Needohs have burst into SHP classrooms, succeeding popular fidget toys such as fidget spinners, pop-its, and slime. 

Needohs initially became popular because of peer influence. “I got a Needoh because everyone else at school had them,” said Kingston Desuasido ‘27. Likewise, Kate King ‘27 purchased a Needoh because they were popular among her friends. “My friends and I started collecting them,” explained Bella Jamsen ‘29, mentioning a Needoh white elephant exchange she had with her friends.

However, Needohs go beyond trendiness; they have been a way to foster community and help students with stress during school. “When I started seeing that they helped me with stress, I decided to get one for myself,” said King. She mentioned that the Needoh cube, a firmer Needoh variant, is good “for getting anger out.”  

Caitlin Montgomery ‘27 said, “I got one right before finals to help me if I’m stressed about a test or to help [me] stay on task when one of my teachers is teaching.” Needohs aren’t simply a passing trend but a helpful tool in a stressful academic environment. 

Mr. Riaz Abdulla, a Science Teacher, explained that this is the first year he has seen Needohs in his classroom. Rather than viewing them as a distraction, Abdulla believes that Needohs help stressed and neurodivergent students. “As someone who has ADHD, I understand that for students who are neurodivergent or have a learning plan… a fidget like a Needoh can help with cognitive focus and reduce anxiety,” said Abdulla.  

Though often dismissed as a children’s toy, Needohs have become a shared way for students to manage stress, improve focus, and connect with peers. These community experiences exemplify why Needohs have become a beneficial way of managing the well-being of students at SHP.