Guide

5 handy items that make for great bag charms

5.2.2025

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Don’t want to spend money on new bag charms? I get it. Try these five things you probably already have at home instead.

The bag trend of the moment is more playful than it’s been in a long time. So don’t hold back with the cuddly toys, Tamagotchis, pearl necklaces and anything else you can think of. What counts is that your bag’s as unique as you. Ironically, the bag charm boom has led to people reaching for prefab pendant bundles, and now, everything looks the same again.

That’s why I think it’s best to incorporate things you already own as decoration and, at best, go for handy items. Not only does this create a casual stylish look, it’s also wonderfully authentic and will cost you nothing. So which everyday objects are particularly suitable as bag charms? Here are five I like:

1. Headphones

Back in 2023, I already wrote about the fashion potential of cable headphones. Because of the bag charm trend, you’ll often see nostalgic earpods wrapped around the handles of bags. This looks cool and is also handy, as the cables don’t get tangled as they do if you just throw them in the bag. If you’re more of a wireless person, you can loop over-ears around the handle of your bag instead or attach a pretty Airpod case pendant.

Earpods as a functional accessory.
Source: Instagram @katyaklema

How about dangling Airpods Max from the handle?
Source: Instagram @Launchmetrics/Spotlight

2. Hair claws

If you have a long mane, you’ll know just how handy hair claws can be. And what could be handier than keeping it at arm’s length clipped to the strap of your bag? Considering how beautiful some hair claws and clips are, it almost seems a shame to hide them away in your bag anyway.

Hair claw clipped to the handle: practical and cute.
Source: Instagram @iamrheabue

3. Sunglasses

Have you ever thought of attaching your sunglasses to the outside of your bag when they’re not in use? This looks chic, won’t ruin your hairstyle and will save you lugging around a bulky case. Just make sure you can close the temples completely, otherwise the glasses could slip off. However, if you’re attaching them to thin metal rings or narrow loops or handles, they’re likely to sit firmly in place. If your bag doesn’t offer a good place for them, you could use a snap hook.

Three everyday objects as bag charms.
Source: Instagram @shinzhyun

4. Caps

Adjustable caps are easy to attach to bags thanks to their fastener. Plus they’ll give your look a sporty touch. At the same time, you’ll have a hat to hand in case the sun comes out or the day turns into a bad hair day. The cap will also stay in shape, unlike when it’s stuffed into a bag.

Caps really cut it as a bag accessory.
Source: Instagram @pernilleteisbaek

5. Keys

A bunch of keys reveals a lot about its owner, making it the perfect item to add a personal touch to your bag. Not to mention bonus points for no longer having to rummage through the chaos that is your bag when you’re in front of the door with full hands. Attached to a snap hook, keys can also be easily removed.

Sunglasses and a bunch of keys complement the playful bag charms perfectly.
Source: Instagram @livia

Header image: Launchmetrics/Spotlight/Coach

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Stephanie Vinzens

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Stephanie.Vinzens@digitecgalaxus.ch

Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.

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