The Rise And Fall Of Fidget Spinners

Jun 01, 2023 ByClaire Miles

Fidget spinners are small, palm-sized devices that consist of a central bearing and three prongs that can be spun between the fingers. They were first introduced in the early 2010s as a tool for people with ADHD and other conditions that cause fidgeting but quickly became a popular toy for people of all ages. The rise of fidget spinners can be attributed to several factors. One is the increasing awareness of the benefits of fidgeting for people with ADHD and other conditions that cause fidgeting. Fidget spinners were marketed as a way to alleviate symptoms of these conditions, and many people found them to be helpful.

Another factor in the rise of fidget spinners is their low cost and easy availability. They were initially sold online, and soon became available in stores, with many retailers quickly stocking them. The low cost and convenience made them easy to purchase and accessible to a wide range of people. Fidget spinners also gained popularity through social media, as people shared videos and tutorials on how to use them, and how to perform tricks with them. This helped to create a sense of community around fidget spinners, and many people enjoyed showing off their skills to others.

Close-up of spinner held by woman

Getty Images/Moment/F.J. Jimenez

However, the popularity of fidget spinners was not to last. The market was soon flooded with low-quality imitations, many of which broke easily or did not spin well. This led to a decline in the perceived value of fidget spinners, and many people stopped buying them. Additionally, fidget spinners were banned in some schools, as they were seen as a distraction to students. This also contributed to the decline in the popularity of fidget spinners. Despite this, fidget spinners are still used today by some people as a tool for managing symptoms of ADHD and other conditions. However, the fad of fidget spinners has largely died down and is no longer the popular toy it once was.