The 23 Craziest Toy Fads In History
Isabella Bartlett
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Apple iPad, 2010
Apple paved the way for tablets back in 2010. The device was a game changer for those looking for on-the-go tech features. You could seamlessly switch between movies, music, web surfing and more. The first-generation iPad was unveiled by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, and the fad only took off from there, with Apple selling 300,000 iPads in day one. In a month, this had increased to a million. If you’re on your iPad a lot, check out these home improvement and remodeling apps for DIYers.
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2012 Nintendo Wii U
The first “eighth-generation” video game console made history as the first Nintendo device to offer HD graphics. The predecessor to Wii, Wii U featured a primary controller called the Wii U GamePad, which had an embedded touchscreen, and combined directional buttons, analog sticks and action buttons.
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Fidget Spinners, 2017
In 1993, Catherine Hettinger came up with the concept of fidget spinners as a way to stop Palestinian kids from throwing rocks at police. Unfortunately for her, her patent expired in 2005. And while they’ve now been available for two decades, the product became a major fad in 2017. Hettinger attempted to sell the design to several large toy companies, but because of her expired patent, other companies were able to sell their own versions. Today they are marketed as gadgets that can help with ADHD, autism, anxiety, stress and as a general distraction for people of all ages. Feeling stressed? Here are 10 things that will make you happier at home.
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