How to start a collection—and turn your stuff into your hobby
Not long ago, a friend walked into my cubicle at work, looked around and said, “I didn’t know you collected Keepsake Ornaments.”
“I don’t,” I said as I glanced about, too. “I just happen to have two or three or…nine, evidently.”
There’s no shame in collecting ornaments; that’s not at all why I was a denier. It simply hadn’t occurred to me that nine ornaments constituted a collection. The same look around this place might have led him to think I collected superhero action figures, patches from sci-fi movie costumes or Beatles memorabilia.
When we find enjoyment in something—a sport, a TV show, a hobby, an era—we surround ourselves with the stuff of that interest. But in all instances, one thing is an example, two things are a coincidence and three things are a trend. If you’re trending on a theme of things you like, you’re starting a collection.
Had the Chinese philosopher Laozi considered the idea, he might have said that the journey to a meaningful collection begins with a single step. Here are 10 steps toward a collection you will enjoy.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
1. Be authentic.
Each interest we have, whether it’s world history or fried peanut-butter sandwiches, makes us who we are. We can’t help what we like, and we shouldn’t hide it away from people who want to know more about us. When it comes to getting collectibles that feel good to own and display, show no shame in your game or else your collection won’t be as fun to share and maintain.
2. Share stories.
Each collectible, no matter what it might be, is sold incomplete; it’s up to that object’s owner to add a story to it. Think about why a certain item would belong in your collection before getting it; that’s what gives it true value. When someone asks what makes this one or that one special to you, you’ll know just what to share—and you’ll enjoy that story each time you tell it.
3. Study up.
Whatever it is you want to collect, there’s someone else already doing it and willing to talk about it. Seek out books, websites, blogs, vlogs, podcasts—any source material at all that helps you learn more about collecting what you want. The knowledge you have helps you be a discerning curator, a smarter shopper and a more interesting new friend to the other collectors you’re sure to meet along your way.
4. Start slow.
There’s no need to rush into compiling any collection. When acquiring, set a pace that works for you. There’s no quicker way to beat the fun out of a hobby than blowing your budget or overflowing your space. A good collection is about the quality of its pieces, not the quantity. Building your stash is not a race.
5. Zero in.
When starting a collection, focusing on one or several interests sets an achievable goal. A fun collection might focus on certain materials (brass, glass, wood), objects (clocks, radios, pens) or subjects (penguins, vintage cars, baseball)—anything that makes you happy.
6. Go deep.
If you like it, more than likely it’s been around awhile. Research the items that fit your collection and suit your fancy from days gone by, not just what you see on your normal shopping trips. Great places to look include estate sales, flea markets, antique stores, online retailers and auction sites.
7. Seek unique.
Add interest and value to a collection by going beyond the kinds of pieces available to just anyone. Look for items offered exclusively at certain venues or events, ones that not everyone had a chance to pick up. Or think of ways to get true one-of-a-kind items that become invaluable to you. A first-edition hardback of your favorite book is cool—but one signed to you by the author might be cooler.
8. Trade around.
Chance across a nifty, hard-to-find collectible on an antiquing run in the country? Have something that might be cool to someone else but not necessarily to you? That’s prime trade bait, and it just might be the key to releasing something from someone else that you really want to have yourself. Trading also is a great way to make good friends who share your interests—and will keep an eye peeled for your gotta-have items.
9. Show off.
Don’t spend your time on a collection you keep hidden under your bed. Many people find ways to show off their favorites items—or whole collections—at home or at work where others can see them. There are Keepsake Ornament collectors who keep Christmas trees up to share stories and memories all year long. (My mini tree sits on my desk).
10. Play safe.
Your collectibles are not simply an investment of time and sentiment; they are an investment of money. As your collection grows, don’t overlook storage options that keep your valued and cherished items protected from damage. Not only are well-preserved items worth more to other collectors, but clean and crease-free packaging helps increase value, too.
Shop Christmas ornaments
See allYou may also like
See more-
Mother's Day How to make an indoor picnic for Mom this Mother’s Day
It’s not always a picnic trying to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, but creating an indoor picnic can be! With...
-
Baby Gifts for new parents: Thoughtful things to give and do
We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and dads?...
-
Gifting Gift ideas to celebrate parents
How do you say “I love you” to parents that mean so much—the ones who’ve handled plenty of diaper changes (the really...
-
Calendar Flip Woo-Hoo—summer’s here! June 2024 holidays and celebrations
Summer is here in all her glory and we are ready. Warm days and cool drinks lay ahead. So it’s time to flip the ca...
-
Calendar Flip Yay for May! May 2024 holidays and celebrations
Flowers are blooming, students are graduating and moms are getting some well-deserved appreciation. What a fabulou...
-
Calendar Flip Welcome back, spring! April 2024 holidays and celebrations
Oh, spring, we’ve missed you most of all. We don’t even care that you bring showers—we’re just excited to be outsi...
-
Easter Easter basket ideas for all ages: DIY decorations, gifts and more
Excited to get hopping on those Easter baskets? We love to see it. And we love to inspire it, too! So we’ve put toget...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY Free printable classroom posters to brighten the school day
Are you a teacher, or do you know a great teacher? (Um, who doesn’t?) Here’s a simple way to encourage kindness and c...
-
Graduation The College Survival Guide: Make the perfect graduation gift even better
The College Survival Guide was created to turn the most-requested high school graduation present (money) into a de...
-
Easter 25+ ways to make Easter extra fun for kids
When it comes to Easter, we love leaning in to joy, faith and the beauty in creating core memories for the whole fami...
-
Birthday 25+ ideas for creative, personal birthday care packages
When a friend’s birthday rolls around and you can’t be together to celebrate, the next best thing is to bring the cel...
-
Valentine's Day 200+ Valentine’s Day gift ideas for everyone in your heart
In junior high, I made a giant Valentine’s Day collage for my first girlfriend. She loved it. Was it amazing or dorky...
-
Valentine's Day DIY Valentine's Day treat bags for kids
One of the best things about kids valentine treat bags is the surprise element—there could be anything in there! But ...
-
Calendar Flip Hello, Love: February 2024 Holidays and Observances
Let’s warm up this cold month with love and connections. From valentine cards to dressing up your pet, this month has...
-
Calendar Flip Spring Forward: March 2024 Holidays and Observances
Color us excited! From the wearin’ of the green and more sunny fun to colorful Holi festivals and celebrating crayons...
-
Calendar Flip Welcome a New Year: January 2024 Holidays and Observances
HAPPY NEW YEAR! If that hurt your head, you might have celebrated a little too much. When you’re feeling better, we h...
-
Christmas Christmas wishes: What to write in a Christmas card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Gift Wrapping 4 cute and creative ways to wrap gifts for kids
There’s something extra fun about wrapping gifts for kids. Maybe it’s the look on their faces when they’re handed a r...
-
Winter What is Lunar New Year?: Shining a light on a celebration shared by billions
Lunar New Year is celebrated by an estimated 2 billion people around the world. It’s a holiday that marks the arrival...
-
Winter Find your Chinese zodiac sign just in time for Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is the longest, most celebrated event for billions of people in Asian communities around the world. Ea...