Fanatics fluster for the newest fidgets
Fidget spinners, slime, slap bracelets and foam squishies; one, if not all of these, may trigger memories of a time in your life when these items meant the world. Much like the toy crazes we experienced growing up, the new trend is NeeDohs, the famous Five Below surprise dumplings and anything squishy.
Looking back on my childhood, when the urge to have the newest thing was at its peak, I remember the many toys that were trending for a month or maybe a year. All of these have had their moments as the world's most popular fidget, but once again, a new obsession has risen.
Stores are stocking up and selling out in days with any type of squishy stress reliever. While there are plenty of toys with elastic covering over a squishy substance, some brands have stood out more than others.
The brand NeeDoh is one of the main sources of this popularity. I have often seen these in my friends' cars without even initially noticing, but it registered to me only after the outbreak. I have even subconsciously picked them up to play with several times. That's the appeal of these brands, and they seem to be successful in their goals, for me at least. They want you to play with these toys and get attached to them without even noticing.
Initially, I was a little confused as to why so many kids my age were obsessing over these toys especially because we’re in high school. But I realized the appeal wasn't just because they were popular. It was the dopamine rush they provided. The mindless fidgeting with this toy stimulates our senses, which causes our moods to increase significantly. Additionally, you’re a part of the newest trend.
It’s understandable to want the newest thing, but people are taking things to the next level with these surprise Dumplings. Many people are buying multiple items a week, only for them to get lost, break, or be forgotten. I understand the anticipation of not knowing which one you're going to get, and if it’ll be the rare sparkle one. However, like all trends, this phase of squishies will pass. So then you have spent all your money and filled your house with things you're never going to use again. So while I don’t get the obsession, I still completely understand the love of these toys and enjoy playing with them from time to time.
At the end of the day, sometimes it’s just fun to squish something colorful or sparkly. The satisfaction of a nice stretch or squeeze and the excitement of opening something new might be just what we need to get us through the day. So while trends come and go, I no longer see a reason to stock up, but there's nothing wrong with a little joy.