Novelty item

Anovelty itemis an object which is specifically designed to serve no practical purpose, and is sold for its uniqueness, humor, or simply as something new (hence "novelty",or newness). The term also applies to practical items with fanciful or nonfunctional additions, such as noveltyaprons,slippers,ortoilet paper.The term is normally applied to small objects, and is generally not used to describe larger items such asroadside attractions.Items may have anadvertisingor promotional purpose, or be asouvenir.

Usage

This term covers a range of small manufactured goods, such ascollectables,gadgetsandexecutive toys.Novelty items are generally devices that do not primarily have a practical function.Toysfor adults are often classed as novelties. Some products have a brief period as a novelty item when they are actually new, only to become an established, commonly used product, such as theHula Hoopor theFrisbee.

Others may have an educational element, such as aCrookes radiometer,Newton's cradle,ordrinking bird.

Humorous novelty signs

Sex toysare often described as novelty items (varying from this definition, as they do serve a practical purpose), and some products sold insex shopsmay not have any practical sexual function, if operating primarily as a humorous gift, such assex dice.Some food products may be considered novelty items, especially when first introduced, such asdeep-fried Mars bars.

History

A3D printed Penrose triangle

TheFrenchmathematician and astronomerPierre Hérigone(1580–1643) describes a novelty item that was acamera obscurain the form of agoblet.Hérigone's device was constructed so that the user could spy on others while taking a drink. Its 45-degree mirror had a stylized opening for the lens and the lid bore a magnifying lens at the top.

Lenticular printingwas developed in the 1940s, and is used extensively in the production of novelty items.Paper clothing,which has some practical purpose, was briefly novel in the United States in the 1960s.

One of the more popular novelty items in recent history was the singingBig Mouth Billy Bass,manufactured byGemmy Industries.It is estimated that over 20 million original pieces were sold in 12 months during 2000 and 2001.

Novelty items based on mathematical objects, such asKlein bottlesandPenrose triangles,have been manufactured. Models ofMöbius stripsare sometimes made in place of regular bands, such as rings.

Novelty item

Contents

Usage

History

See also

Further reading