I thought the $3 ones looked fine, no real visible difference I didn't think. On the starter, I've seen better prices, but if I were you, I'd just wait till I got to the park, because for either $7 or 9 they had one that had one charm already on it. Basically, the starter is just the blank bracelet links that you add charms to. Eventually, after buying enough charms, this isn't necessary, or only a few are necessary. I really hope that makes sense. I think it would definitely be worth it for only the cheaper ones! That's absolutely what I had planned to do, but instead I decided to wait longer and get the stainless steele...My grandmother said I'm too old not to be getting REAL jewelry...Whatever. hehe