How to Build the Perfect Custom Name Tag (and Why Kids Are Obsessed with the Charm Add-Ons)

If you've been searching for a gift that actually means something — or you're just tired of accessories that look exactly like everyone else's — personalised name tags are having a serious moment.

At Orla & Co, we've just levelled up our signature custom name tags with something that makes them even more personal: charm add-ons. And if the reaction from kids (and their parents) is anything to go by, we think you're going to love it.

What Is a Custom Name Tag?

Our name tags are small, lightweight acrylic accessories that you completely personalise — starting with the background colour, then adding your name, nickname, or any word you choose (up to 20 characters), and finishing with up to 5 charm add-ons from our charm library.

They're not quite a necklace, not quite a keyring — they're their own thing. Light enough to clip to a bag or backpack, personal enough that every single one is different.

How to Build Your Own — Step by Step

We made the whole process as fun as possible. Here's how it works on our Build Your Tag page:

Step 1: Choose Your Colour

We have 8 background colours to choose from — from soft pink and pale blue to bold purple and forest green. Pick whatever matches your vibe (or your team colours, or your favourite colour — no rules here).

Step 2: Enter Your Name

Type in your name, nickname, or any word up to 20 characters. "Mia", "Coach Sarah", "BFF", "Lucky #7" — we've seen it all. This is where the personalisation really starts.

Step 3: Pick Your Charms

This is the part kids go absolutely wild for. Choose up to 5 charms at $3 each from five categories:

• Nature & Animals — butterflies, flowers, paw prints, and more
• Sports & Activities — footballs, ballet shoes, gymnastics ribbons
• Fun & Quirky — rainbows, stars, lightning bolts, little ghosts
• Food & Sweet Things — ice creams, cupcakes, watermelons
• BFF & Love — hearts, best friend symbols, matching sets ($5 per pair)

Mix and match across categories — there's no wrong combination. Your charm selections are noted at checkout so we make it exactly as you designed it.

Why the Charm Add-Ons Have Been Such a Hit

When Orla first started making name tags, the personalisation was in the name and the colour. That was enough to make each one feel special. But the question we kept hearing — especially from younger customers — was: "Can I add something to it?"

The charms are the answer to that question. They turn a lovely personalised accessory into something that tells a story. A sporty kid picks their sport. A nature lover loads up on flowers and butterflies. Best friends pick matching heart charms. It sounds simple, but the combinations are endless — and that's the whole point.

Every name tag already comes with 1 free charm included, so even the base version has a little something extra. Additional charms are $3 each, up to 5 total.

Who Is This Perfect For?

Honestly? Almost anyone who loves personalised things. But here are the situations we see most:

• Birthdays — let the birthday kid design their own, or design one you think they'll love
• End of school year gifts — a great alternative to generic presents from teachers or teammates
• Sports teams & dance studios — we do bulk custom orders for teams who want matching name tags (great for identifying gear and building team spirit)
• Best friend sets — matching name tags with BFF charms, each personalised with their own name
• Just because — honestly, kids don't need a reason. If they love personalised things, they'll love this.

Charm Combo Ideas to Get You Started

Not sure where to start with charm choices? Here are a few combinations that have been really popular:

• The Nature Girl: butterfly + flower + paw print + rainbow + sun
• The Athlete: football + lightning bolt + star + trophy + your sport's charm
• The Foodie: ice cream + cupcake + watermelon + pizza + star
• The BFF Set: matching hearts on both tags + one charm each that represents the friendship
• The Minimalist: just 1 or 2 charms — a star and a flower. Clean and cute.

What Does a Custom Name Tag Cost?

A name tag starts at $10, which includes your colour choice, your name, and 1 free charm. Additional charms are $3 each (up to 5 total), and BFF charm pairs are $5. We offer free US shipping on orders over $30.

So a fully loaded name tag with 5 charms comes to $22 — and there's genuinely nothing else quite like it.

Ready to Build Yours?

Head over to our Build Your Tag page to start designing. Pick your colour, type your name, choose your charms — it takes about two minutes and the result is completely one of a kind.

And if you're ordering for a team, a class, or a group gift, get in touch through our Custom Orders page — we'd love to help make something special for your group.