Choosing a chew isn't just about colour and strength. One of the biggest decisions is the type of chew: something round your neck, on your wrist, in your pocket, or clipped on. Get this right and your chew is far more likely to be used every day.
Three quick questions
Before you browse, have a think about these:
- Where does the urge to chew usually happen? At a desk, in the car, in class, on the sofa, out and about?
- Are you (or your child) happy wearing things round the neck? Some people love a pendant. Others can't bear the feeling of a cord.
- Is it likely to get lost or thrown? If so, something that's worn or clipped on may be better than a loose handheld.
Keep your answers in mind as you read on.
Pendants: always to hand
A pendant sits right under your chin, so it's easy to reach without thinking. Pendants are popular with adults who want something that looks like jewellery, and with collar chewers.
Good for: collar and shirt chewers, adults at work, people who want quick, hands-free access.
Think about: necklaces aren't suitable for under 3s because of the cord, and the cord and clasp aren't for chewing.
Try: the Realm Ring (springy, foldable, easy to fidget with), the Jazz (a favourite with nail biters and thumb suckers), the Infinity (7cm long, made for molar chewers) or the classic Dog Tags. See all pendants.
Bangles: for wrists, sleeves and nails
A bangle sits exactly where a sleeve does, which makes it a natural swap for cuff chewers and nail biters. It's also perfect for anyone who can't tolerate something round their neck.
Good for: sleeve chewers, nail biters, people who don't like necklaces, anyone who wants something that looks like everyday wrist wear.
Think about: check the size. Some of our bangles come in adult and child sizes.
Try: the soft, flexible Twister Bangles (pack of two), the smooth Bonnie or the glossy Bermuda. See all bangles.
Communication bangles: say it without words
Two of our bangles do an extra job. The Emotichew has a red side ("leave me be") and a green side ("talk to me"), with the words debossed on it. The Flip bangle has a different colour on each side, so you can create your own "secret code" with the people around you.
Good for: anyone who finds it hard to explain how they're feeling in the moment, at home, school or work.
Handhelds and pocket chews: for desks, sofas and cars
Handhelds are for people who'd rather not wear anything. They're great for home, the desk and the car, and many double as fidgets.
Good for: people who dislike wearing things, at-home and desk use, fidgeters.
Think about: they're easier to lose or drop, so they suit settled places best.
Try: the Pocket Sized Hand Fidget & Sensory Chew, Worry Stones, Crown Chews (a favourite desk stress reliever) or small fidgets like the Fidget Keys and Chubes. The Pirate Bubba Bag is a whole kit of stimmable pieces. See all fidgets.
Clip-ons: can't be thrown, can't be lost
If chews keep going missing, or a necklace isn't an option, a clip-on can be the answer.
Try: the Chewipal, a chewable strap with sensory nubs that loops through a buttonhole or belt loop and onto chews with a big enough hole. Or the Toggle Board, which comes on a strap for zips, bags, keys and buttonholes.
At a glance
| If you... | Try a... |
|---|---|
| chew collars or want hands-free access | pendant |
| chew sleeves or bite nails | bangle |
| can't bear things round your neck | bangle, handheld or clip-on |
| want to show how you feel without words | communication bangle |
| chew mostly at a desk, on the sofa or in the car | handheld or pocket chew |
| keep losing chews | clip-on or bangle |
You don't have to choose just one
Lots of people use more than one type: a pendant for school or work, and a handheld for the sofa. Having a couple of formats also means you've got a spare if one needs replacing.
An example day
To show how formats can work together, here's how one person might mix them:
- Morning commute: a bangle on the wrist, easy to reach on a busy bus or train.
- At a desk or in class: a pendant for hands-free chewing during focus time.
- Meetings or busy moments: a communication bangle, flipped to show how you're feeling.
- Evening on the sofa: a handheld or pocket chew to fidget with while watching TV.
There's no right or wrong combination. The best set-up is the one that means a chew is always close by when you need it.
Whichever you choose
- Follow the care instructions on your product.
- Chew the chew, not the cord or clasp.
- Check it regularly and replace it at the very first sign of wear.
Still unsure? Take the four-question "Find Your Perfect Chew" quiz on the Chewigem homepage, or browse the full range.
Sources
- Product details and safety guidance: chewigem.com product pages (linked above) and Chewigem product listings (necklaces not suitable for under 3s)