Space Fidgit: The pocket-sized cosmic craze from the 1970s & 80s kids couldn’t put down

Orange and green vintage Space Fidgit - Fidget toys

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So many kids from the ’70s and ’80s remember the Space Fidgit. Just about three inches wide, it was the kind of toy you’d find for less than a dollar at the corner store or in a toy aisle bin. Simple in design but fascinating to use, this little disc was part science, part novelty and part playground treasure.

The toy itself was built with a clear plastic top, a vinyl sticker backing and in between sat the star of the show: liquid crystal gel. That goo shifted colors when you pressed on it, tilted it in the light or warmed it up with your hands. Shades shifted from deep blue-green to fiery orange-pink, creating swirling patterns that looked a bit like galaxies spinning in your palm.space-fidgit-toy

Calling it the Space Fidgit was a smart move for the time. The late ’60s and ’70s saw a boom in “space-age” branding, and liquid crystals felt futuristic enough to earn the name. The patterns inside the toy also had a cosmic vibe, which only made the connection stronger.

Of course, being inexpensive came with a downside. A fingernail nick or too much pressure could spring a leak, and over time the liquid inside tended to dry up. Still, for a toy that cost pocket change, the fun lasted long enough to make it a favorite for kids who liked small gadgets that didn’t need batteries.

Where can you get one now? These vintage toys have been available on and off over the years — mostly sold through companies who offer them as sales freebies — but we haven’t seen any new ones for sale since about 2008. While it’s been decades since these discs were easy to find in stores, they pop up every so often on auction sites or through promotional giveaways. Today, people often hunt for them more as nostalgic collectibles than as toys for play. (Though if you are looking for something somewhat similar in the meantime, check out these liquid crystal sheets.)

For now, though — and for free! — you’re invited to take a look back at these cool vintage toys right here and right now.

Space Fidgit - vintage color-changing fidget toy from the 70s


Space Fidgit toys (1986)

Rub my back… and create fantastic color patterns – Try it!

Tilt Space Fidgit for more colors

Made in USA by Game Parts, Inc. Northvale, NJ 07647

Orange and green vintage Space Fidgit - Fidget toys


Enjoy cosmic pleasure with Space Fidgit – the magic color disc (1986)

… made with space-age pressure and heat-sensitive liquid crystal material

Space Fidgit toy - retro

FIDGIT makes a fascinating novelty gift for anyone. Just rub the back with finger.

  • A personal doodler – Just rub back of Space Fidgit with your finger (as shown).
  • Play tricks on your friends by asking them to talk to the Space Fidgit while you secretly scratch back. It will appear as though the voice is causing lines and colors to change.
  • Find your pulse by pressing Space Fidgit on inside of wrist and see colors go “beat, beat, beat, beat…”
  • Place the heat-sensitive Space Fidgit under incandescent light bulb on a warm day and watch it turn black. Remove from light and original color will return as it cools.
  • Rub back of Space Fidgit over towel or other rough cloth to see various designs.
  • Your Space Fidgit is perfect for use as a coaster.

Note: If liquid crystal material collects in one section of circle, simply press and smooth out with thumb or forefinger, until liquid covers entire circle.

Made in USA by Game Parts, Inc.; Northvale NJ [’80s version]

MORE: See how vintage Spirograph toys made it easy for anyone to draw amazing geometric designs

Space Fidgit toy - back of package


Fidgit: The mystifying color disc

(Packaging from at least 1973-1976)

Your finger is the magic wand

“Rub disc through back of card and see fantastic color patterns and changes”

As seen on TV

Tilt Fidgit for more colors — Hours of fascination for all ages

Made and printed in USA / Athol Plastics Corp. Athol, Mass 01331

Fidgit The mystifying color disc


Space Fidgit (space fidget) toy packaging from the ’80s

Space Fidgit (space fidget) toy packaging from the '80s

MORE: In the ’70s, you could make oceans and mountains with a Wham-O Magic Window toy

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Comments on this story

23 Responses

  1. I have a bunch of these Space Fidgits for sale on Ebay.
    They are new, old stock and are being sold loose and not on the cardboard package.

  2. I have been looking for a Fidgit for months! If you have one to sell, please let me know!
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

  3. Please TEXT ME when you have one to sell space fidgit. 504-400-3425. I’ve wanted one for years! I never read email nor ebay messages, nor do I talk on the phone (I’m weird) so please text. Thank you much!

  4. I have a bunch of these Space Fidgits for sale on Ebay.
    They are new, old stock and are being sold loose and not on the cardboard package.

    1. Hi, it shows that you’ve actually had (a bunch) of these guys for sale back in Dec. 2015 and now again about 5 months ago in Dec. 2020? Can I ask if you would have any idea of getting another (bunch) of fidgets in the near future – whenever that might be. I bet they sell pretty quick. Keep up the good work, you make people smile.

    2. Do you still have any? I always had mine with me when I was a kid. Not many people remember this toy

  5. Anybody remember a similar thing from the 60’s? It was a rectangular case that resembled a small cell phone and had some heat-sensitive liquid inside that would move around when you put a finger behind it. Would love to find one of these! -Rob

    1. I remember it. I’ve tried for years to remember the name of the rectangle color changing toy but I can’t. I’d love to see pictures of one.

  6. Yes…I had the rectangle one in the sisters as well. I want one of these space fidgets as I had one in 1993..and lost it. Been looking for them ever since. They were great for my nerves and stress. Please let me know where..if I can purchase more. Thank you!

  7. I have one! It is still in the packaging. Not seeing them on eBay so please message me thecansurvivor at gmail if you are interested in purchasing it from me. Will ship it out via USPS to US addresses.

  8. I still have one and it’s still functional. I think mine came out in mid 80’s but I’m not sure.

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