NeeDohs have become one of the most prominent trends at North Central this year, taking over classrooms, the cafeteria and the hallways.
NeeDohs are soft, squishy sensory toys designed to help relieve stress and anxiety, and their popularity reflects how overwhelmed many students feel during the school day.
Unlike other fidget toys, NeeDohs appeal to many different ages and come in many different styles and colors which makes them fun to fidget with and collect.
Many students say the toys help them stay calm and focused, especially during exams or long class periods.
“Needhos make me feel very happy and relaxed when I use them because I like to squish them and they help me concentrate during stressful tests and assignments,” said sophomore Annabelle Andresen.
Social media has played a big role in the spread of this trend. Many viral videos of people playing with this fidget have put a big influence on many students at North Central to want one of their own. Seeing others use them online makes the toys look satisfying and fun.
“It’s very appealing to watch and it easily influenced me to get one for myself,” said sophomore Vivian Mullan.
Another reason for the rise of NeeDohs is the wide variety available. There are many different shapes and sizes which makes collecting them exciting.
“My favorite one has to be the ice cube NeeDohs,” said Mullan.
While they are fun for many, they also reflect issues of consumerism for high school students.
“I’ve seen a lot of people spending a lot of money on Needos. It starts becoming unhealthy. I myself own three,” said sophomore Stella Brown.
While some students believe the trend will start fading over time, others think NeeDohs will remain relevant because they help stress and remind many students of slime, squishies and other fidgets they had when they were younger.
“I think it’s just a trend but it reminds me of slime so I think it will still exist, just not as popular as it is right now,” said Mullan.
Whether it’s just a trend or a coping tool, the Needoh craze highlights how students at North Central are finding small ways to manage stress from schoolwork or daily life.
