Best desk toy

(Image credit: Amazon)

published 15 June 2021

Having a desk toy in eyesight makes any work day a little more enjoyable. No matter how stressful your day gets, being able to watch a cool thing spin, or click on a button that does nothing helps focus your mind and makes life better in general.

We fidgeted and played with as many toys as we could to bring you our favourite desk toys, just for you.

Best overall

funtime ferro hourglass — (Image credit: Amazon)

Funtime Magnetic Timer

Time like you've never seen it

This beautiful looking hourglass is the perfect desktop companion. With the use of magnets and ferrous powder, this sand timer builds complex shapes as the time runs out. The copper plate on the bottom adds a touch of class to the hourglass and gives it a real steampunk feel.

Best for concentration

Cool Fidget Cube Vinyl Desk Toy

Keep your hands busy while you work

Fidget cubes have gone in and out of fashion over the years, but the core mechanic remains useful. Having a cube with little buttons and clicks to fiddle with while you are on a video call helps you concentrate on the job at hand, rather than looking for things to do.

Spinning beauty

CaLeQi Kinetic Desk Toy

A work of art on your desk

This small ball of metal may look simple, but the milled spiral and the bearing fitted in the bottom creates a beautiful and calming pattern as it spins on your desk. The bearing is smooth enough to have it spinning for quite a while. Long enough to calm your mind and get you ready for the next job.

It's science!

Kikkerland radiometer — (Image credit: Amazon)

Kikkerland Solar Radiometer

Solar powered motion

This desk-sized radiometer is an excellent toy that requires no power to run. Using the power of the sun, this was originally designed to measure electromagnetic radiation, the thin vanes of metal move when light is detected. This means it can sit on your desk and spin for hours on end, all by itself!

The world

Senders Floating Globe

Levitation is so cool

Senders floating globe is one of my favourite little toys. I like globes generally but having a floating globe is so much cooler. Using the magic of magnets, this globe will float in the centre of the LED lamp, while being able to spin freely.

Distraction or focus; you decide

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Whether you want something to distract you from your work or calm you ready for your next piece of work, we have something on the list for you. I adore both the Funtime Magnetic Timer and the Kikkerland Solar Radiometer as they complete my steampunk office nicely. If you can buy them as a pair, I recommend it.

If you are looking for something to help you focus, then the Cool Fidget Cube is an excellent little gadget. I like the rolling ball and the clicky switch sides the most as they appeal to my need to move my thumbs. It really helps me concentrate when I don't have to think of things to do with my hands.

Ever since James bought his first home, he has been obsessed with making it the perfect space. From curtains, paint, and pictures to grills, mixing bowls, and pots and pans, nothing is too small an item for James to adore!