Sending your kiddos off to school, camp, daycare or other activities means labeling a ton of their stuff so those jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes and backpacks don’t end up in the lost and found.
But with so many label options out there, how do you pick the best ones for your family’s needs?
We’re going to do a deep dive comparison of two of the most popular and highest-rated personalized label brands: Name Bubbles and Mabel’s Labels.
Read on for a comprehensive overview of their label types, materials, ordering process, pricing, and more – so you can make an informed decision between them. Over 3200 words ahead on every key detail to consider! Let’s start labeling…
Main Differences At A Glance
Before we get into the nitty gritty, here’s the headline differences between Name Bubbles and Mabel’s Labels:
- Cost: Mabel’s Labels are cheaper, starting around $0.17 per sticker, while Name Bubbles run about $0.50 and up
- Order Time: Name Bubbles ship faster within 5-7 business days; Mabel’s Labels take 7-10 days
- Label Size: Mabel’s are bigger, up to 2 inches long for better visibility
- Durability: Name Bubbles claim to withstand more wear and tear over time
- Customization: Name Bubbles offer more shapes, fonts and design options
- Discounts: Mabel’s Labels tends to offer more frequent site-wide promos
So in short – Mabel’s Labels are very budget-friendly, but Name Bubbles ship quicker, handle more laundry cycles, and provide wider design flexibility.
Keep these key distinctions in mind as we examine the ins and outs of these family-favorite brands!
Overview Tables Comparing Key Facts
Let’s start with some at-a-glance tables laying out how Name Bubbles and Mabel’s Labels stack up on price, label types, order timelines and more key factors:
- Pricing and Order Time Comparison
| Category | Name Bubbles | Mabel’s Labels |
| Cost Per Label | Around $0.50+ | As low as $0.17 |
| Average Order Total | $15-$30 | $10-$25 |
| Order Timeline | 5-7 business days | 7-10 business days |
| Shipping Fees | Free over $45 order | Free over $35 order |
| Discounts/Promos | Infrequent | Frequent sitewide sales |
| Replacement Policy | 30 days no questions asked | Replacements for 2 years |
Both brands are affordably priced for most families, with bulk packs bringing down repeat order costs. But Mabel’s ultimately wins on bottom-line value – they just don’t ship quite as fast. Plan ahead!
- Label Types and Uses
| Label Type | Name Bubbles | Mabel’s Labels |
| Stick-On | For clothes, gear, bottles, electronics | For clothes, gear, bottles, electronics |
| Iron-On | For clothing tags, labels | For clothing tags, labels |
| Sew-In | For gear, clothing, fabrics | For gear, clothing, fabrics |
| Bag Tags | Durable bag tags | Durable bag tags |
| Specialty | Shoe labels, device skins | Ink stamp labels |
For versatility, both companies are pretty evenly matched here – the only product differences are Name Bubble’s shoe labels and device skins, plus Mabel’s ink labels.
Otherwise they cover all the basics like stickers, iron-ons and sewn.
| Material | Name Bubbles | Mabel’s Labels |
| Vinyl | Ultra-durable, fade proof | Durable, fade proof |
| Metallic Vinyl | Shimmer vinyl, waterproof | Shimmer vinyl, waterproof |
| Fabric | For sewing and ironing | For sewing and ironing |
| Adhesive | Residue-free removal* | Can leave residue** |
*On most surfaces
**On some technical fabrics
Mabel’s Labels does claim their vinyl lasts longer through laundry and wear and tear. But Name Bubbles boasts stronger peel-off adhesive that won’t damage clothes. Both meet safety standards.
- Sizing and Customization Options
| Feature | Name Bubbles | Mabel’s Labels |
| Label Size | 0.5-1 inch | 0.5-2 inch |
| Font Options | Multiple choices | Fewer choices |
| Shape Options | Various shapes | Fewer shape options |
| Color Choices | All vinyl colors | All vinyl colors |
| Name Length | 18 characters max | 26 characters max |
Mabel’s size advantage makes their labels easier to spot in clothes and gear. But Name Bubbles offers more decorative personalization with additional fonts and shapes. So depends if visibility or stylish designs matters more!
Hopefully these tables give you the gist of how Name Bubbles and Mabel Labels measure up! Now onto the full nitty gritty…
Factors to Compare
Let’s dive deeper on how these brands stack up across all the factors that should inform your personalized label purchasing choice:
- Price and Value Comparison
Hands-down, Mabel’s Labels offers more affordable pricing especially when buying multi-packs with 50+ labels.
Packs bring costs down to as low as $0.17 per sticker – tough to beat!
Their pricing advantage comes from the Mabel’s company being bigger and able to order wholesale supplies in seriously mass quantities for economies of scale.
By contrast, Name Bubbles charges around $0.50 and up per personalized label when accounting for bulk savings.
Their manufacturing scale can’t totally compete.
However, frequent 30-50% off sitewide sales at Name Bubbles help balance costs, as the company does not mark up prices as much off-the-bat just to discount later.
For most households’ basic back-to-school labeling needs with 50-100 items to tag, Mabel’s Label bulk packs with 200+ sticker sets make more economic sense all said and done.
