Create a personalized teacher appreciation gift they’ll actually use with this trendy DIY lip gloss keychain.
Every year, when back-to-school season or Teacher Appreciation Week rolls around, I find myself searching for teacher gifts that feel a little more thoughtful than another mug or candle.
Recently, I started seeing DIY lip gloss keychains all over social media, and I immediately knew I wanted to make my own. Not only are they practical and adorable, but they’re also completely customizable and surprisingly easy to assemble.
For my version, I paired colorful lip balm with school-themed lanyards, fun charms, coordinating ribbon, and even a gift card. As a result, the finished gift feels personal, useful, and much more special than something picked up at the last minute.
If you’re looking for an easy DIY teacher gift that’s affordable without looking homemade, this project is definitely worth trying.
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Why You’ll Love This DIY Teacher Gift
There are so many reasons this project has become one of my favorite teacher gift ideas.
- Beginner-friendly
- Takes less than 15 minutes to assemble
- Budget-friendly
- Completely customizable
- Perfect for teachers, bus drivers, aides, coaches, and coworkers
Even better, teachers can clip the finished keychain directly onto their lanyard, badge holder, or keys and use it every day.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Lip gloss (I used e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm)
- ID badge holder or card holder keychain
- Decorative charms
- Jump rings
- Needle nose pliers
- Safety pin or push pin
- Teacher-themed ribbon or bows
- Lanyard
- Gift card (optional)
Step 1: Create the Hole
First, carefully poke a hole through the sealed top seam of the lip gloss tube.
Since you’re only going through the sealed edge, you won’t puncture the product itself.
Next, make sure the opening is just large enough for your jump ring to slide through comfortably.
Step 2: Attach the Lip Gloss
Using needle nose pliers, gently twist open a jump ring.
Pro Tip: Rather than pulling the jump ring apart, twist it sideways. This simple trick helps the ring keep its circular shape and makes it much easier to close neatly later.
After that, thread the jump ring through the hole in the lip gloss before attaching it to your badge holder or keychain.
Finally, use the pliers to twist the jump ring closed until both ends sit completely flush. A properly closed jump ring keeps everything secure while giving the finished project a much more polished look.
Step 3: Add Your Charms
Now comes the fun part—customizing your keychain!
I made two slightly different versions.
Version One
For my first keychain, I added three charms.
Because the badge holder had a longer strap, I spaced the charms along the length before trimming away the extra material. As a result, the finished keychain had a fun, layered look.
Version Two
For my second version, I kept the design a little simpler.
Instead, I used just two charms and attached everything near the top of the badge holder. Afterward, I removed the remaining excess strap, creating a cleaner and more compact finished design.
Honestly, both versions turned out adorable, so it really comes down to your personal preference.
Step 4: Attach the Lanyard
Once the keychains were finished, I clipped each one onto a coordinating teacher-themed lanyard.
Not only does this make the gift more functional, but it also gives teachers an easy way to keep their lip balm close throughout the school day.
Step 5: Add Decorative Ribbon
To make each gift feel even more special, I tied a coordinating teacher-themed ribbon around the top of each lanyard.
Although it’s a simple finishing touch, it instantly makes the gift look more polished and gift-ready.
Optional: Add a Gift Card
If you’re putting these together for back-to-school or Teacher Appreciation Week, consider adding a small gift card inside the badge holder.
Coffee shops, bookstores, Target, Amazon, or local restaurants all make great options.
That one extra addition turns an already thoughtful DIY into a complete teacher gift.
My Biggest Tip
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s this:
Only open each jump ring once.
Although it can be tempting to keep adjusting it, repeatedly opening and closing the metal causes it to lose its shape.
Instead, twist it open just enough to slide everything into place before closing it until the ends meet perfectly. The result is a stronger connection and a much more professional-looking finish.
Ways to Customize
One of my favorite things about this DIY lip gloss keychain is how easy it is to personalize.
Try adding:
- Apple charms
- Pencil charms
- Coffee cup charms
- Initial charms
- School mascot colors
- Personalized ribbon
- Favorite lip gloss brands
- Matching lanyards
Because there are so many combinations, no two gifts have to look exactly alike.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, these are some of the cutest teacher gifts I’ve made.
Not only are they useful and inexpensive, but they also feel much more personal than grabbing something off a store shelf.
Even better, once you’ve made your first one, you’ll be surprised by how quickly the rest come together.
Whether you’re creating one for your child’s teacher, a coworker, or even yourself, this easy DIY teacher gift is guaranteed to get compliments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any lip gloss?
Yes! Just make sure the tube has a sealed top seam so you can safely create a hole without puncturing the product.
Do I need special jewelry tools?
Not at all. Needle nose pliers are the only specialty tool you’ll need, along with a safety pin, push pin, or another sharp tool to create the hole.
What’s the best way to open a jump ring?
Always twist the jump ring sideways instead of pulling it apart. Doing so helps maintain its shape and makes it easier to close securely.
Can I personalize these?
Absolutely! Simply switch out the charms, ribbon, lanyard, or even the lip gloss color to match your recipient’s personality, favorite colors, or school theme.
