Here, the best stress balls on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor.
“Sometimes when a person is feeling stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed, they have a desire to squeeze,” says Lisa McCrohan, MA, LCSW-C, SEP, a Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapist, Integrative Coach, and author. This is where stress balls can help.
Many things—from genetics to your environment—can cause increased anxiety , feelings of restlessness, and rumination. Fidget toys, such as fidget spinners or stress balls, are thought to aid in relieving stress and distracting individuals from rumination and anxiety. As such, using a stress ball to expel energy and calm fidgeting might be helpful.
Best Overall
Stress Less Stress Balls with Motivational Quotes 3 Pack
Amazon
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Pros
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Uplifting quotes included
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Packaged for gifting
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Good for hand therapy
Cons
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All are the same resistance
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Faint smell reported
Combine a positive affirmation with a physical outlet for a double dose of stress relief. Sold as a pack of three, these stress balls come with happy quotes written on them to help shift your thoughts from stress to positivity. Made from polyurethane foam and available in four different color options, this is a durable and anxiety-relieving option.
Price at time of publication: $14
Items in set: 3 | External material: Polyurethane | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Polyurethane
Best Color
Power Your Fun Arrgh Rainbow Giant Stress Ball
Amazon
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Pros
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Good for kids and adults
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Can be washed in water
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Great customer service and refund policy
Cons
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Too large for some
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Some report bursting/leaking
The gentle ombre of rainbow colors and larger size make this stress toy a good option for extra frustrating days when you need physical and emotional stress relief. Whether you need to vent, let out aggression, or keep both hands busy at once (it’s 5-inch diameter is big enough to keep both hands occupied), this is a great option. The rainbow colors are bright and uplifting and this stress ball is easily cleaned if it gets dirty from use.
Price at time of publication: $13
Items in set: 1 | External material: Rubber | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Gel
Best Scent
Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Balls 3-Pack
Amazon
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Pros
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Good for aromatherapy
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Multiple color options
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Soft and comfortable exterior
Cons
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All are the same resistance
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Material may stretch over time
Smells can have a direct effect on mood. Research shows that lavender has a calming influence over brain waves and neurotransmitters. These stress balls are handmade and filled with dried lavender flowers. Gentle squeezing helps release the scent. They can be smelled, squeezed, and even tossed around in the air due to their lightweight and soft texture.
Price at time of publication: $26
Items in set: 3 | External material: Spandex | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Dried Lavender flowers
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Best for Small Hands
MindPanda Empowering Gel Stress Ball Bundle
Amazon
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Pros
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Compact case included
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Multiple resistance levels
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Latex- and BPA-free
Cons
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Scent may be too strong
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Resistance level not specified
Mind Panda stress balls come in packs of three, each with a different resistance level, scent, and empowering questions printed on them. The multiple resistance options allow the customer to choose which fit feels the most comfortable and soothing. A hand-strengthening exercise guide comes with each pack. Use this option for focused strength training or for mindless fidgeting to help fight boredom or anxiety during long meetings, work assignments or any time you need stress relief.
Price at time of publication: $23
Items in set: 3 | External material: Lycra | Resistance: Soft, medium, hard | Fill: Thermoplastic gel
Best for Strengthening Hands
The Friendly Swede Stress Balls 3 Pack
Amazon
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Pros
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Multiple color options
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Ergonomic egg shape design
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Multiple resistance levels
Cons
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Exterior is slightly sticky
The unique egg shape of this stress toy is designed specifically for strength training exercises and the relief of hand and joint pain. There are various color options to choose from as well as options ranging from 20 to 40 pounds of resistance. They come in multiple sizes to get just the right fit for kids and adults. They are made from thermoplastic rubber and are designed to strengthen muscles while simultaneously easing joint pain and carpal tunnel pain.
Price at time of publication: $17
Items in set: 3 | External material: Thermoplastic rubber | Resistance: 20, 30, and 40 pounds | Fill: Thermoplastic rubber
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Best Variety Pack
BAUTVAS DNA Squishy Stress Balls for Kids
Amazon
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Pros
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Great for kids and adults
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Variety of textures included
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90-day replacement or refund period
Cons
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Strong odor reported
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May burst or get punctured
The need for a particular type of stress ball or fidget toy can often depend on our mood at the time, especially for kids. With 8 different toys ranging in color and texture, including some filled with tactile beads, kids or adults have more than enough options to choose from. This is a great option for small classroom settings or families with multiple kids.
