Compliment Coins

Communication can be a lot more challenging than it seems. It can be hard to find the right words, or the timing isn’t opportune. But, as the collector community will tell you, there’s nothing more important than connecting with each other, and coins are a proven way to bring people together. Vermont resident Kristin McCole recognizes this and uses coins to unite people in an unorthodox way.

McCole engraves and paints Compliment Coins, tiny wooden tokens with a whimsical doodle on one side and encouraging words, such as “You’re embracing uncertainty. Yay!” or “I like you better than cheese,” on the other. The artist, who spent years working in nonprofits and has no background in art or business, found her spark of inspiration watching a mom with fussy kids at an airport in 2017. 

“I found myself thinking I wish I could hand her a token of some kind. Something like a little note, but more special and beautiful. Like a little treasure. Something she can hold onto that says, ‘I’ve been there, and I see you. You are amazing.’” Then it dawned on her that she could make tiny wooden tokens as a way to spread smiles.

She hand-carved a trial piece, then made another and another. Her joyful creations made their way into a local gift shop, and sales started flowing. McCole shifted her creation process and learned how to laser-engrave the coins then hand-paint them, which allowed her to increase her output. She has now made thousands of pieces that can be found all around the globe.

“Compliment Coins are my way of helping people feel good, more connected with each other, and a little less alone in things,” writes McCole on her website. “It’s dreamy to watch them going out into the world. It makes me so happy.”

To learn more, visit Compliment Coins’ website (complimentcoins.com) or Instagram page (@complimentcoins).