The Best Kinetic Desk Toys

Before smartphones, kinetic toys were the best way to decompress without having to leave your desk. Though most are simple, toys like Jacob's Ladder provide an important opportunity to relieve stress. They allow us to step back, refocus, and attack our work with renewed energy. While there's still something oddly satisfying about the click-clack of a Newton's Cradle, the kinetic desk toy market has definitely made some advancements. We've rounded up everything from swinging pendulums to mini magnets to make sure you can find something for your fidgeting needs.

CaLeQi Stress Relief Desktop Ball

Looks Like Magic

Give this flat-bottomed metal ball a silent spin on any even surface.
Best Overall

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This desktop ball is silent, smooth, and stress-relieving. The aluminum alloy construction is decorated with spiraling grooves that create the visual illusion of melting. But don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere. Thanks to a nonslip silicone bottom that allows you to give it a spin on any flat surface, this little optical illusion is the perfect companion for your desk. The smallest option is the size of a large marble while the largest is a hair bigger than a racquetball. So whatever your needs, spin on.

Pros:

  • Silent spinning ideal for quiet offices or video-conferencing meetings
  • Durable aluminum alloy construction
  • Varying sizes and colors to choose from

Cons:

  • Some users report spin times inconsistent with product details

Dotsog Newton’s Cradle

An Oldie, But a Goodie

Nostalgia finds a home in this classic Newton's Cradle for your desk.
Best Classic

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Click-clack, you’ve got your focus back thanks to this Newton’s Cradle from Dotsog. This desk toy is as straightforward as they come. Simply unfold and secure the bars to the included base and let the ball drop. Though you won’t get the infinite motion that can be achieved in a vacuum, you’ll still be rewarded with 15–20 seconds of movement, along with the satisfying sound of physics at work. The clear nylon lines won’t break or snap after extensive use, so get ready to pass this cradle along to your grandkids.

Pros:

  • Provides a live demonstration of basic principles of physics
  • Straightforward setup and use
  • Nylon lines are strong and durable

Cons:

  • The sound may bother some of your officemates that struggle to concentrate

Fortune Products Inc. Swinging Sticks Sculpture

Nonstop Swinging

If you're looking for elegant desk decoration, you'll love this silently swinging sculpture.
Most Mesmerizing

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This swinging stick sculpture from Fortune Products Inc. is another mesmerizing desktop accessory. The double pendulum creates constant, seemingly random motion that varies in speed. And though some people might find it distracting, there’s no denying its noiseless elegance and intrigue. Not to spoil the surprise, but it is battery operated, so be ready to power up this sculpture with 4 AA batteries (not included) and watch the sticks swing.

Pros:

  • Elegant and noiseless design
  • 4 AA batteries can power movement for up to 3 months
  • A mesmerizing addition to an office setting

Cons:

  • Kind of pricey

Speks Original Nickel Magnetic Balls

Practically Putty

These little magnets are so strong and malleable, they're guaranteed to help you find balance in your workday.
Most Malleable

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If you loved your play-putty as a child but can’t fathom the mess now, opt for these magnetic nickel balls from Speks. We know that 512 magnetized balls sound like an absurd number, but measuring at 2.5 millimeters each, you can hold all of them in the palm of your hand. The tiny magnets have an electroplated nickel coating with a tarnish-resistant mirror finish to ensure that they can properly reflect your artistry. Put your latest creation on display with the provided metal base, or consult the manual if you’re short on sculpture ideas. Then, when you’re finished, just crush the magnets back into a cube and pop it in the carrying case for safekeeping.

Pros:

  • Highly malleable, strong magnets to let creativity shine
  • Metal display base gives elegance for handmade office art
  • Reconfiguring your magnet sculpture is easy and encouraged

Cons:

  • Very small magnets that require close attention when actually trying to shape them

Small Fish Infinity Cube Fidget Toy

Flatten, Fold, and Flip

The Infinity Cube lies somewhere in between a Rubik's Cube and a Jacob's Ladder.
Most Satisfying

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The Infinity Cube from Small Fish is as slick and satisfying as they come. Stainless steel rivets connect 8 durable plastic cubes to create an endlessly foldable and flippable desk toy. It can be transformed from a rectangular prism to a cube in seconds, making it a fantastic little accessory to keep in your pocket or desk drawers. That also means it’s ideal for those one-handed fidgeters who prefer to have a writing hand free for work.

Pros:

  • Durable plastic connected by stainless steel rivets
  • 1.7″ cube easily transportable
  • Silent movement for daytime fidgeting

Cons:

  • Pretty small in size

Frequently Asked Questions

Will kinetic desk toys actually relieve stress?

While experts haven’t reached a definitive conclusion about the effects of fidget toys, there’s certainly no evidence to suggest that it could make your symptoms any worse. Many people swear by them, citing their Newton’s Cradles or Infinity Cubes as the reason for their extended focus and efficiency. You won’t know until you try, so start with a low commitment toy to see whether or not it moves you — kinetic pun intended.

Are these desk toys considered professional?

It depends on the type of toy you buy. Plenty of offices feature silent fidget toys that double as visually-striking decorations, but you might not want to bring your tennis ball-sized Newton’s Cradle to work — the click-clack will probably do more hurt than help for your co-workers. Try to strike a balance between subtle and suitable for your fidgeting needs. After all, playing with a desk toy while doing work is far more professional than being distracted by your Instagram feed.

About the Author

Noah is a self-proclaimed avid media consumer, so he's always on the hunt for quality audio gear and the latest tech. That's why he hasn't picked a side in the Apple versus PC debate, since he's found great gear from both parties. With a Google phone in one hand and a MacBook Air in the other, Noah seeks to guide others towards quality tech.

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