Mobile phone charm
Mobile phone charms (also cell phone charms, phone danglers, phone lanyards and phone straps) are charms that are connected to a mobile phone using a small strap, a band knotted with a Cow hitch knot, or lanyard. Many phones have a loop hole through which a strap can be attached. In Japan they are known as "keitai straps" (携帯ストラップ). Phone straps have now become a cultural phenomenon beyond their basic utilities, and they may be decorated or themed with famous characters such as animation heroes or Hello Kitty. Phone straps may also have additions to add additional functions such as detecting ghosts, carrying medicine pills or mobile gardening.
History
Phone charms were first popular in Japan and later, in the United States. They are gradually becoming popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In recent years, it has been popular to accessorize a phone this way, and Maki-e stickers are also becoming more common, especially in Japan, and to a lesser extent, Asia.
Types of charms
There are a variety of charms available, such little figurine characters, rhinestone crystal charms, and small teddy bears. Some charms flash or light up when the phone rings. Many charms also have a small bell attached and there are charms available in Gashapon machines, many of which are based on characters from various popular franchises, such as video games. There are also some charms which you can put on your finger to clean your cellphone display.