Magnets are one of the most fascinating and practical items you can buy at Walmart or any major retailer. With their ability to attract and repel objects, magnets have a wide range of uses in the home, office, classroom and beyond. In fact, according to a report by Grand View Research, the global magnet market size was valued at over USD 31.3 billion in 2019 and is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I‘ve spent countless hours scouring the shelves of Walmart and other stores in search of the best magnets for every occasion. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insider tips and tricks for finding, selecting and using magnets like a pro.
The Science of Magnets
But first, let‘s take a quick crash course on the science behind how magnets actually work. Magnets are materials that produce an invisible force field called a magnetic field. This field is created by the motion of electrons within the atoms of certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt.
When a magnetic material is exposed to a strong enough external magnetic field, the atoms align themselves in the same direction as the field, creating a permanent magnet. The strength of a magnet depends on factors like its size, shape, and the type of material it‘s made from.
Magnets come in many different forms, from the simple bar and horseshoe shapes to more complex configurations like rings and discs. The two main categories of magnets are:
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Permanent magnets – These magnets are made from hard ferromagnetic materials like alnico or neodymium and retain their magnetic properties indefinitely. They can be found in everything from motors and generators to toys and jewelry clasps.
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Temporary magnets – Also known as soft magnets, these are made from softer ferromagnetic materials that can be easily magnetized and demagnetized. They‘re commonly used in electrical transformers and electromagnets.
Now that you have a basic understanding of magnet science, let‘s dive into where to find the best magnets for your needs.
Where to Find Magnets at Walmart
As the world‘s largest retailer, Walmart is a one-stop-shop for all your magnet needs. With over 4,700 stores across the U.S. and a vast online selection, Walmart offers an impressive variety of magnets at unbeatable prices.
Some of the most common types of magnets you can find at Walmart include:
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Ceramic craft magnets – These small, disc-shaped magnets are perfect for DIY projects and come in multipacks of varying sizes. Prices start at under $2 for a set of 50 magnets.
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Rare earth magnets – Made from powerful neodymium or samarium cobalt, these ultra-strong magnets have a variety of industrial, scientific and hobby uses. Walmart sells individual magnets and assortment packs ranging from $5-$20.
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Flexible magnetic sheets – These thin, pliable sheets can be cut to size and used to create custom magnetic signs, labels, and crafts. Walmart carries magnetic sheets in various sizes and colors starting at around $5.
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Decorative magnets – From cute characters to inspirational phrases, Walmart has a huge selection of decorative fridge magnets to add personality to your space. Prices range from $1 for individual magnets to $10-$15 for themed sets.
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Magnetic hooks and clips – These strong, damage-free magnets are ideal for hanging keys, jewelry, and other lightweight items. Walmart offers a variety of styles and sizes starting at just a few dollars each.
To locate magnets in Walmart stores, start by checking the following departments:
- Office Supplies – Look for magnets near desk organizers, pushpins, and bulletin boards
- Arts & Crafts – Magnets are often stocked with kid‘s craft kits, paints, and sketchbooks
- Hardware – Head to the tool section for heavy-duty magnets and magnetic tool holders
- Toys – Educational magnet sets and magnetic building toys can be found in the toy aisles
- Seasonal – During back-to-school season, look for locker magnets and other dorm essentials
- Checkout – Don‘t forget to scan the impulse buy racks for magnet trinkets and gadgets
If you‘re having trouble finding what you need, don‘t hesitate to use the Walmart app to search for magnets and pinpoint their exact location in the store. You can also ask a sales associate for assistance or order magnets from Walmart.com for home delivery or curbside pickup.
Comparing Magnet Selections at Other Retailers
While Walmart may be the most convenient place to buy magnets, it‘s not the only game in town. Here‘s a quick rundown of what you can expect to find at other major retailers:
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Target – With a focus on trendy, design-driven products, Target offers a curated selection of decorative magnets, magnetic boards, and magnet sets. Prices are slightly higher than Walmart but the quality and aesthetic appeal may be worth the extra cost.
