National Button Day

There’s something quietly delightful about a button. Whether it’s a tiny pearl on a wedding dress, a bright plastic fastener on a child’s coat, or a vintage collectible tucked in a jar, buttons hold stories. National Button Day is a chance to notice these small but mighty objects – and to celebrate the creativity, history, and community they inspire.

What is National Button Day?

National Button Day is a celebration for anyone who has ever rummaged through a jar of spare buttons or admired the craftsmanship of a decorative clasp. It’s a day for crafters, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the humble button. From sewing projects to art installations, buttons connect generations and spark creativity. Some families pass down button boxes as treasured keepsakes, filled with memories stitched into every piece.

When is National Button Day?

National Button Day is celebrated every year on November 16. It’s a one-day event, but many local clubs and historical societies host related activities throughout the month. People take part by organizing button swaps, hosting craft sessions, or simply sharing their favorite buttons and stories online.

Why National Button Day Matters

Buttons are more than just fasteners – they’re tiny artifacts of fashion, function, and personal history. For some, a button might recall a grandmother’s coat or a favorite childhood shirt. For others, collecting buttons is a way to preserve the past, learn about materials, or express creativity. National Button Day shines a light on these connections, inviting people to slow down and appreciate the small details that shape our lives and traditions.

How to Get Involved in National Button Day

You don’t need a rare collection to join in. Here are some friendly ways to celebrate:

• Host a button swap with friends, neighbors, or at your local library.
• Create a craft project using spare buttons – think cards, jewelry, or art.
• Share photos and stories of your favorite buttons on social media.
• Visit a local museum or history center to learn about button making.
• Donate spare buttons to schools or community groups for creative projects.

History of National Button Day

National Button Day was founded in 1938 by the National Button Society, a group formed by collectors who wanted to preserve and celebrate the history of buttons. What began as a niche hobby soon grew into a community movement, with annual events, exhibitions, and a growing appreciation for buttons as both functional objects and pieces of art. The day continues to unite people of all ages around a shared love for this everyday item.

Noteworthy Facts About National Button Day

• The National Button Society, established in 1938, now has thousands of members across the United States.
• Buttons have been made from materials as varied as bone, glass, wood, and even seashells.
• The oldest known button is more than 5,000 years old and was found in the Indus Valley.
• Some rare collectible buttons have sold at auction for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• Button collecting is called “phillumeny” and has inspired countless exhibitions and books.

Hashtags

#NationalButtonDay, #NationalButtonDay2026, #ButtonCollecting

Links

• Visit the official site
• Read about button history at Smithsonian Magazine