While walking through the halls, you’ve probably noticed a colorful trend popping up in classrooms, cafeterias, and even during passing periods: NeeDohs.
These soft, squishy stress toys have quickly become one of the most popular items amongst students, for many good reasons.
NeeDohs come in a variety of colors and styles, like classic solid shades, to color-changing and even glow-in-the-dark variations, but what makes them really stand out is their unique texture. Unlike regular stress toys, NeeDohs have a dough-like texture that makes them satisfying to squeeze, stretch, and fidget with.
For many students, NeeDohs aren’t just a fidget toy, but they’re also a tool. With the end of the school year coming up, academic pressure increases, as well as extracurriculars and social stress, meaning students are constantly looking for simple ways to stay calm and collected.
This allowed for the rise and popularity of NeeDohs to break through, especially within a school environment. Teachers have recognized that these fidget toys are harmless and can even help improve concentration and reduce anxiety, with the Wellness Center even selling NeeDohs as a way to promote healthy stress relief methods.
“I use mine during tests,” said Senior Serenity Bedolla. “It helps me stay relaxed instead of overthinking certain questions.”
However, not everyone is completely sold on the trend. Some teachers say that NeeDohs can become a distraction if students focus more on playing with them than on their work. There have even been a few incidents of NeeDohs breaking, leaving sticky messes on desks and floors.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the popularity of NeeDohs continues to grow. They’re affordable, easy to carry, and appeal to students of all grades. Whether used for stress relief or just for fun, they’ve stuck a name for themselves within school environments.