The 10 Best Stress Balls
Special Honors
DiscountMugs Brain You'll stay at the front of your clients' minds with the DiscountMugs Brain, a customizable option that makes a great promotional giveaway. Whether you're running a medical practice or a school, these squishy balls can be printed with a logo or text, but keep in mind that you'll need to order in bulk to receive the most affordable pricing. discountmugs.com
Stexe Tardigrade Stress-o-cizer Depending on how you feel about creepy creatures, the Stexe Tardigrade Stress-o-cizer will either help you relax — or make your skin crawl. Each resembles the "water bear" of its namesake, measuring 3 inches tall and nearly 2 inches wide, and comes with a plastic ring that acts as a display stand. etsy.com
Editor's Notes
May 26, 2020:
To keep tension at bay, we've selected stress balls of all sizes and colors, ranging from those that are business-appropriate for office use to those that are bright, fun, and kid-friendly. But no matter which you choose, you'll want to keep them away from curious pets, as these aren't made to withstand chewing.
On the more sober side of the spectrum, we still think the Handstands Cyber Gel and the Serenilite Dura-Grip are good options. These have gel inside and boast a fabric covering, so there's no foam to make your hands smell. For something a little firmer, consider The Friendly Swede Squeeze Eggs, which are strong enough to help you strengthen your grip. Unfortunately, though, they have a rubbery exterior that tends to pick up hair and dirt, so if you have pets, you might find that the eggs become dirty quickly. If your stress seems too big for a mere ball or egg to tackle, there's the Small Fish Fidget Toys Set, which offers plenty of little gizmos to fidget with, including a liquid motion timer.
As for choices that you're more likely to find on the playground than at the office, we've selected the Gloworks Llama and the YoYa Toys Beadeez Unicorn. Of course, adults are welcome to play with them, too, since these little toys can help alleviate anxiety. But these models may be too bright and whimsical for some settings, and in the case of the Llama, even a bit messy. These are priced appropriately, but if you need something even more budget-friendly, perhaps to act as party favors, the Koogel Globe or the Neliblu Be Happy Smile may be a better bet. Sold in packs of 24, these stress balls are simple but entertaining nevertheless.