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The latest fad: Fidget Spinner

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Hello & welcome to another edition of the GK Nugget. This time instead of looking into the past, I’m focusing on something in the present – a little toy that has caught the fancy of millions around the world. Do you remember when I wrote about the Pokémon Go fad on 24th July 2016? Well, this is a fad that just might beat its craze. I’m talking about the Fidget Spinner. 


We’ve all heard about it; read about it, some of us have seen it and many of us have wondered what that odd shaped piece of plastic/metal is and why kids today find it so engrossing. 
So here’s all you wanted to know about the Fidget Spinner but didn’t know who to ask:

What is the Fidget Spinner?
It’s a small toy like device, shaped like a 4 leaf clover, but with 3 leaves. Or just imagine the club card (chiddi) in a set of playing card but without the stalk. It is usually made of a mix of metal and plastic parts and has a hole in each of its 3 blades. It also contains ball bearings and is used by holding the centre with your thumb and middle finger and spinning the blades.



Why is it in the news?
Because everyone seems to have one or wants to have one. On December 23, 2016, James Plafke of Forbes published an article describing fidget spinners as the "must-have office toy for 2017". Ever since, its popularity has been on the rise and sales have been going through the roof. Some reports claim that a few factories in China have stopped manufacturing mobiles & mobile accessories and started producing Fidget Spinners.
There is no specific reason why the Fidget Spinner is such a big hit, but I’m guessing being a compact, lightweight, easy to use toy boosts the craze.

Who invented it?
Catherine Hettinger, a chemical engineer by training, was initially credited by some news stories to have been the inventor of the fidget spinner (including by media outlets such as The Guardian, The New York Times and the New York Post). She filed a patent application for a "spinning toy" in 1993. She let the patent lapse in 2005 as she couldn’t afford the $400 renewable fee. One of the reasons could have been that leading toy manufacturer Hasbro rejected it. (Bet, they’re regretting the decision now).
But a Bloomberg News article on 11th May 2017 disputes that she is the inventor.
So currently, nobody is too sure as to who the inventor is and who has the patent for the device.

What is the Fidget Spinner used for?
Some claim that the Fidget Spinner helps people who have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) anxiety, and Autism, among other conditions. Some smokers claim that the Fidget Spinner helps them to cut down their smoking as it keeps their hands busy, a craving which otherwise would have been satisfied by picking up a cigarette. 
Currently, it is being used as a cool toy to while away time. Users around the world are uploading videos of Fidget Spinner tricks, twirls and hand transfers, with competitions also being conducted.

Concerns?
A majority of complaints are coming in from teachers and many schools have banned Fidget Spinners as they claim that the toys serve more as a distraction for kids rather than a concentration booster. The quality of Fidget Spinners also varies among manufacturers and small parts falling out can be harmful to kids.

What else?
The First Kid – Barron Trump – was recently seen carrying a red Fidget Spinner as he exited Air Force One with his parents.



Randy Boyd, a Republican candidate in the Tennessee governor’s race, is kicking off his campaign by selling Fidget Spinners with his logo printed on it.
From the animal kingdom, orangutans in the Vienna zoo have taken a liking to Fidget Spinners.
Fidget Spinners come in a wide variety of designs and materials and the prices range from $2 right up to even $1,000.
To be honest, Fidget toys have been around for a long time – the stress ball that you have lying on your desk that you squeeze when stressed, tangle-y toys, spinning gyroscope, durable doll and the most famous of them all – the Rubik’s cube. All definitely better that tapping a pencil or shaking your leg.

So what should I do?
Well, get one if you want to be a part of the fad. But if you’re worried about how it might harm your child, you could distract him/her by making one at home using cardboard. My sister and 6 year old niece made it and the little one is thrilled with it. Since it’s made of cardboard it isn’t as durable, but my niece enjoys making a new one with different designs every 2 days.





That’s all on this edition. I’m back to my Fidget Spinner. See you next time.
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