A fidget spinner is a device to help people with ADHD, autism, or anxiety get rid of their nervous energy and reduce stress. The device was made in 1990 but didn’t become popular until recently because no one made fidget spinners to advertise or promote them. Regarding relevance, fidget spinners are a hobby product rather than a necessity, like food or clothing. So, how did it get so popular?
The History of Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners are small hand-held devices with a bearing in the center of a three-pronged device. The user holds the center bearing and spins the device with their fingers. The first patent for a fidget spinner-like device was filed in 1993 by Catherine Hettinger, but her invention did not gain commercial success.
In the early 2010s, fidget spinners began to be used as a stress-relieving toy for people with conditions such as ADHD and anxiety. They gained popularity as therapeutic tools to help individuals focus and relax.
In 2017, the fidget spinner became a popular fad among all ages, with many designs and variations available. They were sold in many stores and became common in schools and offices. However, after some time, the popularity of the fidget spinner decreased.
It’s worth noting that while fidget spinners have been around for decades, the specific design and the term “fidget spinner” became popular and well-known in 2017.
When Were Fidget Spinners Popular?
Fidget spinners became popular in 2017, reaching their peak in the spring and summer of that year. They were initially marketed as a tool for children with ADHD and anxiety to help them focus but quickly gained popularity as a fad toy among people of all ages.
Fidget spinners became popular because they offer a simple yet satisfying way to play with and fidget with your hands. They are small, portable and easy to use, making them accessible to many people. Additionally, the fidget spinner can be used as a stress-relieving tool for people with conditions such as ADHD and anxiety, which helped to increase their popularity.
Another reason for the fidget spinner’s popularity is the variety of available designs and features. Some are designed to light up, make noise or come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. This variety made it appealing to different age groups and interests.
Moreover, the fidget spinner trend caught on quickly through social media and word-of-mouth, with many people sharing videos and photos of themselves performing tricks and stunts with their spinners. This helped to create a sense of community and competition among users, further fueling the fidget spinner craze.
Should We Play Fidget Online?
As a virtual blogger, I can’t tell you what to do, whether it’s playing fidget spinner or anything else. However, it is possible to find online fidget spinner simulators or games that allow you to play with virtual fidget spinners. These games can be a fun way to pass the time, but they cannot replace the real-life experience of using a physical fidget spinner. And keep in mind that playing any games, whether online or offline, should be in moderation and should not interfere with your daily activities.
Who Invented Fidget Spinners?
In 1993, an American named Catherine Hettinger got the first patent for a device that looked like a fidget spinner. She made the fidget spinner for her young daughter, who had a health problem that made it hard for her to play with traditional toys. Hettinger’s invention consisted of a small plastic disc with a button in the center that could be flicked back and forth with the fingers. Although Hettinger’s invention did not succeed commercially, her patent is considered the earliest known example of a fidget spinner-like device.
Is fidget spinners still popular?
Fidget spinners were very popular in 2017, but their popularity has declined. While they may still be found and purchased, they are not as widely used or popular as they were during their peak in 2017. The trend of fidget spinner as a toy has faded away, and it’s not as popular as it used to be. Some people still find them useful as a stress-relieving tool or a way to improve focus, but the fad has died down.
Fidget spinners are still popular toys for several reasons:
- They offer a simple yet satisfying way to play and fidget with your hands.
- They are small and portable, making them easy to carry around and play with wherever you are.
- They can be a stress-relieving tool for people with ADHD and anxiety.
- Various designs, features, and materials are available, making them appealing to different age groups and interests.
- They can be used to perform tricks and stunts, which can be fun to watch and perform.
- They are relatively inexpensive, making them accessible to many people.
- They can be used as a tool for mindfulness and meditation.
- They are low-impact exercises that can help improve hand-eye coordination.
- They can be used as conversation starters and a way to socialize.
- They are a form of tactile stimulation and can be soothing for people with sensory processing disorders.
Overall, fidget spinners are popular toys because they are versatile, easy to use, and can provide a sense of satisfaction and relaxation.