But families with under 50 annual labeling needs may pay around the same either way factoring Name Bubble’s discounts.
One pricing advantage with Name Bubbles lies in their 100% satisfaction guarantee to replace or refund orders within 30 days no matter what. Mabel’s Labels replacement policy only covers damage over years of use. But their extreme volume pricing remains unrivaled for big families or school groups.
- Label Type and Use Comparison
In terms of label types offered, Name Bubbles versus Mabel’s are again very evenly matched:
Stick-on labels for tagging non-fabric items like lunchboxes, water bottles, electronics, toys, books, bins and more smooth surfaces. Both use residue-free adhesives formulated not to leave a sticky mess when removed.
Mabel’s does caution their stickers may show traces on technical performance fabrics given the ultra-strong grip – so shake your head over their potential to stick to every possible item!
Iron-on clothing labels infuse fabric content that iron right into clothes tags and waistbands for permanent security, withstanding laundry and dry cycles over years.
Sewn-in tags work similarly, holding up to all laundry abuse when stitched into clothing and gear.
Bag tags from both companies offer little hanging ID tabs perfect for marking lunch sacks, gym bags, purses and more.
The singular product differences are Name Bubbles makes shoe name labels for interior branding and personalized device skin decals for electronics – while Mabel’s has ink stamp labels you wet and press on. Otherwise both thoroughly cover standard labeling needs most parents shop for.
Where performance shakes out between their virtually identical offerings comes down to stickiness and adhesion.
Name Bubbles highly touts their “ultra durable” adhesive engineered to cling tighter and release cleaner off all kinds of tricky surfaces: chrome bottles, sports gear, weirdly textured containers, and performance wear with specialty treatments. Reviewers consistently praise their stick-on’s tenacity.
Meanwhile Mabel’s Labels notes their vinyl and adhesive lasts longer term through more laundry and machine dry punishment over months and years before fraying or peeling.
So they win for enduring extremely heavy long-haul wear and tear. Their 2″ size is also easier to spot inside clothing layers and lunchbags.
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- Label Durability Comparison
Speaking of durability, how do Mabel’s Labels and Name Bubbles hold up over the long term?
They both make stick-on name labels from fade and water resistant vinyl designed to withstand machine washing and drying without bleeding or blurring.
Independent testing verifies materials meet safety standards for kids’ skin contact use.
And either brand offers occasional free replacement labels if yours deteriorate unexpectedly early.
But comparing specs and customer reviews, Mabel’s Labels appears engineered to outlast slightly longer under serious laundry and use punishment. Name Bubbles vinyl and adhesive remains plenty durable for most families, but a few more reviews note rare chipping or wearing on specialty performance gear.
By contrast, the thickness and protective coating formulation Mabel’s uses allows their labels to reportedly endure over 100 total machine drier cycles and 1000 hours of wash exposure across both hot and cold temperatures – while staying neatly adhered too. That amounts to 2+ hours per week for a whole year before failing!
So for clothes and items undergoing truly heavy weekly use and laundering, Mabel’s Labels seem to have an edge in max lifespan. Their bigger size is also easier to notice for kids themselves.
But for more delicate cycles and intermittent seasonal gear labeling, Name Bubbles will also easily get you through multiple years no problem. Most parents can’t imagine anything lasting over 100 intense laundry rounds. Both brands ultimately have you covered durability-wise!
- Ease of Ordering and Shipping Speed
Okay, buying and delivery time! This comparison point favors Name Bubbles if getting labels ASAP is key for you.
Mabel’s Labels quotes a 7-10 business day processing range before boxes ship out. They produce labels across multiple locations to enable cheap pricing, so production and order routing takes longer. Plan 3 weeks ahead of school or camp just in case!
Meanwhile Name Bubbles dispatches most label orders within 5-7 business days on average – nearly halving order time.
This matters when you suddenly realize it’s almost “back to school” and you need new name labels stat for the kids’ resized clothes and fresh supplies!
Both companies offer free shipping thresholds around $35-45 orders, and physical goods arrive via USPS or UPS within several delivery days.
Digital downloads of editable label files (sold separately) deliver instantly of course too.
So Name Bubbles pulls ahead for last-minute needs or repeat reorders parents need re-upped rapidly between school years. But Mabel’s always runs deep-discount sales around peak late summer demand for back-to-school, offsetting lead times if you plan strategically.
- Customization Options Comparison
Once the label sets arrive, this next decision factor marks another tradeoff area for comparison:
Name Bubbles lets you tailor label styles with more fonts, shapes, sizes and layout options – with different combinations available across their personalized naming formats. Although fonts appear slightly larger and bolder for legibility on Mabel’s.
But Mabel’s Labels counter their lesser style variability with even more name personalization flexibility: up to 26 characters on a single line so lengthy names fit cleanly. Nickname mode also allows splitting longer names across two stacked lines.
For artistic kids and parents who care about decorative flair, Name Bubbles fonts, borders and color combos achieve a more fun, crafty look, reviewers praise. Their editing interface also rates easier to navigate for creating customized groups of labels.
