Shaped Paper Clips

• What Are Shaped Paper Clips?
• Materials, Sizes and Prices
• Technology and workmanship
• The Colors of Shaped Paper Clips
• Terms of Minimum Quantity
• How to Customize Paper Clips?
• Payment Options
• Packaging Options
• Contact & Inquire Us

Shaped Paper Clips

Shaped Paper Clips refer to those wire or metal paper clips made into various shapes through wire or sheetmetal forming technology: animals, Christmas, cartoon characters, plants, vehicles, logos, etc. The shapes can be made by bent wires or sheet metals in iron, brass or stainless steel, etc. The size range is generally from 25 to 35 in millimeter. And special specifications in either mini or larger could be also possible, owing to its excellent ductility and malleability in material. Unlike traditional paper clips, which are typically just a single piece of bent wire formed into a couple of loops to hold papers together, shaped paper clips are designed to resemble objects, animals, symbols, or other creative designs.

Compared with those conventional, dreary, toneless styles which obviously can’t fully satisfy diversified market demands, these shaped paper clips are greatly cuter, more creative, stylish and impressive. The use of these fun paper clips is just like adding spicies into your boring working days to help alleviate the pressure. Also, they are flexible on customization of making them into different outlines, sizes, materials and colors which would be not only terrific for your paperwork, but also a creative way for companies, or the individuality of your business to stand out from the clutter of market, promoting brand publicity and visibility. They’re often made from the same materials as regular paper clips—usually metal wire, sometimes vinyl-coating or colored finishes—but the wire is bent into these recognizable shapes while still retaining the functionality of holding sheets of paper together.

Whether you are looking for generic shapes already exists in our collection, or a special clip in special logo or name outline for your next special event or promotion, both of them technologically would not be a problem. The only thing holding us back is your vision. If you can dream it, we can make it!

Also, what is a paper clip used for? Just as mentioned above, these cute shaped paper clips have more uses than those conventional ones seen around us:

• Creative Stationery - Great for paper and accounting work in any organizations: hotels, restaurants, schools, offices, bookstores, binding papers, and numbering pages. A novel way to keep documents organized, facilitating you to work effectively. They can hold documents like traditional paper clips and secure papers or stack thin files. Whether it’s securing a few pages of notes, receipts, or a small stack of documents, they work by slipping over the edges and gripping the paper with their bent wire design. Different shapes, especially sizes may adapt to varying thicknesses. Also these shaped paper clips also can categorize and label papers by using shapes (e.g., animals for kids’ books, stars for key documents) to visually classify files.
• Decorative Accessories – The best decoration for any gift books, scrapbooks, envelopes, DIY greeting or invitation cards, journals, acting as bookmarks, or adding 3D elements to collages. Or they can be used to decorate gift packaging toppers by replacing ribbons or stickers in favor of any party or event as cute ornaments to foster an atmosphere. They can be also used for home decoration by stringing into garlands, lampshades, or wall art installations.
• Business Gifts – They are also fantastic event favors to show affection to employees, customers, visitors in various occasions: receptions, conferences, celebrations, holidays, etc. They are terrific for social and gifting as event souvenirs. For example, custom paper clips in heart shapes could be for weddings. It's also an impressive way to for emotional expression by sending messages via custom shapes (letters, hearts, anniversary symbols). They’re often included in gift bags, party favors, or themed stationery sets. For example, cartoon shaped paper clips might be a hit at a kid’s cartoon-themed birthday party or as a small token for a cartoon enthusiast.
• Promotional Gifts – Shaped paper clips have a unique and practical role as promotional items, helping businesses or brands enhance their visibility in a cost-effective and eye-catching way. They are perfect for next promotion to show the individuality of your business, getting your ideas across with custom logo paper clips. These fancy promotional paper clips are much more stylish, colorful, effective also economical than common flyers that are usually tossed out and ended up in garbage cans.
• Office Flair - In any workspaces, these shaped paper clips can break the monotony of standard office supplies. Clipping papers with a shaped paper clip can make your desk feel less sterile and more personal, maybe even sparking a conversation while facilitating you to work.
• Cute Bookmarks - Their distinct shapes make these paper clips great as bookmarks. Clip one onto a page in a book or notebook, and the design (say, a flower or a star) sticks out slightly, making it easy for you to find the place later.

We are also specialized in manufacturing custom paper clips designed and made upon clients' requirements.

For example, if a bicycle store gives out bike-shaped logo paper clips, they are not only practical but also remind users of health, fitness and the business the store is running, possibly making it top-of-mind for their next purchase. They are just like low-key brand spokespeople, low-cost yet consistently impactful.

