In the Huffington Post article "Why Do We Fidget?", the author explores the possibility of a biological reason behind why people fidget. According to Karen Pine, a professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire who researches gesturing, the area of the brain involved in movement is also the same area of the brain involved in speech. (This makes a lot of sense to me and is one of the reasons why I'm looking forward to using the AIM approach in my French as a Second Language classes this year.) Think about it: could you go through an entire conversation without ever once using your hands, shaking your head, shrugging your shoulders or using facial expressions? The article references a study of schoolchildren between the ages of six and eight who were able to move their hands during a lesson and were more likely to get the correct answer. I find the whole thing very interesting and, whether or not fidget toys can help boost productivity or relieve stress, I can tell you my son really enjoys them and likes to use his new ZURU Fidget Cube and Spinner at school all the time.  

As a teacher, I can tell you that you that spinners have become widely popular among students of all ages. I love playing with them, too! They are almost mesmerizing and definitely have a calming effect. But some of the spinners I've seen are pretty loud when the spin. And even louder when they accidentally crash to the floor. The ZURU Spinner by Antsy Labs is specially designed with high quality materials for premium durability and the ball-bearings feature the latest in low-friction technology. However, I prefer the original Fidget Cube. Made with high-quality plastic, it is quite durable, unlike the copy fidget cube I spent way too much on only to have the round button fall off within a matter of days. Nope. My son's Fidget Cube by Antsy Labs has held up very well and the buttons have a slightly audible click that he finds to be "satisfying". 

The main reason I like the Fidget Cube is its size. It is substantial enough for adult hands and yet small enough that children can play with them discreetly. These fidget cubes and spinners are just some of the innovative toys manufactured by ZURU Toys, the makers of Bunch O Balloons. You can find them at Toys R Us and other select retailers.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.