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.^[1] Robert Croak, owner of Toledo, Ohio-based BCP Imports (known for distributing the Livestrong wristbands^[2]), 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.^[3]

Children playing with Silly Bandz wristbands

Silly Bandz come in dozens of shapes, colors, and themes. 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.

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