Price at time of publication: $14
Items in set: 8 | External material: Thermoplastic rubber | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Silicone
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Most Durable
Serenilite Stress Balls 3-Pack
Amazon
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Pros
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Durable exterior
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Lifetime warranty
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Good for hand therapy
Cons
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On the smaller side
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Resistance levels not specified
Made with high-quality materials, these ergonomic stress balls feature a tear-resistant gel core and non-stick fabric for ultimate comfort. The design is made to combine color therapy and physical therapy to strengthen hands and wrists while calming anxieties and stress. Made for both kids and adults, this stress toy can handle your most frustrating days.
Price at time of publication: $18
Items in set: 3 | Material: Parachute nylon | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Gel
Best for Physical Therapy
GOZATO Squeeze Ball for Hand Therapy
Amazon
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Pros
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Ergonomic egg shape
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Multiple resistance levels
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100 percent satisfaction guarantee
Cons
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Sticky exterior
For hand, wrist, or finger rehabilitation, a stress ball may be an optimal tool for physical therapy. The GOZATO squeeze ball set includes five stress balls with multiple resistance levels. Each resistance level—from extra soft (22 pounds) to extra firm (88 pounds)— corresponds with a different ball color, making it easy to find the one you need. The ergonomic shape helps with therapy exercises and makes it comfortable to hold.
Each one is made with thermoplastic rubber which is hypoallergenic, recyclable, and latex-free. Plus, the set comes with a cloth bag, making them easy to take on the go.
Price at time of publication: $8
Items in set: 3 | Material: Parachute nylon | Resistance: 22-88 pounds | Fill: Thermoplastic rubber
Best for Temperature Therapy
Bed Buddy Store Stress Ball and Grip Strength Trainer
Amazon
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Pros
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Can be heated or chilled
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Finger loop for optimal grip
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Filled with natural grains
Cons
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Doesn’t stay warm for long
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Ball doesn’t compress well
Heat or temperature therapy is designed to improve blood flow and circulation—soothing discomfort and easing muscle pain. In conjunction with the movements used to squeeze a stress ball, the temperature may provide a multi-dimensional approach to physical therapy practices. The Bed Buddy Store stress ball can be heated or cooled depending on your personal needs. Filled with natural grains, it provides resistance for squeezing and holding in your hand.
The ball is coated in a soft polyester material and it has a small finger loop to keep it from rolling out of your hand. When heating it, place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. When cooling the stress ball, the brand recommends placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Price at time of publication: $6
Items in set: 3 | Material: Parachute nylon | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Natural grain
Best for Kids
FIVOENDAR Fun Face Stress Balls 24-Pack
Amazon
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Pros
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Large variety
Good for party favors
Sized well for kids
Cons
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Strong odor reported
It’s difficult to stay stressed and frustrated with a funny face stress ball helping you out. There are 24 bright, funny faces to choose from in this pack. At 2.5 inches in diameter, they are comfortable for kids and adults alike. The foam filling is soothing for anxiety, restlessness, or sore hands from typing or writing. The large variety pack is also great for kids party gifts.
Price at time of publication: $18
Items in set: 24 | Material: Foam | Resistance: N/A | Fill: Foam
Personalised Advertising
✅ MAKE MINDFULNESS SIMPLE – Enjoy a natural way to de-stress. Each ball has its own theme and aroma to help you embody mindful living. Great as a desk stress ball to inspire healthy thoughts.
✅ AROMATHERAPY – Each ball is infused with its own unique aroma, proven to reduce tension, and increase focus.
✅ THE PERFECT THOUGHTFUL GIFT – Give someone close a meaningful gift that inspires happiness and lasts a lifetime.
✅ SIMPLE EXERCISES FOR STRONGER GRIP & MUSCLES – Use our FREE hand exercise guide to improve hand mobility & grip while increasing blood flow to your hands. Soft Medium Hard for every mood.