Crafts
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Refrigerator Magnet?

Kate Monteith
Kate Monteith

A refrigerator magnet is a small magnetic device used to hold various household papers against a kitchen appliance. Refrigerator magnets will stick to a dishwasher, file cabinet, or almost any smooth metal surface. Also called kitchen magnets, they can be used to hold shopping lists, coupons, photos, children’s art projects, or important reminders. Even a message of love can be secured to the fridge with a handy, decorative magnet.

It’s pretty routine for most folks to visit the kitchen several times a day, making the door of a refrigerator a great place to post noteworthy papers. Magnets on a fridge offer an ingenious alternative to the typical bulletin board setup. The door and sides of a refrigerator offer considerable billboard space, allowing several notes to be posted at once. No pins or tape are necessary, just a big enough refrigerator magnet to hold each item securely.

Refrigerator magnets may be used to hold papers against a kitchen appliance.
Refrigerator magnets may be used to hold papers against a kitchen appliance.

There are so many styles of refrigerator magnets available, it would be impossible to name them all. Small magnets can be glued to almost any item: seashells, rocks, simulated food items, flowers, animals, cartoon characters, or any other small knick-knack imaginable. Refrigerator magnet collectors generally have little trouble amassing any type of magnet desired. Crafty types can easily make their own with parts available in any hobby store or arts and crafts store.

Magnetic word tiles, also known as poetry magnets, are a popular type of refrigerator magnet.
Magnetic word tiles, also known as poetry magnets, are a popular type of refrigerator magnet.

Kitchen magnets are often sold on spinning racks, with certain types organized into specific groups. One of the most popular styles has children’s names on them, making the perfect complement to a cherished crayon drawing. The standard names are usually available, and organized alphabetically for convenience.

Refrigerator magnets are not always used to hold a piece of paper, sometimes the magnets stand alone as art. One example is known as magnetic poetry. Poetry magnets are sold as a group of individual magnetized words that can be artistically arranged and rearranged to make unique poems.

Some business people have discovered magnetized business cards. While the typical paper business card is often stuffed in a drawer or thrown out with the trash, consumers are more likely to retain a business card that has a functional use. Refrigerator magnet cards are both novel and useful. Office supply stores sell sheets of magnetic business cards that work in most home printers. There are also numerous online printers that will make magnetic business cards.

Refrigerator magnets are commonly given out as a novelty gift. Flat pieces of magnetized material can be imprinted with an ad or message that consumers can stick to their refrigerators as a reminder. These lightweight kitchen magnets can be mailed to potential customers, or included with an order, such as with a pizza delivery. Once the advertisement is affixed in a kitchen, it can remain for years, making the refrigerator magnet an especially-long-lasting marketing tool.

Discussion Comments

anon84137

this is an item that can stick thin things.

e.g. paper, etc.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Refrigerator magnets may be used to hold papers against a kitchen appliance.
      By: Feng Yu
      Refrigerator magnets may be used to hold papers against a kitchen appliance.
    • Magnetic word tiles, also known as poetry magnets, are a popular type of refrigerator magnet.
      By: Microstock Man
      Magnetic word tiles, also known as poetry magnets, are a popular type of refrigerator magnet.