With the start of the school-year right around the corner and the Delta variant surging, it’s once again time to check to make sure your child is fully stocked on mask accessories before school begins—especially if your kid is under 12 and not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Wearing masks all day isn’t fun for anyone, including adults, so it’d be smart to find ways to make it as comfortable as possible for your child.
If you buy masks that already loop all the way around your head, you are probably unfamiliar with the need for these necklace-like accessories for face masks, since you can just slide those down and forget them until they’re needed. But ear loop masks have presented a challenge for many. When you take off your mask to eat, drink, or get a socially distant break from people, do you wear it on your chin, hang it from one ear, or stuff it in your pocket? The answer for children is often none of the above, while their parents find masks scattered all over the floor and the ground outside. That, perhaps, might be defeating some of the purpose of the masks, right?
Where there’s a minor inconvenience, there are dozens of people on Etsy, Amazon, and other retailers ready to solve the problem and then some. We now have available, all kinds of simple shoelace-style lanyards, clever straps made from elastic or silicone, and attractive beaded necklaces that can be customized with the wearer’s name or initials. You don’t even need to buy something specifically designed for attaching to masks, since any lanyard can simply hook onto those ear loops.
What we love about these clever new accessories is that, like reusable face masks and face shields, they offer a bright spot in our pandemic-dulled lives. Why not buy some adorable tie-dye and unicorn bling for your kids while questioning how on earth you’re going to manage this year of hybrid learning?
One other great thing about these mask lanyards, necklaces, and straps: The ones we list here are quite affordable. That means you can stock up on a variety of options as you see which ones are less likely to be lost or rejected by fussy kids. We get that it’s a lot to ask little ones to wear a face mask, so they might as well get an accessory they love out of the deal.
Here, you can shop for just the right face mask, clasp, and strap-hook-doohicky thing that your child won’t mind wearing all day, every day.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
A version of this article was originally published in July 2020.
Adjustable Mask Extender
This mask extension strap has four hook settings, so you can adjust it for your little one. The extender will alleviate ear pain and discomfort throughout the day at school. The extenders also have different colors. You receive five per pack.
CreativelyCustomCo Mask Extender With Snaps
Mask extenders fill a dual purpose: making ear-loop masks more comfortable for those who hate that pulling sensation on the back of their ears, and turning the whole thing into a necklace when you pull the mask down. This Etsy store features so many colors and prints, in adult and kid sizes, that you’re bound to find a few that suit your taste.
Pearl Mask Chain
Send your kid to school in high-class style with this mask chain. They can show off their individually with (and probably be less likely to lose) this chain. Lele Sadoughi also has a ton of cute mask offerings.
TheStyleDotShop Mask Lanyard
The rainbow ribbons that snap onto mask straps bring a smile to our faces. Making these adjustable from the back is also super clever.
SimpleMask4U Elastic Ear Savers
These ear saver straps look extra comfy, and can be adjusted for any necessary size. You and your kids just have to be OK with the fact that they very much look like repurposed bra straps.
Athleta Mask Holder
If your older kid or teen doesn’t want to wear a goofy lanyard, they’ll want this sporty mask bag from Athleta. It comes in three cool colors that are cool-kid approved.
Maskssqquad Aligator Masklaces
If these clasps don’t look familiar to you, it’s probably been a bit too long since your last dentist visit. Combined with camouflage, zebra print, or rainbow laces, these are ideal, lightweight mask holders.
InyShop Customized Gummi Bear Lanyards
So, yes, you can totally make these cute lanyards yourself from beads and charms and hooks available at your local craft supply store. But if you haven’t yet, are you ever going to?
Prettifox Ear Saver
These silicone straps turn ear-loop masks into around-the-head masks. This store sells them with a selection of kid-friendly characters — a unicorn, a pink paw print, two Captain Americas, an avocado, and a giraffe. Buy one or all five at once.
Basic Mask Lanyards
This adjustable lanyard set is great for the beginning of the school year. Your child is bound to lose at least two of these, so it’s a nice budget-friendly set to have on hand. The lanyards connect to the loops of the mask easily, and they can be adjusted by moving the circular button up and down.
Dr. Seuss Breakaway Lanyard
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue mask? These are also not designed for masks, but they are designed to unclasp if they’re tugged on too hard, which makes them ideal for small, accident-prone children.
‘Paw Patrol’ Breakaway Lanyard
Get little Paw Patrol fans excited to wear their mask with one of these. Party City sells these standard (as in not meant exclusively for masks) breakaway lanyards, available with many other character themes, as party favors.
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