This. I LOVE velvet ring boxes and can sit and pet them for a long time, especially the very good quality ones, so when I first heard about calm strips I was really hoping they would have something velvety-- It would be much easier and convenient to have a little strip or keychain than it is to keep ring boxes on hand. Sadly, they don't.
I just wanted to say thank you Jackie for normalising fidgets and stims and neurodiversity on your channel. I got diagnosed with autism yesterday at age 30. Content like this has really helped me to understand myself and pushed me forward in getting help and healing for the things I've struggled with alone all my life. Thanks Jackie.
getting diagnosed can be scary but really good on you for getting the answer you needed! i wish you luck on discovering yourself again with this new information! you’ll do great, i’m sure ❤
I would have been cool if the checkers had a checkered texture and the Infinity circles have like raised lines just Smooth lines but alternating on the colors and if they had like different heights
I don't think the textures being irritating is just a Jackie thing. It's just the fact that neurodiverse people sense things in different ways. I often find certain textures calming and others irritating, and I know the same textures are irrelevant to others. I bought myself yarn yesterday to knit a beanie, and I tried the ball of yarn against my forehead to see if it would feel prickly - it didn't, but I will only know for sure when I get to wear the beanie for a longer time. Textures are important.
A scratchy beanie would bother almost everyone! The seams on my sweatshirt are driving me crazy right now, as are the razor wire across the toes of my socks. I think I'm pretty normal
@@lazyhomebody1356 Also a lot the people saying "I experience that too, its normal" do experience it but just weren't diagnosed and were gaslit into thinking it was just something they had to deal with instead of it being something they need and can get help with. That may be your experience especially as a lot of these disorders and disabilities are just now being researched properly.
@@aceaster2657 Are you saying there is a pill or something?! Because that would be great. All my family and friends always told me how weird I was...and "too sensitive" and basically, just ...wrong. Depressing. But I'd rather be sensitive then insensitive! It seems like SO many people are "neurodivergent" that, like, how unusual can it be?
@@lazyhomebody1356 There isn't a pill or anything to make it stop completely, rather what we have is education and acceptance. Things like sunglasses, noise cancelling headphones, clothes without seams or tags! Tips that can help you as well as a community where you don't have to feel alone anymore. Now, neurodivergent is an umbrella term that in some cases can even include mental illnesses so I can't give you an exact number or estimation because theres just too many things that can fall into that category. However, currently 2 out of every 100 people have diagnosed autism and almost 3 out of every 100 have diagnosed ADHD with many more that have gone undiagnosed. Afab people and people of color especially have a hard time getting a diagnosis because all the initial research into these disorders was done on young white boys and only now are we seeing new research into how different disorders affect different kinds of people. It's definitely a lot more common than people think and sensory issues can present in many other disorders as well, not just autism and adhd. It's a normal thing that humans can experience but not normal in the way that is actually "the norm" or something experienced by the majority if that makes sense.
Finally that first fidget I actually don't have any complaints about. Well made it's not just a cheap piece of plastic that looks like it comes out of a gumball machine and I can see it being a very effective fidget toy. In my opinion the most effective fidget toys are the ones that take practice that really gives you something to focus on. All fidgets don't need to be mindless.
I do have to say this video felt so much better to watch then the two recent Mrs. Bench videos. I felt like you were pretty fair on what you liked and didn't like. Made me happy to see.
@@TheRalphAttack thank you. I hate leaving comments that aren't happy or positive. But I like to be honest with people cause I know it helps them see what works and what doesn't. And I do my best even if it wasn't a good video to be constructive and not just say I hated something.
I have tried Calm strips before and I really like them. They currently only have the two textures, river rocks (the bumpy) and soft sand (the smoother texture). I actually enjoy the bumpier texture more than the smoother one, but that is just my preference. I would love to see more textures from them because different people like different textures and have aversions to some textures.
I got the calm strips for my daughter about 3 years ago. They were a pretty new company. Her complaint back then was they didn’t have enough texture. They were only slightly textured. It looks like they’ve added more texture and should offer different textures to appease us all.
The pop pucks are one mystery box I would actually want doubles of. Since it's designed to use two pucks at at time, I would prefer to use matching pucks over two different ones.
