Stitch Markers?

Back before I started taking crochet seriously, I thought manufactured stitch markers were a mystical device used by the wizards of fiber arts. Surely nothing I knew how to make at the time required an actual stitch marker. Then as time passed and my skills began to grow, I would just cut a piece of random yarn to tie around a stitch. 
Once I bought a little crochet kit with a booklet and a bunch of tiny pieces that I had no idea what they were used for. Turns out some of the tiny pieces were circular plastic rings almost like a keyring. I tried using those but they would snag or stretch the stitch out of place so using those was short lived. 

It took me a while to figure out which markers were for knit and not crochet. Yes there was a time I crocheted a closed circle marker into a project and had to figure out how to remove it or see if it could pass as part of the design lol. I wanted to order a set of pretty designer markers that had the lobster clasp but, I knew in my heart of hearts that I would probably lose them and didn’t want to risk it. Fast forward a few years I would always see photos in my crochet groups and it looks like little plastic safety pins is what most people are using. So I decide to order some online. (pictured below)

The kit I ordered came with two small cases full of markers totaling 300 pieces. I am in love with all the bright colors. It definitely takes away from me having to find a different color yarn to cut and use for a stitch marker. I thought that maybe I had over done it with the amount that came. As much as I love them they have a tendency to go MIA periodically so the amount is a plus for sure. I use them for more than just stitch marking. I use them to hold pieces together that I want to wip stitch together or to keep my count when making a chain. I even made a long chain to wrap around some loose yarn before. I'm sure I'll discover more ways to used them soon. I feel these are some what of a game changer for me.  Alright enough about the markers, I have to go work on the WIP in the picture above. 

Let me know which markers are your favorite and any alternative uses.