Throwable paintballs created by Bethlehem entrepreneur hit the shelves at Target

"I tried to create an egg out of soap and I said, 'The yolk kind of seems like it'd be fun to throw at people,'" she recalled.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A Bethlehem-based entrepreneur turned a class project into a popular kids' product you'll now find in the stores at Target.

Briana Gardell started making throwable paintballs in her apartment kitchen in the Lehigh Valley.
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Now her invention, Goblies, are available nationwide.

She says Goblies were originally inspired by a homework assignment.

"I tried to create an egg out of soap and I said, 'The yolk kind of seems like it'd be fun to throw at people,'" she recalled.

Gardell explained that Goblies are paintballs that you throw by hand, like a water balloon.



"Only these create a colorful splatter like a paintball," she says. "The outside is actually made from seaweed, so you don't have to pick up the pieces outside like you do with water balloons. The inside is a colorful goop."

And the best part, she says it's all washable!
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Eight years ago, Gardell wore a Goblies-splattered dress to her graduation from Lehigh University and started her business the next day.

She first made a DIY science kit where kids could make their paintballs.

Demand was high, especially for birthday parties, so she tested 26 different prototypes in her kitchen to find a way to make pre-made ones.

Gardell also makes Play Paint, which you can load into any water gun.



Anyone interested can buy Goblies at Target by clicking here.
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