Calm Strips: A Complete Guide to Fidget Stickers for Anxiety, Autism, & ADHD
Calm Strips are discreet tactile fidget stickers that you can place on just about any surface. They can help people with a wide variety of mental health conditions and disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and anxiety, to improve their focus and cope with sensory overload, distractions, and stress. In this complete guide to Calm Strips and other sensory stickers, we will discuss some specific use cases and products that our community uses and recommends. I will also share some of my personal perspectives as an autistic adult with a special interest in stim toys, and explain why I think Calm Strips are one of the most versatile fidgets available today.
This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Calm Strips Top 6 Picks (As Seen on Shark Tank + More Brands)
5 Sensory Stickers Set • Fidget Stickers • Sensory Strips • Mental Health • Anxiety Strips • Focus Adhesive •...
NEW Personalized Sensory Calming Keychain
Fidget Stickers Textured Tracing Shapes Sensory Strips for Anxiety and Calm for Kids Adults Desks School Classroom with Reusable Adhesive...
- The original high quality Fidget Stickers that started all the craze! 24 fun sensory stickers in a pack.
- Pack of 24, Finger Tracing Shapes themed Fidget Stickers
- Made by a mom and her two sensory seeking daughters with autism in their small business workshop located in Utah.
24 Fidget Stickers Textured Anxiety Calm Sensory Stickers Textured Strips and Cute Designs for Classroom Desks and Special Needs with...
- The original high quality Fidget Stickers that started all the craze! 24 fun sensory stickers in a pack.
- Pack of 24, Corgi Dog Puppy themed Fidget Stickers
- Made by a mom and her two sensory seeking daughters with autism in their small business workshop located in Utah.
Fidget Stickers Textured Astronaut Sensory Strips for Anxiety and Calm for Kids Adults Desks School Classroom with Reusable Adhesive Large...
- The original fidget sticker that started the textured sensory sticker craze
- 24 high-quality fidget stickers per pack – enough to provide a calming, sensory break whenever you need it
- Large 3” size give plenty of room for scratching, rubbing, and picking
42 Pcs Anxiety Sensory Stickers Kit Includes 36 Fidget Textured Strips, 6 Keychain Textured Strips Tactile Rough Calm Stickers Anti...
- The packaging includes: you will get 36 pieces of calm sensory strips in 6 different styles, and 6 pieces of stainless steel keychains, which provide enough quantity and various styles to satisfy your applicable need on various occasions, and can well cater to the aesthetic of your phone
Calm Strips River Rocks Combo Pack - The Original Textured Sensory adhesives Featured on Shark Tank! …
- 10 Individual Strips in bumpy River Rocks texture
- Reusable and Residue Free
- Stainless Steel Carry Tag - easy to clip to use on the go!
- Textured Sensory Aid
- Small Business - featured on Shark Tank!
The Benefits of Calm Strips
Thanks to their popularity on Shark Tank, Calm Strips fidget stickers have become a go-to solution for people dealing with stress, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, and more. Here are just a few of the many benefits they offer compared to other fidget toys you may have tried:
- Technology-Free: Sensory stickers are perfect for those moments when you need something to focus on but don’t want to get distracted by technology such as phones or tablets.
- Versatile: You can stick them anywhere, from the back of your phone case to on a water bottle, keychain, and anyplace else you can think of.
- Silent: Unlike fidget spinners and cubes, Calm Strips don’t make noise. You can run your fingers over a sensory sticker without the risk of annoying those sitting next to you in a classroom or work meeting.
- Non-Distracting: Since they are silent and subtle, sensory stickers won’t distract you or draw the attention of those around you.
- Appropriate for All Ages: Between Calm Strips and other brands, there are dozens if not hundreds of designs to choose from that can fit anyone’s taste, from children to adults.
- Safe: If properly affixed to a large surface, tactile stickers are among the safest fidgets available, as they don’t have small parts that could become a choking hazard.
- Low-Cost: Calm Strips are not expensive and can be purchased in bulk to be used in schools. Their versatility makes them well-suited for special education classrooms and inclusive classrooms.
While the concept of fidget tools in general is relatively new, preliminary research seems to support the experiences of people of all ages who find that they promote concentration and reduce stress.
Let’s take a look at some specific ways fidget stickers can help you or someone you love.
Calm Strips for Autism Stimming
Children and adults on the autism spectrum (like me) engage in fidgeting behaviors, which our community calls stimming, as a way of processing sensory input and our emotions. Common autistic stims include hand flapping, rocking, spinning, hair twirling, chewing, humming, and playing with fidget toys. We stim when we’re excited, happy, sad, anxious, or just because we feel like it. Stimming is helpful and necessary for autistic people, and most stims are healthy and harmless. Positive stimming should be encouraged, as it can help to prevent sensory overload and meltdowns that can lead to harmful stims such as head banging, biting, and self-injury.
