Silly Bandz

[3][2] Sold under the brand name Animal Rubber Bands, they won the Best Design award at the 2003 Japanese National Competition.

[2] These bands were not widely distributed in the United States, but in 2005 they were local hits in Guilford, Connecticut and at the Design Store at the New York City Museum of Modern Art.

[4] Robert Croak, owner of Toledo, Ohio-based BCP Imports (known for distributing the Livestrong wristbands[5]), 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.

[12] In late 2010 and 2011, Silly Bandz released themed packs in collaboration with celebrities like Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian.

[17] Seth McGowan, a toy industry analyst for Needham & Company, said it is refreshing that the "lowest of technologies" is also the one that is the most appealing, to children.

[18][19] There have been incidents where children have cut off circulation by extending several Silly Bandz up their arms, in some cases causing serious injuries.