Over the past decade, fidget trends have evolved in waves, each one capturing the attention of kids, teens, and even adults in its own way. It began with the explosive popularity of fidget spinners—small, spinning devices that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Classrooms, playgrounds, and social media feeds were filled with spinner tricks, limited edition designs, and debates over which model spun the longest. When the spinner craze faded, soft and slow-rising panda squishes took over the spotlight. Their appeal was simple but effective: squeeze, watch them slowly rise, repeat. The oddly satisfying element made them perfect for YouTube compilations and ASMR-style videos.

Soon after, Pop-Its dominated the market. These colorful silicone boards filled with poppable bubbles became everyday accessories. They were turned into keychains, purses, giant floor-sized mats, and even phone cases. The rhythmic popping sound became instantly recognizable, and for a time, Pop-Its felt impossible to replace. There were even people creating “fidget accounts” all over social media dedicated to Pop-Its!

Now, however, the focus has shifted once again. The current obsession revolves around a new generation of sensory toys—particularly Needohs and the wildly popular squishy dumplings sold at Five Below.

Needohs have taken over social media platforms, especially TikTok, where users post reviews, restocking videos, and slow-motion squeezes. What sets Needohs apart is their dense, dough-like texture. From a student perspective, Mia Adamson (11) shares, “I personally love my Needoh, especially during class because it helps me focus and stay concentrated. It is shown that they are good stimulants and increase on-task behavior, and I enjoy having it around.”

Unlike earlier squishes that were mostly soft and airy. Needohs offer a thicker, more resistant squeeze that many users find deeply satisfying. Popular versions include the Nice cube, which appears solid but slowly melts in the hand, and the Dream drop, a teardrop-shaped variation with a smooth, stretchy feel.

One of the most interesting developments in the Needoh craze is the trend of freezing them. Many fans place their Needohs in the freezer for several hours to create a firmer, cooler texture. Once frozen, the squish becomes thicker and more resistant, offering an entirely different sensory experience. Videos of frozen Needohs being squeezed have gone viral, with viewers fascinated by the slower movement and intensified resistance. This simple customization has added another layer to the trend, encouraging experimentation and comparison among all fidget lovers.

Alongside Needohs, Five Below’s squishy dumplings have developed a devoted following. These small, dumpling-shaped stress toys are sold in sealed containers, adding an element of surprise to each purchase. While the standard dumplings are popular on their own, the true prize is the glitter dumpling—a sparkly, harder-to-find version that has become highly sought after. As a result, some fans purchase entire containers at once in hopes of securing the rare glitter dumpling. Social media is filled with “dumpling hunts,” unboxing videos, and reactions to finally finding the glitter dumpling. 

However, it is a debate whether or not these squishy dumplings are truly for stress-regulation or just for collecting because of their cute appearance and aesthetic. Junior Naomi Cheng explains her opinion: “[The squishy dumplings] are for sure for collecting. If you actually wanted to get a stress toy, you would get a Needoh since they’re much better quality, long-lasting, and the same price as the dumpling ones.”

Unlike earlier fidget trends that focused on flashy tricks or bright designs, the current squish movement is more centered on texture, resistance, and sensory satisfaction. Users compare firmness levels, test temperature changes, and share detailed reviews of how each product feels. The appeal lies less in showing off and more in the tactile experience itself. 

As trends continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: the fascination with fidget toys is far from over. From spinners to Pop-Its to frozen Needohs and glitter dumpling hunts, each wave reflects a growing interest in simple, hands-on ways to relieve stress and engage the senses.