A small magnetic top that spins in the air for up to 3 minutes! The Levitron is probably the best toy from the 1990s. It was brought to the New York Toy Fair by Bill Hones of the Fascination Co., Seattle, who developed it. The toy astounds audiences everywhere.
Powerful magnets within the base (originally wood, but now made from black plastic) create a magnetic "cushion" with a dip in the centre. Because the top is spinning, the gyroscopic action keeps it stable.
In 1997 the "Super Levitron" was introduced, which gave the spinning top twice the height of the original. The "Perpetuator" has also been created which counteracts the fact that the top slows down due to friction with the air - now the top can spin forever!