Are you a fidgeter? Do you find yourself picking your nails or bouncing your leg? If that’s the case, perhaps you need a fidget spinner in your life!
Fidget spinners have taken the world by storm for a good reason. These small but mighty devices offer endless entertainment and benefits for kids and adults. Whether looking for a stress-relieving tool or a new hobby, fidget toys are the perfect way to get your spin on them.
From basic models to advanced designs, there’s a spinner toy for everyone. So, come and join the fun and unleash your inner fidgeter with the latest fidgeting craze.
What is a fidget spinner?
A fidget spinner is a small hand-held device with a central bearing surrounded by a three-pronged structure. It is designed to spin around the central bearing and can be held between the thumb and index finger and flicked to make it turn.
Fidget spinners became famous as a stress-relieving tool and a way to pass the time. Marketers first promoted them to help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus, but they quickly gained popularity among people of all ages.
Who invented the fidget spinner?
The origins of this famous fidget toy are somewhat disputed, but many believe that Catherine Hettinger invented the device in the 1990s. Hettinger, a chemical engineer, created the device to help her daughter, who had a blood disorder that weakened her muscles.
Hettinger’s patent for the device expired in 2005, and the toy became popular again in 2016-2017, but this time it was marketed as a stress relief toy and was often used to pass the time.
However, it’s worth noting that other inventors have come forward claiming to have invented the spinner before Hettinger, and some have even said that the concept of spinning small objects to relieve stress and anxiety is not a new one.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are other designs of spinning objects, such as the Tri-Spinner, a variation of the standard spinner that was first introduced in the market in the early 2000s by a company called Torqbar.
Where can I buy fidget spinner?
There are plenty of different types of cool fidget spinners, from the more standard 3-way fidget spinners to 6-way fidget spinners. Here are some of our favourites:
Scione Fidget Spinner – £9.99
(Source: Amazon.co.uk)
Scione fidget spinner five-pack is bound to keep the whole family entertained! As Amazon’s Choice product, these spinners are easy to use, and will possibly help curb any anxious feelings, nail biting or knee bouncing.
Desire Deluxe Hand Tri Finger Gyro Toy – From £7.99
(Source: Amazon.co.uk)
With high-quality fidget spinner metal and a gorgeous multi-colour look – the Desire Deluxe fidget spinner (an Amazon Exclusive) is a nice spin from the traditional spinner. Known for its durable material, this one is bound to last you for a long time!
ATESSON Fidget Spinner Toy – £44.00
(Source: toyscentral.co.uk)
The epitome of luxury. If you are an avid spinner and want to spend a little extra on a fidget spinner, then the ATESSON Fidget Spinner is perfect for you. With its portability, easy spin and deluxe design – it’s bound to help relieve stress and give your mind a break from daily worries.
Yiran Fidget Spinner X Popper Sensory Toy – £3.29
(Source: Amazon.co.uk)
This 2-in-1 fidget toy is ideal for those who get bored with a fidget spinner. It works like a traditional fidget spinner, PLUS it has poppets for you to play with.
Many find the fidget spinner helpful in relieving stress and improving fine motor skills in children, which is a bonus!
How to use a fidget spinner?
(Source: Scientific Reports volume, 8, Article number: 3144 (2018)
Using a fidget spinner is relatively simple. Here are a few basic instructions on using one:
- Hold the centre bearing between your thumb and index finger.
- Use your other hand to give the fidget spinner a good flick to get it spinning.
- Once the fidget spinner is spinning, you can use your thumb and index finger to keep it turning or perform tricks.
- Additionally, you can use different fingers to spin the fidget spinner, place it on a flat surface, and spin it with your finger.
Remember that young children should not have unsupervised access to fidget spinners as they can pose a choking hazard.
Why did fidget spinners get banned?
Interestingly enough, there was a time when these little devices got banned. This was when these fidget toys were the big craze, and children used them during class – not for anything other than pure entertainment.
However, as a result, many schools in the UK began to ban fidget spinners after several incidents in which they caused injury to students or teachers when flying across the room.
It’s hard to believe but a fidget spinner can fly out of a child’s hand and hit another student or the teacher in the face if they’re trying to get it spinning in class. This is one of the reasons why many schools banned them.
How to make a fidget spinner?
There are several ways to make a spinner, but one of the simplest methods is using materials you may already have at home.
Take a look at Mee’s basic tutorial on how to make a fidget spinner:
| Materials Needed | |
| 2x | Bearings (can be purchased at a hardware store or online) |
| 2x | Pieces of plastic from a plastic binder or popsicle stick |
| 1x | Super glue (or hot glue gun) |
| 1x | Scissors |
| 1x | Ruler |
| 1x | Pen or pencil |
| Instructions | |
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Note: This is a basic tutorial that you can use at home. You can also make a fidget spinner using 3D printing, cardboard, or other materials and decorate it as you like.
Some materials may not be suitable for these toys, and not all bearings will fit on a popsicle stick; you can use different materials and experiment to find what works best for you. And remember to let us know how it went!
The Bottom Line
In summary, fidget spinners have become a popular trend in the UK, providing a simple and easy way to relieve stress and anxiety.
They also offer a portable and handy alternative to help with focus and attention. Manufacturers offer fidget spinners in various designs, colours and materials, making them customizable to your preferences!
In spite of this, they have been banned in some UK schools, due to their potential as a distraction. Nevertheless, they remain a popular choice among people looking for a way to relax and focus.
