Friendship bracelet ideas for matching pairs, from best friends to mums and daughters

A pair of custom friendship bracelets is two bracelets made to go together, one for each of you. What makes a pair feel personal is the detail: the colours you pick, the names or words on the beads and who it's for. Here are some ideas for different kinds of pairs, using bracelets we make to order in our Berkshire studio.

How to order a matching pair

On many of our name bracelets there's a "Make it a matching pair" option on the product page. It adds a second bracelet with a second name to the same order, and the page shows the price of the second bracelet before you add it. If you'd like the two bracelets in different colours or sizes, add each one to your bag separately.

For best friends

The Matching Bracelet Set is designed for two friends or a couple who want to stay connected, even at a distance. It comes in eleven colour pairings, such as dark blue and white or lilac and white, and you can also ask for a custom colour. Each bracelet can carry a name or a short word.

Wording ideas for best friends:

• Each other's names, so you each wear the other person's

• Matching initials, such as K&R

• A nickname only the two of you use

• The year you met

• One word each that finishes the other's, like BEST and FRIEND

If you'd rather skip sizing altogether, the You Are Loved Bracelet and the Avocado Charm Wish Bracelet are both made on an adjustable nylon cord, and both have the matching pair option. The avocado is a good one for a friend you share an in-joke with.

For mums and daughters

The Round Bead Custom Bracelet takes a name or a family title such as Mum, Mama or Nan. It comes in sizes from a toddler size (5.5 to 6 inches) up to 8.5 inches, so the same style can be ordered for a parent and a young child. One way to word it is MUM on one and the child's name on the other, or MINI and MAMA.

For an older daughter, let her pick the colours, so it's something she'd choose to wear anyway. Please don't give bead jewellery to a child who still puts things in their mouths.

For brothers and sisters

The Personalised Pastel Beaded Bracelet is made for big and little brothers and sisters. You choose a matte or glossy finish and a star or flower bead, so siblings can have the same bracelet with their own name, or each pick a different finish. It comes in sizes from 6 to 8.5 inches.

For long-distance friends

When you can't see each other often, a pair is a way to say you're thinking of them. The Adjustable Bear Hug Bracelet has a small teddy bear on an adjustable nylon cord, in green, blue, pink, orange or red. Get two in the same colour, or one each in your favourite. Order them together, then post one with a short note and keep the other.

For couples

A pair for a couple doesn't have to be identical. The Adjustable Rose Quartz Wife Bracelet is made on an adjustable nylon cord, and rose quartz is often associated with love. The I Lava You Tiger's Eye & Lava Rock Bracelet is on an adjustable black cord and comes on an "I Lava You" gift card. Together they make a pair that suits two different styles. For more on this, see our post on matching bracelets for couples and close friends.

A few tips before you order

• Check the spelling twice. We thread exactly what you type, up to 14 characters, using letters, numbers and the symbols ♥ & : !.

• Think about both wrists. If one of you has a much bigger or smaller wrist, choose a sized style and set each size, or choose an adjustable cord style.

• Keep the colours wearable. Pick a colour each of you already wears.

You can browse every pair in matching sets, and our Christmas gift guide groups gifts for friends and family by person and budget. UK delivery is free with Royal Mail. Personalised bracelets are made and posted within 1 to 2 working days.

Questions people ask

What is a custom friendship bracelet?

It's a friendship bracelet made with details you choose, usually names, initials or a short word in letter beads, plus colours that suit you both. Ours are handmade to order.

Can we have two different names?

Yes, on many of our name bracelets. Use "Make it a matching pair" on the product page and add the second name. Both bracelets come in the same order.

Can matching bracelets be different colours?

Yes. Add each bracelet to your bag separately and choose a colour for each one.

Are there friendship bracelets that don't need a wrist size?

Yes. The You Are Loved, Avocado and Bear Hug bracelets are made on an adjustable nylon cord.