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  3. 10 Best Desk Toys UK 2022 | Newton's Cradle, Rubik's Cube and More
  • 10 Best Desk Toys UK 2022 | Newton's Cradle, Rubik's Cube and More 1
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10 Best Desk Toys UK 2022 | Newton's Cradle, Rubik's Cube and More

Long day at the office? Desk toys are a great way to inject some fun into your working day as well as help pass the time and relieve stress. These usually come in the form of novelty and compact items that are perfect for adults and office workers' desks. Although Newton's Cradle was the original desktop toy, puzzles and arcade games have also risen in popularity in recent years. 


With a wide range of educational, fun, and challenging toys to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. This buying guide will go through everything you need to know to help you decide. We've also included a list of the ten best desk toys available from Amazon UK, including ball games, kinetic toys, magnetic toys, and one's that showcase the laws of physics and science. 

Last updated 11/08/2022
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Desk Toy in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Pick a Type of Toy That Suits Your Needs, Such as Stress-Relieving
  2. Consider Difficulty Level: Easy or Challenging
1

Think About Why You Want a Desk Toy, Such as for Stress-Relief or to Boost Creativity, Then Pick One That Suits Your Needs

Think About Why You Want a Desk Toy, Such as for Stress-Relief or to Boost Creativity, Then Pick One That Suits Your Needs

Occupying our hands by playing games, building something, or creating art, can engage our brains and diminish feelings of anxiety. Therefore, having a desk toy is excellent for sparking creativity and uplifting your mood. Think about why you want one, and pick a toy that fits your need. Below, we'll detail the 6 main categories to choose from.


  • Educational and scientific toys: These are the most traditional types of desk toy, and are designed to help you learn. They usually feature some kind of magnetic or kinetic energy and display the laws of physics. A popular example of this type of desk toy is Newton's Cradle. 

  • Stress-relieving and fidget toys: These toys can reduce restlessness, increase focus, and decrease anxiety. They are ideal for those who struggle to concentrate and get stressed in overstimulated environments. The Infinity Cube, one of the most popular fidget toys, is also known to help stop habits such as nail-biting and knuckle cracking.

  • Puzzles: These are a type of game designed to test your knowledge and thinking skills. They usually come in the form of a board or 3D shape and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to complete. Some of the most notable puzzles include the Rubik's Cube and Sudoku. 

  • Arcade games: Arcade games are digital games played on large machines, typically found in public places. However, due to their popularity, they have been made into miniature versions which can be played at home and on the go. One of the most loved arcade games is Pac-Man. 

  • Sports toys: Different types of sports have been adapted so they can be played on smaller surfaces. For example, miniature versions of golf and bowling. One of the benefits of choosing a sports game is that it can be played with multiple people meaning that you can round up your colleagues and play together during break time.

  • Art and creativity toys: Art boards are blank canvases that you can draw on and express your thoughts. Studies show that creating art helps you relax and improves your overall mood. The great thing about these toys is that there is no right or wrong; it is all about getting creative. 


Tidy your desk space with a desk pad and desk organiser.

2

Decide Between a Toy That Requires Brain Power, Such as a Puzzle, or Something Easy and Mindless Like a Fidget Toy

Decide Between a Toy That Requires Brain Power, Such as a Puzzle, or Something Easy and Mindless Like a Fidget Toy

Although desk toys help you destress and relax, some are designed to be challenging while stimulating certain parts of the brain. If you want a desk toy that will challenge you, opt for a traditional puzzle. Puzzles develop your problem-solving and memory skills, thus benefiting your intellectual skills. Though, it should be noted that solving complicated puzzles can be rather time-consuming. 


Stress-relieving and art toys don't require much thinking and are less challenging than puzzles. They can be played mindlessly and even while you are working, meaning they're great for those who don't have much time to play a proper game. Stress-relieving toys also help you focus, boost productivity and increase sensory awareness.


Puzzles and arcade games come in a variety of difficulty levels, and games like Sudoku and Pacman tend to start relatively easy but can get more difficult with each level. Picking one of these toys means you can feel a sense of satisfaction after completing a level whilst also feeling challenged at the same time. 

For those times you are on the go or off on holiday, why not also get a travel game!


