Mobile phone charms

Mobile phone charms (also "cell phone charms", "phone danglers") are charms that are connected to a mobile phone using a small strap. Most phones now have a loop hole through which the strap can be attached.

History

Phone charms were first popular in Japan and later, in the USA. They are gradually becoming popular in the United Kingdom. In recent years, it has been popular to accessorize a phone this way, and Maki-e stickers are also becoming more common, especially in Japan, and to a lesser extent, Asia.

Google trends [http://google.com/trends?q=phone+charms&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all] shows a search history for 'phone charms' showing that no data was available prior to the middle of 2005, with a gradual increase in search frequency since then.

People have always wanted to personalize their mobile phones, usually through ring tones or screensavers. However, ring tones are gradually becoming less popular and phone charms are a physical way to personalize a mobile phone. Some can show a meaning of a group or company but most are of cartoon characters.

Types of charms

There are a variety of charms available, such little figurine characters, rhinestone crystal charms, and small teddy bears. Some charms flash or light up when your phone rings. Many charms also have a small bell attached.

Where being sold

One widely popular Japanese website called "Strapya-World" sells numerous, not to mention humorous cute phone charms. [http://www.strapya-world.com/index.html] The site introduces popular characters from Japan including Hello Kitty. [http://www.sanrio.com]