I have used buttons on quilts, crocheted button necklaces, made ornaments with buttons, have a lampshade I embellished with buttons, and have many ideas for all the 1000's of buttons I have.
Google button crafts...first item up is button craft images and there are a bunch of ideas!
If you really don't want your buttons, I see there are many people interested in them...just don't throw them away as I have heard people have done with buttons...some can be quite valuable.
Many years ago the National Button Society had a convention in our town. I found out then just how much money people can spend on buttons. It was fun to go to, and see what types of buttons people collect...and put on boards to display.
Hope you find a way to use the buttons in a memorable way.