Snaps are a great alternative to doing buttons.  There are two different kind of snaps:  the sew on kind and the kind in which you need a tool kit in order to apply.  This video discusses the latter kind, specifically heavy duty snaps.  These type of snaps are best use in jackets, coats, and other type of projects that use thicker fabrics. While a little more involved to attach than sew-in snaps, they're still quite easy to put in. The most important thing you need to pay attention to is placement as you want to make sure they line up so the two sides snap together perfectly. But after you've gone through the process once, you'll have no problem doing more.