What do rubber bands, animals and fashion accessories have to do with each other? Normally, nothing. SillyBandz have come up with a way to bridge the gap and I like it.

It seems as if almost everywhere you look, at least a few of these things, intended for kids, can be found on just anyone’s wrist, girls, boys, women, men. SillyBandz have slipped their way right onto every pre-k to 12th grader in America.

If you haven’t caught on, or had mistaken these SillyBandz as plain old rubber bands (shame on you), SillyBandz are rubber bands that come in fun colors and are shaped, well, silly. Despite imitator brands, the company has managed to produce zoo animals, Marvel comic book characters, Disney princesses, and even Justin Bieber-themed packs.

The first time SillyBandz caught my attention, I spotted a hunk of a colorful mess on a little boy’s wrist; he had at least 10 SillyBandz. I had thought to myself, “That’s a pretty cool idea.” It wasn’t until a few weeks later when I saw teenagers trading them when I realized a fad was flourishing. It took me numerous “Ooooh what is that one?” or “Oh my gosh, take them off your wrist I want to see which ones you have!” before I figured that these things were going to be huge.

I have to agree with the SillyBandz creators that this invention isn’t half bad. SillyBandz are affordable, easy to wear, provide a cheap way for little kids to have fun and could actually be considered fashionable. If you’re above 8th grade though, I would recommend only wearing a few unless you are hoping to join a SillyBandz trading club with your second grade neighbors.

I’d say SillyBandz are here to stay for a while. Just think, Pokemon’s still here.