The Best Lanyard
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Our Picks For The Top Lanyards
- 1. Wisdompro Easy Attach Lightweight Lanyards, 5-Pack
- 2. kdracoip 6-In-1 Sensitive Skin Lanyards, 2-Pack
- 3. KEYLION Flexible Transparent Card Lanyard, 3-Pack
- 4. Hidden Hollow Beads Fashion Magnetic Lanyard
- 5. Vera Bradley Mask Clip Lightweight Lanyard
- 6. Buttonsmith Van Gogh Painting Lanyard
- 7. HOSL Braided Vinyl Cord Lanyard, 100-Pack
- 8. Thread Wallets Fine Line Key Chain Lanyard
Whether you need to keep your card, cellphone or car keys close at hand, this set of lanyards has you covered. There are five total lanyards in each set, making it an excellent choice for families or office staff. You can even get the set in one of 10 different color options.
Budget-Friendly PickYou'll pay the least per piece when you opt for this lanyard multi-pack.
Not only are the straps on this lanyard set wider, but they also features cute prints. Choose the blue flower, Boho or cow print, or go with the leopard spots instead. Each set features a large lanyard, a wrist lanyard and two keychains.
Cute PrintsThis lanyard set is extremely versatile and can be used by families, teachers, athletes and store managers.
In this set, you'll get three retractable lanyards, each with an attached badge reel, and six plastic badge holders to ensure you always have a spare on hand.
Best for WorkThis three-piece lanyard set includes six clear plastic badge holders.
If you're looking for a reliable lanyard that is designed to last, opt for this chain. It's made from a strong stainless steel that is also quite attractive. In fact, it's designed to resemble a piece of jewelry, so you can successfully combine style and functionality.
Most DurableThe clip on this lanyard contains both a key ring and a swivel hook.
Buying Guide
Biometrics have yet to take over building and home security, which means we still need ID badges. You may also need a card to give you access to locked doors. But digging your cards out of your pocket or bag can be cumbersome, especially if you have to do it multiple times a day, and some buildings require employees to have an ID badge on display at all times while on the premises.
Lanyards make the process of carting around badges and cards easy. You can also use them for holding money, credit cards and your ID when you’re going out for the evening. Not having to use a purse or bulky billfold can be a huge relief if you’re walking from one place to another or dancing.
But one of the most common uses for lanyards is at large gatherings like conferences and tradeshows. Attendees need a way to display their names and affiliations when interacting with others. In these environments, lanyards and badges serve as a way to immediately identify those who have paid to attend, versus those who might sneak in. If you’re buying lanyards for an event, you may opt to go with the standard black nylon lanyard with an inexpensive J-hook since you’ll be buying in bulk.
What to Look For
- Before you buy a lanyard, make sure you know how you’ll be using it. Some are designed merely to support a lightweight plastic badge holder, which means money, plastic and access cards could be too much for the hook on the end.
- The material of the lanyard can vary from braided nylon to a silky smooth flat material. The latter can be really important if you’re wearing your lanyard all day, every day, especially if you have sensitive skin. A softer material will lay better on the skin of your neck. If you’re only wearing your lanyard for a few hours or one event, this won’t factor into your decision as much.
- Some lanyards come in sets of three or more. This can come in handy if you want one to leave at the office and one at home, while keeping one as a spare.
- There is a wide range of lanyard designs to choose from. You can choose solid colors, but you’ll also find plenty with bold, vibrant prints that show off your personal style.
- Pay close attention to the length of the lanyard. Not everyone is the same height, and if you’re on the shorter or taller side, you may find your ID badge doesn’t land on an area of the body that’s comfortable.
More to Explore
Lanyards have been around much longer than the business conferences and tradeshows that now rely on them. With a name that originated from the French word for strap, “laniere,” lanyards started in the 1500s, when French soldiers and pirates wore them to keep their whistles, pistols and swords close at hand.
In the 1950s, lanyards became popular in both France and America for teaching children to tie knots.
Today’s lanyards aren’t just used for practical reasons, though. They’ve also been seen on the runway, with designers like Louis Vuitton doing their own takes on them. For workers and children required to wear lanyards with their uniforms, choosing a lanyard with bold prints or adding some bling to them can be a form of personal expression.
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