For all the paper clips shapes and styles in our product line, please visit the category of shaped paper clips for perusal. You can either place your order directly online or contact and send us the order details, specifying what you want from us, or how you would expect us to do for your project.

Also underhere are the overview in different themes:

Animals      Body Parts & People      Cartoon      Holidays       Clothes

Currency Signs     Food & Drink     Geometry     House Ware    Insects

Letters      Music       Nature       Numbers       Plants            Sports

Tools      Vehicles      Weapons      Religions     Logos

Materials, Specifications and Prices

(1) What does a shaped paper clip made of?

The productive materials for shaped paper clips could be wires in different thicknesses(iron wire, steel or brass wire), sheetmetals, plastic, printing, etc. It usually depends on customers' different requirements for their paper clip projects:

• ø1.0mm iron wire(in plastic coat or baking-paint) - The 1.0mm wire is usually used for wire shaped paper clips in regular sizes (mostly in 25-35mm). It basically meets most of the needs: paper work, promotional gifts, etc. It's the most common material, durable and corrosion-resistant, maintaining both shape and elasticity.
• ø1.2mm iron wire - If you would like making them more rigid, then the ø1.2mm wire would be probably a better choice. However using thicker wires to make bigger sized paper clips would increase shipping costs and prices sometimes.
• ø1.5mm iron wire - For jumbo paper clips, we usually use ø1.5mm iron wire. For more details of jumbo-sized paper clips, you could refer to the category of jumbo paper clips to peruse. It can also be used to make wire hat clips. For some special custom hat clips, we use steel wire to make clip strength more rigid.
• Stainless steel wires - We can also make paper clips with steel wires which are mostly in metallic colors. Comparatively iron wire has a better malleability and bendability, easy to shape, while steel wire usually has a better ductility in my view, harder to break.
• Brass wire - Occasionally used, especially for those designs needing a specific color or greater malleability, though it may be slightly more expensive.
• Stainless steel sheetmetal - For the printed metal paper clips or stainless steel paper clips, we are using high-quality stainless steel splint in the thickness of 0.2-0.3mm. It couldn't be better to use our stocked shape cos' the set-up charge of a custom design is usually insanely high. Soft silicone&wire - For PVC paper clips, then we usually use soft silicone plus iron wire.

(2) What size is a paper clip?

The specifications of shaped paper clips don't have a universal standard yet due to their varying designs, but there are some typical ranges we usually use:

• Length and Width - For regular paper clips, they are mostly in 25-35mm. It varies by shape. Some of decorative paper clips may reach 50-60mm at most.
• Wire Diameter - Generally they are between in 1.0-1.50mm (mostly in 1.0mm). We can also make mini paper clips in 0.8mm iron or steel wire. For the shaped clips made of 1.50mm or thicker wire, we usually call them jumbo paper clips. Too thin risks deformation, while too thick makes bending difficult.
• Holding Capacity - Standard shaped paper clips can hold 5-20 sheets of regular A4 paper (80 gsm), depending on design and material strength. Those thinner-wire paper clips may have less grip.
• Shape Complexity - Simple shapes (like hearts or stars) are made from a single bent wire and have more consistent specs; complex shapes (like fishes or logos) may require welding or mold pressing, increasing size and weight.

Give a practical example, a car-shaped paper clip might use 1 mm thick iron wire, measure 40 mm long and 25 mm wide, and feature a red plastic coating similar to the target color of logo. It could hold 10 sheets of paper while reflecting an automotive brand’s identity. Handmade shaped paper clips might be comparatively rougher, while mass-produced ones are more precise and uniform. These materials and specs adapt to practical uses. Promotional paper clips may prioritize appearance, while functional ones focus on durability.

 

(3) The PRICES of shaped paper clips actually depends on how you would expect to process your order.

