Good Luck Charms for Friday the 13th

For the most superstitious day of the year, we've rounded up the luckiest charms for grandchildren.

Omamori, traditional Japanese good luck charms, are cloth-covered, portable, written prayers asking for good luck either in health, love, or money. They have been updated for modern, cell-phone toting grandchildren with cute characters: a lucky owl (monetary fortune), and a cast of funny-face chestnuts help out with passing exams and “conquering yourself.” The attached strings make them useful as mobile phone charms, room decor, or to take anywhere your grandchild wants good mojo.

Price: $5.19 for each chestnut, $5.50 for lucky owl
Available at: Strapya-World.com and JBox.com

A popular symbol in Judaism and some Islamic faiths is the Hamsa, (or Khamsa), a protective hand-shaped amulet that wards off the “evil eye” (generally, ill wishes from jealous friends and neighbors). Hamsas, of course, have five fingers; and five is a lucky and sacred number in different faiths. Hamsas are all over places like Israel, Morocco, and Egypt, used as keychains, wall plaques, and on charm bracelets. Our favorite is this handmade-in-Israel, bright and flowery creation to decorate a wall or window. Granddaughters will feel fortunate for your good taste.

Price: $30 plus $7 shipping
Available at: Etsy.com

Not without their own “evil-eye” (called the malocchio, in this case), superstitious Italians have a slew of charms to ward off persistent bad luck. The horn (cornetto, cornuto, or cornicello) is the most popular of protective charms, and comes in red coral, silver, or gold variations. Though you might only recognize it as the jewelry of choice for unsavory characters on The Sopranos, this simple gold version is actually worn by boys and girls of all ages.

Price: $49
Available at: HeavenlyTreasures.com

Rooted in African Hoodoo tradition and part of American folklore in the South, the left hind foot of a rabbit was originally used to bring luck with money. It’s evolved over the years as a general symbol of good fortune, and genuine feet are less common than synthetic versions, dyed in all sorts of unnatural colors. We recommend the latter for grandkids who lack an interest in taxidermy.

Price: $6.50 for one dozen
Available at: OrientalTrading.com

Horseshoe necklace

One of the most ubiquitous good luck charms in North America and Europe, horseshoes are usually found hanging above doorways with their points facing up. For tween or teen granddaughters looking for good luck on the go, this bold metal charm on a vintage gold chain has them covered.