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What Are Baseball Pins?

Baseball pins are wearable commemorative pins traded with other baseball trading fans. These pins come in many different designs and can also be custom-made.

Baseball pins can feature mascots, baseball attire, scoreboards, and bats and balls. If the pin is large enough, it's even possible for the player's name to be displayed on the pin.

Baseball pins are a great way to show team spirit and can help celebrate important teams and team moments.

Trading Little League Pins

Trading Little League pins is a great way to socialize with other pin enthusiasts. Some teams order extra pins for friends and family who want to collect one.

Where to Trade Little League Pins

Little League pins are available in several places and may be easier to find than you may think. You can find trading pins at places such as:

• Match Games: Primarily, pins are distributed at the first and last games of the season, and people bring their pins from home to trade
• Team Social Events: End-of-season parties are another great place to come prepared to trade, and can make the event even more thrilling to attend if you're a trader
• Tournaments: Tournaments (regionals and nationals) are a great way to find more unique (like glow-in-the-dark) and limited edition trading pins
• Sponsors: Sometimes sponsors are contactable and will offer pins through giveaways or competitions, and this is another excellent avenue to use for pin-finding

How to Trade Little League Pins

Pins are typically traded in a "pin-trading tent" provided at the main event. This is where you want to bring the most unique pins you have created or want to trade because it's a more official activity at the game, and you'll find some serious traders. Here are some guidelines for trading your pins.

Step 1: Bring a Good Selection of Pins

Unless you're starting out, you want to come to a trading event with a good selection of pins. Having several different ones other fans can choose from increases your chances of getting a pin you really want.

If you have any pins you want to avoid trading, don't display them with your trading pins. This way, there is clarity between enthusiasts.

Step 2: Have an Eye-Catching Display

You should try to have an eye-catching display to catch pin traders' attention. It can be as simple as a colorfully painted tri-fold cardboard or something more elaborate; it's entirely up to you, and the more creative, the better.

• Pro Pin-Trading Tip: Organize your pins in your display by color, as this will help individual colors to stand out

Step 3: Create Unique Designs

Custom baseball pins can get elaborate and include features like spinners, glitter, and danglers. So, naturally, the more unique your pin is, the more attention it will demand from fellow traders.

Step 4: Bring Enough for The Masses

One of the great things about pin trading is you never know how it will go. So, always bring as many pins as possible to take advantage of all trades. As the saying goes, "it's better to have and not need than to need and not have."

Pin Trading Etiquette

There is an art to trading pins, and brushing up on etiquette before you begin is wise. This way, you don't offend other, more established traders.

No Damaged Pins

You want to avoid going into a trade with damaged pins. Make sure you care for and store them properly and inspect them regularly.

Start Conversations

Pin trading is a social activity and requires some effort on your part. When approaching other traders, remember to be polite and pleasant. Learning how pin values work may take a few conversations if you're new to trading.

Trading Is a Choice

A pin is not traded unless both parties agree, and whether to trade or not is entirely your choice. If you change your mind about trading the pin, don't be shy to explain this to the trader. They're sure to understand.

No Interrupting

Never interrupt if someone else is talking to a pin trader you want to talk to, even if you're worried you'll lose that pin. Don't do it. Instead, hang back and politely wait your turn.

No Touching

Just like you don't appreciate other people touching your pins, don't reach out and touch anyone else's. You must ask the trader's permission first if you need to touch a pin. It can put you in a horrible light with other traders if you go around poking your fingers everywhere.

Pin Trading Tips

Now that you're familiar with trading Little League pins, you're almost ready to begin. Here are a few tips we think you should remember:

• Keep your pins adequately cleaned, so they're always prepared for a trading event
• Keep your pins in a cool, dry place when they're not in use or on display
• Be careful about wearing rare pins because there is always a risk of losing one
• Store your pins correctly by keeping them in a pin trading bag or an airtight container
• Order more pins than you think you may need, as you never know when you may need backups

Show Team Spirit and Pride with Unique Pins

Trading Little League Pins can be a great activity for the family to get into. Working together to collect and barter pins can create a strong family bond. Designing custom pins to trade is another way to get into serious trading. And remember, no one wants to trade damaged pins, so take care of them.

If you're looking for the perfect way to store or transport your baseball pins, take a look at our Pin Trading Bag, which is fully portable with a handle and adjustable straps.