The price (such as animal paper clips or specially designs) varies depending on the material, design complexity, sales platform, and purchase quantity. Generally speaking, ordinary metal or plastic paper clips are very inexpensive, but once any particular shapes (shaped like animal or cartoon) or creative designs are added, the price typically increases.So, the price of shaped paper clips is influenced by multiple factors that determine their cost and market pricing. Below are the main influencing factors:

• Material - Paper clips made of ordinary metal (such as steel wire) or plastic have lower costs. If higher-quality materials (such as stainless steel, gold plating, colored coatings, or eco-friendly plastic) are used, the price increases.
• Shape Complexity - Simple shaped designs (like hearts or stars) involve basic manufacturing processes and are cheaper. Complex cartoon shapes (such as animals or characters, requiring molds or intricate processing) increase production difficulty and costs.
• Order Quantity - Large-scale production (e.g., wholesaling thousands of units) spreads out mold and labor costs, lowering the unit price. Small batches or handmade products, due to higher labor and time investment, have a higher unit price.
• Color - If you would like a particular custom color made by vinyl-coating, baking paint, plating or as your expectation, then the costs would increase. If you can choose any stocked color on our list, then the price could be lower.
• Packaging and Sales Method - Bulk or simple plastic bag packaging keeps costs low. Elaborate packaging (like gift boxes or small retail packs) adds extra costs, driving up the unit price.

So it is important and necessary to specify your requirements before an accurate cost is worked out.

Technologies

How do we make different shaped paper clips? We usually do it by machine or hand.

(1) Made By Machine

In a matter of fact, common spring machine can deal with most of regular wire shapes: pentacle, rectangles, squares, triangles and some other simple styles while there’s a higher request to the manufacturing machine for the other complicated ones. Especially for some words paper clips, we usually handle it with automatic wire forming machines. It is a highly efficient device specialized in processing metal wire, widely used to manufacture springs, hooks, shaped paper clips and other metal products. It leverages automation technology to cut, bend, and form wire into preset shapes, making it ideal for mass production.

Machine-made paper clips look usually flatter, more well-proportioned, durable, and faster and more efficient to make. But which usually has a certain requirement on order quantity due to set-up charges.

(2) Made By Hand

We also provide some styles, mostly wire shaped paper clips, through handwork made by using hand-held molds. We used to make a certain number of molds according to the confirmed artwork, then organize a teamwork to proceed to the mass production. The advantage of Hand-made work is to provide a possibility of small-quantity wholesale for customers. We have all the styles classified into the category of "Retail Area"

Colors

What colors do shaped paper clips come in?

The colors of shaped paperclips depend on different requirements of material, surface treatment, and intended use, ranging from natural metallic hues(silver, gold, brass, etc) to processed colorful finishes. Below are the common types on color:

(1) PE(vinyl-coated) iron or steel colors

We have a color chart as shown below in which there are some frequently-used Pantone colors in stock for orders. You can choose the color number of them which looks the closest match to your target color. Thus it would not need any extra color-matching charges.

If you would like a custom Pantone color for vinyl-coated(PE) wire shaped paper clips, then the requsted minimum quantity is usually 4-50,000 pieces per color without any extra color-matching fee.

If you would rather pay the extra color-matching charge than order that much, please refer to the cost details as the list showed below. Usually the more you order, the lower the cost will be.

(2) Spray-paint colors

Spray-paint (also called Baking Varnish) colors in some special PMS (Pantone Matching System) numbers call for a color-matching cost upon customer’s request. The key point of this technology requires a good-quality workmanship otherwise the paint would easily brush off if it is not well done, simultaneously it can’t cover all the joints, cracks and overlaps.

The advantage of spray(baking)-paint colors is, we can do any PMS color numbers based on customers' requests.

Once the color is made, we could proofread the color accuracy by high-resolution photos as shown below. The disadvantage is that spray-paint colors would incur an extra cost on making and baking colors. It would be not very recommendable if the color is not a very important issue while you could choose one from our stocked colors in stock which match your target color the closest.

(3) Electroplating colors

Electroplating uses an electrochemical process to coat the metal surface of wire shaped paper clips with another metal or alloy (like nickel, copper, or gold), enhancing both appearance and corrosion resistance. The common electroplated colors include:

• Gold, silver (classic styles)
• Rose gold, black (trendy vibes)
• Rainbow, multi-color gradients (creative flair, just like the mermaid paper clips as posted above)

When we talk of metal colors of shaped paper clips, usually it refers to electroplating silver or stainless steel color. Other than that, they also can be made into electroplating red, green, blue, retro, etc.

Electroplating colors usually have a nice sparkling luster, but the color options are comparatively fewer than plastic or baking-paint ones.

(4) Electrophoresis colors

Electrophoretic coating involves depositing charged paint particles onto the wire surface of shaped paper clips under an electric field, forming a uniform layer. Unlike electroplating, which applies a metal coating, electrophoresis uses an organic film (usually resin or paint). For shaped paperclips, electrophoretic colors can give them both a creative look and practical wear resistance.

(5) Oxidized colors

Oxidation coloring, often achieved through anodizing, creates an oxide layer on the surface of metal shaped paper clips (like aluminum), which can then be dyed or naturally tinted.

