Have Silly Bandz become popular in your part of the world? This summer they were all the rage here in the USA. The little plastic bracelets (and now rings) are created in some specific shape – a shape they go back to once you take them off your wrist. There are princesses and sand castles; magic wands and dinosaurs. They are sold at the local drug stores, specialty toy shops, gas stations and office supply stores. You pay anywhere from $1 for a pack of 12 to $5 for 12 little plastic bracelets. (The man who invented these must either be a genius or darn good at marketing.)
Grade school and high school students (boys and girls) trade them. I’ll give you my orange baseball cap for your purple turtle. I’ve heard of parents trading their child hours of chores for a package of Silly Bandz. And some grade schools have outlawed them from making an appearance in the classroom, saying they distract the students and cause unnecessary arguments.
And it is not just an adolescent trend. Adults trade them too – for drinks at the bar and just because. I’ll give you my rare brown Mr. Potatohead for a tequila-filled margarita.The popularity of these pieces of plastic has grown to such an extent that the creator went from having 20 employees less than a year ago to having more than 200 now.
The ones you wear regularly usually have some meaning to you or to the person who gave it to you. A friend gave me a green turtle in memory of my painted-belly turtle Sarge. I’ve got a Belle from Beauty and the Beast because it’s my favorite Disney movie, and a pink high heel from a friend who knows I love fashion.
Sure, this is ridiculous; especially to spend time and money on. But it is also a little addictive. Once you have one, you want a second and then someone gives you a third and you trade for another. Before you know it your arm is littered. I’ve even seen little girls walking around with a jar full of their collection! It’s beyond me what it is about these little pieces of plastic that are so intriguing. If you haven’t seen them yet, get ready. I’m sure they are headed your way.
