When it comes to rubber bands, it's pretty darn simple: it's just a loop of rubber. But, for something so simple, a rubber band is wildly versatile, and as such, you should always have a few on hand (well, figuratively speaking). You can use rubber bands for a huge variety of things, so when you buy them, you'll want to make sure you get the appropriate type for your needs. Some are meant to go in your hair without causing damage. They securely hold back your locks so you can create beautiful hairstyles. Others are designed for the home or office. You can use them to bundle papers, keep a garbage bag from sliding down in the can, or to hold similar items together in storage. And, of course, rubber bands are also useful for crafts. To help you wade through the many options out there, here are reviews of a few of the best. AmazonBasics Rubber Bands Stretch Your ImaginationYou can use these natural rubber bands for so many things – just use your creativity to determine what those things are.Best OverallFind on Amazon Made from natural rubber, these supremely stretchy rubber bands have the ideal tensile strength so you can use them over and over again. In this set, you get three separate 1,250-count bags of rubber bands. This means you’ll get 3,750 rubber bands. Yes, you read that right: 3,750. That’ll last you a long time. Each one measures 3-1/2″ x 1/16″, which makes them a size #19. Yes, they’re thin but they’re the perfect size for bundling a stack of letters, keeping your computer cords from taking over your desk, and for holding small packages shut. There are also other sizes available if you need larger rubber bands. Pros 3 bags of rubber bands so you’ll always have them on hand Thin and stretchy so you can use them to bundle many different objects Good tensile strength means they bounce back after use so you can reuse them Cons All of the rubber bands are the same size, so make sure you have a use for them in mind, or you will have way too many Amelia Beauty 500 Count Rubber Bands Hold Your Hair TightlyYou won't have to worry about these small rubber bands sliding out of your hair. Best for HairFind on Amazon If you’re looking for small rubber bands for your hair, this is a great deal. It comes with 500 rubber bands in a closable plastic container. There are different color options, including a fun set with purple and fuchsia bands. No matter which color you go with, you’ll be able to create many different styles. So what’s to like about them? Well, for starters, they hold tightly – even in thin hair. They’re small, too, so they won’t hold a lot of hair at once, which makes them perfect for smaller sections. What else? Well, they work well for kinky-curly hairstyles. Be aware, though, that when you’re ready to take these out of your hair, they are a bit tricky. Many people opt to cut them and just use new ones the next time. However, if you’re patient, you can slowly remove them and then reuse them to make them last longer. Pros Several color options available so you can pick the one you or your kids like best 500 rubber bands, so they’ll last you a long time Plastic container to keep them in so that rubber bands don’t take over your drawer or get lost Cons Can get stuck and pull on hair if you aren’t really careful when taking them out. To avoid this, you may want to cut and remove each one instead of trying to reuse it Acco 72155 Rubber Band Ball Band TogetherDon't let your rubber band supply get twisted up in a messy pile. Keep them in a rubber band ball instead.Best BallFind on Amazon It may sound silly, but a rubber band ball is truly a fun product to have in your home or office. When that whimsical desire to play strikes, you can toss this sucker around like a tennis ball. When your practical side comes back and checks your inner child, no problem. The ball is here for that too. As soon as you need to use a rubber band, you can easily pull one off of the ball. What’s more, if you have more rubber bands, you can add them to your ball to make it larger. Unlike other similar products, this entire ball is made from rubber bands. There’s not a solid center. There are about 270 rubber bands in this ball. They are an assorted mix of bright colors and white, but each rubber band is the same size: 3/4″ x 1/8″. Pros Fun to play with when you’re killing time, but also practical when playtime’s over Keeps your rubber bands neat so you don’t have a mess in a drawer Easy to remove a rubber band when you need to quickly grab one Cons When you get towards the center of the ball, the rubber bands will begin falling apart, so you may need a container for them at that point. Or you can purchase more rubber bands and build your ball back up Inscraft Rainbow Rubber Bands Refill Kit Great Gift for KidsIf you know someone who enjoys making rubber band bracelets, they'll love the variety in this set. Best for BraceletsFind on Amazon Rubber band bracelets are all the rage for kids. If your child has jumped on the bandwagon and really enjoys making them, this is a great refill kit for a kid who already owns the notorious rubber band loom. This case contains so many fun products that your child will have a blast creating many different bracelets. There are 11,000 small rubber bands that are the perfect size for the Rainbow Loom. There are 28 colors, including rainbows, glitters, metallic, and more. The kit also includes S-clips, beads, charms, and crochet hooks. It will keep your child busy for hours. Since everything comes in a nice plastic case, your child can keep this organized and you won’t have a mess all over your home – at least in theory. Pros Fun product to keep your kids busy in a screen-free way Contains 11,000 rubber bands and 900 other accessories so your child can make multiple bracelets Nice packaging that can easily be given as a gift Cons While your child can make bracelets without a loom, it does make it easier. And this set is a refill, so you’d have to purchase the loom separately if you want your child to use one Alliance Rubber Bands Through Thick and ThinYou'll get a pound of assorted rubber bands so you always have one that's the right size for the job.Best Variety Find on Amazon You never know what size rubber band is going to be needed for a particular task. This variety pack will help make sure you’re well-stocked with a variety of rubber bands for when the unexpected need arises. It comes with two bags of assorted rubber bands. In all, you get a pound of them. There’s a nice mix of colors and sizes. These rubber bands are strong and they have a lot of stretch, so you can use them for many different purposes. This is a great price point for so many rubber bands. However, there aren’t a ton of any one size, so if you need a particular one, consider buying more of those separately. Pros Many different sizes and colors so you will have a variety of rubber bands on hand Durable, so you can use them over and over again before they break Easy to stretch, so you don’t have to apply a lot of pressure to them Cons Because they’re sort of a mess when they arrive, you’ll have to come up with a way to organize them so that you can easily grab what you need. Frequently Asked Questions Where does the rubber for rubber bands come from? Most latex rubber comes from the rubber tree plant. You need to tap the tree to get it out. Once a tree is mature enough to produce rubber, it can be tapped for nearly 30 years. Each plant can produce 19 pounds of rubber annually. There are also synthetic rubber bands available. These are a good option for people who have a latex allergy. How do you make a rubber band bracelet? Rubber band bracelets are so neat. Many children enjoy making them. The simplest way to make one of your own is to purchase a loom designed for this purpose. These will come with easy-to-follow directions and everything you need to get started. Making a bracelet involves looping and twisting rubber bands together to create a chain. Once the chain is long enough, you connect the ends with an S-clip. Then, your bracelet will be ready to wear. There are plenty of instructional videos online, so if you get stuck, be sure to check some out. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Rubber Dog Toys Read more The Best Rubber Snakes Read more The Best Rubber Dog Toys For Pups Of All Ages Read more