10 Best Stress Relief Toys in Australia: Why Squishies Are #1

In today’s fast-paced world, stress isn’t just something adults face at work — students, parents, and even kids are looking for quick and simple ways to relax. That’s where stress relief toys come in. From classic stress balls to the latest TikTok trends, these little gadgets have become everyday essentials for boosting focus, calming anxiety, and giving your brain a mini break.

And while there are plenty of options on the market, one toy in particular stands out as Australia’s favourite for 2025: squishies.

Section 1: What Are Stress Relief Toys?

Stress relief toys are simple, tactile tools designed to keep your hands busy and your mind calm. They usually come in fun shapes and textures that help release tension through touch, movement, or repetitive play.

Some of the most common types include:

  • Stress balls – the original squeeze toy for hand strength and tension release.

  • Fidget spinners – once a viral craze, still loved for their hypnotic spin.

  • Putty and slime – stretchy, mouldable, and oddly satisfying.

  • Pop-it fidgets – the modern “bubble wrap” you can pop endlessly.

Each of these toys works by giving your hands something to do, which helps shift your focus away from stress and back into the present moment. But among all these options, squishies have quickly become the go-to choice — not just for kids, but for uni students, busy professionals, and anyone who needs a quick dose of calm.

The 10 Best Stress Relief Toys in Australia

  1. Squishies (⭐ The #1 Pick!)
    Soft, slow-rising foam toys shaped like desserts, animals, or everyday items. The satisfying squeeze and cute design make them Australia’s top choice for stress relief in 2025.

  2. Stress Balls
    The classic stress toy — simple, squeezable, and great for releasing built-up tension in your hands and forearms.

  3. Fidget Spinners
    Once a global craze, fidget spinners remain a favourite for people who like repetitive, soothing motion to stay focused.

  4. Sensory Putty or Slime
    Stretch it, twist it, pull it — the gooey texture keeps your hands busy and your mind engaged.

  5. Pop It Fidgets
    Think of it as reusable bubble wrap — popping the silicone bubbles provides instant satisfaction and focus.

  6. Kinetic Sand
    A grainy, mouldable texture that’s relaxing to shape and sculpt — almost like a mini beach in your hands.

  7. Tangle Toys
    These twisty, bendable toys are perfect for absentminded fidgeting during study sessions or meetings.

  8. Aromatherapy Dough
    A newer favourite — scented, pliable dough that combines stress relief with calming smells like lavender or eucalyptus.

  9. Therapy Putty
    Designed for hand exercises and rehab, but also surprisingly calming when you need a squeeze.

  10. Weighted Plush Toys
    Soft and huggable, these plushies use weight to provide a calming, grounded feeling (especially helpful for sleep).

Why Squishies Stand Out Among Stress Relief Toys

While stress balls and fidget spinners have been around for years, squishies have rapidly become one of the most popular stress relief toys in Australia. Their rise is no coincidence — the global fidget toy market has been expanding since 2020, and squishies in particular are consistently featured across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in “satisfying video” trends that attract millions of views.

But their popularity isn’t just about aesthetics. Research on tactile stimulation shows that repetitive squeezing or kneading motions can help reduce physical tension and restore focus, which explains why stress balls have been recommended by therapists for decades. Squishies take this concept further by combining that therapeutic squeeze with slow-rising foam technology that feels uniquely calming in the hand.

On top of this, their playful designs — often inspired by desserts, animals, or everyday objects — give them an emotional boost that traditional stress toys lack. For students, office workers, or anyone managing daily anxiety, squishies provide both a physical release and a mental lift.

At NÜMA, we’ve taken this everyday stress-buster and made it even better: our squishies are handmade, crafted from food-grade silicone for safer, longer-lasting use, and designed to look like irresistible mini desserts. And because stress relief should be meaningful, 1% of every purchase goes to Headspace Australia, supporting young people’s mental health. We are a brand born in Australia, and for everyone in the world.

Where to Find the Best Squishies in Australia

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to de-stress during study breaks, workdays, or just those restless evenings, squishies are one of the most satisfying options you can try. They’re compact, affordable, and endlessly fun — which is why they’ve become a favourite stress relief toy across Australia.

But not all squishies are created equal. Many mass-produced versions on the market are made from low-quality foam that breaks down quickly or contains unsafe materials. That’s where NÜMA comes in.

Based in Brisbane, NÜMA creates handmade, food-inspired squishies from safe, food-grade silicone. Each piece is slow-rising, soft to the touch, and designed to bring a smile the moment you squeeze it. And because we believe stress relief should mean more, 1% of every purchase is donated to Headspace Australia, supporting mental health services for young people.

So whether you’re shopping for yourself, a uni friend, or a quirky gift under $30, NÜMA squishies are a thoughtful way to bring comfort and joy — one squeeze at a time.

👉 [Explore the NÜMA Products →]

 

NÜMA

SQUISH | RELAX | REPEAT

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