The NeeDoh Craze

Mary Lubien, Sazan Luhaib, and Abbie Gramer

May 8, 2026

Junior Lucy Zakens holds her collection of NeeDohs outside of class in the halls of Utica.

These colorful, squishy stress toys have been collecting dust in front of our eyes for a while, shying from the spotlight. Now, they are snatched off the shelves within rapid moments. First created in 2018, NeeDohs remained relatively unknown until going viral on TikTok in 2025, where videos featuring the toy have gained millions of views. Today, young people are often seen with these calming squishy toys in hand as it becomes a global sensation.

Over the past year, NeeDohs have quickly become one of the most popular trends amongst students, showing up in classrooms, backpacks and everything in between. What started as a simple stress toy has turned into something students use daily to stay focused, calm, or entertained during long school days.

Senior Savannah Littrell, who is one of many students who brings NeeDohs regularly to school, has her own reasons why she thinks they’re trending.

“They feel good to touch, and they give me a distraction when class gets too boring” Littrell said. “I’m not sure why they are all being sold out right now, but I would definitely buy more if I could find.”

These sensory toys have been sold out in many stores, including major retailers like Target and Walmart, where they are typically priced from $3 to $10 depending on size and style. People are waiting for hours in freezing weather in order to get their hands on one of these toys. The crowd is stretched between generations, parents that are buying it for their kids, young adults who want it for themselves, and so on. There is no age limit or a preferable group when it comes to having a NeeDoh.

Sophomore Emily Zhagui finds the fact that these small toys are selling out interesting but also very weird. She had found them previously before however never saw them blow up until now.

“I found about Needohs in 2020 and I actually had a few.” Zhagui said. “I just think it’s funny that people would wait for so long, it’s not serious. And I don’t know why it just now went viral; it’s been out for years.”

Junior Lucy Zakens is primarily known for having a bag full of these squishy bright fidgets along with her every day at school. When asked about her opinion on all of this, she explained why they are booming with popularity.

“They are fun to play with,” Zakens said. “I have more than 25 and plan to buy more. I found out about it through TikTok; I think it’s popular due to the fact they are sensory toys.”

However, not everyone is on the bandwagon when it comes to NeeDohs. Senior River Terraccino is a part of this group of people. He says he doesn’t get hyped about this temporary trend.

“I don’t understand the trend of NeeDohs,” Terraccino said. “I don’t really feel the need to have 5 million like most people in our school or on TikTok have. I think it’s just something everybody is getting to be on trend, and it will go out in a couple of weeks.”

Through TikTok, this sensational toy has been across all platforms and within everybody’s space. At the end of the day, it’s more than just a cute squishy object, t’s a way for students to relieve stress and stay focused. But many people still think that it doesn’t validate the outrage of lines and sell outs. Whether the trend fades or continues to grow, NeeDohs have clearly made an impact on students, offering both a source of comfort and an example of how quickly social media can turn something simple into a nationwide craze.

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About the Contributors

Mary Lubien, Social Media Editor, Page Editor

Mary Lubien is a senior and this is her first year on the Arrow newspaper staff. She is a Social Media Editor and Page Editor. She enjoys researching and writing about pop culture, social issues, and student activities. When she’s not working on reports, you can typically find her with her family and dogs, doing art, or with her friends. She aspires to find a career helping people with a degree in human services or psychology and is excited to share those types of ideas with her peers.

Sazan Luhaib, Reporter

Sazan Luhaib is a senior and a reporter for the Arrows newspaper. She enjoys researching potential changes in the community, and her highly interesting knowledge about students as well as school-related upcoming events. When Sazan is not reporting on duty, she likes watching movies, listening to music and spending time with friends. She hopes to one day pursue a career in screenwriting and authorizing self-written books.

Abbie Gramer, Reporter

Abbie Gramer is a senior at Utica High School; she is a staff reporter for the Arrow Newspaper. She enjoys researching and exploring local events around the area. When she’s not reporting on events you can find her at any social event with friends. She hopes one day she can explore a career in the arts of designing.