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Amazon – As the largest online retailer, Amazon has an enormous selection of magnets in every category imaginable. You can find everything from cheap craft magnets to rare earth magnets with pulling forces of over 600 lbs. Just be sure to read reviews carefully and buy from reputable sellers.
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Office Supply Stores – Chains like Staples and Office Depot carry a wide variety of magnets geared towards professional and educational use. Look for heavy-duty hook magnets, magnetic labels, and magnetic whiteboards in the $10-$50 range.
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Craft Stores – Stores like Michael‘s and Hobby Lobby are a treasure trove of decorative magnets, magnetic sheets, and DIY magnet kits. Prices are higher than Walmart but the selection and quality may be worth it for avid crafters.
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Hardware Stores – Home improvement centers like Lowe‘s and Home Depot stock powerful neodymium magnets and magnetic tools in the $5-$30 range. These stores are also a good source for magnetic vent covers, door catches, and other specialty magnets.
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Dollar Stores – While the selection is more limited, most dollar stores carry multipacks of basic ceramic craft magnets that can be used for a variety of projects. At just $1 per pack, these are an affordable option for teachers, parents, and anyone on a tight budget.
No matter where you choose to shop, it pays to compare prices, read reviews, and carefully consider your intended use before buying magnets.
Creative Ways to Use Magnets Around the House
Now that you know where to find the best magnets, let‘s talk about some fun and practical ways to put them to use. Here are a few of my favorite magnet hacks:
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Create a magnetic spice rack – Attach small neodymium magnets to the bottom of spice jars and stick them to a metal sheet or magnetic knife strip for easy access while cooking.
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Make your own magnetic poetry – Write words on ceramic magnets with a permanent marker or buy pre-made word magnet kits for endless creative expression on the fridge.
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Organize your makeup – Glue magnets to the back of makeup compacts and palettes and store them on a magnetic board for a clutter-free vanity.
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Display kids‘ artwork – Use colorful magnetic clips or clear acrylic frames with magnetic backs to easily swap out and showcase your child‘s latest masterpieces.
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Create a magnetic tool holder – Attach strong neodymium magnets to the wall or underside of a shelf to keep frequently used tools like screwdrivers and pliers within easy reach.
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Make a magnetic key rack – Mount a decorative magnetic strip near the front door to catch keys, mail, and other small items as you walk in.
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Organize office supplies – Use magnetic containers and trays to sort paper clips, pushpins, and other small office essentials on your desk or filing cabinet.
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Label food storage containers – Write contents and expiration dates on adhesive magnetic labels and stick them to the lid or side of plastic storage containers in the fridge or pantry.
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Hang holiday lights and decorations – Use magnetic hooks to quickly attach string lights, garlands, and other temporary decor without damaging walls or surfaces.
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Create an interactive play scene – Arrange magnetic building tiles or character magnets on a baking sheet or magnetic whiteboard to encourage imaginative play and storytelling.
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to using magnets around the home. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can organize, display, and decorate to your heart‘s content.
Caring for Your Magnets
To keep your magnets in top shape and maximize their lifespan, follow these simple care tips:
- Store magnets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Keep magnets away from electronics, credit cards, and other magnetic-sensitive items
- Avoid dropping or banging magnets together, as this can cause them to crack or lose strength
- Wipe magnets clean with a soft, dry cloth as needed
- Store magnets separately or with a barrier in between to prevent them from sticking together and potentially breaking
- Use caution when handling strong neodymium magnets, as they can cause injury if they snap together or pinch skin
- Dispose of old or broken magnets properly by recycling or taking them to a hazardous waste facility
With proper care and storage, your magnets should provide years of reliable use and enjoyment.
The Bottom Line on Buying Magnets
As you can see, magnets are a incredibly versatile and practical item to have on hand for a variety of household needs. Whether you‘re organizing, crafting, or just adding a touch of personality to your space, you can find the perfect magnets for the job at Walmart and many other major retailers.
When shopping for magnets, consider factors like strength, size, material, and intended use to ensure you‘re getting the best value for your money. Don‘t be afraid to read reviews, compare prices, and experiment with different types of magnets to find what works best for you.
I hope this guide has given you the knowledge and inspiration you need to become a savvy magnet shopper and user. Happy shopping!
