WOODBURY— Everyone knows history repeats itself— that includes trends. Squishies, slime, stress balls, and other stress relievers were a childhood trend that is now making a comeback. So why are high schoolers turning back to these new and improved toys?
“It gives me something to do with my hands during class, and it takes my mind off of all the work I have to do,” Nonnewaug senior Karli Brandt said. “It just keeps my mind active, and I did have a lot of squishies when I was younger. They’re not as good as Needohs though.”
Lots of high school students feel pressure when it comes to classes and work, so having an outlet for that stress can allow students to feel more relaxed and deal with it in a healthy way. Nonnewaug principal Mykal Kuslis and vice principal Declan Curtin approve of kids using them in class.
“We agree that if students need them,” Kulis and Curtin said, “that they should be allowed to bring them in order to focus on school.”
New popular stress toys include all types of Needoh squishies, Crazy Fun dumplings, and Pop- Its. The craze over these has reached all over America, and especially here at Nonnewaug. Senior Deme Jones thinks they are definitely worth the hype.
“I don’t think they’re that expensive, especially for how popular they are at the moment,” Jones said. “One of the best things about getting Needohs is there’s always new ones coming out and I think it’s just fun to go out and try to find them.”
Needohs and dumplings are sold out in almost every store that carries them, but the love for them is still strong for those who can find them.
“I love my dumplings because they’re really fun to squish,” said Tatum Kociszewski. “I like the colors, opening, and unboxing them.”
This stress toy trend isn’t coming around for the first time— most high schoolers remember having squishies and stress toys when they were younger.
“I actually had a lot of squishies when I was little,” Jones said, “like when they were first popular and everywhere. I remember specifically having Globles, which were little balls and you throw them at the ceiling. I had glow in the dark and colored ones.”
I just think it’s such a cool thing that Needohs are coming back now,” Jones continues. “ I remember enjoying those type of squishies so much when I was little, and so it’s fun, especially as a senior, to get to remember things from your childhood. I also get to share that with other people.”
Brandt agrees with Jones, summing up how most high schoolers feel about this 2016 turned 2026 trend.
“I love it,” Brandt said. “I don’t think the trend should have ever left, because it’s literally just you having fun. It’s good to take your mind off the stress and anxiety of your life. It’s not a trend—it’s a lifestyle.”
