This a series talking about things you wouldn’t think would come in handy BUT have a surprisingly high ROI (sometimes just in joy.) I’d like to make the case for: A BUTTON MAKER.

I needed buttons for an event ten or so years ago and it made financial sense to buy a button maker instead of paying to have them fabricated. At the time I wasn’t sure what else I would use it for. I underestimated how useful it would be. With a button maker, most of the cost are in the initial price of the machine and paper cutter. After that, the costs of supplies are minimal. Here are some of the ways I’ve used it.

• At the preschool coop fundraiser- I ran a customized button booth to raise money for the school.
• In my children’s birthday party favor bags we made customized buttons.
• For a friend’s going away party we made buttons with their faces on it and we all wore them.
• I was a volunteer art teacher at my children’s public school and we used the button maker many times (kids can use with assistance.)
• At Paul’s birthday party we gave out buttons for guests to wear.
• I was paid to make a small installation at a brand event with a button wall.
• Sold buttons in the Oh Happy Day Party Shop.
• My niece used it to make buttons when she ran for her school election.
• As a family we were learning about feelings and we made buttons with names of emotions on it and you would wear the button you were feeling.
• We cut out circles and had our kids color on them and make buttons out of them.

This isn’t even an exhaustive list! It’s gotten so much use and even made me money. I still have the same one I bought and it’s held up great. Once you make the initial investment, all you need is access to a computer and printer and the button fronts and backs which are really inexpensive. I will note it helps that I know the basics on some graphic design programs but it would work with Microsoft Paint as well.