8 must-have holiday toys

Rubber band bracelets, if you don't already know, have fast become a national pastime of kids across the country.

With the help of a plastic loom, kids can weave simple multi-colored rubber bands into intricate bracelets, rings and necklaces for themselves or to trade with friends.

And it's not just kids. If you look hard enough, there's a good chance someone in your office is sporting one of these colorful bracelets.

"This is classic, creative toy that is also not expensive," said industry analyst Chris Byrne. "It's kind of created a global community of rubber band bracelet fans."

The popularity of the bracelets -- made by Cra-Z-Loom and Rainbow Loom -- has reached such heights that it even prompted one school in New York City to ban kids from wearing them to class.