Fidget spinners have fast become the most sought-after toy of the year, with both children and adults going crazy for the hand-held gadget, which claims to relieve stress and help people with autism and ADHD. But just why has the unusual toy become so popular and where can you get your hands on one? We've got the lowdown on all you need to know…
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What is a Fidget Spinner?
Fidget Spinners, also known as Fidget Rollers and Finger Spinners, are small, ball-bearing devices that the user can rotate between their fingers. It is made up of a central bearing that you grip with your thumb and finger, and a rotational blade that spins around when you flick it. There are also Fidget Cubes available – a six-sided toy which has a number of buttons, rotating dials and switches to keep fidgeting hands busy.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWhy are Fidget Spinners so popular?
The momentum of the toy is said to provide a relaxing sensory experience, and there are also a number of tricks that involve twirling, throwing and flipping the Fidget Spinners which have become a playground craze – much like yo-yos in the past.
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Do fidget spinners help with ADHD?
Despite claims that fidget spinners may help people with both autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), experts say that there's no research that proves there are any benefits to the toy. Scott Kollins, a clinical psychologist and professor at Duke University, told NPR: "I know there's lots of similar toys, just like there's lots of other games and products marketed toward individuals who have ADHD, and there's basically no scientific evidence that these things work across the board. If their description says specifically that this can help for ADHD, they're basically making false claims because they have not been evaluated in proper research."
Where to buy a Fidget Spinner in the UK:
Fidget Spinners are available at a number of high street retailers, however many stores – including Smyths Toy Store and Toys 'R Us – have sold out as they struggle to meet demand. There are hundreds of Fidget Spinners available via both eBay and Amazon for as little as £1, with the top 35 bestselling toys on Amazon exclusively comprised of both Fidget Spinners and Fidget Cubes.
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