I made those for my girls when they were little too. In the US, Goody brand barrettes are perfect for the job, I miss being able to buy them. My daughters used to tease me about owning stock in Goody.
I also remember when the big fashion trend was all the little covered hair bands, with the hair pulled back and banded at intervals down the ponytail or imitating a french braid.
Ahh, memories of being a volunteer hairstylist.
-Su