For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:


  1. Basic Fun - Classics Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game for £24.98
  2. Buddha Board - Buddha Board for £31.95
  3. RED5 - Newton's Cradle for £13.00
  4. Ideal - Rubik's Cube for £8.99
  5. Welltop - Desktop Mini Bowling Game for £17.99 

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Desk Toys in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Basic Fun

Classics Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game

Basic Fun Classics Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game 1枚目

Miniature Version of a Cult-Classic Arcade Game With Colour LCD Display and Original Graphics

2

Buddha Board

Buddha Board

Buddha Board Buddha Board 1枚目

Ease Your Mind and Transform Your Thoughts Into Art With a Fading Canvas

3

RED5

Newton's Cradle

RED5 Newton's Cradle 1枚目

A Classic Desk Toy Which Showcases the Laws of Physics and Improves Concentration

4

Ideal

Rubik's Cube

Ideal  Rubik's Cube 1枚目

The World Famous 3D Puzzle With Multiple Combinations but Only One Solution

5

Welltop

Desktop Mini Bowling Game

Welltop  Desktop Mini Bowling Game 1枚目

High-Quality, Wooden Miniature Bowling Game for Relieving Stress

6

BOHS Store

Wooden Sudoku Board Game

BOHS Store Wooden Sudoku Board Game 1枚目

Test Your Problem Solving Skills With This Wooden Sudoku Board That Comes With 100 Puzzles

7

Funxim

Infinity Cube

Funxim Infinity Cube 1枚目

An Anti-Stress Toy to Distract Your Mind by Making Various Shapes and Combinations

8

Holzsammlung

3D Wooden Puzzles

Holzsammlung 3D Wooden Puzzles 1枚目

Challenge Your Intellect With These 3D Wooden Puzzles That Test Your Logical Thinking

9

Kofull

Mini Desktop Golf

Kofull Mini Desktop Golf 1枚目

A Novelty Miniature Golf Set-Come-Stationary-Set, Perfect for the Office

10

Tobar

Magnetic Sculpture

Tobar Magnetic Sculpture 1枚目

Build Sculptures With These Magnetic Shapes to Display Your Creativity at Work

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Basic FunClassics Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game

Classics Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.98
Reference price
£24.98

Miniature Version of a Cult-Classic Arcade Game With Colour LCD Display and Original Graphics

Pac-Man is one of pop culture's biggest icons, having been loved by many since it was created in the 1980s. Although you would usually need to go to a games arcade to play, with this miniature version, you can play wherever and whenever you'd like—the perfect desk toy for fans and collectors. 


The game still has its retro feel and uses the original 80s graphics and sounds, however, the colour LCD screen has been enhanced for better gameplay. Having this one perched atop your desk will almost certainly provide you with a sense of nostalgia!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Buddha BoardBuddha Board

Buddha Board Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£31.95
Reference price
£31.95

Ease Your Mind and Transform Your Thoughts Into Art With a Fading Canvas

Buddha boards are a type of canvas which can be used to draw paintings that bring a bit of zen to your space. They work by dipping the included bamboo brush into water to create soft-edged paintings, making them perfect for reducing anxiety in the workplace and promoting mindfulness.


The way the board works also has a deeper meaning - your drawing will slowly fade over time, symbolising a 'fresh slate' and a new start. This drawing board will certainly bring a sense of calm and balance and is recommended for those whose workdays are always hectic.

No.3

RED5Newton's Cradle

Reference price
£13.00

A Classic Desk Toy Which Showcases the Laws of Physics and Improves Concentration

Newton's Cradle is the original and classic desk toy. Being popular with executives and office workers since the 60s, this swinging desk toy demonstrates the laws of momentum and energy. Figuring out the physics behind the cradle is what makes it so entertaining to watch.


Notably, this desk toy is also great for relieving stress as its clinking sound creates a relaxing atmosphere that can help improve your concentration. While it's certainly mesmerising, this desk toy provides more fun than maybe initially presumed. 

No.4

Ideal Rubik's Cube

Rubik's Cube Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.99
Reference price
£8.99

The World Famous 3D Puzzle With Multiple Combinations but Only One Solution

Another classic puzzle game, the Rubik's Cube, is solved once every side is of the same colour. According to the Guinness World Records, the fastest time it has been solved is in just 4.22 seconds! Though, for most people, it can take anywhere between 20 minutes to 3 hours to solve, so you know you will be occupied for a while.