Love the magnets. Back in the 90's there were these awesome things called Pogs. The artwork reminds me of those... plus the additional gameplay/fidget-ability
I was amused every time you called a Calm Strips pack a "mystery bag" since they're not a mystery when you order them. Lol. The packaging with the inspirational quotes always felt like a nice touch. I'm a big fan of Calm Strips, myself! I put one on my phone and haven't taken it off since. I love how durable it is, because you can scratch at it with your nails for a different sensation & sound along with the general touch. Though Soft Sands (the smoother texture) is my favorite for the keychains/wearables.
I got diagnosed with autism at 2 and almost everyone I met pushed it aside and when I turned 14 I found your videos and the videos helped me stop masking my autism and truly I brace it and I even got up the courage to talk to my family about how I felt with the way they were treating me so I have a lot to thank you for so THANK YOU!!!!!!
I am dealing with a severe bout of flu and I appreciate these videos more than ever right now. I always appreciate them, they're just extra special to me at the moment. You're such a wonderful and genuine person and I am so thankful for you, Jackie.
An idea I just had to go with Jackie's idea is that they can definitely do multi texture even in images. So that sunset sticker could be multiple textures. I think it would be pretty cool to have the sunset be the rougher texture and the water be the softer texture.
Thanks for these throw reviews, I really liked the constructive feedback you gave both companies. I also really appreciate you getting a second opinion from Pat regarding the texture irritating his skin or if it is just you. I know in our household I am very sensitive to texture while everyone else can be neutral.
Man, I love when you say random things like "for someone who touches things in stores". I'm not the only one! Thank you. My son puts up with me petting freaking everything every time we go somewhere.
I love the calm strips, they're great if you're into the quiet sensory stuff. They have some strips that have multiple textures, and most are used to be put on things like a tag or on your phone. As for "names" they use river rock texture (extra bumpy yet gentle), soft sand (soothing with slight grain) and a mix but those are on the longer strips.
Oh I love calm strips! I have a keychain one that I play with when standing in line or sitting in traffic. They aren’t intended to be mystery packages, you choose the patterns and recently they came out with some bigger ones that you can trace with your fingers while doing breathing exercises. They aren’t super sticky so you can peel up the edge and pick at it. I have friends that love to pick at them but that isn’t my thing so I can’t speak to how well they stay. My keychain one is holding up great after over a year of frequent fidgeting. My only wish is that they weren’t as expensive so I could stick them everywhere 😅
You said the magnet was pretty strong, does that mean it would have an effect on electronics? like if it gets near your phone will it mess up your phone or if you have a watch or something- like a battery operated car key will the magnet scramble that?
I'm a bit of a texture-thing too, I can barely do those calming stone-textures thats on the fidget cube and such for too long before it's irritating, so you're not alone Jackie! You're not alone!
I bought calmstrips a few months ago and thought i didnt like the river rock texture (what jackie calls jagged) but its completely grown on me and i use it way more than the smoother one now!
I am super interested in these Jackie, they have really excited my imagination! If there were more variety of textures like for example: 1. Square of oblong ones with lines with gaps between them so you could feel the bumps and spaces between each stripe of texture. 2. Or one oblong strip with a gradient of texture, starting off at one end super smooth, and then gradually getting more and more textured towards the opposite end. I 3. Then perhaps a bullseye one with different textures for each ring with or without gaps between the rings, with the most textured either on the largest ring or on the smallest. I 4. What about a triangle shaped strip with a different texture at each pointy end. 5. And what about one than feels like puppy fur or kitten fur, ultra soft texture for those of us who live soft textures. That is something I find I need to relax, I just never gave it a name before...but I guess it's fidgeting of a kind, with soft textures. I relax completely if I have something super soft to stroke with the tips of my fingers. Weird I know but I had a super stressful childhood right up until the end of my teens, and for some reason stroking soft materials with the tips of my fingers, well it just sort of relaxes me. Go on, call me weird! Lol. Seriously tho, those are just off the top of my head, but I bet there are so many good ideas available for this concept. I think it's exciting really! God bless you Jackie, and all those you love. Have a great rest of your week!