Where It All Began

Most baseball fans and pin collectors might assume that trading pins began with the advent of baseball itself, back in 1846. But, just as the history of baseball's beginnings is slightly murky, so is the start of pin trading.

Interestingly, the earliest links to athlete pins date all the way back to 19th-century Athens, Greece. At the first Olympic games, athletes began wearing cardboard discs to identify themselves.

Many historians agree that trading pin history really kick-started with the modern Olympics. The approximate date was 1896.

Like in Athens, the first pins were made out of cardboard. Olympic officials and players wore them as a simple way to identify themselves. It's likely no one at that time would have considered them suitable (or desirable) for collecting.

During the 1906 Olympic games, however, things began to change. The Swedish team showed up with pins decorated with their national flag colors. These blue and yellow lapel pins made an impression, and soon other nations imitated these flashy badges.

21st Century Pins

The year was 1920 when a small bakery in Rochester, New York, started making pinback buttons. These buttons were sold in packs of 4 pins each. Every pin featured the image of a local baseball player.

Upstaters loved them and began buying them to trade. Of course, the combination of local pin trading and pin trading on the Olympic scale only added fuel to the fire/

By 1924, the tradition of wearing decorative "badges" or pins had taken over. The 1924 summer Olympics were held in Paris that year, and many athletes lived in the Olympic village.

As athletes were able to interact more, bonds between nations grew. Athletes and officials began enjoying swapping pins as a show of friendship and good sportsmanship.

Soon, spectators noticed the tradition and wanted in on the action. Officials were forced to limit the number of Olympic pins produced so that they could remain "exclusive."

By the 1952 Olympics, 218 different pins were created and traded. This vast number of other pins launched pin trading into a new world.

Major Businesses Take Notice

Following 1952, some significant businesses began jumping on the bandwagon and cashed in on the popularity of pin trading. 1960 saw several corporations producing their own pins for trading.

Trading pins history shows Coca-Cola set up an official pin trading center at the 1988 winter games in Calgary. (Remember the Jamaican bobsled team?) Coca-Cola's participation in the 1988 games marked the first time spectators arrived to collect and trade pins in Olympic history.

Some "spectators" didn't even watch the actual Olympic games!

A common joke now is that since Coca-Cola pushed for pin trading, trading pins have become "the number one spectator sport of the Olympics."

Of course, Coca-Cola was not to maintain a monopoly on this great tradition. Disney soon got their trading pins or spoon in the pot you could say.

The Disney Millenium celebration in 1999 introduced exclusive pins for trading at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Shortly after that, Disneyland California did the same thing.

This marked the first time a corporation outside the sports arena became involved in pin trading. The hobby has grown exponentially since that time. Disneyland goers worldwide are still collecting exclusive Disney pins and trading them today.

Little League World Series Baseball Trading Pins

As you may have guessed, with the increasing popularity of pin trading, it was only a matter of time before Little League Baseball trading pins hit the market.

1983 marked the first year Little League Baseball began producing and distributing official baseball trading pins.

Kids were signing up to play baseball just to get a team pin. Once this caught on, other youth leagues didn't wait long to get in on the action, and trading pin history was made.

Today, many collectors, or "pinheads" as they are affectionately known, prize early pins from baseball teams of generations past. The most valuable pins are still often the most difficult to find.

This baseball tradition has not faded. Many youth leagues today still produce official team pins for players to trade following a game. They often serve as a literal badge of honor indicating which opponents a team has played or which opponents have been defeated.

Today baseball trading pins come with unique add ons like sliders, spinners, bobble heads, and glitter enamel all of which adds to the trading power. It is to the point that even if you can't beat the other teams at the actual game, you could beat them at pin trading by creating the biggest and best custom trading pins.

Soft enamel trading pins are the preferred type of all the pin styles out there. They are economical and durable and allow you to create the perfect trading pins.

Affordable Trading Pins

60 million youth play sports every year and trading pins are part of many of these sports. But with all this pin trading going on where do teams find custom lapel pins? The answer is easy, they have them custom made by pin companies that dot the internet.

A simple search for trading pins will result in multiple companies that offer these services. Pin companies will take your rough sketch and offer free artwork, free molds and free shipping.

For 100 qty - 1.5 inch soft enamel pins you can create custom pins specific to your sports teams. It can include your team name, team colors, team logo and just about anything else you want to add - even that bobble head feature. You can expect to pay less than $3.00 per pin plus any add ons. Check out CustomPinsNow.com for best pricing.

