NEEDOH: A Trend or Will It Last?

By VALENTINA CORTEZ.

Visit the nearest Target or Walmart. Perhaps take a far drive to one as well. Typically, a NEEDOH won’t be found. Unless you are lucky enough to make it for a restock date. Otherwise, what remains is empty NEEDOH packaging, and their shelf prices. NEEDOH, a sensory and fidget toy produced by Schylling, is more popular than ever! 

Is it overconsumption or a gateway to relieve stress? Mialani Moore, a senior at Washingtonville Senior High School, shares her experience with NEEDOH. “[They] have provided me with something to do. Since my first purchase, I feel less of an urge to bite my nails. I am able to have healthy fidgeting habits.” Prior to owning the fidget toy, Ms. Moore had unhealthy habits. In total, she owns seven NEEDOHs. Ms. Moore finds comfort in owning the sensory toy.

While Ms. Moore actively uses NEEDOHs to manage her fidgeting, she reasons the purpose behind her excessively purchasing the same product. “I like to collect things. Ever since I was a little kid, I had to own every variation of the same product. Take Shopkins, Monster High Dolls, and Pokemon cards for example. I also like how no NEEDOH is exactly the same.” NEEDOH is versatile. The product features various shapes, textures, and filling densities, such as the Original, Teenie, Atomic, and Nice Cube.

New variations are frequently added, and specific, limited editions (like holiday-themed options) often expand the total count beyond 15-20 distinct items. Giada DeGiglio, a junior at Washingtonville Senior High School, explains that seeing her friends play with a NEEDOH draws curiosity because of its satisfying visuals. “It’s similar to things like fidget spinners or slime, but it feels more calming and less distracting.” 

Out of the different variations released, the NEEDOH Nice Cube remains the most popular and owned. The company designed the Nice Cube to “stand out with its playful geometric design that feels modern and refreshing. Its neat, cube-shaped form catches the eye immediately.” One touch, and the cubic shape is disrupted. “That slow-rising rebound isn’t accidental; it’s carefully designed to provide a rhythmic, calming sensation that encourages relaxation and focus.”

“It’s trendy right now, but stress toys in general always come back, so something like it will probably stick around. Even if this one fades, something similar will replace it,” exclaims Ms. DeGiglio. Similar to previous fidget and stress toys, the NEEDOH is a gateway for all ages to take a moment, unwind, and relax, or dive in, settle, and maintain focus. 

NEEDOH serves to release tension, improve concentration, and provide gentle sensory stimulation. However, not everyone buys sensory toys. Some might not be interested in them at all. Ms. DeGiglio agrees, “I haven’t really felt like I need one yet. I usually forget about it until I see one again.” 

It’s important to consider that NEEDOH has been around since 2018, only recently gaining attraction online. Although sales took years to skyrocket, shelves remain empty. NEEDOH continues to rise in popularity. It will have to take another fidget or stress toy to be discussed on social media for the NEEDOH to lose relevance.