Slap bracelets were a line of toys and fashion accessories from the 90s that were mondo boss. They were introduced to the market during the late 1980s under the name “Slap Wrap” by Wisconsin teacher Stuart Anders. One can assume Anders had no idea of the legion of injuries that his toys would eventually cause.
The appeal of the slap bracelet comes from its elastic design and lighthearted appearance. While erect, the toy looks like a straight plastic oval. However, upon introducing force to the center of the object, the slap bracelet would contract and wrap around its victim like the deadly anaconda snake. This meant you could use the accessory as a bracelet, or a tool to accidentally hit another child’s eye with.
Slap bracelets came in a variety of different colors and styles. This feature of the slap bracelet’s presentation could be used to mark a gang affiliation, or to signal the arrival of police. Slap bracelets were quickly banned in many schools, and fell almost completely out of style after the end of the violent hip hop feud between the American east and west coasts.
Features
Slappin’ a wrist or whatever you want to slap!
Tappin’ against a desk (wait until after class, please!)
Mappin’ out a really big map to scale.
Flappin’ up in the air like a big ol’ flag.
Nappin’ close to your body like a friend you trust to the grave.
Photos
image courtesy of your90s.com
Featured image via your90s.com