The Unexpected Ways Customers Use Fidget Toys
One of the most interesting parts of owning FIG Supports is seeing the completely different ways people use the same products.
What might look like “just a toy” to one person can be a genuinely helpful support tool for someone else.
When most people think of fidget toys or sensory products, they often think of children. But honestly, some of the most interesting conversations we have in store are with adults.
We regularly have older customers purchasing squishy sensory toys to help exercise their hands due to arthritis, stiffness, reduced grip strength, or carpal tunnel pain. Others use them during rehabilitation after injury or surgery to gently encourage hand movement and improve dexterity.
Some customers use sensory products to support emotional regulation, focus, or stress relief. Others simply enjoy the comfort of repetitive movement or calming tactile input while watching television, travelling, attending appointments, or winding down at the end of the day.
What’s calming for one person can be completely overwhelming for another — and that’s something we see every single day in store.
As an AuDHD woman myself, I’m incredibly sensitive to noise. Loud clicky fidgets? Absolutely not for me. I know a lot of people love them, but certain sounds instantly overwhelm my nervous system. Meanwhile, another customer may specifically seek out noisy tactile feedback because it helps them regulate or focus.
Some people are very texture-sensitive. Certain fabrics, materials, or finishes can create an instant “ick” feeling, while others actively seek those same textures for comfort and grounding.
We also see huge differences in what people can and can’t tolerate sensory-wise.
Some customers are drawn to very firm, heavy tactile input, while others immediately recoil from certain textures or sensations. We’ve had people pick something up and instantly say “absolutely not” before putting it straight back down — while the next customer finds that exact same item calming and grounding.
Visual sensory supports are another big one. Some people are naturally drawn to lava timers, moving liquid toys, soft lighting, or repetitive motion because it helps them slow down and regulate visually.
We also have many adults quietly exploring sensory products for themselves after spending years masking or believing these kinds of supports were “only for kids.” Sometimes parents come in looking for products for their children and end up discovering tools that help themselves too.
Weighted products are another interesting example. Some people instantly relax when they feel deep pressure or weight, while others find the sensation overwhelming or restrictive. There really is no one-size-fits-all approach to sensory support.
That’s why we’ve intentionally created a store where customers can physically explore products before purchasing. We keep many items out of packaging so people can truly feel textures, test movement, experience sounds, and make decisions based on their own sensory needs and preferences.
Because sensory support is deeply personal.
There’s no single “correct” sensory experience, and there’s certainly no age limit on needing comfort, regulation, movement, or support.
One of the things we love most at FIG Supports is seeing people discover products they never expected would help them — sometimes in ways they never imagined.