With additional reporting by regional correspondents Marie Raven, Brenda Ruggiero, Chris Lundy, and Pete Fernbaugh
Girls are flocking to accessory items that do more than just look pretty, a September 2010 TDmonthlysurvey of 44 specialty toy retailers revealed. Engaging watches and mood rings continue to rack up phenomenal sales, while do-it-yourself items from Shainsware and MoGo Designs are quickly becoming top sellers. See the rest of the top-10 most-wanted jewelry and accessories below:
Mood Rings - Heart, Flower and Other Designs by SCHYLLING
A well-recognized throwback to yesteryear, Schylling's Mood Rings combine glossy, color-changing cabochons with silver-toned settings styled with the 1960s in mind. The “stones” in the rings sense the mood of the wearer and change accordingly from anxious orange-black to content jewel-tone blue-violet. Styles are assorted, and the metal rings are made in the USA. ― “We sell dozens of mood ring pick-ups at the counter,” said Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., during an October 2009 survey. — In a September 2010 TDmonthly survey, seven of 44 retailers named mood rings a best-selling jewelry and accessory item, with one claiming sales of 43 a month. — In an October 2011 survey about best selling jewelry and accessories, 4 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that mood rings were their best sellers. They sold an average of 2 dozen each month.
These children's watches have flexible plastic bands and measure 8" long. Each watch has a battery tab and is packaged in a peggable plastic box. — In early fall 2010, seven of 44 retailers named children’s watches a jewelry and accessory best seller. Two cited Toysmith as a top brand. — Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in September 2010 that her store sells “at least a dozen” children’s plastic watches each month. “Parents want their kids to be able to tell time,” allows Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va.
Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." Cupcakes and ice cream cones with a bit of sparkles make this a tasteful collection. — In a September 2010 TDmonthly survey, six of 44 retailers cited Snap Caps as a jewelry and accessory top seller. One claimed sales of over 100 per month.
This 24-pack features Silly Bandz resembling the popular Hello Kitty character and her accessories, including a hair bow and an apple. These bands can be collected, worn or traded with friends. — 14 percent of 44 specialty retailers named rubber band bracelets a top-selling accessory in a fall 2010 TDmonthly survey, with one retailer boasting sales of 4000 a month.
Pink Poppy Missy Heart Thin Headbands by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA
This set includes two hair accessories in pastel colors, each decorated with a heart-print bow. Pink, lavender and blue headbands are available. — In early fall 2010, 11 percent of 44 retailers surveyed told TDmonthly Pink Poppy is a best-selling jewelry and accessory brand.
These popsicle-colored bracelets come in glittery and translucent shades, including Lime, Cherry, Grape and Blue Hawaiian. As with other bracelets by Shainsware, kids can change out the elements (letters, symbols, etc.) to personalize the band. — In a September 2010 survey, nine percent of 44 retailers named Shainsware a best-selling jewelry brand. “I did really well with their Popsicles,” Martha Burrows of Timeless Toys in Chicago, Ill., toldTDmonthly. “They just hit that market between make-your-own and a quick fix.” — In an October 2011 survey, Katie Rook, manager of Be Beep Toys in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly that Shains bracelets are her best selling jewelry.
These fluffy feather boas with silver tinsel make a glamorous addition to any dress up outfit. Each boa measures 3 feet long; the perfect size for little ones. One size fits most. They come in pink, lilac and white. — In an early fall 2010 TDmonthly survey,seven percent of 44 retailers cited Little Adventures costumes as a top-selling accessory item.
MOGO Magnetic Charmband and Charms by MOGO DESIGNS, INC.
MOGO charmbands let girls link together different magnetic charms for nearly endless possibilities. Each band is made of durable nylon and contains eight silvertone charm holders. — In September 2010, three of 44 specialty retailers cited MOGO products as a best-selling jewelry and accessory item. The same month, Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., told TDmonthly, “people are really attracted to them - buying them, and then coming back and buying them as gifts.” — Elmer Carranza. assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that they sell "a good dozen or two" MOGO bracelets each month. — Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthlyin an October 2011 survey that MOGO Bracelets are one of their best selling tween items.
The Fashion Angels Jewelry Design Super Set is packed with tons of beading goodies to make over 200 pieces of jewelry. This kit contains over 4,000 transparent and iridescent plastic beads, string, embroidery floss, charms, a friendship bracelet wheel, a storage case, instructions and more. — In fall 2010, five percent of 44 retailers surveyed told TDmonthly that Fashion Angels kits are a jewelry and accessory top seller.
Charm Candy comes complete in individual bakery boxes that reveal an unexpected treat, real bakable (and reusable) cupcake liners and necklaces with retro-reminiscent bubble heart pendants. For a little icing on the cake, each bakery box features a Surprise Cupcake recipe on the back to inspire custom confections. — In a September 2010 TDmonthlysurvey, two of 44 retailers named Charm It! charms a top-selling jewelry and accessory item.
Writer's Bio: Ashley Heaton has written articles for magazines and websites including 944 Magazine and Pricegrabber.com. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she spent five years providing editorial and administrative support in the luxury accessories industry. Read more articles by this author