Amazing Loom Band Creations: The Colourful Craft Craze Kids Still Love
If you’ve ever found tiny neon rubber bands scattered around the house, chances are you’ve experienced the loom band phenomenon. These stretchy little loops sparked one of the biggest playground crazes of the 2010s — and for good reason. Simple, affordable and bursting with creative potential, loom bands became much more than a passing trend.
Loom bands were invented in 2010 by Cheong Choon Ng, a Malaysian engineer living in the United States. He created the Rainbow Loom so his daughters could make bracelets using small rubber bands more easily. What started as a home project quickly turned into a global sensation. By 2013, loom bands had taken off across the UK and beyond. Schools were filled with children swapping bracelets, watching tutorials and experimenting with new designs. From basic fishtail bracelets to intricate charms, rings, keyrings and even miniature animals, the possibilities seemed endless.
One of the brilliant things about loom bands is how accessible they are. They’re generally suitable for children aged around 5 and up (with supervision for younger children due to small parts). Older children and even teenagers can enjoy them too, especially when tackling more complex patterns. All kids can join in at their own level — beginners can create simple bracelets using just their fingers, while more experienced crafters can use a loom board and hook to design detailed creations. It’s a hobby that grows with the child.
This mega loom band necklace was made by my son max, he’s just made lots of individual loom band bracelets and then treated each loom band bracelet as if it was a single loom band. The result is very high fashion if I do say so myself.😜
In today’s screen-heavy world, loom bands offer something refreshingly hands-on. Many children spend hours on iPads, gaming consoles or watching videos. While technology certainly has its place, too much screen time can leave little room for imagination and tactile play. Loom bands encourage children to slow down, concentrate and physically create something they can wear or share. There’s real satisfaction in turning a handful of tiny bands into a colourful bracelet for a friend.
Craft activities like loom banding are also incredibly beneficial for brain development. When children follow patterns, they strengthen sequencing skills and logical thinking. Choosing colour combinations boosts creativity and decision-making. The repetitive looping action helps develop fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination, which are essential for writing and other everyday tasks. Crafting can also improve focus and patience, as children work step-by-step towards a finished result. On top of that, making something from scratch builds confidence and a sense of achievement.
Socially, loom bands can be powerful too. During their peak popularity, children traded designs in the playground, taught each other new techniques and even started small businesses selling their creations. Crafting together encourages communication, collaboration and generosity. It’s amazing how something so small can spark connection.
Looking ahead, there’s also room to make loom bands more sustainable. Traditionally, they’re made from synthetic rubber or silicone, which aren’t always eco-friendly. However, manufacturers could explore biodegradable materials or recycled rubber options to reduce environmental impact. Families can also reuse and repurpose old bands rather than throwing them away, turning broken bracelets into new designs. Buying higher-quality, longer-lasting kits rather than disposable packs can also help cut down on waste. As awareness around sustainability grows, even simple toys like loom bands can evolve in greener directions.
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Ultimately, the magic of loom bands lies in their simplicity. With just a small loom, a hook and a pile of colourful bands, children can create almost anything they imagine. They don’t need batteries, Wi-Fi or updates — just time, patience and creativity. In a fast-paced digital world, that feels pretty special.
Summary
Loom bands, invented in 2010, quickly became a global playground craze and remain a brilliant creative outlet for children aged 5 and up. They support brain development, fine motor skills and social interaction, while offering a welcome break from screens. With more sustainable production in the future, loom bands can continue inspiring young creators for years to come.