Becoming a True "Pinhead"

Today, pin trading is not exclusive to athletic endeavors. Scholarly activities, competitions, business events, and even family reunions see groups designing and creating their own pins to mark the occasion.

Trading pin history is still in the making as thousands of Americans continue to participate in this fun hobby. Today, Little League World Series Baseball Trading pins are among the most loved and popular. They mark an all-American tradition honoring the all-American pastime.

Of course, you don't have to be an athlete to enjoy collecting these unique pins. Expert traders and novices alike participate in and enjoy the thrill of finding the "perfect pin."

Even still, becoming a true pinhead starts with only a single pin. The more fans collect, the more options they have to barter and trade with. The beauty of this hobby is anyone can participate, and individual collections range in size.

Part of the fun of pin-collecting is that each person's collection becomes a window into the collector's personality. Many young athletes are known for making a game of pin-trading during the Little League season.

The goal is to see how many different pins you can collect within a given season or year of baseball. Sometimes you can judge the year of the Little League pin based on similar trends in style and color schemes.

What to Do With All Those Pins?

Understanding the history of Little League World Series Baseball Trading pins brings this fun hobby to life. There is real history, tradition, and even meaning behind this centuries-old tradition.

For many, this tradition has become more than a hobby. First, it is a way to express pride in the teams or organizations that represent you. It is a method for building bonds and strengthening friendships. Finally, it is a fun way to create lasting memories for a lifetime.

Additionally, it's a way to build good sportsmanship and wholesome traditions. You could say, custom pins connect people in a unique and different way.

If you're ready to join the fun, check out our perfect trading pin bag. It's the ideal way to display and protect all the wonderful and unique pins that give others a glimpse of who you are.

Choose Your Niche

The first thing you'll need to do to start trading pins is to choose the types of pins that you'll collect. You could simply choose to collect any kind of pins. But this can make choosing which pins to buy a little tough. It can also make it tougher to connect with other pin traders, as most choose to buy, collect, and trade pins within a certain niche.  

There are an endless number of types of pins that you can choose from. Here, we'll take a look at a few of the most popular collectible pins.

Disney Trading Pins

One of the most popular pins to buy, trade, and collect is a Disney pin. Disneyland and Walt Disney World have both sold pins as souvenirs since the parks opened. But it wasn't until 1999, during the Millennium Celebration, that pin trading was introduced Disney pins are enamel pins that often feature pictures of favorite characters, references to rides or resorts, historical references to the Walt Disney company, and more. At any one time, there are thousands of different pin designs available. You can even purchase starter packs, which include a lanyard for wearing and trading your pins in the park and a few pins to get started with.

If you live near a Disney park or visit frequently, this can be a fun way to grow your collection and be able to trade often. A Disney pin can be purchased online and in stores in and around the parks.

Trading in the parks is also super easy. Pinboards or trading boards are displayed in many stores in the parks, as well as in resort hotels. You can trade any of your Disney pins for the ones on the board, making it fun and easy to get started.

Souvenir Trading Pins

Another fun type of pin collecting is souvenir pins. These can often be found in gift shops and visitor centers, and feature the name of the location you've visited and an associated image or design. You'll find these pins in zoos, museums, and even in visitor centers for national parks!

These pins can be a fun way to document your travels. Plus, they'll give your family something fun to shop for while on your trip. Searching gift shops and other stores for the right pin to commemorate your trip can be a little like a scavenger hunt. The selection of pins is often smaller than other collectible items but every store will have some if you just look.  And you'll be able to look back on your collection of souvenir pins and reminisce about trips that you've taken for years to come.

Trading this type of pin is more difficult. However, there are some enthusiast groups that trade all kinds of unique pins. Look for local events near you. Or, get your friends and family on board with their own collection, and swap pins from each of your travels.  If your entire collection is made up exclusively of souvenir pins - you will have a historical record that will be of great value for your own posterity.

Olympic Trading Pins

Disney pins are far from the only pins that are popular to trade. Another very popular type of pin to collect is Olympic pins . These official pins are released every two years for the Summer and Winter Olympic games. For each new Olympic Games, as many as 5,000 new pin designs are released!

Experts believe that the first Olympic pins were created for the 1896 Games located in Athens, Greece. However, the first pin trading was likely held for the Stockholm Games, hosted in 1912.