Calm Strips are a safe stim for children with level 2 or 3 autism who might put other kinds of toys in their mouth or break them. They are equally helpful for autistic children who need a quiet and easy way to stim during classes, and adults on the spectrum who need to stim at work or in public without drawing attention.
5 Sensory Stickers Set • Fidget Stickers • Calm Strips • Mental Health • Anxiety Strips • Focus Adhesive •...
Set of 10 Mushroom Calm Sensory Texture Self-Care Stickers Adhesive Thick Rough Calming Fidget Anxiety Relief Finger Tracing Stress
Soothe Strip, The Original Sensory Strip, Set Of 5 Anti Anxiety, De-Stress, Fidget Sensory Stickers
Improving Focus in ADHD with Fidget Stickers
Children and adults with ADHD experience two primary struggles: distractibility and impulsivity. Sensory stickers can help with each of these issues in unique ways.
For people with ADHD whose minds tend to wander during classes or at work, running their fingers along a sensory sticker can anchor them in reality and help them stay focused. And unlike other fidget items, sensory stickers do not make noise and won’t distract the people around those using one. The tactile stimulation of a textured sticker can help interrupt impulsive patterns and provide an outlet for movements that might be disruptive.
Calm Strip Keychain, Anxiety Keychain, Chill Tool Keychain, Sensory Sticker, Tactile Keychain, Chill Tools for School, Coping Skills
36 Pcs Calm Strips Anxiety Sensory Stickers Kit Include 36 Sensory Strips Stickers with Storage Bag and 6 Keychain Fidget...
- Calm Strips Set Suit: you will get 36 pieces of anxiety sensory stickers in 6 styles, 6 sheets for each style, a storage bag and 6 pieces of keychains. Enough quantity and various styles to satisfy your applicable needs on various occasions, the storage bag helps you keep all your textured stickers and keychains organized and easy to carry.
Calm Strips for Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and PTSD
Anxiety and PTSD can leave people feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the world around them. Tactile fidgets such as sensory stickers can bring us back to the present and ground us in reality to help prevent or interrupt dissociation.
Many people who experience panic attacks struggle with shame and embarrassment, especially if they have experienced episodes while out in public. Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of, but having a subtle coping tool to use at work or school can help remove the stigma and elevate our self-esteem.
Rainbow Feelings Wheel Calm Sticker Sensory Texture Self-Care Adhesive Thick Rough Calming Fidget Anxiety Relief Finger Tracing Stress
5 Sensory Stickers Set • Fidget Stickers • Calm Strips • Mental Health • Anxiety Strips • Focus Adhesive •...
4 pc Palm Breathing, Feelings Thermometer Stickers Calm Sensory Tool Texture Self-Care Motivational Quotes Anxiety Relief Meditation Calming
64 Pcs Calm Stickers for Anxiety Sensory Stickers Mandala Textured Sensory Strips Round Tactile Rough Calm Sensory Strips Marble Fidget...
- Package Details: you will receive 64 sheets of Mandala style round sensory stickers, 5 cm/ 1.9 inches in diameter, 8 Mandala styles in total, enough to meet your application needs in various occasions; Each style looks good and caters to your aesthetic, meeting your needs for different occasions
36 Pieces Calm Strips for Anxiety Sensory Stickers Phone Tape Cute Fidget Textured Strips Toys Anti Stress Tactile Rough Sensory...
- Package Content: you will receive 36 pieces anxiety sensory calm stickers, 6 styles, 6 sheets for each style; The size is about 2.5 x 10 cm/ 0.98 x 3.94 inches. Thanksgiving gift Christmas gift.
- Quality Material: the sensory tape is made of quality PEVA material, which is wear resistant and not easy to break, which has strong adhesion, not easy to fall off; In addition, the obvious prominent textures can give you a comfortable touch.
Sensory Stickers for Mindfulness Breathing
As someone who experiences both sensory meltdowns and panic attacks, mindfulness breathing techniques have helped me learn to prevent and minimize the severity of these episodes. However, when you’re extremely overwhelmed, it can be hard to remember and follow the box breathing pattern, or even to breathe deeply and focus on your body. These Calm Strips are designed to be used in conjunction with breathing exercises during meditation or while experiencing anxiety or sensory overload. I have one on my laptop in the space next to the touchpad and have used it many times during stressful moments.
4 pc Rainbow Breathing Stickers Calm Sensory Tool Texture Self-Care Adhesive Thick Rough Calming Fidget Anxiety Relief Finger Tracing Stress
4 pc Grounding Breathing Stickers Calm Sensory Tool Texture Self-Care Adhesive Thick Rough Calming Fidget Anxiety Relief Finger Tracing
Mindfulness Calm Strip Anxiety Breathing Exercise Sticker Set, Laptop Sticker, Notebook Sticker, Laminated, Die Cut, Water Resistant Sticker
Finger Tracing Sensory Calming Strips
50 Pcs Calm Sensory Strips Adhesives Stickers, Reusable Textured Tactile Rough Calming Strips for Fidgeting, Restless Energy, & Focus, Calm...
