Walk across the UT campus and take note of the students with colorful rubber bracelets decorating their arms. Pull them off and they form various shapes from unicorns to stars to block-letter words. These playful bands are known as Silly Bandz, today’s version of the Beanie Babies craze.

Better known for adorning the arms of elementary school students, Silly Bandz have now worked their way to the collegiate level, even selling at the University Co-op in burnt orange UT styles such as cowboy hats and longhorns.

The product’s low price, averaging $4 for a 24-pack, doesn’t just have students and parents wearing them. Silly Bandz have even been seen on the arms of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, establishing a new, affordable trend.

“I think it’s cute and something affordable for us college students to wear without having to cry about how pricey it is,” said undeclared sophomore
Cristina Puscas.

Another appeal of Silly Bandz is their catchy slogan, “Collect ’em, trade ’em, wear ’em.” They are not just another accessory but also a fun way to interact with friends. However, Silly Bandz have created so much of a buzz that they have been banned from elementary schools across the nation, including some school districts in McKinney and Houston.

Despite the distraction the bracelets have caused for kids in the classroom, they have served as a fashion statement for others. With a variety of styles and colors in each pack, including sparkles, glow-in-the-dark and animal shapes, students can coordinate the Silly Bandz with their outfits.

“I can’t keep track of how many I have,” Puscas said. “I probably have three of each color of the rainbow.”

Silly Bandz appeal to a wide range of age groups, from kids all the way to college students, illustrating that you do not have to spend a fortune to accessorize.