El Paso Parents Are Racing to Cracker Barrel for NeeDohs

If you have a teenager at home right now, chances are you’ve heard the word “NeeDoh” more times than you can count. And if you’re like me, you may have even found yourself driving all over town trying to track one down. *Cries in Spanish*

This isn’t the first time my son has had me driving around El Paso searching for something he saw on TikTok. He’s a momma’s boy so of course I’m gonna search for these toys with him, and even though it sounds ridiculous to do this for some silly little toy, for me and my son it isn’t. We have turned it into a bonding moment. We have fun driving around together, talking, wondering if we’ll find whatever we’re looking for at the next store and if not, oh well, it was still nice to hang with my teen!

At first I thought I was alone in looking for these NeeDoh things, but apparently I am not because every time I’m at these stores I see parents with their kids searching the same shelves me and my son are searching.

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What are NeeDohs, and why are teens suddenly obsessed with them?

NeeDoh stress balls are colorful squishy toys filled with a soft, dough-like material that can be squeezed, stretched, and smushed in your hands. Once you release them, they slowly bounce back to their original shape, which is oddly satisfying.

Originally designed as a simple stress-relief toy, they’ve become popular with both kids and adults because the sensory feeling can help with focus, anxiety, or just keeping your hands busy. 

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But recently, these squishy little stress balls exploded in popularity thanks to TikTok. Videos showing people squeezing them, stretching them, or filming satisfying ASMR-style clips have racked up millions of views, sending teens racing to stores to get their hands on one. 

According to TikTok, NeeDohs can be found at stores like Target, Walgreens, CVS, and surprisingly even Cracker Barrel. However, if you plan on heading to these stores, you probably won’t find any because they sell out almost immediately after they’re stocked.

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What To Know Before Heading Out To Buy A NeeDoh

After checking several stores on Sunday, employees told us new inventory would arrive Tuesday. So of course, I made a trip to Cracker Barrel right at noon and managed to grab the last few they had.

Employees said the toys disappear almost instantly once they hit the shelves. Some stores even allow customers to call ahead and place them on hold, but they must pick them up the same day and are limited to three per customer.

Yes, you can try and buy these NeeDoh’s online, but some stores are even sold out online! And also, what’s the fun in buying it online and having to wait for your toy! The children need their stress relieving toys ASAP!!!