When I was broke, this is what I did:
Buy 1” circular metal or wood blanks. You can get a pack of 200 unfinished wood blanks on Amazon for $9 USD. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BLH5TPW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7G7FV9P2QNSJ0D1KF2KY
Then, buy a 1” paper punch. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1G9LZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RA8XQY47YTW8AFVK3SKV
Then make tokens using token stamp https://rolladvantage.com/tokenstamp/
Put the tokens on a sheet using google docs, and print them. Stamp them out, and use glue stick to glue them to the wooden blanks.
In this way I’ve made hundreds of tokens for my games, and they come out to a few cents per token. You can get 2” wood blanks and punches for bigger creatures, or cut them freehand.
I’ve never had a player complain about this, and it was honestly incredibly effective. I could get the exact art I want and make a token in about 5 minutes from conception to completion. Save the money to spend on player character minis or boss monsters, but everything else can just be a token.
If anyone is looking to enhance your games and immerse your players without spending a million bucks on minis then tokens might be right for you :)
Step 1. Check out my Template or finished tokens.
Step 2. Download and put them on a 8.5 x 11 inch paper in Photoshop or GIMP.
Step 3. Print them all out! I get mine printed on high quality jet printers at Officemax.
Step 4. Cut them out and glue them onto 1 inch, 2 inch 3 inch and 4 inch metal washers, or wooden circles of your choice. I use these ones :)
If you have any requests or questions let me know. Thank you.