How to Choose the Best Locket for Kids: A Guide from The Locket Sisters
Choosing a locket for a child is a beautiful, meaningful decision. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, milestone, grief gift, or simply to remind them that they are loved, a locket becomes a treasure they can hold close. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for a young wearer?
At The Locket Sisters, we’ve helped many families select the perfect locket for kids, and we’ve learned which features matter most: openness vs. closure, size, metal choice, and chain durability. Here’s how to pick a locket that fits both your child and the memories you want to hold inside.
1. Open Pendant or Closed Locket?
The first decision is whether you want an open pendant or a traditional locket with a door.
Open Pendants
Open pendants display the photo on the front and/or back, so kids can see the image every time they look down. These are wonderful for little ones who find comfort in seeing a loved one’s face throughout the day.
Kids tend to love them because:
- The photo is always visible
- No hinge or opening mechanism to worry about
- They feel more like “everyday jewelry” but with deep meaning
Here are our most popular open pendant lockets for kids:
The Brenda Locket
The Ozzie Clip
The Eloise Locket
The Penny Locket
Closed Lockets
Traditional lockets have a small door that opens to reveal the photo(s) inside. These are perfect for kids who like having a special “secret” or who appreciate the ritual of opening their locket.
Closed lockets are great when:
- You want to tuck the photos safely inside
- The child enjoys the idea of a “hidden treasure”
- You prefer a classic locket look
Both styles work beautifully for children—your choice depends on the personality of the child and how they’ll use their locket.
Here are our most popular closed lockets for kids:
The Little Circle
The Roxie Belle Locket
The Disco Ball Locket
The Dorothy Locket
2. Selecting the Right Size: Petite to Full-Size
Our lockets and open pendants range from .3 inches to 1.4 inches, giving you flexibility depending on your child’s age and preference.
Best Sizes for Kids
0.3"–0.5" (Petite Lockets)
Perfect for younger kids and for teens who love something tiny and lightweight. These petite lockets are sweet, subtle, and comfortable enough for everyday wear. While the photo inside is small, the sentiment is just as meaningful — and for many kids and teens, simple and minimal is exactly what they prefer.
.6"–.8" (Small to Medium Lockets)
A perfect middle ground. Big enough to hold a clear photo, small enough to be comfortable and child-friendly.
1"–1.4" (Larger Lockets)
Great for kids who want a more prominent accessory or want to hold two photos. The photo(s) in these lockets will be easier to see.
If you’re unsure, we recommend small or medium for most kids—comfortable, secure, and just the right size to grow with them.
The Evil Eye Locket
3. Gold or Silver? Choosing the Right Metal
Kids tend to be less focused on metal type and more on look and feel, but here are a few things to consider:
Sterling Silver
- Durable
- Affordable
- Classic enough to grow with them
- A great match for everyday wear
Gold Vermeil
- Beautiful warm finish
- A little more elevated in appearance
- Works especially well for gifts or special occasions
For most children, sterling silver or gold-vermeil is the ideal choice—durable, beautiful, and perfect for everyday wear. While The Locket Sisters also offers select 14K gold options, we generally don’t recommend these for kids due to the higher cost and the added risk of wear or loss. Silver and gold-vermeil provide a wonderful balance of quality, style, and practicality for little ones.
The Hope Locket
3. Choose the Right Chain: Why We Recommend The Every Day Chain
The chain is the final piece of the puzzle—and one of the most important for kids. A sturdy, comfortable chain ensures your child can wear their locket safely and confidently every day.
We now offer The Everyday Chain, which we specially recommend for children because it is:
- Extremely durable – built to withstand active play and daily adventures.
- Tangle-resistant – no more frustrating knots or kinks.
- Comfortable for everyday wear – lightweight and smooth against little necks.
- Designed for busy days – perfect for school, sports, and playdates without worry.
Available in both gold and silver, The Everyday Chain pairs beautifully with nearly every locket style. Whether your child is running, climbing, or simply wearing their locket as a special keepsake, this chain is crafted to hold up through all of life’s little adventures.
While The Everyday Chain is our standard recommendation for kids, we also offer a variety of other chains to suit different styles and preferences:
- The Original – a classic look that works with any locket.
- The Aurora – delicate and eye-catching for a subtle touch of elegance.
- The Power – ideal for a more masculine or bold style.
- The Figaro – timeless, patterned links that add character.
- Adjustable Chain (available upon request) – perfect for growing children, since the length can be customized as needed.
With so many options, you can choose the chain that not only complements your child’s locket but also fits their personality and lifestyle.
Chains can take a lot of wear and tear, especially for kids who are constantly on the move. It’s completely normal for chains to occasionally break or get snagged from everyday adventures. No worries—if that happens, you can easily replace it. We offer additional chains on our website for just $25 , so your child can continue wearing their cherished locket without missing a beat.
Choosing a Locket for a Child Is Choosing a Memory They Can Wear
No matter what style, metal, or size you choose, a locket for a child becomes more than jewelry—it becomes a reminder of connection, love, and belonging.
Whether it’s a photo of a parent, sibling, pet, grandparent, or someone they miss deeply, kids understand the meaning of a locket in a unique and heartfelt way.
At The Locket Sisters, every locket is made with intention, carefully sealed, and crafted to last—so the memories they wear stay with them as they grow.
