Fidget spinners starting to take Melbourne by storm

THEY’RE the next big craze capturing Melbourne teens’ attention but if you haven’t heard of fidget spinners just yet, don’t worry. You soon will.

THEY’RE the next big craze capturing Melbourne teens’ attention but if you haven’t heard of fidget spinners just yet, don’t worry. You soon will.

These simple attention-stealing gadgets have been banned in thousands of schools across America and already some Melbourne classrooms.

The small ball-bearing toys spin between fingers to provide a sensory experience and come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes with some even glowing in the dark.

Basic models start at about $10, while premium spinners can cost more than $90.

Fidget spinners are the new craze around Melbourne.

Mazenod College assistant principal Tony Coghlan said the school had banned students from bringing them to class.

Josh Gordon from Caulfield, who runs an import business, said he had been selling fidget spinners through the Maroondah, Knox, Yarra Ranges Noticeboard Facebook group.

“I’ve sold 11,000 spinners in the past two months,” Mr Gordon said.

“Every kid seriously wants one, but they are just as appealing for adults,” he said.

Some of the fidget spinner designs selling online. Picture: eBay.

“They are a great gadget to keep on your desk and fidget with at work.”

One Stop Sensory Shop owner Colin Kuhn, who sells the spinners online, said he had sold more than 400 units so far.

“We sell toys for children with autism and disabilities and fidget spinners are definitely a great toy to keep them occupied,” Mr Kuhn said.

He said he had many returning customers who loved them and were coming back to purchase different styles and colours of the spinners.

Javier from Montrose, who has been selling the spinners on Facebook and Gumtree, said they were a great stress relief.

“The spinners are targeted at children but they are great to use for people who have quit smoking or dealing with anxiety,” he said.

He said he had sold 200 spinners in the past three weeks.

“They are really all the rage right now and it’s easy to see why.”