For far too long, Exclusive Buttons has been a closely-guarded secret in the craft world, where covetous creative types would hoard beautiful vintage deadstock buttons all for themselves. Having visited the shop myself last weekend, I’ve decided to pull back the curtain and tell everyone I know about it–as this magical place needs and deserves all the business they can get.
Exclusive Buttons is a teeny hole-in-the-wall shop in El Cerrito (a bit north of Berkeley, CA), where the walls are lined floor-to-ceiling with a mind-boggling array of colorful buttons you won’t find anywhere else. The owner, Mary, and her husband Vince (who passed away last year) were button wholesalers back in the day–which is why some of the button cards still carry the name “Exclusive Buttons”. They’ve been in their current retail location for 20+ years!

There’s something for everyone at this shop, whether your tastes run to Shabby Chic-style distressed rhinestone buttons, colorful Bakelite beauties, delicate pearl closures, rustic wooden or bone buttons–the choices are endless, and Mary is more than happy to run you though their choices and explain the provenance of each selection. It’s so wonderful to meet someone so in love with their job, especially in their later years. Do yourself a favor and make the trip! (PS: It’s cash only.)
Exclusive Buttons
10252 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530
ph: (510) 524-5606
Hours: Friday & Saturday, 11am – 4pm