The sudden craze for the squishy fidget toys called NeeDohs has not gone unnoticed.

First launched in 2017, NeeDoh created a product designed to help people relieve stress in a fun, safe way while also improving focus. In 2024, the brand experienced a sharp increase in sales after going viral on TikTok. By early 2026, the stress-relieving fidgets had reached record sales, causing factories to experience low inventory and resulting in shortages worldwide.

People across the community have called stores and visited them to hunt for the toys. Many stores have posted signs on doors and windows informing customers that the products are sold out and listing expected restock dates, fueling the craze even further.

Some people believe NeeDohs help relieve stress and deserve their popularity, while others argue the toys are ineffective and simply another example of overconsumption.

Senior Ashlyn Aubrey shared her perspective on the toys, saying, “I think NeeDohs are popular because of social media, and when one person has them, it influences others to want them. I also don’t think they actually relieve stress.”

While Aubrey expressed negative opinions about NeeDohs, junior Annabel Herman believes they can have positive effects. “As someone with ADHD, I find them helpful because they give me something to do when I am overwhelmed or need help staying focused on my work,” Herman said.

NeeDohs are one of those products people see on social media and suddenly feel they need to have.

While some shoppers may go overboard by buying out entire store inventories, the toys can still serve as helpful stress relievers and focus tools for some individuals, especially those with ADHD.