Recommended toy for killing time. Also good for relieving stress.
Bored with nothing to do and too much time on your hands? This article introduces time-killing toys that will fill those idle moments.
We’ve gathered a variety of toys, from brain teasers that give your mind a workout to stress-relief gadgets.
There are options perfect for keeping your kids entertained, too! When it comes to killing time, we tend to reach for smartphone games, but once you get into the kind of analog games we’re about to introduce, you might find yourself completely hooked.
Be sure to give them a try!
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Recommended toys to kill time. Also great for stress relief (1–10)
Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube has enjoyed high popularity for many years, with official world tournaments being held.
It’s an ideal toy for stimulating the brain: it helps train logical thinking and can improve reasoning skills.
The rule—matching colors—is simple, but completing the cube requires skills like anticipating several moves ahead, so it’s by no means easy.
For some people, it might even become a source of stress—“I can’t do this!”—but in terms of getting absorbed in something, it’s perfect for passing the time.
Why not start by trying to solve just one face first?
puzzle ring
When it comes to simple games that are perfect for brain training or passing the time, the classic “disentanglement puzzle” (chiebukuro/chi eno wa) has long been a favorite.
That satisfying rush when a ring that seems stuck suddenly slips free is irresistible, isn’t it? These days, you can even find a variety of shapes and difficulty levels at 100-yen shops, so if you’re thinking, “I haven’t played in a while,” be sure to stop by.
If you use a disentanglement puzzle to both kill time and stimulate your brain—and relieve some stress while you’re at it—you might just greet tomorrow with a sharp mind and a refreshed mood!
3D maze
A 3D maze where you manipulate a sphere to guide the ball inside to the goal! Set the ball at the start position and follow the numbers to navigate the maze within the sphere.
If the ball slips off the course along the way, it’s an immediate out—you’ll have to start over.
You may feel the frustration of not being able to touch it directly, but the moment you steer the ball to the goal, you’re guaranteed a rush of satisfaction! It’s the perfect maze for whiling away a weekend at home with your kids—give it a try.
Recommended toys to kill time. Also great for stress relief (11–20)
Rope Launcher
The Rope Launcher is a huge hit with kids—its unexpectedly wacky rope movements will have you laughing nonstop! There are all sorts of designs on the market, including cats, pigs, popular character hands, and even game controllers, and it’s also a familiar prize in claw machines.
It’s super easy to play: just hook yarn or string onto the gear section and flip the switch.
The rope spins out vigorously, expanding as it goes and entertaining you with unpredictable motion.
It might even be fun to use when playing with your pets.
Drawing board
An electronic drawing board that lets you freely draw and erase with a stylus is perfect for keeping kids entertained during downtime.
If your child draws every day, they can go through a sketchbook in no time.
A single sketchbook can cost a few hundred yen, so the expenses add up—but with an electronic board, you can reuse it endlessly, making it cost-effective.
What’s more, these days you can even find them at 100-yen shops for around 500 yen, so they’re very affordable! Why not go check them out right away?
hand spinner
How about trying a fidget spinner—perfect for passing the time? This toy spins easily with just your fingertips, and its unique rotational feel is surprisingly addictive.
If you keep it going for a while, it can even help boost your focus and relieve stress.
It’s great for a quick break at home or in the office—ideal for a refresh and a change of pace! There are also DIY kits, so you can enjoy creating your own original design.
With endless possibilities sprinkled throughout, it’s sure to set your heart dancing.
Mobile games are fun, but give this analog toy a try too!
Push Pop
Have you heard of push pops? They’re toys you can make using colorful origami.
When you press them with your finger, they dent with a little pop and then snap back—it’s addictively satisfying.
They’re perfect for relieving a bit of stress.
The best part is that anyone can enjoy them, from kids to seniors.
They’re even said to have brain-training benefits.
It’s a toy I especially recommend for someone like you with a busy life.
Just by changing the color combinations, you might discover something new.
How about making a push pop for a quick break? It’ll make passing the time a lot more fun!