In the late 2010s, fidget cubes exploded onto the scene and seemingly everyone had the irresistible urge to get their hands on these palm-sized cubes. Comprising an array of buttons, dials, and switches, fidget cubes gave restless hands something to play with. But years later, are these fidget toys still as in-demand as they were at the height of their popularity? Let’s explore the rise of fidget cubes, their touted benefits, and whether they continue to entice fidgety fingers today.
The Sudden Craze
Fidget cubes first launched on Kickstarter in 2016 by two siblings who wanted to create an engaging desk toy for restless hands and minds. The Kickstarter campaign exploded, raising over $6 million dollars against a $15,000 goal. When fidget cubes finally reached the masses months later, a full-on frenzy ensued. People clamored to get their hands on the cubes reputed to help concentration, creativity, and anxiety. Within a year, countless copycats flooded the market trying to capitalize on the craze. For a while, fidget cubes were everywhere – students flicking and clicking them in classrooms, workers discreetly spinning dials during meetings, even kids enraptured by the toys. But fads always fade. Once the initial frenzy died down, did fidget cubes maintain their allure?
Why So Popular Initially?
When fidget cubes first emerged, there were several factors that made them an overnight, viral sensation:
Novelty – Part of the appeal was their uniqueness. Unlike ordinary fidget spinners, these interactable cubes offered a variety of stimulating components to keep fingers occupied. The myriad buttons, switches, and movable parts provided constant discovery.
Ergonomic design – Shaped to fit comfortably in the palm, the silicone or rubber cubes were pleasing to handle and manipulate. Their small size also made them pocketable and portable.
Touted benefits – The makers of fidget cubes claimed the toys could help focus, relieve anxiety, stimulate creativity, and more. While not scientifically proven, these marketed benefits made them intriguing.
Simple pleasure – There was something simply enjoyable about getting lost fidgeting with the various sides, discovering what each switch and button did. Fidget cubes made boredom fun.
Cool factor – For a while, fidget cubes were the trendy toy to have. Kids and adults alike got swept up in the cool new fad. But cool never lasts forever.
Do Fidget Cubes Still Appeal?
Once the initial novelty wore off, did people get bored of fidget cubes? Or do these toys continue to see steady interest years later?
Continued classroom use – Anecdotal reports indicate fidget cubes still help some kids self-regulate and focus in school when used appropriately. Teachers may allow them for students who benefit.
Stress-relief in adults – In today’s high-anxiety world, some adults find rotating the dials, clicking buttons, and flipping switches provides welcome sensory relief from stress.
Creativity boost – There is some evidence that fidget toys can boost creativity by keeping part of the brain occupied, allowing the rest to make creative connections. Some writers and artists swear by them.
Fidgeters delight – For natural fidgeters and restless legs, the multiple mechanisms provide an engaging outlet for excess energy. Fidget cubes can satisfy their need to keep hands active.
Novel alternatives – Seeking the next new desk toy, some consumers have moved onto alternative fidget toys like pop-its, infinity cubes, spinner rings, and more.
Special needs aid – Occupational therapists and teachers sometimes recommend fidget cubes for students with ADHD, autism and sensory issues to channel restless energy in class.
The Key to Their Sustained Allure
If fidget cubes seem passé to the general public now, why do they maintain appeal for certain groups years later? A few key factors:
Portability – Their small, compact size makes fidget cubes easy to keep in a pocket or bag, ideal for fidgeting on the go. Unlike a fidget spinner, a cube can be used discreetly in a variety of settings.
Endless manipulability – The 6 sides offer a diversity of buttons, switches, gears, and dials to keep fingers occupied. There is always another side to explore when boredom strikes.
Subtle stimulation – Unlike noisy pop-its or jangling spinner rings, fidget cubes provide relatively quiet, subtle sensory input perfect for school, work and other focused settings.
Comforting textures – Silicone or rubber surfaces have a smooth, pleasing texture. Touch stimming on the cube can have a calming effect.
One-handed play – Requiring only one hand to manipulate, users can fidget with a cube in their pocket or under a desk with minimal motion.
The Verdict on Fidget Cubes
While no longer the “it” toy, fidget cubes seem to have settled into an enduring niche. For some restless souls, the cubes continue providing welcome sensory stimulation and stress relief even years later. Of course, like any toy, they should be used in moderation to avoid becoming overly distracting or disruptive. But for sporadic fidgeting, these pocket-sized cubes endure as an outlet for nervous energy and agitation. So don’t write off fidget cubes as a faded fad – for certain fidgety fingers, their appeal endures.