Spinning success
New stress relieving toy is sweeping through Summerside
Fidget spinners burst on the scene in Summerside last month and have rapidly gained popularity among children.
Kelly’s Flower Shoppe, located at 505 Granville Street, can’t keep the toys on the shelf – and not because they’re spinning off.
“We only had 96 spinners and ran out in three hours,” said Cindy Robichaud, the owner of the store.
The palm-sized toy, believed to prevent stress and focus the mind, works by the user holding the central bearing and spinning the three-prongs between their fingers.
“They were initially created for people with ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) to occupy them so that they could concentrate. However, they caught on with the kids, so they take them and do tricks,” said Robichaud, who ordered a second batch of 300 to arrive around May 22.
“They will put it on their forehead and see if they can balance it or, put it on their nose, so now it’s a trick thing for the kids and not just for one purpose anymore,” she added.
Despite the marketed health benefits, the popularity of the toy has become problematic for teachers.
“Pretty much everyone has a spinner at school, but the teachers are getting them out of classes,” said Jessica Robichaud, 12, who owns a pink-coloured fidget.
“I like it because it keeps me busy and I find it satisfying to watch.”
Fidget spinners are a global craze, although their popularity with children has prompted many schools to issue a ban on them.