Abstract: Personal use articles such as dispensers are inconspicuously locked and unlocked to a base unit with a mechanical or magnetic key. A projection extends downwardly from the bottom surface of each article, such that when the projection is received by the base unit, the lower surface of the article is seen to be resting upon the upper surface of the base unit, visually obscuring the opening into the base unit. A mechanism captures the projection(s), thereby locking the article to the base unit. The projection may include a peripheral groove, and the mechanism may include a structure that engages with the groove to lock the article to the base unit. The structure may comprise a plunger, a hinged panel with cut-out that engages with the groove, or a panel with a shaped opening that slides within the base unit.