If someone in your house chews shirt collars, sleeves, pencils or fingernails, a chew necklace gives them something better to reach for. It sits right where it is needed, it is made to be chewed, and it looks like an everyday accessory rather than a special tool.
This guide brings together everything we get asked about chew necklaces: what they are, who uses them, how to pick the right chew strength and style, and how to look after one. If you already know what you want, browse our full chew necklace and oral sensory range.
What is a chew necklace?
A chew necklace is a pendant made to be chewed, worn on a cord around the neck. You will also see them called chewelry, chewlery, chewable necklaces or sensory chew necklaces. They are all the same idea: a durable, food-grade silicone shape that is safe to bite, easy to keep close and fun to wear.
Chew necklaces are one part of a wider group of wearable chews. Wrist bands, fabric bite bands and slap bands do the same job for people who would rather not wear something around their neck. We compare all of these further down.
Who uses chew necklaces?
Chewing is common at every age, and our customers range from preschoolers to adults.
- Kids at school. Many children chew when they are concentrating, tired or bored. A pendant gives them something appropriate to chew in class instead of a collar or pencil.
- Teenagers. Older kids usually want something that does not look like a toy. Simple shapes and darker colours can be worn without drawing attention.
- Adults. Plenty of adults chew pen lids or nails at their desk, in meetings or while studying. A discreet pendant is an easy swap. Read more in our guide to chew necklaces for adults.
- Car trips and waiting rooms. Parents often tell us a chew necklace is one of the first things they pack for long drives.
How to choose the right chew necklace
Three things matter most: how hard the person chews, their age and style, and whether a necklace is the right format at all.
1. Chew strength
Chew pendants are made in different firmness levels. Matching the firmness to the chewer is the biggest factor in how long a pendant lasts and how satisfying it feels.
| Chew strength | Best for | Pendants in this range |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Gentle or occasional chewers who like a flexible, squishy bite | Rainbow Pendant, Watermelon Pendant |
| Medium | Regular, everyday chewers. This is where most people start | Dino Pendant, Robot Pendant, Junior Heart Pendant, Snowflake Pendant, Strike Energy Pendant, Cupcake Pendant, Princess & The Pea Necklace |
| Firm | Strong, persistent chewers, teens and adults | Organic Pendant |
Not sure? Start with medium. If the pendant shows deep bite marks within the first week or two, move up to firm. If it feels too hard and gets left in a drawer, try soft.
2. Age and style
- Preschoolers (3 to 5): chunky, easy-to-hold shapes like the Dino or Junior Heart. Always check the age guidance on the product page.
- Primary school (5 to 12): this is where character shapes win. The Robot, Strike Energy and Snowflake are school favourites, and they can be tucked under a shirt.
- Teens and adults: something simple and understated. The Organic Pendant is designed for teens and adults and comes in muted colours like Smokey Black and Stormy Grey.
For kids who like to keep their hands busy as well as their mouths, the Princess & The Pea Necklace has 26 silicone beads to fidget with and chew.
3. Necklace, wrist band or something else?
A pendant is not right for everyone. Some people dislike things around their neck, some schools prefer wrist options, and some chewers prefer fabric to silicone.
| Format | Best for | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Chew necklace | People who chew collars, sleeves or pencils. Hands-free and always within reach | Pendant range |
| Chew wrist band | Anyone who would rather not wear a necklace. Looks like a regular wristband | Chewy Wrist Bands (pack of 2) |
| Fabric bite band | People who chew clothing and prefer a soft, cloth texture to silicone | Bite Band |
| Slap band | Kids who like the snap-on action as well as something to chew | Silicone Slap Band |
| Fidget necklace | Hand fidgeting only; stainless-steel beads are not designed for chewing | Caterpillar Fidget Necklace |
Quick picker: chews collars or sleeves, start with a necklace. Will not wear a necklace, try a wrist band. Chews fabric specifically, try the Bite Band. For hand fidgeting only, the Caterpillar is a separate option and must not be chewed.
What to look for in a chew necklace
- Food-grade silicone. Every pendant in our range is made from 100% food-grade silicone. Avoid cheap novelty jewellery that is not designed to be chewed.
- A breakaway cord. For children, choose a cord with a clasp that releases under pressure. Check each product page for the cord and clasp details.
- The right firmness. A pendant that is too soft for the chewer will wear out quickly. One that is too firm will not get used.
- A design they actually like. The best chew necklace is the one that gets worn. Let kids choose the shape and colour where you can.
Caring for a chew necklace
Silicone is easy to keep clean, but care instructions vary between products and cords, so follow the instructions on the product page. As a general rule, wash pendants regularly and let them dry fully before wearing.
When to replace it: check the pendant often. Replace it straight away if you see tears, cracks, bite marks that go right through, or any missing pieces. How long a pendant lasts depends on the chewer. A gentle chewer may keep one for months, while a strong chewer may need a firmer pendant or a replacement within weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between chewelry and a chew necklace?
There is no difference. Chewelry (sometimes spelt chewlery) is simply a name for jewellery made to be chewed. Chew necklaces are the most popular type.
What age are chew necklaces suitable for?
Our range covers young children through to adults, but each pendant has its own age guidance. Check the product page before buying, and always supervise young children while they wear a necklace.
Which chew strength should I choose?
Start with medium. If the pendant shows deep bite marks within a week or two, move up to a firm pendant like the Organic Pendant. If it feels too hard, try a soft pendant like the Rainbow or Watermelon.
Can adults wear chew necklaces?
Yes. The Organic Pendant is designed for teens and adults, with a firm chew and a simple shape in muted colours. Chewy Wrist Bands and the Bite Band are also popular with adults.
Can kids wear a chew necklace to school?
Most schools are happy for students to wear one, especially on a breakaway cord. If a necklace is not allowed, a wrist band is an easy alternative. It is worth letting the teacher know so they understand what it is for.
How long does a chew necklace last?
It depends on how hard it is chewed. Gentle chewers may get many months from a pendant, while strong chewers may wear one out in weeks. Inspect it often and replace it as soon as you see tears or missing pieces.
Find your chew necklace
Ready to choose? Browse every chew necklace, wrist band and bite band in one place, with chew strength and age guidance on each product page.
We are a retailer, not a healthcare provider. For personalised advice about chewing, talk to your occupational therapist or health professional.