With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
When TDmonthlyasked retailers about their best selling jewelry and accessories in an October 2011 survey, four out of 12 said that classic Mood Rings were their top item, followed closely by Slap Watches, which were mentioned by three. Other popular items included collectibles like MoGo Bracelets, Shains Bracelets from SHAINSWARE, and Snap Caps. Though necklaces, bracelets, and rings all made the list, earrings were absent from the top selling jewelry and accessories.
You can learn more about all of the items that made the Top-10 list below.
No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
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.
Inspired by the popular 90's toy, these silicone watches can be slapped onto wrists. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and in two sizes, small or large. The analog watch face is backed in the same vibrant color as the watch band, and the watch face is framed by a metal in the same shade as well. These watches can be collected, swapped, or worn in multiples to create a bold fashion statement. — Kay Emigh of Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthlyin late Summer 2011 that small Silly Slapz! Slap Watches were a top-three best-selling item in the store. — John Taylor, owner of O.P. Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that he sells 250 slap watches a month between his three stores.
Pink Poppy Butterfly Necklace and Bracelet Set by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA
As part of Pink Poppy’s extensive line of kid-friendly jewelry and other accessories, this matched set features a necklace and bracelet strung on elastic cord. Pink, magenta and clear beads are centered around a hanging butterfly charm on both pieces. The necklace measures approximately 7.5” long. — “Pink Poppy is a great line. They’re very cute, there’s a lot to choose from, and the price point is really great,” Janet Gregory, owner of Over the Rainbow Toy Store in Anchorage, Alaska, told TDmonthly in early fall 2008. — Four percent of 51 retailers said Pink Poppy was their main jewelry line in Fall 2008. — John Taylor, owner of O.P. Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that he sells 60 Pink Poppy necklaces a month at each of his stores. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., also called Pink Poppy necklaces a best seller.
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.
Alphabet Bead Box Bead Kit by BEAD BAZAAR/KID JOURNEYS
This colorful kit includes string, charms and wooden beads, and is packed with alphabet letter beads as well as decorative swirl beads in different colors. — Magic Beans in Brookline, Mass., sells 50 craft kits per month by Bead Bazaar, CEO Isaac Judd told TDmonthly in fall 2009. — Powell Phillips, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that Bead Bazaar items are their best selling jewelry and accessory products.
Snap Caps, the interchangeable, illustrated, magnetic bottle caps, also come on fashion accessories, such as huggers that can be used on hair, boots or ankles, plus hair clips. Snap Caps hair bows are available in red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise and hot pink. — In a June 2010 survey, Linda Hanzelko of Timmy’s Toy Chest in Lake Mary, Fla., told TDmonthlyher store sells 30 to 40 sets of Snap Caps each month. — Three of 40 retailers names Snap Caps a top seller for girls in early summer 2010. — Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell 300-500 Snap Caps each month between their three stores. AWARDS:2010 TDmonthlyTop Seller (entire Snap Caps line)
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.
Clear directions for ten different kinds of bracelets, with all the colorful floss and beads needed to make them. A built-in clipboard provides the ideal work surface for this craft. — Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell about 8 of these kits each month, making them a best seller in the jewelry and accessories category. — In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, two out of 13 retailers said that Klutz's Friendship Bracelets book was a best selling toy. — In a December 2013 survey three out of 10 retailers said that Klutz made their best-selling books.
OMG! Hand painted tin charms bring fashion and fun together. The adjustable necklace makes the perfect fit for any girl. Each one comes in an organza bag. 16" long, adjustable necklace. On the back of each necklace is a text expression, such as "BFF," "I<3U" and "LOL." 12 styles available. — Joanne Smith co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell 3-4 dozen items from Natural Life each month. They have "lots of quirky jewelry and accessories for teens and tweens," she said.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