Pins can be purchased online and at the Olympic Games. While there are official Olympic pins, many companies that sponsor the games release their own pins as well. This includes brands like McDonald's and Coca-Cola. These pins are just as collectible and tradable as the official pins.  Each Olympics will bring out the hardcore collectors.  These experienced pin collectors know what is valuable.  Olympic pins are typically limited edition which once they are all sold, the value increases.  One of the most collectible pins from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah was the green Jello pin.  If you were one of the lucky ones to buy one, you could have sold it for a nice profit to a lapel pin collector.  

Olympic pin trading events are hosted in big cities around the world but are most popular in the cities hosting the Olympics every two years. You can also trade online through online communities.

Little League Baseball Trading Pins

One of the most common yet unknown pin collecting niches is little league baseball amateur teams. Believe it or not little league baseball players typically collect hundreds of pins over their playing years. Pin collecting becomes their second sport.

The little league world series is a fixture on ESPN every year, but little do people know that teams play in local, state, and then regional tournaments to get to the big one. Along the way, pin trading is happening at many of these tournaments.

Teams create unique pins with intricate designs that usually include their team name, team colors, team state and even player names and numbers. These pins are traded with other teams in the tournaments. You can imagine one tournament may produce 20+ unique pins. In just one year you have a pin collection.

So, don't overlook these smaller events that you participate in normal life and receive pins. A few pins and all of a sudden you could tell your story just by displaying the pins you have collected.  If you want to make your own youth sports trading pins check out how to get affordable trading pins.

Plan How to Store Your Pins Safely With Enamel Pin Display Ideas

After choosing which types of pins you'll collect, you'll need to decide how to store and preserve your pins. There are a variety of options to choose from.

A corkboard or shadow box are great options for displaying your pins at home. This is great if you want to enjoy your collection, even when you aren't actively trading.

However, if your goal is to trade, and you want to grow your collection beyond what a board or box can hold, you'll need a trading pin bag . Our bag can hold up to 420 pins, depending on the size of the enamel pins that you choose to collect.

These bags serve a number of purposes. They are great for taking your pins on the go. The bag zips closed and features a handle and adjustable shoulder strap. Use this to carry your pins with you to trading events or even in the Disney parks for a day of pin trading fun.

Unlike a lanyard, your bag will keep your pins safe so you won't lose any while you walk around or ride rides. It also allows you to carry far more pins with you than you could on a lanyard.

Pin bags are great for storing your pins at home, too. They protect your pins from damage and keep them all in one place, so you can easily flip through your pins to see what you have while shopping online or sharing your pins with friends.

Get Shopping Online - It's Easy

You've chosen your pin collection and ordered a bag to store your growing collection in. Now, it's time to get shopping!

As we've already mentioned, there are plenty of places to find pins. If you want to get started right away, head to the internet.

You can find Disney pins on ShopDisney.com. They may also be available on sites like eBay. However, be aware that fake pins are common. If you aren't strict about collecting authentic pins, this might not be an issue, as it's often tough to tell the real pin from the fake.

If you've chosen to collect Olympic pins, you won't have to wait for the next Games to get started. You can browse and buy pins from previous years online.

Another great place to shop for pins of all kinds is thrift stores, yard sales, and estate sales. This is a great spot to find antique or out-of-print pins. If you haven't narrowed yourself down to a specific niche, this can also be a great spot to get a variety of inexpensive, cool pins to jumpstart your collection.

Connect With Other Traders Who Share the Same Passion

After you've started your new collection, it's time to look for some online communities to join. Forums, websites, and social media groups are great spots to connect with other pin collectors. You can share your newest pin finds, learn more about the pins you find, and even trade pins.

This is also a great way to find out about in-person pin trading events in your area.

In the case of Walt Disney World pins, you can even take your collection one step further by signing up for a monthly pin box. A variety of companies offer these pin trading subscriptions. This can be a fun way to grow your collection, especially if you can't visit the parks often.

Get Started Collecting Trading Pins

Collecting trading pins is exciting, and can be a fun way to connect with others who share similar interests. With so many different types of pins to choose from, you can start a collection related to your own interests, like travel, sports, or Disney.  It might seem like a business decision, but it really isn't.  Just choose something you like and you will find a huge variety to get going.

If you're thinking about starting your very own pin collection, purchasing a trading pin bag can be a great spot to start. That way, when you get your very first pins, you'll have a safe spot to store and display them. Your first pins don't even have to be considered trading pins, any lapel pins work to start a collection.

