Shopping
I was standing outside of school in the middle of February, freezing. I got to school early. Driving into the parking lot, I felt like a million dollars because I was going to have time to do all my copying, running around, prepping, and sip on my fancy coffee like the responsible teacher I usually was not. As I grabbed my overflowing teacher bag and balanced my precious latte, panic started to set in as I searched for my school badge and key. Dread washed over me as I realized that I had left my lanyard with my key and badge on the counter at home. So I waited there in the parking lot, shivering and bitterly sipping my coffee as I waited for one of my more responsible colleagues to show up and let me into the building with them.
I know I am not alone in this tragedy. Do you want to know why it happened to me so many times? Because my lanyard was a black string with a key ring tied on to the end. It was boring and forgettable, which is why I was sitting in the parking lot freezing and not leisurely making copies and prepping for the day like I planned.
Thankfully, those days are long over for me because of wonderful teacher designers and creators who make the most beautiful, functional, and intricate lanyards to go with every season, interest, or outfit.
1. It’s a Star Baby
Jill Erzig is a mom and a teacher who runs a small business creating lanyards that are truly a fashion moment. From neutral or colorful silicone beads to delicate beechwood beads, Jill has a lanyard for every style or season. Her add-ons to the lanyards are just as great as the lanyards themselves, like leather ID holders, engraved wooden custom name disks, and festive tassels.
If lanyards aren’t your style, Erzig also has a bracelet keychain option that puts all those important keys right there on your wrist. Jill also collaborates with other teachers to design with her, like Jess Golz (@teachergolz) and Bri (@honestteachervibes).
2. Modern Made Company
Kindergarten teacher Madison creates beautiful neutral wristlets, lanyards, and badge reels for your school ID. Her lanyards can come with add-ons to make this piece feel custom to you, including little tassels, cute charms, and rattan rings.
3. Scarlett of Eden
Becca is a Mental Health Counselor and the founder and creator of this wonderful business. She creates, designs, and handmakes clay beads into unique and intricate lanyards. Her colorful beads are sure to pop with any outfit and spread joy. She has designs like pencils and apples and rainbows – and she even does custom orders for whatever interests you have! When you buy from Becca, a percentage from every sale is donated to children’s mental health programs in schools. This is truly a teacher lanyard with style and purpose.
4. Terracotta Teachers
Brooke and Maddie are middle school teachers with a passion for modern, boho lanyards. These two teacher besties create beautiful lanyards with dainty and wooden beads for a truly perfect neutral look. They are now creating custom lanyards that can be personalized with your name!
5. Illy Lilly Design Company
This amazing little business was founded by a dream team. Lilly is a 10-year-old artist whose creative vision needed some direction and business sense. Enter her artist mom, Jacquie, and Haley, a full-time elementary technology teacher, and Illy Lilly Design Company was born. From Disney to Rae Dun Mugs to Star Wars to Pumpkin Spice Lattes, this little business has a lanyard for every interest and theme you desire.
And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, Illy Lilly does custom orders and makes beads that will be unique to you! One of my favorite products from this company is the DIY Lanyard Tube Kits. The women at Illy Lilly send you a tube filled with all the things you need to make your own lanyard, and you get to design your own at home! A true arts and crafts time you do not want to miss!
6. SJ’s
SJ’s is run by Sarah Jane, a library scientist who specializes in clay lanyards that are perfect for teachers. Her handmade designs are intricate and inspired by your favorite movies, shows, and characters. She has lanyards featuring Ms. Frizzle and her Magic Schoolbus, the Solar System, Monsters Inc., and Harry Potter, to name a few! Her designs are adorable, and wearing one of these lanyards will for sure get you some brownie points with your students who love these characters!
7. Buy from Beth
Bethany Clark is a student teacher working towards getting her teaching degree this year! And let me tell you, this future teacher has an amazing business started! Beth uses spherical, wooden, neutral-toned beads to create these gorgeous lanyards and can do custom designs as well. If neutral and boho is your jam, then definitely buy your teacher lanyard from Beth and support future teachers!
8. Modern Marlowe
Lauren is a Speech Language Pathologist and a business owner that creates and designs lanyards for all your teaching needs. She works with wooden beads and neutral palettes that are sure to go with whatever outfit you wear it with. Some of her lanyards do a combination of both bright and neutral, and the final look is to die for! Make sure you are following her on social media to see when she restocks because these pieces do not last long.
9. Alesia Makes
Alesia creates the brightest and happiest lanyards for your teacher ID. Her custom-designed clay beads are beautifully detailed and will be the brightest part of your day. Her lanyards are created with a strong thick cord that come in different styles and colors. You can also add tassels and little clay charms for extra uniqueness. Alesia only restocks her Etsy store once every two weeks or so, so be sure to check when that restock is coming: once the bead styles are gone, they’re gone!
Whatever your style, interests, or needs, there is a teacher lanyard for you. Don’t be the teacher locked outside the school because she forgot her boring black string that is barely a lanyard. School might not always be fun, but your lanyard with all your essentials could be.