Yet maxing character capacity also drives label visibility and kid independence. When children start reliably identifying their own items in crowded camp or classroom cabinets, the utility and safety value speaks for itself!
This design comparison category rings evenly split. Choose Name Bubbles if graphic presentation matters most so your labels coordinate with kids’ style sensibilities across their gear.
But pick easy-to-spot mammoth sized Mabel’s Labels if fitting convoluted surnames is key, or you want children reading their own names independently ASAP.
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- Customer Support and Satisfaction Guarantee
Lastly in the non-tangible department: how do Name Bubbles and Mabel’s Labels compare providing customer support if any label issues arise?
Both brands offer email and chat helplines during North American business hours for questions on orders, application tips or replacements. Support reps respond promptly within 24-48 hours in most cases. However a few Mabel’s customers report longer reply times of 5+ days during peak seasonal order surges.
Name Bubbles typically ships free replacement labels upon request no matter the cause, even covering human application issues like accidentally ironing labels inside-out. They’ll also refund in full or issue credits within 30 days essentially no questions asked. Their Exceptional Promise guarantees satisfaction – a major customer confidence win.
Mabel’s Labels offers a 2-year timespan to report damages and request single replacements for labels that prematurely wear out, no proof required. So they still stand behind materials given extreme laundry or dishwasher damage.
But human error mishaps or change of minds aren’t eligible for response under their policy’s stricter limitations.
There’s an intangible reassurance and value factor around Name Bubbles’ extra flexible satisfaction guarantee. While the vast majority of parents never end up needing to redeem label credits or replacements from either brand, the Name Bubble’s safety net offers extra peace of mind during a decision.
Especially take advantage by testing a few Name Bubble sheets first if uncertain how their adhesives will adhere or removable promise will hold up across your family’s specialized sports gear or delicates. Trying starter packs paves the way to invest in Name Bubbles confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most experts recommend cloth name labels that can be ironed or sewn into clothing tags and collar seams rather than stick-on labels that may deteriorate in the wash. Mabel’s Labels and Name Bubbles cloth labels last over 100 machine washes and dryer cycles. Iron-on cloth labels are best for typical school uniforms and clothes since they hold up well but are still removable later if needed.
For camp gear and clothes that undergo hardcore outdoor use and laundering, sew-in labels are your most durable bet. Sewn-in Name Bubbles and Mabel’s cloth labels can outlast even intense camp conditions over years. The stitching keeps them ultra secure in the same spot without failing or peeling off like stickers might even on performance fabrics. Go for sewn-in whenever clothes or gear may get seriously battered!
Stick-on vinyl labels from both brands excel for smooth surfaces like lunchboxes, water bottles, electronics, binders and more. The adhesive is formulated to grip well and leave no residue on chrome, plastic, stainless steel, etc. Get the large 2″ Mabel’s stick-on labels for maximum visibility and coverage on supplies, or select Name Bubbles for wider surface compatibility – especially for sports safety gear parents want to label.
Yes, Mabel’s Labels peel off without leaving a sticky residue in most cases. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are easiest, while performance fabrics like nylon may require a bit of effort and laundering to strip adhesive remnants. However, removability varies item to item so adhesive residue is still possible. Plan accordingly!
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Bottom Line Recommendations
For Most Families: Mabel’s Labels
Thanks to bargain pricing even on their cutest label designs with maximum size and font visibility, Mabel’s Labels make the top value choice for straightforward labeling jobs through the school year:
- Clothes for growing kids
- Classroom supplies
- Camp gear
- Childcare bags
The standard vinyl and fabric labels withstand plenty of laundry cycles for season after season of practical use. And thedelightful name personalization options will make kids beam proudly.
Stick Mabel’s Labels on everything from jackets and shoes to lunch boxes, backpacks, electronics and more without blowing the family budget. Sales can bring 200+ labels under $30 dollars. Their sheer volume capacity at lowest cost is impossible to beat!
Specialty Uses: Name Bubbles
If your family has particular activities and valuables requiring special label adhesion and removal properties, spring for Name Bubbles instead to tag:
- Extreme sports gear and foam helmets
- School band equipment
- Electronics and other delicates
- Frequently handled hand-me-downs
Name Bubbles hang tougher on technical fabrics and smoothly remove later after surviving mud, sunscreen, cleaning sprays and all kinds of kids’ mishaps. The unlimited satisfaction guarantee also lets you trial labels without feeling locked in. Start by sampling a multi-purpose Name Bubbles pack across your trickiest items!
For most parents debating this pair of trusted brands that overwhelmingly dominate the name label space, Mabel’s Label extreme affordability and visibility carries the day for bulk supplies.
But specialty use cases with performance wear, gear residues and removability make Name Bubbles the industrial strength choice worth paying up for.
Hopefully this exhaustive 3,200+ word guide covered everything to consider choosing kids name labels for school, camp, childcare and home! Check out both brands’ products with the helpful comparisons in mind to decide your family’s right match.
Now get your kids’ names covered everywhere it matters and gives them pride. Let us know if you have any other questions – labeling questions, that is! We’re always happy to help you stick a name on it.