Not all trading pin bags are created equal - it's not about the lowest prices. Our premium pin bags not only expertly protect your pins from damage, but will also hold up to travel and wear. That way, you can take your pins with you on vacation, while you travel, or to pin trading events for years to come.

Ready to order your first bag?

Click here to learn more about why every pin trader needs a premium pin bag.

1. Disney Pin Trader Bag

We start with the Walt Disney World Pin trading bag because they don't actually exist. Disney Parks no longer sells a specific Disney pin trading bag. Sorry to burst your bubble but it had to be said. Many companies advertise Disney trading pin bags because Disney pin trading is so popular.

Don't be discouraged, any pin bag can be used for Disney pin trading and if you want a bag that has Disney images on it you can still find a variety of trading bags with images just understand they may not be authentic or Disney has licensed another company to sell Disney products. Here are few sites you can browse:

‍Amazon

Etsy

Ebay

Zipadeedoodahz

2. TradingPinBag

TradingPinBag.com offers an extra large pin trading bag. It boasts a 13 x 9 inch size, soft outer shell, 6 double sided felt pages inside that can hold up to 420 pins depending on size. This pin trading bag also has a handle and shoulder strap for easy portability. Somewhat unique to this bag is an outer bag zip around closure and zippers on each page to prevent pin backs and clutches from being lost. The biggest benefit is the capacity. It is one of the largest on the market. A not so noticeable feature is it is all black and no branding making it perfect for pin collectors that have no affinity for one specific theme. The pin bag retails for $39.95 but bulk discounting is available at quantities of 5, 10, and 20.

3. PinFolio

PinFolio offers multiple different sizes of pin trading bags from the Pinfolio MiniPinfolio ClassicPinFolio Pro Elite . PinFolio is a trade name and they've branded each of their bags with this name so there is no mistake which bag you have. And you probably guessed from the names the main difference in the bags is size. The mini is really a step up from a lanyard and holds a few more pins. The Classic holds up to 100 pins and the Pro Elite holds much more. PinFolio's claim to fame is their patented Stick N Go technology. This allows you to push the pin into a cork board style page and the clutch is no longer needed, at least will held in the book. Pricing ranges from $28 for the Mini to $149 for the PinFolio Pro Elite product.

4. PinFinder

PinFinder is actually a resource company for the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder Club. Pin designing, trading and collecting is a big deal for these Pathfinder Club members as they participate in local and international camporees. The company has created a way to help members create and store their pins. They have a bag that is 9 x 15 inches and contains 3 double sided pages., that are also zippered. The outer shell is of nylon construction. The Pinfinder pin bag is $24 and likely holds up to 200 pins depending on size.

5. Zipadeedoodahz

This company was founded by an avid Disney pin collector who needed a place to store collectibles. Their unique proposition is they apply embroidered images onto their trading pin bags. The bags themselves are 9.5 x 12 inches and have 4 zippered pin pages. If you are a Disney lover, and want a themed bag this might be a good option. Zipadeedoodahz prices range from $60 to $75, which essentially is paying for the embroidered image as the bag is on the smaller side.

6. Pin Company

I end with a generic Pin Company category. Why? Because items 2-5 above really address the pin bag options available online that are unique and slightly different, everything else is rather generic and common. Most pin companies that produce custom trading pins often offer a standard low capacity trading pin bag. They aren't really focused on the pin bag, they want to sell the pins. My recommendation is to explore items 2 -5 above and see which one fits your personal needs and personality.

Other Pin Storage Possibilities

Rally Towel

Rally towels are often associated with little league baseball trading p ins. A towel can have a logo applied with your team name and colors and also provides a great option for attaching pins too. The biggest negative of a rally town is the fuller it gets the more awkward it becomes to transport and the clutches often come off and pins get lost.

Pin Book Binder

A pin book binder is another option you will see on the market. They are literally 3 ring binders with special pin pages designed to attach pins too. They are stiff which is good as it holds firm, but the negative is items can be lost as clutches fall off and the pin falls out of the book as there is no outer protection to collect something that falls out.

Pin Backpack

A pin backpack really could be considered a pin bag, but the main difference between it and a bag is there are no internal pages to hold pins. Pins are merely attached to the outside shell of a backpack. This is great for display and is quite trendy and some even have protection to keep pins from falling off, but it doesn't hold much.

Lanyard

A lanyard is great for a conference and for hold small quantities of pins but not meant to really be a storage device.

