world of benefits. However, you should pick toys suitable for a child’s age. Sure, you still want their favorite types that may include animal pictures or characters they love. So, let me share the fidget facts, appropriate ages, advantages, and disadvantages of Target’s best fidget toys.
#01 Best Target Baby Rattle Fidget
Every baby has a rattle, so why shouldn’t you combine the sensory tool idea with a must-own toy? This rattle is the most incredible one I’ve seen. It’s a fidget spinner with multiple gadgets, buttons, and noises. It also works for babies of different ages because it has monotone and color pictures as a baby’s color perception develops.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 to 36 months
- Fidget Type: Fidget spinner rattle
- Opportunities: Focus and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- The baby rattle fidget spinner is a joy because it welcomes little ones to use both hands, exercising their tiny muscles.
- It holds a child’s attention by making noises, showing them cause-and-effect, and captivating their minds with high-contrast images.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The fidget spinner is limited to babies.
#02 Best Target Bubble Pop Fidget Toy
I found another excellent fidget toy for babies, which lasts longer than the rattle. Well, it would last longer if little ones don’t eat it, as I know my kids would’ve. However, I like this bubble pop fidget toy more than others because it’s asymmetrical. It doesn’t look perfectly aligned, which grabs a child’s attention more.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 months+
- Fidget Type: Pop-It fidget toy
- Opportunities: Focus and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- The bubble pop fidget toy allows children to engage in an activity that helps them improve their attention and calm down.
- I love the bright colors and mismatched sizes of each bubble, making the fidget toy unique in a world full of bubblewrap designs.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The bright colors might not work for babies who still need simple colors and patterns.
#03 Best Target Baby Sensory Roller Pack
I’m in love with Target’s range of baby-friendly fidget toys. Of course, we don’t always find out our little ones have attention issues at this age. Still, nothing stops us from exercising their attention at the youngest ages. Moreover, little ones get tons of benefits from playing with sensory toys at any age.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 6 months+
- Fidget Type: Sensory fidget rollers
- Opportunities: Attention and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- Babies can enjoy rolling the fidget balls around while feeling different textures on each ball, keeping their attention longer than a regular ball.
- The colors are marvelous because babies love bright and shiny things with random patterns; when their color perception improves.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The fidget toy seems limited to babies again.
#04 Best Target Baby Sensory Worm Toy
Don’t worry; I’ll get to toddlers and older kids soon. But, first, I have another incredible baby fidget toy from Target. Remember that a fidget toy holds a child’s attention while fidgeting with something. The sensory worm for babies is a phenomenal fidget toy that offers stimulation and excitement.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 6 months+
- Fidget Type: Sensory tool
- Opportunities: Attention and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- The sensory worm toy for babies introduces your little one to lights and sounds that don’t overwhelm their focus.
- The worm is a shaky, wiggly sensory tool similar to fidget worms for older kids, which I couldn’t find at Target.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The toy is another age-limited option but works wonders.
#05 Best Target Dodecagon Cube Fidget Toy
Finally, I’m getting to older kids with the 12-sided dodecagon cube fidget toy. This fidget toy offers more than focus and sensory stimulation because it keeps children hooked with simple puzzles, exercising their cognitive development and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it helps keep children calm and teaches them patience.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 years+
- Fidget Type: Dodecagon puzzle fidget cube
- Opportunities: Attention, memory, and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- The dodecagon puzzle cube from Target has 12 sides filled with fidgets and puzzles to keep children and adults busy.
- This type of fidget toy also calms children down and builds confidence as they learn to solve simple puzzles to improve spatial and logical thinking.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The puzzles target children with high-functioning ADHD and autism but can overwhelm low-functioning children.
#06 Best Target Fidget Spinner & Bubble Pop Toy
There are too many fidget spinners and bubble popping toys on the market, meaning I looked for something unique and extraordinary. Combining the two popular types of fidget toys can welcome children to enjoy them longer. Children having fun will spend more attention on their fidget toys.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 6 years+
- Fidget Type: Fidget spinner
- Opportunities: Attention and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- I love fidget toys that combine two concepts because they grab a child’s attention more than the standard versions.
- I love the random color selection for the bubbles, which looks fantastic as the fidget spins around, and it would welcome kids with a sense of curiosity.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- I’m not sure why this fidget spinner only works for kids over six.
#07 Best Target Fidget Snake Cube
Various types of fidget snakes exist, but Target has this snake cube pack that doubles as a fidget puzzle cube. It’s a fantastic fidget toy for older kids and adults who need a little anti-anxiety fidgeting. Even I have fidget toys that calm my mind when I need to focus on work. So, this snake cube would do the trick for me.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 5 years+
- Fidget Type: Fidget snake cube
- Opportunities: Attention and memory
Fidget Toy Pros
- The fidget snake cube includes both toys where the Rubik’s cube offers a cognitive challenge to improve memory and focus
- The fidget snake is a magnetic joy that allows children to experiment with different ways they can position the cubed snake to hold their attention
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The set doesn’t work for kids under five
#08 Best Target Gyro Fidget Toy
Gyro fidget toys almost have the same design as Hoberman spheres, another type of fidget toy, but Target doesn’t have any. Gyro fidget spinners welcome a new kind of fidgeting compared to standard spinners. They also work for babies and encourage little fingers to spin the toy using various muscles.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 6 months+
- Fidget Type: Gyro fidget spinner
- Opportunities: Attention and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- The gyro fidget spinner introduces little ones to a sensory experience that also helps them develop fine motor skills.
- The gyro spinner reminds me of the mesmerizing videos I often see on Facebook reels and Tik Tok, which undoubtedly hold my attention.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- I wish the gyro spinner had more layers.
