Tender Buttons

I was nervous about visiting this store recently while visiting New York. I am a button collector from Australia and had only read negative reviews I am delighted to share I had a wonderful experience in this store. There was a lovely , young, bubbly salesgirl who was helpful,friendly and accomodating when I visited on a Saturday. Viewing the buttons displayed throughout the store are worth the visit alone. There are buttons for every price range including the antique "must have" buttons. It is cash only but they do accommodate credit card purchases for large purchases. A wonderful experience in a truly unique store.

My mom and I had about thirty minutes left before we needed to head to the airport. We decided to try and make it to Tender Buttons and what a trip it was! It was the best thirty minutes of our entire work-cation! Looking forward to visiting these two ladies again soon! They have more knowledge on buttons than you can imagine. So glad this little shop is around. Your creative juices definitely start flowing once you see the millions of button options they have to work with. A MUST if visiting NYC!

None of the problems others have described. Unique and full of personality. Glad to say I've been there. Spent $60 on gorgeous Czech buttons for jewelry projects and would delightedly go back if the opportunity ever arises again!

Fantastic little button store that has everything ok could imagine in the form of a button! Very sweet service, even though I didn't buy anything, I was just there to peruse. TB is home to a wide variety of average button, for any project need, as well as unique precious buttons, antiques and one of a kind ones. Great for crafters and collectors alike.

It is true that this store has perhaps the widest selection of high quality buttons that I have seen in New York City. Over the years I come here occasionally, say every 6 or 7 years or so, when I've needed buttons for a special item of clothing. But I have vowed never to go there again. Virtually every time I have frequented the store I have found the service indifferent and practically dismissive. I realize that East Side establishments are not used to serving a lot of people of color, and as a black woman who lives on the West Side I have always encountered the most obvious slights on the East Side--sales people who ignore you and act as if they would prefer not to have to deal with you. Regrettably, no matter how rarely I go to this store, that has always been my experience.

I do not know what these other reviewers are talking about. Each time I come here for buttons for my knitting projects, they are not only generous, but helpful, offer cogent and valuable opinions, and put up with me trying every type of button on the cowl/sweater/coat etc., so that the knitting sings. I used to teach tailoring and couture sewing so I realize just how important a button is. It can make or break an outfit. They have a great selection ranging in prices and sizes. You can go "free range," that is, pull out the boxes and peruse alone or give them a general idea of what you want and ask them to assist you. I have never come out without a huge smile on my face. Case in point, I made Melissa Wehrle's Lattice sweater in turquoise Sublime merino/cashmere silk. I thought I wanted a simple turquoise button, but they pulled out a sparkly round button that was an exact match! In the same outing, I'd made a Marly Cashmere double faced cowl and came out with one of the kind horn buttons. Yes, it can be pricey, but not all of the time stay away if you can from the antique one of a kind buttons. It can also take time, but isn't that a bit of luxury and indulgence that we all need. Great place if your LYS' store's selection is not great, unique, interesting or the right size and you're looking for something more than Joanne's could ever provide although I have to say that sometimes I can find a very nice button at Joanne's. Right now I'm finishing the Cardiff Coat for my son's special someone and I'll be heading to TB for the perfect buttons to finish off a gorgeous coat again in turquoise, her favorite color.

What a unique place. Most unusual collection of buttons. I bought mother of pearl colored midnight blue. Beware though: the older staff are high strung and testy.

A lovely and charming spot. They have pretty much any possible button that you could be looking for and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you stepped into another era. I highly recommend that you stop at Tender Buttons

5 stars for the buttons, 1 star for service. I always try to get out of there as quickly as possible, which is a shame because the buttons are great. In my mind, like another reviewer, it's an upper east side stereotype.

I purchased buttons here on several occasions decades ago and love this treasure of a shop! So happy to have happened to be walking in the neighborhood and see that it’s still there!