Over the years, there have been several types of Disney pins that have come and gone. These pins weren’t unpopular.  In many cases, they were simply a part of limited edition programs that ran their course.  However, one style of pin was so unique that it warrants a look back at Disney past. 

Build-A-Pins were only available for two years after their release in 2002.   These uniquely customizable pins enabled each pin enthusiast to create their own pins by mixing different components together.  No other line of Disney pins offered their fans the opportunity to become so involved in the creative process. 

The pin collector started by choosing a base or background for his pin.  He could choose from fun backdrops like a brightly-colored star or an exotic locale to serve as the base of his pin.  All that he had to do is choose something that caught his interest. 

Next, the collector will choose the star of his pin:  the add-on.  Add-on pins featured a wide range of characters from the traditional Mickey Mouse to the intergalactic characters from Star Wars.  Add-ons allowed the collector to really showcase his tastes. Was he a fan of Stitch and his unpredictable temperament?  Perhaps he preferred the sweet goofiness of Chip and Dale.  The choice was his to make.  A cast member would use a machine to attach the add-ons, and a new Disney pin was born. 

Build-A-Pins weren’t limited to one add-on featured on a single base.  Many bases were created with multiple holes allowing collectors to build a real scene on their Disney pin. One pin might be designed to display Mickey and Minnie in a sweet Valentine’s Day scene.  Another might position Donald Duck with Simba from the Lion King  in a more unorthodox pairing.  The possibilities were endless on a Build-A-Pin and only limited by the creativity of the collector putting the pin together. 

Although Disney pin collectors can no longer purchase Build-A-Pins in Disney theme parks and stores, these wonderful pieces of Disneyana are not completely gone. Collectors who are determined to enjoy these unique pins can still find them in secondary pin markets.  They just have to know where to look.

Collectors looking for components to put their own Build-A-Pin combinations together will find everything they need on eBay.  Offerings there include unopened packages of add-on pins, base pins, and even pre-assembled pins.  Collectors should beware, though. The number of pins and pin accessories found on eBay is staggering; Disney pin collectors who venture into the world of eBay may never want to leave.

Build-A-Pins were an exceptionally bright spot in the history of Disney pins.  Even though they were only available for a brief time, collectors still fondly remember these pins as a truly special offering with each pin standing as its own work of art.  Although all of the pins designed by Disney artisans are tiny works of art, no other collection of pins allowed the collector to take part in the magic of designing the pin.