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ByLeo Victor

Fidget Spinners

If you have kids in grade school you probably heard of fidget spinners before the rest of us. Since late last year these toys, or tools depending on your perspective, have been flying off retail shelves, creating a stir in many schools, and working their way into the social dialogue across the country.

For the uninitiated, a fidget spinner is a circular, 3-winged (usually) object with a ball bearing center or hub that allows the wings to spin. The user holds the spinner at the hub with two fingers and then spins the wings. Though a simple action, the item has caught on like wildfire.

The start of the Fidget Spinner

The impetus for the popularity of the fidget spinner started with children with ADHD. These kids (and adults) have a harder time than others with concentrating on a given task. Studies have generally shown that small actions such as tapping a pencil or tapping fingers (in other words, fidgeting) actually helps with concentration. This phenomenon is true with most people, but even more helpful to people with ADHD. While the research is not conclusive on the reasoning, the studies indicated that the introduction of a “fidget” forces the brain to concentrate harder, thereby giving more focus to the primary task.

For people with ADHD whose fidgeting and focus may jump from on action to another, the fidget spinner provides a central and stable point of activity and helps minimize the distraction that is caused by jumping from one activity to another.

Fidget Spinners Spread out

From the initial use, the fidget spinners have expanded to the general market, becoming a popular favorite among kids and adults. The singular focus of spinning the item appears to ease people’s’ tensions, gives them a mental break and also provides a social bridge to others. From high volume retail item, the fidget spinner is a natural as a promotional product.

The Promotional Fidget Spinner takes its place

The specialty advertising items industry has jumped in full force. Designers have taken to adding more ‘wings’ as well as reducing from 3 to 2 wings. There are varieties of colors, shapes, and features (LED lights, anyone?). So, naturally, the promotional fidget spinner has become one of the most popular and versatile promo items this Spring. Manufacturers are providing extensive customization options, unique shapes, and some really neat features.

By planning ahead, marketers can take advantage of bulk ordering to reduce the cost per item. While these items are already relatively inexpensive, buying in larger quantities can make them even more affordable.

Some interesting links about the fidget spinner and helping kids.

https://www.livescience.com/58916-fidget-spinner-faq.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2017/05/19/heres-the-science-behind-the-fidget-spinner-craze/2/#3b36013bfafa

http://blogs.webmd.com/webmd-interviews/2017/05/can-fidget-spinners-help-you-focus.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/do-fidget-spinners-help-with-adhd-focus-children-clinical-psychologist-psychology-toys-2017-5