Healthline Wellness Wire

In a Nutshell

Two years ago, I discovered a rainbow fidget toy composed of 500 tiny, shiny magnetic balls, and I’ve been loving it ever since. Whenever I whip them out in public, I’m not met with judgmental eyes. In fact, it’s been the total opposite.

Friends ask to play with it, then refuse to give it back when I ask. Kids at a family party surrounded me, stared in awe, and then ran off to beg their parents to buy it for them. I bought one for my niece, mom, partner’s daughter, and countless others as birthday and holiday gifts — and they’re all obsessed now, too.

Today, I’m writing a tribute to my beloved Speks and how using this fidget toy has been a wonderful coping skill for me.

First up! Some health stories you might enjoy:

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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor

Written by Morgan Mandriota
September 11, 2026 • 3 min read

what’s got us buzzing

Get your hands on this fidget toy 🌈

I’ve tried a bunch of fidget toys, and trust me when I say they are not created equal. I want to rip my ears off hearing those loud clicky-clacky cubes. Bubble poppers sound satisfying, but the silicone texture makes my skin crawl. Fidget spinners … old news. But Speks? Aesthetically pleasing. Quiet. Discreet. Fun. A true masterpiece. *chef’s kiss*

I usually play with Speks as a way to expend extra energy when I’m stuck sitting around. Squishing and pulling apart the magnets helps me avoid more annoying anxious habits, like picking at my skin or ripping off my nail polish.

I use them most often in therapy sessions, on long drives, and when I’m out to eat with friends. They also help me focus during work meetings. Even though I’m a firm believer that coping skills should be shame-free, I really love that you can’t tell I’m playing with a toy if you can’t see my hands.

I genuinely love this product and want to share it with you in case you could benefit from it, too. If you’re a fellow fidgety human like me but you’re not sold on Speks in particular, I highly recommend finding another type of toy that works for you! There are plenty of options to choose from. Check out more toys that Healthline editors like below.

18 other fidget toys

🎤 Tell me: Do you play with fidget toys? Which one is your favorite? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your thoughts!

Great finds

But wait, there’s more!

Speks Crags Ferrite Putty

Crags are another type of magnetic fidget toy from the same company, Speks. This string of 500 smooth ferrite stones works in a similar way: You can mash them, stack them, or squish them around in your hand like stony putty. I have this one too. It lives on the coffee table in my living room, so guests can play with them while I play with mine.

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Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

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Thanks for reading! Have a lovely weekend, and we’ll see you again on Monday.

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!

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Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.