- SATISFYING SENSORY STRESS RELIEF - Compared to those striped stickers, we stick to fun and healing colors to reduce embarrassment. When you put them on a surface, they make for a fun and playful sticker. Beat your angst with these fun and non-monotonous stickers without disturbing others. Instantly relieve your inner stress and anxiety and help you stay calm and relaxed so you can get back to zero and start your day. These sensory strips are suitable for children and teens.
Calm Strips for Kids
Fidget stickers are available in many kid-friendly designs and easily stick to notebooks, desks, car seat trays, the backs of mobile devices, and anywhere else you or your child can imagine.
Animal Bundles (13) Sensory Stickers:Anxiety Relief, Focus Fidget Sticker, Calm Down, Phone Sticker, Finger Tracing Mindfulness
Calm Strips for Children with Cute Food Designs
Beautiful NEW, TEXTURED Sensory Calming sticker Designs
Sensory Stickers: Giraffe Sticker for Anxiety Relief, Sensory Fidget Sticker, Calm Down, Phone Sticker, Finger Tracing Mindfulness
Fidget Stickers Textured Dinosaur Bones Sensory Strips for Anxiety and Calm for Kids Adults Desks School Classroom with Reusable Adhesive...
- The original fidget sticker that started the textured sensory sticker craze
- 24 high-quality dinosaur stickers per pack – enough to provide a calming, sensory break whenever you need it
- Large 3” size give plenty of room for scratching, rubbing, and picking
24 Fidget Stickers Textured Anxiety Sensory Stickers Strips with Cute Designs for Classroom Desks and Special Needs with Reusable Adhesive...
- The original high quality Fidget Stickers that started all the craze! 24 fun sensory stickers in a pack.
- Pack of 24, Succulent Plant Animal Cactus themed Fidget Stickers
- Made by a mom and her two sensory seeking daughters with autism in their small business workshop located in Utah.
Bulk Fidget Stickers – Supplies for Teachers and Classrooms
All children, neurotypical and neurodivergent, have a natural need to fidget and can struggle to spend hours sitting at a desk without becoming distracted or disruptive. If you’re a teacher looking for discounted bulk Calm Strips for your classroom, here are some options.
Calm Strips Classroom Pack - 30 Textured Sensory Adhesives - The Original Textured Sensory adhesives Featured on Shark Tank! …
- A Calming Sensory Experience - The first of their kind, Calm Strips are designed to reduce stress and fidgeting, and help improve focus. They can also help prevent habits like skin picking or nail biting
Fidget Stickers Anxiety Sensory Stickers Textured Strips and Cute Designs for Classroom Desks and Special Needs with Reusable Adhesive 3...
- The original high quality Fidget Stickers that started all the craze! 24 fun sensory stickers in a pack.
- Made by a mom and her two sensory seeking daughters with autism in their small business workshop located in Utah.
50 Pieces Space Theme Anxiety Sensory Stickers Cute Fidget Textured Strips Toys Anti Stress Tactile Rough Sensory Calm Textured Strips...
- Abundant Quantity to Use: there are 50 pieces of adhesive anxiety strips, available in 10 different styles, taking space as the theme, full of beauty and mystery, simple to attract people's eyes, and enough quantity and styles can meet different demands on various occasions
100 Pcs Calm Strips for Anxiety Sensory Stickers Cute Animal Fidget Gentle Texture Calm Sensory Tactile for Anxiety Calming Stress...
- Assorted Sensory Stickers: you will get a total of 100 cute sensory stickers in 19 different designs, which have gentle texture and are exquisite; Enough quantity and diverse patterns can easily meet your preference, you can also share them with others
50 Pcs Anxiety Sensory Stickers Textured Calm Strips Bookmarks Anxiety Stress Relief Strips Stickers Toys Back to School Supplies for...
- Package and Size: you will get total 50 pieces sensory strips in 5 patterns, each anxiety sensory sticker measures about 3.9 x 0.98 inches, the ample quantity and rich patterns can meet your different needs in various occasions
With so many benefits and options to choose from, Calm Strips are sure to become an indispensable companion for neurotypical and neurodivergent people of all ages. Ever since I saw them on Shark Tank, I knew they would be tremendously popular. Fidget stickers have helped me a lot, and I hope they’ll help you too!
Did you see Calm Strips on Shark Tank? What are your favorite sensory stickers to use for yourself or your child?
Share your experience with our safe and supportive community in the comments.
Hey I'm Olivia and I'm a proud Autistic woman. My special interests are cats, stim toys, and electronic music! I love to write and help other Autistic adults find ways to enjoy life in this LOUD world!
Dr. Wilson graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL. In addition to her private practice, she works as a science communicator, teaching health literacy in schools and online.
What's your take?