Fidget spinners – simple toys that spin around a central anchor – have become weirdly popular. Jean Grant explored their rise in Toronto:

• Fidget spinners are so popular that there are entire retail stores devoted solely to selling them.
• Most cost just a few dollars, but you can get ‘luxury’ ones for as much as $60.
• Retailers claim that it’s not unusual for buyers to drop over $200 on the toys.
• Some have added features like in-built Bluetooth speakers.
• They were invented in the 90s but, unfortunately for the inventor, they didn’t see their sudden burst in popularity until 12 years after the patent expired.

See examples of the variety of fidget spinners now available on Toronto Life.