A novelty item is an object which is specifically designed to serve no practical purpose, and is sold for its uniqueness, humor, or simply as something new. The term also applies to practical items with fanciful or nonfunctional additions, such as novelty aprons, slippers, or toilet paper.

What are novelties?

1 : something new or unusual Grandma remembers when television was a novelty. 2 : the quality or state of being new or unusual The toy's novelty soon wore off.

What is an example of novelty?

Novelty is the state or quality of being new, exciting, unusual or unique. A brand new toy given to a child is an example of a novelty. Something new, fresh, or unusual; change; innovation. The state of being new or novel; newness.