Now that we are smack-dab in the middle of the summer, this seems like as good a time as any to discuss a few summertime uses for buttons…and even a Fall back-to-school use or two.

So what are some ways that button making especially useful during the summer?

Summer Camp

Do you help run a summer camp or know someone who does?  Do your kids attend summer camp?  If so, think about how useful a button machine and some pinback button supplies could be.  Whether for use as nametags for camp counselors, or as nametags for kids so the counselors can quickly learn their names, personalized ID buttons are both fun and functional.

Vacation Keepsakes

Most families go on their vacations during the summer when the kids are out of school.  And if your family is anything like ours, you almost always come back with 3-5 pictures out of the multitudes taken that stand out above the others as truly capturing a magical vacation moment.

Why not create keepsake photo buttons or magnets?  They are easy to make and can help you remember a great vacation long after you’re home (and presumably wishing you already back on vacation!)

Cause Awareness

As we all know, buttons are a great way to promote causes.  One of the best venues to promote causes is during get-togethers, whether they be for church, school, or even the neighborhood.  And there is no better time to plan an outing than during the summer, when everyone can enjoy the great outdoors.

If there is a cause you want to promote (i.e. recycling, or “going green”, or a proposal at school, etc.) plan a get-together at an organization you are a part of or at home, and give everyone buttons they can wear out around town.  Especially if your group is filled with like-minded people, it probably won’t be too hard to get them excited about participating.

And finally…

Back to School!

That’s right…it won’t be too long before the summer is over and the kids are ready to go back to school.  Button makers and button supplies make great gifts for teachers and schools, should you be looking for a way to show your support (or even just to curry a little extra favor for your student!).  Or how about making customized name buttons for the teachers at your child’s school?  These can be extremely helpful, especially during the first few weeks of school when so many new faces are scurrying about the hallways.

These are just a few ideas for summer-specific uses for buttons.  What other summer button maker ideas can you think of?  Please share in the comments section.

Brighid Brown – Director of Blogging and All Things Cool at ABM