The Rise and Fall of Fidget Spinners: How a Mom's Invention Became a $500M Phenomenon

From classroom distraction to global sensation - discover the untold story of how fidget spinners took over the world and vanished just as quickly. In this episode of Here Today Gone Tomorrow, hosts Mike Leafa and Lena Kefame unravel the fascinating journey of 2017's biggest viral trend.

Did you know fidget spinners were actually invented in 1993 to help children with autism and ADHD? Learn how this simple therapeutic device evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, generating over $500 million in sales before disappearing from store shelves.

In this episode, we explore:

• The surprising origin story and the inventor Catherine Hettinger
• How social media and viral marketing created a global craze
• The science behind fidget toys and stress relief
• Why schools ultimately banned them
• The lasting impact on toy trends and mental health awareness

Join us for a nostalgic deep dive into one of the most memorable fads of the digital age. Whether you were a collector or a skeptic, this story will make you rethink everything you knew about viral trends.