So many possibilities you may opt for multiple choices depending on what you want to accomplish and the size of your collection.

1. Displays for Esthetics

If showing off your pins is the primary purpose moving forward, then a hanging display is a good option.  Displays keep things visible, organized and can blend right into your rooms decor for easy viewing and enjoyment. 

 Here are a few different types of display options.

Cork board with wood trim

A cork board is simple and easy and can be purchased at a reasonable price.  Your collectible pins can be pushed directly into the cork board and are very secure, yet offer flexibility if you want to rearrange or remove.  A cork board works in the kitchen, bedroom, office and maybe even the family room.

Wall hanging banner

A wall hanging banner is another great display method.  It is also very easy to use and actually easier to hang than a cork board.  A single nail with allow it to dangle.  Because a banner is just piece of cloth it will require you to attach the pins to the fabric and secure them with the clutch on the back.  While this isn't really an issue there are a couple things to consider.

The wall banner can be easily moved by bumping into it, causing it to fall off the wall and damage the pins if they hit the floor just right.  The clutches on the back may also scrape the wall if it swings back and forth as they are fully exposed.  But assuming it is in a location with minimal risk of bumping, the negatives really aren't negatives.  It offers a different look and feel than a board.

Pin display case

An enamel pin display case will offer the best collection display.  It is essentially a framed board with a glass front.  The frame and glass elevates the look and feel of the collection, making it perfect for a classy living room display.  It becomes a prestigious piece of art rather than a fun collection.

2. Get the Proper Trading Pin Collector Bags

If you are a collector and your intent is to continue growing your pin collection then a trading pin bag would be a good choice.

Pin bags offer portability, maximum storage and security all in one.  For the pin trader who is constantly on the move, a pin bag can be easily transported yet still offers organization and security.  Just unzip the bag and lay out your display of exclusive pins and trade away.  You can even buy multiple bags as your collection grows.

Choose bags that have a zipper and handles and shoulder straps for ease of use.

Additionally, these bags can easily become a permanent storage space when you need to store you pins for a long period.  They are a very compact size yet hold 200-400 pins depending on size.  An effect pin bag will have an approximate size of 9 x 13 inches and will also have soft divider sheets to prevent pins from scratches as the pins are moved around.  You can expect a purchase price of about $40 for a premium bag.

3. Store It in a Clean and Dry Place

When you're not trading or displaying your pin collection, it's important to store them in a clean and dry place. Room temperature is ideal, but you can also keep them in a temperature-controlled environment like a cool basement or storage unit. Keep them away from excessive heat or moisture.  Many collectible pins have an iron base metal and if exposed to moisture they could rust.

If you're storing them long-term, consider wrapping each pin in acid-free paper or tissue to protect it from scratching or tarnishing. With proper care, your pins will stay in great condition and be ready to trade whenever you are!

4. Use Soft Materials in Handling Pins

Handling your collectible trading pins with soft materials will help keep them looking new. Pins can be scratched easily, so be sure to store them in a safe place. If you are going to stack your pins, use a soft material such as a piece of cloth in between each row of pins.

To avoid to much oil and dirt from touching the surface of your pins it is best to use cloth gloves if you are handling them a lot.

Lastly be careful not to drop them as this may cause the nail to break off or deep scratches to appear.

5. Be More Cautious in Cleaning Them

Here are some tips on how to store and clean your pins so that they will last for years to come.

First, when cleaning your pins, be sure to use a soft cloth or brush. Scrubbing too hard can damage the enamel.

Next, if your pins are particularly dirty, you may need to soak them in warm, soapy water before cleaning. However, be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward and make sure they are completely dried before storing them away.

Additionally, avoid using chemicals to clean your pins. Some chemicals can be too harsh and damage the enamel. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your trading pins will last for many years to come.

6. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat

If you are looking for tips on storing your trading pins, one of the most important things to avoid is direct sunlight and heat. Both of these can damage the pins, causing the enamel colors to fade. If you must store them in an area that gets sunlight, you might consider putting a cloth over them to avoid direct sunlight.

Avoid storing them near heating vents or in a hot car. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight and heat. When transporting your pins, be sure to use a bag or box that will protect them from the elements.

7. Consult a Professional

When it comes to something as important as storing your trading pin collection, it is always best to consult a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best way to store your pins so that they remain in good condition.

