Just before his recent birthday, I asked my 9-year-old grandson, Tyler, to write me a list of gifts he was hoping for. On the list was a pair of Crocs Shoes and a set of Crocs Charms to go with them. (These items were given to him by his parents). Also on the list was something called an 'Infinity Cube'.
Admittedly, grandparents seldom keep up with the latest trends in toys, music and video games popular with the 'younger set', so we depend upon the grandchildren to 'explain'. Tyler picked the easiest way to tell me about what an infinity cube was by showing me an example on the internet. Ah, the ease of modern technology!
Now I am out shopping and searching the toy section for an Infinity Cube. Unable to find it, I ask for help. The sales clerk takes me to a section on the shelf where there is a group of small toys called Fidget Toys. I did not know that is what they were called! And, Wow, I had no idea the range of toys that are now available as 'Fidget Toys'.
What is a Fidget Toy?
Fidget toys are tiny toys that fit in a pocket or are easily transported in a backpack. They are intended to keep hands busy, rather like a toy version of a stress ball. Fidget toys often feature little buttons or switches that move back and forth, or ones, like the Fidget Spinner, has propellers that spin.
Besides just being a fun thing for youngsters to 'fiddle' with, they are also called 'sensory toys' and are sometimes marketed as stress relievers or to help kids burn up pent-up energy. There have even been claims that they are stress tools for kids with ADHD (although there are no real scientific or medical facts behind this claim). Mostly, they are just for fun, as Tyler will tell you.
The Fidget Toys Tyler Got For Birthday Gifts
Infinity Cube
An Infinity Cube is a kind of mechanical puzzle toy with mathematical principles (per Wikipedia). It is similar to the retro puzzle toy even I am familiar with – The Rubik's Cube. While 'like' a Rubik's Cube, the infinity cube is different in that it can be opened and put back together from different directions, thus creating a visually interesting effect. They are the generally found in the size of the 2x2 Rubik's Cube.
Fidget Spinner
Fidget spinners are usually clover shaped, made of plastic or metal, and have a bearing in the center so it will spin with little effort. It appeals to all age groups and is hard to pass by without giving it a spin. The whole family has tried it out at various times throughout the day!
Fidget Spinner in Action!
Summary
|
| Tyler at his family birthday party |
The Infinity Cubes and the Fidget Spinners are fun, and inexpensive, puzzle-type toys for kids. In addition, Fidget Toys come in many shapes, sizes and colors, from balls to cubes to those that pop or squish. It seems that the world of Fidget Toys is virtually endless.
Click Here to Find Your Favorite Fidget Toys on Amazon
*Fidget Toys Review written by Wednesday Elf (grandmother to Birthday Boy, Tyler). :)
