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Peninsula Kids
Home»Parenting Articles»Fidget Spinners
Parenting Articles

Fidget Spinners

Updated:July 14, 20214 Mins Read
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By David Hawkins

Phenom-A-Mum called me in the middle of the day to say, “You’ve got to check out fidget spinners, they’re the new big thing! Perfect for a Dad-review.” An awkward silence followed as I tried to work out what she was talking about. “A fidgety spinster?” I replied, “Can’t see them being that much more popular than the non-fidgety ladies. And probably not the thing to be giving to our toddler.”

By now I am sure you have heard all about the raging craze that is the Fidget Spinner and how schools nationwide are banning it with catholic-style condemnation. If you don’t know, Google it, because all you need to see is a two-second video of the spinner’s eternal revolutionary revolution to get the whole concept; it turns around a lot, very fast. That’s it. Oh, and you hold it between your thumb and insult (otherwise known as ‘middle’) finger.

I’m guessing that you’re getting ready for an old man grump-off about kids these days and how we did fads better in my time, but you would be wrong. Whilst I was initially stumped with incomprehension of how something so inane could become so popular, I threw a decade (or two) off my shoulders and decided to try it before I bag it. So I hopped onto Gumtree and had a trio of smoothly designed gadgets in my wrinkling palms before the end of the afternoon. Yep, that was the beginning of the end.

Minutes after my initial tampering I found myself making a shopping list only to discover that I was unconsciously spinning one of them in my unoccupied hand! And then I just kept on spinning. Staring at the spinners is interesting for a minute or two, as you watch pretty patterns flicker past, and would probably hold attentions for longer if you bought the pricier LED light-up versions, but it is the sole act of having it spin that gets you.

It feels nice; constant, repetitive, reassuring. Some of them make a little whizzing or rubbing sound that starts out as annoying and quickly becomes noticeably absent when you put the spinner down. The throbbing gyration in your hand is what really gets you, and you can get that filthy image out of your mind! This is an innocent and puerile toy that I now understand.

My four year old is already wanting to play with them all of the time, losing his temper when the fidget spinner knocks against his teeny hand and grinds to an abrupt halt. And this means that our one year old is equally hungering for them because whatever big brother likes, little brother steals.

Don’t listen to the naysayers and grumpy old f-ers who want to spit on anything that’s newer than the penny farthing. It is not a lame hula-hoop rip-off (states a man who has never managed to hula the hoop) nor a toy for stupid people. Join the hordes of tech-wannabe business folk, who pay upwards of a hundred dollars for fancy executive models, and enjoy something that is nothing much more than a small comfort.

Or join the really cool school kids and see if you can use them to do tricks. Balance a spinning spinner on your nose or flip it from one elbow to the other. I will admit that it reminds me of the yo-yo mega-fad during the 80’s but without the difficulty level that always kept this uncoordinated tease-target from ever managing to walk-the-dog. See, perfect for me!


David Hawkins is a Peninsula based stay-at-home-dad who realised that he needed to improve his Dadding. So he set himself the simple task of being an Awesome Dad. He now challenges all dads to be awesome dads, by doing something out-of-the-ordinary with their kids.

First published in Peninsula Kids – July 2017

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Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
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Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Little Jellies Swimwear Assorted – Size 4 Bright. Bold. Bursting with personality. Little Jellies is the new Australian swimwear label on a mission to make water play safer and more joyful for little ones and a little less stressful for parents. The brand is redefining safety-focused swimwear for safe, active summers. Little Jellies caters to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The collection includes baby swimwear, rashies, sun tops, surf suits, mix-and-match separates, and bucket hats—each made with a snug-but-stretchy fit, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-dry technology. https://www.littlejellies.com.au/ @little.jellies.swim We have a Long sleeve rash shirt in pink, briefs in purple, and yellow surfsuit all size 4 to give away valued at $139.85 **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
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