Buying guide for Best fridge magnets
You open the mail and receive a wedding invitation, holiday card, or postcard from a loved one on vacation. How cute! You want to put it on display so you can see it every day and be reminded of the happy occasion…on your refrigerator, perhaps? This is where a fridge magnet comes in handy.
Fridge magnets are simple and affordable knick-knacks that nearly everyone owns but rarely thinks about until they’re needed. These magnets are both decorative and useful, and it’s a good idea to keep a supply on hand. There’s a wide variety available ranging from large and ornamental to small and practical.
If you’re looking for some fridge magnets, you’ll want to know about the materials they’re made of and their uses. With a good buying guide and recommendations, you’re sure to find the right magnets to securely hold your photos, postcards, and notes.
How to buy the best fridge magnets
Fridge magnets have two main uses: functional and decorative.
Functional magnets
These serve a practical purpose, such as holding photos, shopping lists, notes, or other lightweight items where you can see them. Color-coded magnets can also be helpful in communicating with busy family members, indicating when certain chores need to be completed or if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty. If you use magnets frequently to post items on your fridge, a set of simple magnets is ideal.
Decorative magnets
More creative and colorful, these fridge magnets can be gifts or souvenirs, nostalgic ornaments, or sentimental pieces that simply sit on your refrigerator as pleasing reminders of something, such as a vacation, occasion, or friend. Decorative magnets are also functional, but because of their sentimental meaning, you might not want to risk damaging them with regular use. If you want an inexpensive souvenir or a thoughtful or funny gift, a decorative magnet is the way to go.
If you have a business, you can make business card fridge magnets, a creative and affordable way to promote your company and keep your contact information in sight.
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Materials
Some of the most common fridge magnets are thin, flat, and square with a printed image on one side and a smooth magnetic backing on the other. These are made using a mixture of powdered ferrite (a magnetizable metal substance), rubber or plastic, and varnished paper or vinyl.
However, the materials used in these magnets are nearly limitless. Almost any material can be made into one as long as it’s attached to a strong enough magnet. Some of these materials include the following:
- Acrylic
- Glass
- Plastic
- Wood
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Fabric
- Rubber
- Polyresin
These materials might be shaped or molded to look like different objects or animals attached to a magnet. They make good souvenirs, gifts, and keepsakes.
Staff Tip
If you can’t find a fridge magnet you like, you can glue a small object to a magnet and make your own. You can find lots of instructions online.
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Types
Photos, graphics, artworks
Some of the most popular types of fridge magnets are printed graphics, pictures, or famous quotes or pieces of art. These are printed on vinyl, plastic, acrylic, or other materials and come in a range of sizes. Some are as small as coins while others can be as large as a laptop. Some magnets have photos encased in transparent plastic or glass.
Holders
These simple magnets made of plastic, acrylic, or glass are designed solely to secure items to your refrigerator. They come in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns but are generally small and basic in design. They can hold lists, photos, letters, cards, or any other lightweight paper items.
Decorative objects
Many fridge magnets take the shape of animals, people, objects, or landmarks. For example, some souvenir magnets are tiny replicas of buildings like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. There are lots of magnets in the shape of mythical creatures, flowers, plants, animals, automobiles, trains, planes, and virtually any other object you can think of. These magnets are made of many materials, including plastic, ceramic, acrylic, and glass.
Wooden items
Small square, rectangular, or circular pieces of wood can also serve as fridge magnets. These are often engraved or carved with words or in the shape of animals, trees, or other objects. Some are flat and painted with words, symbols, or pictures.
Tools
Some fridge magnets are useful tools that are small enough to stick on the fridge where they remain conveniently accessible. Examples include bottle openers, corkscrews, clips, or even miniature Swiss Army knives!
Letters and words
You can also find sets of fridge magnets in the form of plastic three-dimensional letters or flat printed letters and words. These are designed to be interactive and used to spell out words or sentences on your fridge. They’re especially fun for children and a great way to stimulate creativity.
Dry erase boards and calendars
One creative form of fridge magnet includes small dry erase boards and calendars. These are helpful for organizing events and chores, planning shopping lists, or writing fun notes to other household members.
If your fridge is covered with magnets, don’t fret! You can stick your magnets to any other kitchen appliance that has a magnetic surface.
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How much do fridge magnets cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable fridge magnets cost from $3 to $15. These include single magnet souvenirs found in gift shops and sets of simple magnets that are more functional than decorative. These are made of materials like plastic, metal, and rubber.
Mid-range
These magnets cost $15 to $40. They include molded or painted pieces made of ceramic, glass, or wood. You can also find larger sets of up to 20 simple magnets in this price range that are helpful for people who regularly use a lot of magnets. Specialty magnets like letters or poetry sets fall in this price range.
Expensive
The most expensive magnets cost $40 to $70. These are typically large, colorful, and intricately designed prints that can serve as decorative art pieces for your refrigerator. In this price bracket, you can also find sets of three-dimensional magnets made of colorful plastic or resin.
Tips
- Stick fridge magnets up high if you have pets or children. Many of these magnets are small and pose a choking hazard for small children and animals. Placing them out of reach is an easy way to keep them from getting into the wrong hands (or paws).
- Use multiple magnets to hold heavier items. If one fridge magnet isn’t strong enough to hold a thick photo or card, use a couple more for extra support.
- Don’t stick magnets directly to bare stainless steel. Strong magnets can be difficult to pull off and if they slide can leave scratches on the finish. To protect the metal, only use magnets to hold paper on non-enameled stainless steel.
FAQ
Q. Why aren’t my magnets sticking to my fridge?
A. A large number of fridge doors are made using a type of stainless steel (austenitic) that isn’t magnetic. The stainless steel must be ferritic (“ferrous” indicates iron) for magnets to stick to it.
Q. How long do fridge magnets last?
A. If the magnet doesn’t break or shatter, it should remain functional for many years. The magnet is unlikely to lose its effectiveness for a very long time, so unless your fridge magnet falls and breaks, it should stay in place for years to come.
Q. Where is the best place to put fridge magnets?
A. The side of your refrigerator is the best place to put fridge magnets. Because the refrigerator doors are opened and closed so frequently, it’s more likely that magnets placed there will be accidentally bumped or knocked off. Magnets are more likely to stay safely in place on the sides of the appliance.