For metal-shaped clips, oxidized colors can enhance both aesthetics and practicality, especially in scenarios requiring lightweight materials like aluminum.

We usually recommend the stocked colors in our collection for customers’ orders because going with them, the color cost would be comparatively lower. You could check our color chart for reference.

But, if customers really want a PMS (Pantone Matching System) color for vinyl-coat wire paper clips, then there would be probably a color-matching charge, the costs decrease as the order quantities increase progressively as showed below. Once it exceeds 50 000pcs, then the charge is refundable upon the order approval.

Quantity	Custom Color-matching Fee
5,000 pieces	US $100
10,000 pieces	US $90
20,000 pieces	US $80
30,000 pieces	US $60
40,000 pieces	US $30
>=50,000 pieces	NONE

Alternatively you can also have it made into spray-paint(baking varnish) colors. This is also a way to make custom colors for the projects starting with small quantities(usually 5 000 pieces at least). But then again, it would attract a color fee as well.

So, the color options for irregularly shaped paperclips are virtually limitless. With paint-spraying, electroplating, or dip-coating techniques, any Pantone color can be achieved. Some of them may require mass production with a certain quantity due to set-up adjustments or mold charges, while small-batch production would make it less cost-effective for OEM suppliers.

Terms of Minimum Quantity

(1) The minimum quantity mostly depends on the color issue.

For the standard colors as showed in our color chart, the minimum quantity is 3-5 000 pieces per color.

But if spray-paint colors are also acceptable for the wire shaped paper clips, then the minimum quantity could be around 5 000 pieces, just custom colors would attract an extra color-matching fee.

For a custom PMS color, the MOQ for vinyl-coated colors is usually 4-50 000 pieces each.

(2) As for the shapes for which we have hand-held molds or stocks, we can sell it in small quantities, but would probably take longer on production time. The production of custom paper clips requires mold adjustments or specialized processes, making small-batch production less cost-effective for manufacturers.

(3) If you don't mind paying the set-up or mold charge additionally, then we could also go ahead with smaller quantities than normal standard.

How to Order Shaped Paper Clips From Us?

(1) Order from our stocked designs We have various categories in different themes as you can find on our website. If you would like an instant order, you could just search what you look for on our site, and finish the purchase directly within minutes.

(2) Order Process of custom wire shape paper clips

Step 1: First, you'd need submit us an image to illustrate, or a detailed narrative to show what you are looking for, and how you expect to make it into a solid paper clip. Also please advise the request on color, quantity of shaped paper clips if there's any.

And please do not forget to inform us the deadline of order delivery beforehand if you would like the order for an urgent event which would quite help for us on how to deploy our work.

Step 2: Second, usually we have an artwork/mock-up provided for approval with the relevant information such as price, size, payment method available etc to move forward.

Step 3: Third, upon the bilateral agreement, we would press ahead the mass production for customer’s order upon the order approval and payment.

The production time usually take 12-15 days for a regular order upon the approval. But the duration finally depends on the actual quantity.

Step 4: After the completion of order, we would provide some high-resolution photos to show the status of goods condition. Also, the balance should be down if it is a partial payment. For a large amount, it is usually done upon the copy of Bill of Lading.

Step 5: After the confirmation on shipment, we will deliver the goods as soon as possible, providing the tracking number. For the shipping methods, please visit the Shipping Options page to learn more.

(3) Order Process of printed stainless steel paper clips

We also have the business of printed metal paper clips in our line which are usually made of stainless steel metal material, and you can put any imprinting on one side or both sides.

For the more details of products, please visit Printed Clips for perusal.

As for the order process of printed metal clips, here are the options:

Option 1

You could use directly our existing frequently-used models/shapes, forward us the files in .eps or .pdf format for the print if there's any.

Option 2

If you would like a new model in different sizes,then there would need a mold charge, please contact us for the mold fee upon the actual size you are looking for.

The other steps of order process of printed paper clips are similar to the ones of shaped paper clips:

Step 1: Forward us order details & requests;
Step 2: Submit mock-up designs / artworks and confirm prices, sizes, turnout time;

Step 3: Make payments, and proceed to the production;
Step 4: Arrange the shipping upon confirmation, provide tracking number.

Payment Options

To be clear, all the prices for the stocked and custom products are based on FOB China's port or C&F(CNF, cost+freight) terms.

That means, if you would like a compensation for the damage, missing of your packages caused by various unexpected situations or force majeure factors such as customs inspection, governmental requisition, strike, incident of violence, war, earthquake etc, you would probably need a third-party issurance to secure transporation and payment though, in most cases, these issues won't happen.

