by Melanie Linn Gutowski

They're colorful. They're versatile. They're trendy. They're Silly Bandz, and chances are your niece or nephew's got an arm (or leg) full of them right now.

These colorful bracelets are sweeping kids up in a fashion trend we haven't seen since, well, the slap-bracelets of aunties of yore.

The appeal is simple: an inexpensive, colorful rubber bracelet that, when taken off, assumes the shape of a beautiful princess or fanciful beast. They're infinitely more fun than plain old rubber bracelets and are far more collectible. Plus, this time, even boys are getting in on the trend, and who doesn't love an equal-opportunity craze?

Kids trade them with one another in an effort to possess the widest collection of rare Silly Bandz, but this practice has led to many schools banning the bracelets, calling them "distractions."

Distractions or not, there are a few things for Aunties to look out for when nieces or nephews are taken in by the craze:

-Keep and eye out that nieces and nephews are not wearing so many Silly Bandz that they are cutting off the circulation to their hands or feet.

-Though it will be tempting for them, don't allow nieces or nephews under age five to play with their bigger sibs' Silly Bandz. The bracelets could pose a choking hazard for little ones.

-Don't allow nieces or nephews to wear or take their Silly Bandz to school if they've been banned. Mom and dad won't be too pleased to see a teacher's note or a detention at the end of the day!

You can find more Silly Bandz using Savvy Auntie's fabulous Gift Search!

Melanie Linn Gutowski, Savvy Auntie's Associate Editor, is a proud Godmother and ABC.

Photo: Sillybandz.com
Published: June 2, 2010