Nostalgic. Personal. Photo-Worthy.
Retro poetry machine
Retro poetry machine
Turn the dial, get a poem
This is our most playful way to deliver poetry. Our vintage gumball machines are filled with tiny, custom-written messages tailored to your event or brand. Guests insert a quarter, turn the dial, and a surprise capsule containing a one-liner poem drops into their hand. It’s personal, memorable, and yes, quarters are on us.
Self-serve
The machines are freestanding, about 4 feet tall, and fully self-serve—just drop in a quarter and turn. Perfect for high-traffic events or activations where you want engagement without extra coordination.
Pocket-sized keepsake
Each capsule holds a mini message, about the size of a fortune cookie slip. Short, personal, and perfectly pocket-sized—they’re often tucked away like a charm or pinned up as a daily reminder.
Fully customizable
We build every detail around your brand. Your logo appears on the machine, signage, and message slips for a cohesive look. Each message is custom-written, reviewed with you, and crafted to reflect your brand.
How it works
Book a retro gumball machine (or three) for your event. Each one is fully self-serve and takes up just a 2×2 ft space—perfect for busy activations or small setups. Inside, you’ll find up to 200 tiny, custom-written messages tailored to your event’s tone, theme, or goals. We take care of everything: logistics, branded signage, custom capsules, and an on-site assistant. All messages are written in advance, reviewed with you, and designed to feel personal, intentional, and on-brand.
Nostalgic
It's a simple moment that brings a vintage touch, inviting guests into a moment that feels both playful and timeless.
Personal
Every message is custom-written with your event in mind—short, thoughtful, and designed to resonate.
Photo-worthy
From the machine to the message, it’s a classic setup people can’t resist capturing.
Frequently asked questions
Can the machine be refilled during the event?
Yes! If you expect high volume, we offer on-site refill service to keep the capsules flowing. Let us know your guest count, and we’ll guide you on what’s needed.
How many machines can I book?
You can book up to 3 machines depending on your guest count and event layout.
Do you handle setup and teardown?
Yes! We take care of both load-in and load-out, so you don’t have to lift a finger. A Poesy assistant will be on-site to set everything up, manage refills if needed, and ensure the machine runs smoothly throughout your event.
How do guests get their quarters?
We’ve got options. We can create custom quarter handouts—small cards with your logo and a short message like “This quarter unlocks a moment of inspiration”—to give to guests on arrival. Or, our on-site assistant can stand by the machine and hand out quarters as needed. Either way, it’s seamless and thoughtful.
What’s the process for customizing the messages?
Once you book, we’ll connect with you to learn more about your event goals and brand voice. From there, we craft a set of custom messages for your review. You’ll have a chance to provide feedback and request edits—so every message feels personal and just right.