This post is in collaboration with Etsy.
Wearing masks was not a part of American culture prior to this pandemic. But masks are an effective way to combat this virus and get our society back to functional sooner.
Studies show that while wearing a mask yourself can protect you to some degree and is definitely a good hygiene habit in our current environment, the most important reason to wear a mask is to respect and protect those around you.
The virus is fought most effectively when those who may have the virus keep microdroplets from escaping their own personal space in the first place. That is accomplished by wearing a mask.
It’s important to note that your viral load is highest before you start showing symptoms. That means that those who are most likely to spread the virus won’t have any idea they even have it until after the threat of giving it to others is at its highest.
It’s estimated that if we could get at least 80% of people wearing masks, we’d be able to fight this virus more effectively than through additional shut downs where people are not wearing masks. You can learn more about this and other science here.
While I’m spending money on masks anyways, I’m looking to spend it at a small business.
Fortunately, there’s a platform that meets all three of my personal shopping criteria. Etsy is a platform full of small businesses, and the non-medical-grade, machine-washable face mask options are plentiful.
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10 Fun Face Masks
As I was narrowing down my options, I came to a realization: I’m a nerdy kid from the 90s, and it shows.
With that in mind, here are some of my favorite fun face masks I found on Etsy:
Vader Face Mask
Join the dark side with this Imperial covering!
Baby Yoda Face Mask
How is everything with baby Yoda on it so adorable? If you prefer the light side, check out OneStopRave!
Black & Gold Face Mask
Be still, my yinzer heart. I’m choosing to interpret this black and gold face mask from GoldenSkyToronto as an ode to Pittsburgh.
Sequin Mask
I’m not really doing any fancy things lately — and super don’t encourage you to, either. But for those occasions when you venture out of the house and want to take things to the next level just for you, these sequin masks from PersianJewelryShop are it.
Plus, they come in 25 different colors!
DC Heroines Face Mask
I feel like this time of crisis is a good time to call on these female archetypes. Available via pinkpurr.
Hello Kitty Face Mask
Who else crushed on Hello Kitty when they were a kid? Hello Kitty’s still rad, so I was excited when I found this mask from Macochi.
It comes in child and adult size!
Tiger Face Mask
I love this one because it simultaneously celebrates our collective cultural obsession with Tiger King while throwing us back to Thundercats, but it’s not so specific that it won’t still bring smiles after any one, specific trend has faded.
Handcraftedsterling has a bunch of other fun animal face masks in her shop, too.
Don’t forget the kids’ face masks!
A lot of the face masks on Etsy can be ordered in kid size or adult size. I did stumble across a couple cute ones made especially for kids!
Kids’ Girl Face Masks
I’m in love with this print, but GreerTW has a TON of different options for girls. There are some traditionally boy-themed patterns, too, but options skew pink.
Kids’ Boy Face Masks
Lots of traditionally boy-themed options, at DeTudoUmPoucobyAddie. Though I legit would have loved these when I was a kid, too. There’s also some pink sprinkled into the fabric options.
Buzz Lightyear Face Mask
You can pick up this cotton kids’ face mask at ByZari’s Etsy shop. This particular pattern sold out!
We’ll get through this, friends. To infinity, and beyond!