silly bandz

Silly Bandz are a brand of silicone rubber bands formed into shapes including animals, objects, and letters. They are distributed by BCP Imports and are normally worn as bracelets.

The original shaped silicone rubber bands were created in 2002 by a Japanese design team who wanted to introduce a more environmentally sustainable rubber band as an office product.Robert Croak, owner of Toledo, Ohio-based BCP Imports (known for distributing the Livestrong wristbands), encountered the bands on a business trip and decided to re-purpose them as a toy by making them larger and thicker, and marketing them as a kids' fashion accessory.

Silly Bandz come in dozens of shapes, colors, and themes. On a wrist or ankle, 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 collectables. They can also be used for their original intent—as a regular rubber band or hair tie.