National Day
National Button Day
Celebrated on 11/16/2026
Quick Fact
National Button Day is celebrated on November 16th, marking the birthday of button enthusiast and collector, Jane Button. Buttons have been used for over 4,000 years, with early examples made from shells, wood, and bone. The largest button collection in the world boasts over 100,000 unique buttons!
Origins and Establishment of National Button Day
National Button Day was first established in 1938 by the National Button Society, founded in the United States. The date, November 16th, was chosen to honor the birthday of Jane Button, a prominent button collector and advocate for the hobby. The day was created to celebrate the history, artistry, and cultural significance of buttons, encouraging people to appreciate these small but essential fasteners.
Evolution and Modern Commemoration
Over the decades, National Button Day has grown from a niche observance among collectors to a broader celebration embraced by crafters, historians, and fashion enthusiasts. Today, events include button swaps, exhibitions at museums, and online showcases of rare buttons. Social media campaigns like #NationalButtonDay help spread awareness, while local clubs host workshops on button crafting and restoration.
Facts & General Observations
- Approximately 90% of households have a spare button container, with an average of 50 buttons per container.
- The most expensive button ever sold at auction was a 17th-century French button made of gold and enamel, fetching over $20,000.
- Buttons are collected in over 50 countries, with the largest society, the National Button Society (USA), having over 3,000 members.