Walk into any classroom today and you will likely notice at least one student squeezing a colorful, squishy cube or gumdrop called a Needoh. Even though Needohs can be perceived as a distraction, they are extremely beneficial and have a place in every classroom.
According to the Needoh website, their mission is to provide stress and relief and help both kids and adults enjoy a moment amongst the chaos of daily life.
Unlike other fidgets, which hold a reputation of being loud and distracting, Needohs are quiet which makes them more appealing.
Sophomore Joey Sherman said, “Their slow, smooth texture makes them especially satisfying to me. Unlike other noisy fidgets, they are quiet, which makes them easier to use without causing a distraction.”
For students overwhelmed with homework, tests and other obligations, even just a minute of playing with Needohs can make a big difference.
Another part of their appeal is that they help students pay attention in class. Students find that having something to do in one hand can make it easier to listen and stay on task.
Beyond helping with stress, Needohs can also improve attention and classroom engagement.
Sophomore Marlo Buber said, “Whenever I have a hard time focusing in class, Needohs come to the rescue and help me out. They are also effective when it comes to making students more active in class.”
Even though fidgets are frequently used by students with learning disabilities, they are proven to be helpful for them.
Julie Schweitzer, a professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis said, “We know that intrinsic fidgeting helps people with ADHD. Some spinners are highly distracting. If you are going to use a device, choose an item that doesn’t interfere with getting work done or disturb those around you.”
Needohs are useful for everyone. Some simply enjoy the feeling of them.
Their texture provides sensory feedback that students find grounding. In a busy school day filled with noise and pressure, something small that fits in the palm of your hand can feel surprisingly calming.
Of course, like any popular toy, there are safety concerns.
In January 2026, 9-year-old Caleb Chabolla received second-degree burns to his face, ears and hands after he placed a Needoh cube in a microwave for 40 seconds, leading it to explode. Chabolla was sent to Loyola University Medical Center’s Burn Center where he was treated.
Paula Peterson, a nurse at the burn center said to ABC News, “Caleb’s the fourth case we have seen this year with Needoh cubes.”
Even though there is an uptick in injuries related to Needohs, following instructions prevents most accidents.
Teachers have seen that Needohs can turn from stress-relievers to class distractions.
GOA Judaics department chair Rabbi Waldman said, “I don’t have a problem with Needohs but it becomes a problem when students are sharing them or when they are being thrown across the classroom.”
Simply, if there are more Needohs, people won’t need to pass them around so much, since more kids will have them.
Despite their misuses and accidents, Needohs have proven themselves to be a quiet way for students to manage their stress and focus in class. With responsible use, they are assets in the classroom with higher student focus and participation.
