Fidget spinners, the latest toy craze

Each generation has had their own way to occupy their hands and take their minds off things for a time. Whether it was a ball into a cup, a yo-yo, a Clackers or a stress ball, each generation had their own signature trinket.

The latest craze is fidget spinners which are being marketed as a stress-relieving toy for children who are ADHD, autistic or have anxiety.

A spinner is made with a bearing in the center, looks like a fan and is made from plastics and metals.

Rural King Store Manager Richard Lewis said last month that the toys have been hard to keep on the shelve. They've been spinning out the door since the craze first hit the area.

"We told our buyers the craze hit and they bought all they could," explained Lewis. "They have been shipping them to us ever since. They sell out in about two days."

"There are lighted ones and regular ones right now," said Lewis. "They are still buying them and they are still selling like crazy. Our suppliers are buying all they can and sending them to us. They are always at the front of the store by each checkout."

Dustin Kinnard, owner of Dirty Kidz Skate Shop based in Park Hills, said the spinners keep kids busy. He has no idea why they are so popular.

"We will be selling them here because the main component in them is bearings and we sell bearings here," said Kinnard. "I think it will be easy for kids to get new parts for it and it will be good for business, I think."

Kinnard added it's a weird craze, but he guesses it's just like yo-yos were back in the day.

Laura Belle Boutique in Farmington started selling the fidget spinners on Friday, and Owner Laura McLean said she doesn't know what they are all about, but people have been looking for them.

"I am a part of a group of business owners, boutique owners like myself ... they did the hard work for me and told me where to get them from," said McLean. "I do know a lot of people are struggling to get them."

The fidget spinners are turning up at toy stores, children's shops, hardware and general merchandise stores, pharmacies, flea markets and elsewhere. They typically range in price from $5 to $10.

Sandra Feltmann, of Park Hills, said both her son and daughter have struggled with anxiety at times. As much as she can't stand the spinners because she finds them all over her house, they seemingly do have some benefits for her children.

"I don't understand it and why or what it does, but it helps them and I love them for that," stressed Feltmann. "They play with them all day and are able to stay calm."

Catherine A. Waller, also of Park Hills, said her son is diagnosed with borderline schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and ADHD, and is compulsively combative and easily provoked.

"He has one and when he gets upset or agitated he will play (with it)," said Waller. "Since he's gotten it, he's relatively calmer and has had little to no outbursts. He always carries it in his pocket."

Jennifer Mullen Hulsey saw it as just the newest craze. She was happy that it's cheaper than the latest iPod, Nintendo or phone.

"Schools have already banned them for being annoying," said Hulsey. "Well, so are phones in class and every other electronic that kids are playing with. If it helps calm them down, let them use it at lunch or recess or an appropriate time."

Hulsey said she purchased two of them for her kids and they love them. However, she said, she doesn't let them take them to school because she respects the rules at school and doesn't want her kids in trouble.

Chris Keller, of Farmington, said her son has six of them and he tinkers with them to make them go faster.

"He spends a lot of time playing with them," said Keller. "A big improvement in his focus and attention to detail has happened, and he's nowhere near as hyper as he once was. They really do help to keep him calmer. I guess they work for some one way and other ways for others. It's not an expensive way to try out a new thing, get the kids off the electronics and get them doing something that helps them concentrate."

Tara Wimmer bought one on Amazon for $10 and it took nearly a month to get it. She said it is metal, not plastic.

Desloge resident Teresa Yoder said her North County fifth grader has a multi-color metal spinner.

"She spins it on her knee, fingers, nose ... most of her friends have one," said Yoder. "I remember Klik Klaks was all the craze when I was a sixth grader, and I had a green glittery one with yellow strings ... loved that thing."

Heather Cole said her stepson is ADHD and has grown bored with the basic tricks of the spinners, but has now advanced to making the spinners himself.

"He makes small ones with three (sides) or large ones with five (sides)," explained Cole. "His focus on making them is amazing! If they help kids, great! That's all that matters anyways. Craze today ... something new tomorrow."

Each school in the area has a different idea or policy when it comes to the fidget spinners. Some allow them in class, while others have banned them. Some districts feel they are OK and will only become an issue if it becomes a distraction. Still others allow them if they are addressed in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 (or section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973).