Needoh Craze

NeeDoh Craze

What are these popular sensory toys selling out stores in minutes? With NeeDohs created in 2018 by the brand Schylling, they instantly captured many hearts. All around the world, kids and adults alike use this squishy to relieve stress, focus, and stay calm during chaotic situations. Popular in 2020, but discarded the rest, why are these NeeDohs making a comeback? 

NeeDohs are filled with a non-toxic, dough-like substance that keeps its shape over time. While they are durable, they can break over time if over-stretched and exposed to sharp objects for a long period of time. Though NeeDohs are usually used for fidgeting, some students also purchase them for aesthetic purposes, as they come in all sorts of colors and varieties-cubes, animals, balls, or fruits. 

NeeDohs were very popular during 2020 along with all types of fidgets and were the  peak of COVID-19. NeeDohs are advertised to help people with learning disabilities such as ADD, ADHD, anxiety and autism.  Students love this squishy toy, but are they for the right reasons? Do teachers believe Needohs are beneficial to student’s learning? 

Zoya Nathani and Maddie Pak interviewed many students and teachers about their opinion of NeeDohs. When asked the question: Are NeeDohs beneficial or a distraction to a  student’s learning? These were their responses:

Mr. Williams: “A gigantic distraction.” 

Mr. Vela: “Most definitely a distraction.”

Dr. Risberg: “Depends on if students use it as a tool or a toy.”

Mr. Lewis: “Students misuse them, they toss them around the room, and it’s a trend that won’t last.”

Orrin Yamamoto (7th grade): “During tests NeeDohs can be a distraction but when doing homework they could be helpful.”

Nico D’ Amato (7th grade): “In a test it can help with focusing.” 

Anayah Visuddhidham (7th grade): “In a high energy class it can help with stress and focus.”

Many students have mixed perspectives about the usefulness of NeeDohs, but can the pros outweigh the cons? Many teachers strongly believe that NeeDohs are a distraction for many reasons. Many teachers say that NeedDohs have a negative outlook on students. “They aren’t used for the purpose they were created for and it is most definitely a distraction.” Mrs. Dauphin stated.

What did Schylling want to achieve with the squishy sensation NeeDoh brand? They wanted to create a satisfying and retro style fidget toy to promote stress relief. NeeDohs were designed as a helpful toy, however, they have turned into a thing to throw and misuse.  

Plus, Needohs have become such a “trend” that there are lines outside of stores with people waiting to get their hands on one of them. Stores like Target, Walmart, and even CVS are selling out of NeeDohs within minutes! This massive surge of squishy popularity has taken Tiktok and Youtube by storm. Social Media apps like these are even making it a trend to microwave NeeDohs which is a risk for exploding in the person´s face/hands.

NeeDohs aren't just fun, they come in so many shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. The most popular NeeDoh seems to be the NeeDoh Nice Cube. Other significantly popular Needohs are the NeeDoh Dream Drop and NeeDoh Gumdrop. 

 NeeDohs are a fun, squishy stress relief toy that kids and adults both love. However, if used incorrectly it can lead to serious injuries and annoyed teachers. At Brea Junior High, NeeDohs are a student sensation, however they should be used correctly, inside and outside of BJHS.

Written By: Maddie Pak and Zoya Nathani

Edited By: Kairi Tang