Sparkfun Electronics Infrared Proximity Contactless Button

The Infrared Proximity Contactless Button makes for a good replacement for typical push buttons. It includes a built-in microcontroller to handle interference or noise, a red/blue status LED that gives the user visual feedback that a "touch" has been registered, and two potentiometers on the back of the device that allow you to adjust the read range from 3-15 cm and adjust the "open time" from 0.5 to 20 seconds.