Silly Bandz

Silly Bandz are rubber bands made of silicone rubber formed into shapes including animals, objects, numbers, and letters. They are distributed by BCP Imports and are normally worn as bracelets. Silly Bandz retail in packages with themes like princesses or animals. A pack of 24 sells for about $5 and packets of 12 for about $2.50. Similar shaped silicone bands are also available under other brand names from a variety of companies. Silly Bandz have been banned from some classrooms for being a distraction. There have been incidents where children have caused serious injuries by extending too many Silly Bandz up their arms, cutting off circulation.

Silly Bandz come in many different shapes and colors. On a wrist, they function like a regular bracelet, and when taken off they revert to their original shape. They are often worn many at a time and are traded like other collectibles. They can also be used for their original intent—as a regular rubber band.

The first Silly Bandz sets were sold online in November 2008. In early 2009, Learning Express in Birmingham, Alabama became the first retail store to stock Silly Bandz. By fall they were a strong seller, and became widespread across the Southern United States. Popularity began to move up the East coast of the United States, reaching New Jersey, Long Island, and Staten Island in November the same year.

In April 2010 Silly Bandz retailed in packs of 24 for about $5 and packets of 12 for about $2.50. They are sold in packages with different themes, like princesses or animals. As of August 2010, Silly Bandz sells their product in 8,000 stores across the U.S and many stores in Canada carry Silly Bandz too. In September 2010 Quiznos had Silly Bandz in their kids meal. Seven spots on Amazon's April 22 list of best-selling toys and games were occupied by the bracelets.

One December 2010 article said that brands like Logo Bandz, Cool Bandz, Zany Bandz and Googly Bandz, sold by Wal-Mart, were easier to find than Silly Bandz. In 2010 and 2011 Silly Bandz released themed packs in collaboration with celebrities like Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian. Custom Silly Bandz are available from BCP Imports in bulk orders starting at 5000 pieces. Custom packaging is also available with a minimum order of 25,000.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_Bandz