With 43 quintillion combinations, this cube will test your maths skills, concentration, and reflexes. Once your break time is over, you can easily chuck this into one of your office drawers. Will you be able to master the Rubik's cube?

No.5

Welltop Desktop Mini Bowling Game

Desktop Mini Bowling Game Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.99
Reference price
£17.99

High-Quality, Wooden Miniature Bowling Game for Relieving Stress

Bring the fun of bowling right to your desk with this miniature bowling alley. It really is like a real-life replica, with lane markings, side gutters, and a launcher which all make it easier to score a strike.


The toy is made from high-quality wood and stainless steel, which not only makes it durable but also makes it a lovely decoration for your desk. It's perfect for those moments when you need some stress relief and want to have some mindless fun. Why not ask some colleagues to join in and play against each other!

No.6

BOHS StoreWooden Sudoku Board Game

Wooden Sudoku Board Game Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.97
Reference price
£24.97

Test Your Problem Solving Skills With This Wooden Sudoku Board That Comes With 100 Puzzles

Sudoku is well-known for improving your quick-thinking skills. With this wooden Sudoku board, you can easily play without the need to erase your mistakes like you would with the paper version. The inclusion of a drawer also means that you can simply store away the different parts and carry it around.


This is a versatile game that you can play by yourself or with your colleagues and given there are 100 puzzles to choose from, you can find one that best suits your abilities and schedule. However, it is worth noting that this board does take up a bit of room on your desk, so it may not be practical for those who don't have much space.

No.7

FunximInfinity Cube

Infinity Cube Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.99
Reference price
£7.99

An Anti-Stress Toy to Distract Your Mind by Making Various Shapes and Combinations

Initially created as an anti-stress toy, the infinity cube opens up and can be put together in multiple ways. It is known for helping to improve your focus and to aid in avoiding bad habits such as biting your nails, as you can fidget with one hand whilst working with the other.


Made from metal, this particular infinity cube is both durable and compact. Unfortunately, though, some have noted how the noise the cube makes can get quite annoying. Despite this, both adults and children can have endless hours of fun, creating endless combinations. How many will you end up making?

No.8

Holzsammlung3D Wooden Puzzles

3D Wooden Puzzles Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.99
Reference price
£24.99

Challenge Your Intellect With These 3D Wooden Puzzles That Test Your Logical Thinking

Based on the ancient Chinese game Kong Ming Lock, the aim of this puzzle is to put the wooden pieces together to make a diamond shape. Despite it being easy to take apart, it's an entirely different story trying to reassemble it. This game will not only test your logical thinking but creativity as well. 


Made from premium organic wood, these puzzles are high quality and worthy of displaying. With nine puzzles to choose from this game is guaranteed to keep you busy during your breaks. Yet, it is worth noting that these can take a long time to solve, so they do require some patience. 

No.9

KofullMini Desktop Golf

Mini Desktop Golf Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.99
Reference price
£11.99

A Novelty Miniature Golf Set-Come-Stationary-Set, Perfect for the Office

This mini desktop golf set serves as a fun game, and an office essential as the set includes two golf balls and three golf clubs, which are also pens! This is a great choice if you're after a quick and easy game to play in those spare moments between meetings.


Since this golf set is relatively small, there is a chance that you could lose one of the golf balls somewhere. That said, this game can be easily stored away as it comes packed in a foldable box—the perfect novelty desk toy that will make an excellent gift for any golfer.

No.10

TobarMagnetic Sculpture

Magnetic Sculpture Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.74
Reference price
£9.74

Build Sculptures With These Magnetic Shapes to Display Your Creativity at Work

Defy physics and make your own sculptures. Each shape is made by stacking the included metal shapes on a powerful magnet, meaning that they easily stick together and can be used to make a variety of formations. After creating your sculpture, you can simply display it on your desk until creativity strikes again!


This would be a great toy for someone who doesn't have a lot of space on their office desk or not much time to immerse themselves in a game that requires more concentration. The downside, however, is that you can't choose which magnetic shapes you get, so you may end up with ones you don't like.

Written and researched by Jane Pipkin

Top 5 Desk Toys

No. 1: Basic FunClassics Pac-Man Color LCD Retro Mini Arcade Game

No. 2: Buddha BoardBuddha Board

No. 3: RED5Newton's Cradle

No. 4: Ideal Rubik's Cube

No. 5: Welltop Desktop Mini Bowling Game

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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