I have to check the fabric content of all the clothes I buy for myself because man made fabrics all make me itch. I'm pretty much stuck paying for 100% cotton, linen, silk clothes. I end up petting all the clothes while shopping. You're not alone with your sensitivity to textures.
i tried the calm strips and honestly they need different types of textures. you really can't tell the difference between their current ones. I was expecting their "sandy" texture to be like a cat's tongue and the river rock to feel like smooth rocks, but they just felt like bumpy paper to me. ifeel like they also need more smooth and silky textures. they are more focused on their patterns but they should focus on texture.
For the calm strips...does anyone else remember those 3d stickers with the plastic lines you could run your nails down and they sounded like a zipper. I was hoping the infinity sticker was going to have those lines following the stripes. You could trace the sticker with your finger, and the grooves would guide you, so you could do it mindlessly, and then there would be the crossover part that would give you a change in texture. I'd like one about 2-3 inches I could put on the back of my phone and trace my thumb along it.
@TheBookish42 I think they are hologram now that you say it, I had bookmarks, stickers, and pogs with that plastic on them, and lived scratching them like a cat with a scratching post, lol.
Well done, Jackie, thank you. I'm glad that you mentioned about touching things at stores to feel their texture - I do the same thing! Texture has a lot to do with my buying decisions. :)
I liked the colorful popsocket magents the most - like the pastel one and the donut attack. These seem pretty fun. Hope you're having a good winter so far. Merry Christmas!
Jackie, you’re the best. Thank you for normalizing neurodivergent needs and stims. This is key! To ended the stigma! And I say this a nursing student who is constantly getting weird looks for playing with drum toys while taking notes in class
Thank you for saving my night, I came home from work with a bad migraine and now I just want to relax and go to sleep by watching your video. It helps so so much...
I have used the Calm Strips before and they really help! I have autism and I get very excited very quickly. These are super helpful and I love them! I love this video deffo saving it to my playlist!!
I always just used the regular pop sockets. When you pull them all the way out and tilt it on its side it's such a satisfying click. And the ones that spin will spin forever.
The calm strips I also believe are on the right track but I know exactly what you mean when some textures seem almost too much for a long time use but love this idea as well. The magnetic ones look like something I'd probably use all day everyday 😂 awesome idea and love that you can buy packs for new magnets
i really hope calm strips take your criticism into consideration. i’ve thought about getting them before but didn’t know what they would feel like. i’d be interested in more variety of textures as someone who likes to fidget with clothes
Aww, i thought might be different textures too. I used to love having a lenticular hologram sticker on my books and run my nail across it. Annoyed everyone in earshot like, but calming for me. Hoped would be like that.
I love calming strips. I didn't know they were on SharkTank though. I have two stickers on my phone, one long strip on my laptop, another on my tv remote and my stirring wheel. They all help me to keep from biting the skin off my fingertips. I need more of a sandpapery feel or the plastic that sounds like a zipper when you scrape your nails on it. I have seen people say they wish there was velvet or silicone and it would be nice if the company had a "variety" but I feel like maybe there is a reason those options were not made available (yet) Probably with request for such items they would make those. But the texture that was kind of rubbing your finger raw is the texture that you don't get everywhere and it helps desensitize the finger tips for someone like me who does NOT like touching those other textures. In my car for example, I rub all my fingers on one side until my tips are desensitized, then I switch and do my other hand, and it allows me to hold my stirring wheel without feeling that rubbery stirring wheel texture. Before the strips I would bite my fingertips until they bled because textures feom soft, to smooth, rubbery, suede, velvet, all really make me nervous and I can't function very well.
I love the Calm Strips. I have one of the rougher texture on one half of my phone and the other one on the other half. To me, they are my fidget "toys". I can hold my phone in my hand and rub the strips to help me focus better.
These remind me soooooo much of Pogs from the 80's, just magnetic! More durable too. But are they okay around electronics? What a blast from the past! 🙃🙃😃
A great storage option for the extra magnetic pieces is maybe the fridge? Use them as fridge magnets when not on ur toy? They look really fun. I admit I wasn't holding out much hope for it until u started playing w it. But now I definitely see the appeal
Also my thought, a break strip would help. Loving the concept behind this product. And the Pop Sockets look like too much fun. Off topic, I received my dragon hoodie, but not opening package until the holidays. Ahh, I can't wait!
