After lunch, Violeta Fabisch, a junior at MCHS, sits in her language arts class listening to her teacher’s lecture. As much as she loves this class, she feels herself losing focus as the notes continue. Just like many other students, Fabisch reaches for her “NeeDoh Nice Cube,” to help her focus.

NeeDoh Toys was founded in 2018 with a mission, “to bring fun and relaxation to playtime.” NeeDoh makes sensory fidget toys. They are squishy, gel, cornstarch or dough-filled stress balls that come in many shapes like cubes, globes and animals. They all have different textures, designed to be squeezed, stretched and smushed for stress relief and focus.

“These non-toxic toys help calm anxiety, improve focus and provide tactile satisfaction for kids and adults,” the NeeDoh Toys website says, “often used in classrooms or offices for grounding.”

NeeDohs have made their way into classrooms across MCHS, and since they are the latest craze, it makes the squishy toys hard to find in stores anywhere.

“I love collecting NeeDohs,” junior Madeleine Breeden says, “but I literally have to drive around 30 minutes out to Round Lake or Lake Zurich to be able to buy one in person at the moment.”

NeeDohs can be found almost anywhere, whether it be Five Below, Walmart, CVS, Kohls or DSW. They are all in high demand due to their viral status, similar to the Crazy Fun Squishy Bun dumplings that are hard to find. Popular on platforms like TikTok, these items are often sold out in stores.

“I like being able to have my NeeDoh during class because it helps me focus,” Fabisch says, “I like trading with my friends as well, my personal favorites are the fuzzy ones.”

Ph.D., of Purdue University, Sydney Zentall’s studies explain that fidgets improve the classroom experience because doing two things at once allows a student’s brain to better hone in on the primary task. It’s similar to activities such as doodling in a meeting, folding laundry while watching a TV show, or listening to music while driving.

“I can see why it might be a distraction for some students,” junior Brody Lidbury says, “but I actually notice a difference in my attention compared to when I have my NeeDoh versus when I don’t.”

It’s apparent that when used responsibly in classrooms, NeeDohs and other forms of fidget toys enhance learning and focus. However, if the fidgets are being used inappropriately, it makes sense for teachers to request that students refrain from having them out.

“Fidgets haven’t been an issue in my classroom yet, at least,” Transition English Instructor Alex Maurer says. “If they help students, I encourage them to use them.”

As Fabisch squishes her NeeDoh and it slowly reforms, her focus is restored as she takes notes and further engages in the lecture. Students sitting nearby are influenced, and think, “wait, I want one too.”