Also, if your order is for an urgent specific event or promotion, please do not forget to advise us the deadline for use, so that we can prearrange the idealest shipping route for the delivery, otherwise we are not reponsible for the loss caused by shipping delay.

Here are the available options for payment methods:

1. Credit/Debit Cards (Via a third-party platform)

We are inclined to process payments with credit/debit cards, but via a third-part platform like Paypal since we are in China.

We are not sure how payments flow directly between credit cards transnationally, so we use Paypal or any other available platform as a bridge for the payment.

However it doesn't require that you have to get a Paypal account first. We would send you a Paypal link once all is confirmed. And you could visit and get it done within minutes via the credit/debit card channel as below. It is safe and convenient(with a money-back guarantee and dispute system), and would only need a few simple steps.

2. Wire Transfer

For the amount over US $1 000), in most cases it would be more economical but slower to proceed via bank transfer fully, or partially to save the transaction fee. You can process the payments through our private bank account by filling out the payment purpose as "labor fee", "service fee", "family maintenance remittance" etc due to the current foreign exchange control or do it via the account of our export agent.

You might also need to provide commercial invoice and duty-paid proof. It usually takes 3-5 workdays to arrive for wire transfer. 

 

3. Other Methods

Western Union and any other payment methods would be also workable if we both agree on that.

Packaging Options

The default packaging is to pack the paper clips into polybags by bulk such as 300-500pcs per bag, NOT 12pcs per bag as some customers assume.

Pouch or box packaging with small quantities for each (for example, 15-30pcs per bag or box) will usually require an extra packing/handling cost. Here are just some options presently for the packing use.

(1) Polybags

Shaped paper clips (e.g., tree-shaped, head-shaped) are placed into transparent plastic bags (such as OPP bags or resealable bags), sealed with a sealing machine, and may have a label indicating quantity (e.g., “50 per bag” or “100 per bag”).

Usually all the orders are packed with poly-bags in bulk (Usually 3-500pcs per bag) if customers have no special request on packaging. And we provide polybags for free of charge. But if customers would like the paper clips packed into polybag pouches such as 10 clips per bag, 20 clips or 30 clips per bag, that would incur a surcharge of packing fee.

The polybags for shaped paper clips are typically thin plastic, low-cost, and sometimes colored bags are used to enhance appeal. bag-packaging is simple and inexpensive, allowing users to pour them out easily. They are fantastic for wholesale markets, stationery store bulk sales, purchases by DIY craft enthusiasts.

 

(2) Tin Boxes

Shaped paper clips are placed in small metal cans (e.g., tin cans). Capacity typically ranges from 15 to 100 pieces.

Tin box could have a label, sticker or direct print on the lid or screen-printed design, and it looks greatly classy, combining practicality with elegance. We have different specifications of tin boxes for different requirements.

 

We also have a variety of featured tin boxes as below:

(3) Plastic Boxes

Shaped paperclips are packed in transparent plastic boxes (e.g., PP or PET material) or printed paper boxes. The box could organize those custom paper clips by shape or color (e.g., 10 flower-shaped + 10 star-shaped).

Plastic boxes usually have lids sometimes with branding or patterns printed on the outside. It protects paper clips from bending, offers good display value, suitable for shelf placement. They are perfect for supermarket retail, mid-to-high-end stationery sales, holiday gift packaging.

(4) Paper Boxes

The minimum quantity of paper box is around 5 000pcs, but negotiable for different specifications. And customers have to specify the details such as dimensions, cardboard specifications, and print if there’s any.

(5) Blister cards

Custom shaped paper clips are arranged and fixed onto a rigid paper card (typically printed), covered with a transparent plastic blister, and sealed. The back may include instructions or a brand logo, with a hanging hole at the top.

This package is typically for the sale of supermarket, emporiums with its hanging hole design. And customers have to specify the relevant details as paper box as well: dimensions, prints, etc.

Also if you would like a custom packaging designed and made upon customers' requests, then please share your ideas with us, so that we can check the availability with our associated suppliers.

Contact & Inquire Us

If you are looking for a custom solution for your project, or anything you could count on us, please just contact us for a further direct discussion via Contact US page or the information below:

E-mail: inquiry@custompaperclips.com

Tel: +86 575 8335 3700; +86 152 6751 1098

You could also refer to the related page as below to learn more.

paper clips, logo paper clips, jumbo paper clips, decorative paper clips

Thanks for your attention!

Jack Chou

Sales Manager