Love your videos, Jackie! They’re always so much fun to watch. I agree with you about the calm strips, I don’t think I’d like the rough textured ones. I think it’s a great idea and they’re off to a good start, but they need more variety.
Jackie, have you seen the new resin blind bags that are food themed? Saw them on Paul and Shannon’s channel and instantly thought of you Edit: also I wonder if the calm strips could do like sticky fabrics? Like not the fabrics actually be sticky, but they could stick so they can use like silk, cotton, velvet, etc or do like a plastic or vinyl with various bumps like they are trying to do with the paper but possibly make it more drastic.
I'm also in Canada, like Jackie is. Hope they can be found here. They look like an amazing product. I know Jackie has her connections, so hoping she shares these here. Great suggestions, Mackenzi!
I think they're on the right path with the calm strips, but texture need a bit work. Maybe felt/velvet type and definitely smooth service for a break from all the textures. I prefer little bit texture, but also some break from it. The magnet one looks cool, and nice designs too
I totally agree with other commenters about the Calm strips needing more "pleasurable" *cough cough* textures. It's not enough to just have a variety of textures, the textures have to be pleasing to the touch. Some folks mentioned fuzzy, silk, silicone (think mochi squishy), etc. It would be a lovely tool if it had the RIGHT textures on it, that felt delicious to the skin instead of irritating, and I agree with Jackie about the variety with perhaps a break in between. They're on the right track, I hope they watched your vid and read the comments! I'm a year late, so maybe they've already figured this out lol. Awesome vid as always, Jackie!
I love calm strips, I have the long strips on my personal desks and at work on my keyboard so I can focus to read while scratching and picking at the bumpier texture.
I'm so glad you reviewed the pop-pucks! The second I saw the ad I was already sold, but with you giving it the nerdecrafter stamp of approval I know now I can't live without it lol
There are soooo many possibilities with different textures and bumps, like you said the idea is great but they need more variety. And yeah Jackie you're not alone when it come to irritation because my mouse pad is high quality but textured and if I rub my thumb on it for more than 10 seconds or so it become a bit uncomfortable and irritated like feeling.
I have ADHD and have been looking for different fidgets to keep me occupied and i just ordered the PopPucks after watching this video. I'm excited and I'm a new grain and love your energy and for being so exclusive in your ratings.
I do a lot of texture stimming and its much more common for me to stim with something that's smooth than anything with an uneven surface. That being said if there's give, a pattern, or varying points of interest for my feelers to feel I dig that too. For example, the give in carpets and plush rugs, the pattern of the grip marks on a battery panel (like on a remote), or the little raised tags on the homerow keys are all good stims for me. I feel some of these things could work in sticker form. Like cut the sticker in a way that there's a pattern in the positive and negative space, or have small raised pieces in the sticker, you could even go the puffy sticker route and have some bubbles to move your finger over or something you can indent.
Chronic pain can mess with your nerves and make things feel more intense than they would for someone else, or even something that isn’t painful to another person can hurt 🥺 so it makes sense to me, it’s not just a Jackie-thing it’s a chronic pain thing
One I love that little squishy keychain thing I’m getting it for Christmas too I’m used to making snakes out of beads not all the crafty stuff but I’m still gonna try!
You gotta love Pat.😄 He's so chill about everything. 😊 Jackie, I totally get what you're saying about the texture becoming irritating after a while. Cutting it up was a good idea.
A mom sent calm strips in for my student at school and they loved them. They only lasted like a month do to the wear and tear, but they were Definitely a hit
I have calm strips on my laptop and I use them almost everyday, it adds a nice texture to my laptop, I've seen ads for poppuck but I never thought it would be something for me, after watching this video I want to buy one
I am soooo happy you did these, I've been seeing these and wanted to know about them before I forked out the cash...I am a textured person...like I was interested in the calming stripes because I like the texture of almost sandpaper/Velcro...my favorite is the texture grips on the back of my Xbox series x controller...and I can't find it anywhere
I like really soft textures like soft materials and velvet materials. It makes sense that something like this would be coming because think about petting an animal. They say that petting a cat is extremely calming not only for you but also for the cat but people like to pet a cat because it's very soft and it feels good. I have two pom poms that I hang from my handbag that I like to touch a lot because they're soft and I like smooth textures but I don't like bumpy textures or rough textures.