They can also help you to determine how often you need to check on your pins and make sure that they are still in good condition. Getting advice from a professional can save your rare trading pins from damage, knowing that some rare pins need specific care.

1. Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to enjoy pin trading at amusement parks is to plan ahead. For the beginner, that will include buying a pin trading starter pack. 

Walt Disney has produced hundreds of thousands of pin designs over the years, matching characters from each Disney movie.  So, just think of a favorite character from a Disney movie, search online, and likely a pin has been created for you to purchase.

Voila, you've just started your first Walt Disney World pin collection.

Now with your starter Disney pin pack in hand and other character pin ideas in mind, the minute you touch ground you are ready to become a Disney pin trader.

Just remember Disney pin trading is addictive, you likely won't trade just one, so come prepared with many pins to trade and make a day of it.

Buying pins before  you arrive at Disney World helps save money.

2. Have the Proper Disney Pin Collector's Bag

In preparation for your Disney trip, you've bought a handful, ok maybe a bucketful load of pins to trade, and your wondering how to transport and display all these pins.  Answering and resolving this before you leave on your trip is important.

Pin trading requires your pins to be portable, easily displayable, and protected.  You have to be able to move your pins around easily and show them on the spot. 

A Disney trading pin bag offers the best solution. You might think a lanyard will do the job, but don't get side tracked by a pin lanyard - they only hold a handful of collectible pins. A trading pin bag will allow you to keep your Disney pin collection organized and safe to ensure you have a fun and successful experience.

Unfortunately Disney World doesn't sell specific pin trading bags, which is ok, because there are many companies that do sell pin bags.  Look for a pin bag with a zipper closure to protect your pins, one with a handle and shoulder strap for portability, and one that will hold 300-400 Disney trading pins.

400 trading pins may sound like a lot, but don't underestimate the power of a Disney Trading pin. 

3. Know Where to Look

You've arrived at a Disney World theme park smiling from ear to ear, but the pIace is huge. So, where do you look for collecting Disney pins and particularly those hidden mickey or hidden Disney pins or whatever their called?   

The best place to start is a park guide map.  Every Disneyland Resort will have a map to guide you and will likely include pin trading locations that offer pin displays. 

If that doesn't work the next step is to ask a park cast member as they will know all the best pin trading spots.

In prior years cast members traded pins directly with guest, but in recent years the resorts have switched to pin trading boards that are managed by Disney cast members.  Find the boards and you will find plenty of pins to trade.

One final note, don't be afraid to approach other guests when you notice their pin bags or lanyards.  Disney pin traders are proud of their collections and like to tell their story.  Ask about their pins and you might find a hidden gem in their collection that they are willing to trade.  This works great as you are standing in lines at the various attractions.

‍4. Don't Be Afraid to Haggle

You might be hesitant at first to initiate trade talk at Disney, but don't be afraid.  Haggling is part of the process.  To ease into it, start at a pin trading board with a Disney cast member, they are not allowed to haggle so just offer to trade and they will accept.

Pin trading is a great way to get rid of unwanted pins, and it can be a great way to get your hands on some rare or hard-to-find pins but if you want either of these results, you have to learn to haggle or negotiate.  Consider trading 4, less valuable pins, for one more rare Disney pin. This might be worth it to get that rare one.

The key to pin trading is to be patient and to be willing to haggle. Not everyone will want to trade, and that's ok, the next person will.  Just follow Disney pin trading etiquette and everyone involved will have a great time. 

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

I follow the saying, "if you ask, you might get, if you don't ask, you won't get".  This applies to asking for help, asking for Disney pin trade or asking for directions. 

Ask, ask, ask and ask some more, you'll be amazed at how people are willing to help. 

In the process of asking you will learn other cool things about the Disneyland theme park, special events, celebrations, gift shops, rules for pin trading, limited release pins and so much more.  You might figure these things out on your own, but asking will save you so much time to enjoy more pin trading. 

So, if you see someone wearing a pin you like, ask them for a trade and you might get it.

If you're not sure how to trade, there are usually cast members or Disney pin traders around who can help. Just ask, and they'll be happy to show you how it's done.

Be Prepared for Pin Trading at Disney

So, if you're looking for a fun, unique souvenir from your trip to a Disney amusement park, consider pin trading! Pin trading is a great activity for all ages and can be done at any of the Disney parks.

Get started today and be prepared for the beginning of something special. 

And remember every good Disney pin collector keeps on the look out for limited edition pins, you never know what you might find.