What are enamel pins?

Enamel pins are accessories that you can attach to a variety of items, such as jacket lapels, hats, jean jackets, backpacks, luggage, and tote bags.

To attach enamel pins, simply remove the clutches from the pin backs on the backside of the pin. Then push the sharp tips of the pin backs through the material. To secure the pin, reattach each clutch to the pin backs. Enamel pins can have one or more pin backs, and clutches come in several styles.

Pin backs can damage certain materials, especially thin or fragile fabrics. I prefer to attach pins to thick materials like denim and canvas.

Enamel pins are made of metal and enamel paints. There are two types of enamel pins: hard and soft. My Mississippi pins as well as my introvert pins are hard enamel, not soft. There are many resources online about the differences between the two.

Why wear enamel pins?

Because it’s fun! There are actually a lot of reasons why people buy enamel pins, either for themselves or as gifts.

Pins allow you to make a personal statement. You might find a pin that is funny or relatable, mirrors your hobbies, or reflects your personality. Some people display pins simply because they are decorative and match the wearer’s style.

People also wear pins to show support for a cause, idea, or values. A good example is a pin designed as a pink ribbon signifying breast cancer awareness. You’ve probably seen lawmakers wearing flag pins during interviews and on chamber floors. Mississippi state legislators often wear pins depicting our state flag on their lapels.

People wear pins to show membership in a club or group too. Mississippi hosts many agricultural events around the state, and you might find attendees and participants wearing 4-H pins. And on gameday you could see fans wearing pins depicting their mascot or school logo. (Hail State!)

People also commemorate events by wearing enamel pins. But they don’t have to be national or state events. They could represent family reunions, school reunions, birthdays, or anniversaries.

People often buy pins as souvenirs of where they traveled. You can find enamel pins at national parks, visitors centers, and gift shops.

Some pins are worn to show pride. My Mississippi pins are a great example of this. Each of my designs reflects a memory during my childhood in The Magnolia State.

Who are enamel pins for?

Anyone! And that includes yourself. You don’t have to be a collector to buy enamel pins. If you find just one that speaks to your soul, then make it your badge.

And because anyone can wear a pin, that means you can give them as gifts to just about everyone on your list. But you don't have to wait until the winter holidays, and you don't have to wait for a special occasion. Keep reading — I've got more on that!

That said, I will offer a bit of caution. I do not recommend pins for children 12 and under. The pin backs are sharp and could hurt someone if mishandled.

Do enamel pins make good gifts?

Of course they do! And I have lots of reasons.

First, they are unique. Enamel pins are a niche product. So they aren’t the household items you might think they are. But that’s why they’re special gifts, especially for a non-pin collector.

Second, pins make great personal gifts. With countless designs out there, you can find one that matches a friend’s attitude or style. When you give someone an enamel pin, you’re telling them you know them without saying it out loud.

Third, they’re perfect as stocking stuffers and for Secret Santa gift exchanges. Enamel pins are affordable, and they come in all kinds of styles and designs. It's easy to find one that will fit your recipient's personality or interests.

Fourth, you can accessorize a gift with enamel pins. Pins often come with beautiful backing cards that you can attach to the outside of a present or a gift bag. If the design of the pin relates to the main gift, m it’s not only a preview of the gift; it’s a great way to tie the whole package together under a theme.

Last, they make the perfect little happies. Okay, maybe you’ve never heard of that word. In Mississippi, a happy is what we call a small gift. You can give a happy to anyone — a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, teacher, student, used car salesman, or someone you’re not very close to. A happy is simply a way to say, “I was thinking about you.” This means you can give a happy (like an enamel pin) anytime — birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduation, new home, or moving away. Or, you can give a pin as a just-because gift. Both my Mississippi and introvert pins can be gifted to just about anyone and on any occasion.

When and where can I wear enamel pins?

Literally anytime, anywhere! When you attach pins to your clothing or carryons, they will go wherever you go. It’s like broadcasting your thoughts all the time without saying anything.

They're not just for special events, rallies, and Mississippi State ball games. You can display them every day, like when you’re shopping, attending class, or grabbing lunch with a friend.

The wrap-up on enamel pins

Enamel pins are special because they are a cross between fashion accessories and jewelry. And, pins help you can express yourself boldly and proudly. Whether you become a pin collector or a casual wearer, you can share the fun by giving enamel pins as gifts to friends, family, and virtually anyone. It's a wonderful world to explore, and I encourage you to start with my Mississippi pins and introvert/writer-themed pins on my humble Etsy store!