#09 Best Target Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Fidget Toy
You’ll never understand the pleasures of stretching goo until you play with a Goo Jit Zu toy figure. The sensory experience is calming while it steals your attention without you even being aware of it. My kids have Goo Jit Zu heroes. I even watch them walking around, stretching the poor little guys to the ends of the universe.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 4 years+
- Fidget Type: Fidget goo
- Opportunities: Attention and relaxation
Fidget Toy Pros
- Goo Jit Zu works wonders as a fidget or sensory tool because children with ADHD and autism often need something to keep them calm.
- I chose the Sonic Goo Jit Zu figure because it appeals to younger children who love cartoon figures and bright colors.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- Some kids would prefer another character from the Heroes of Goo Jit Zu range.
#10 Best Target Infinity Cube Toy
Do you want to know what I love about infinity cubes? The answer is in the name. I love toys and fidgeting tools that offer the countless potential to change the shape and form new ideas. Kids love infinity cubes because of the same reasons. Additionally, I love this infinity cube because it has a galaxy design.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 years+
- Fidget Type: Infinity cube
- Opportunities: Attention, memory, sensory stimulation, and relaxation
Fidget Toy Pros
- Inspire little ones to explore new ideas with an infinity cube that holds their attention with a fabulous pattern, and you can choose other patterns.
- Infinity cubes challenge a child’s mind while keeping their focus on a cognitive experience, and it’s relaxing to create new designs.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- Three-year-olds might not enjoy the full benefits yet.
#11 Best Target Noodle Fidget Pack
Noodle fidget toys like this sensory tool pack offer a world of benefits to little ones like toddlers and preschoolers. They still need to explore different patterns and textures, and why shouldn’t they have fun noodling around while they explore? Kids get ten fidget toys in one pack here.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 years+
- Fidget Type: Noodle fidget sensory tool
- Opportunities: Focus, relaxation, and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- Noodle fidgets are an excellent sensory experience because children can bend, fold, and intertwine them while feeling various textures.
- I love the patterns and colors because they appeal to the right age groups, and they’re relaxing for kids with ADHD and autism.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- I wish the noodle fidgets worked for younger toddlers.
#12 Best Target Sensory Fidget Tube Pack
Did you know that a lava lamp can double as a sensory tool or fidget experience? I was surprised to find these fidget tubes, but they impressed me enough to add them as an option for kids with ADHD and autism. These children require sensory stimulation without an overwhelming experience of noises and lights.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 years+
- Fidget Type: Fidget tubes
- Opportunities: Soothing and attention
Fidget Toy Pros
- The lava-lamp type of displays on these fidget tubes can hold a child’s attention, encouraging them to shake (fidget) to see more.
- I love how simple the glittery displays look because they won’t overwhelm a child’s senses if they’re sensitive to noise and lights.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- It doesn’t provide as much fidgeting as other options.
#13 Best Target Silly Putty Pack
Silly Putty is not surprisingly a fidget toy because it encourages children to fidget, fold, shape, and squish the soft clay-style balls. Children also get a creative and cognitive boost because they have to fathom new ideas with their little fingers. Silly Putty is a sensory tool similar to Goo Jit Zu squishy figures.
Fidget Facts
- Recommended Ages: 3 years+
- Fidget Type: Silly Putty
- Opportunities: Soothing and sensory stimulation
Fidget Toy Pros
- Silly Putty is a stupid but excellent way for little ones to soothe big feelings while combing their fingers through a sensory pleasure.
- I think creative skills are one of the most important in early childhood development, and they can help kids with ADHD and autism.
Fidget Toy-Cons
- The fidget toy has age limits again.
Top Q&As
Question: What Target Fidget Toy is the Most Popular?
Answer: As I scroll through the options, classic fidget toys remain the most popular choices, which is why Target stocks so many variants. Target has countless Fidget Spinners and Bubble Poppers, but I noticed how the combined fidget toys are the most popular. Bubble Popping Fidget Spinners are famous.
Question: Which Fidget Target Toy Works Best for ADHD Kids?
Answer: Children with ADHD struggle to maintain their focus on a single activity. Their minds work overtime and feel overwhelmed. Therefore, the best types of fidget toys for ADHD at Target include the high-functioning ones that hold a child’s attention. For example, the Dodecagon Puzzle Cube Toy keeps these children locked.
Question: Which Target Fidget Toy Works Best for Autistic Kids?
Answer: Autistic children battle emotions and behaviors, especially when they feel overwhelmed, which happens quickly. The simplest fidget toys are better for kids with autism because the toys won’t overstimulate them while offering emotional support. Fidget and Comfort Muffs are ideal for autistic children.
Best Target Fidget Toys: Conclusion
Having a child with ADHD or autism is super challenging for the little one and you. I see it with my friend. She always tries to find gadgets and tools that help her little one calm down and focus their energy on something creative. Fidget toys marry relaxation with enhanced focus and an enjoyable experience.
I recommend the Fidget and Comfort Muff for any child who simultaneously needs the comfort and fidgeting benefits. It’s not a traditional fidget tool, but it welcomes two concepts every developing child could use. Little ones also love their blankies and often see them as playthings.
Otherwise, I recommend considering the Best Target Bubble Pop Fidget Toy or the Best Target Baby Rattle Fidget for the tiniest sensory explorers. I recommend the Best Target Fidget Snake Cube and the Best Target Dodecagon Cube Fidget Toy. They offer a cognitive challenge if you want your little one to gain skills.
From one mom to the next, I wish you the best on your journey with a little one who poses a slightly more significant challenge. You’ve got everything you need, and nothing says you can’t buy tools to help you. But first, pick your favorite age-appropriate fidget toy. Then, watch your child become calmer and more focused.
For More Amazing Toys:
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