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-
Anniversary Anniversary gifts by year
There are a lot of anniversary gift lists out there. Most hit the major milestones with traditional and modern the...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY How to make a DIY money lei for graduations, weddings, birthdays and more
In Hawaii, people give leis to celebrate lots of different occasions. A money lei is a great way to celebrate a gr...
-
Birthday What to write in a birthday card
Some people have no problem coming up with what to write in a birthday card. Just hand them a pen and they’ll effortl...
-
Father's Day The history of Father's Day and how Hallmark cards for dads have evolved
We all know Father’s Day is the holiday that falls about a month after Mother’s Day. Mostly because that’s when famil...
-
Father's Day Free printable Father's Day coloring pages for Dad's #1 fans
Dads take so much pride in their kids’ talents. And if you know a dad who’s been claiming his son or daughter was the...
-
Summer Free printable summer coloring pages to help you beat the heat
In summer, when it’s impossibly hot outside and all you wanna do is stay inside, it can be hard to find things to do....
-
Mother's Day Free, printable Mother's Day coloring pages to make Mom's heart melt
Moms treasure their kids’ art like no one else. So what better way to brighten up Mom’s special day than by gifting h...
-
Mother's Day The history of Mother’s Day: Fraught beginnings and fun facts
Ah, Mother’s Day. The one day a year we spoil the women who spoil us the other 364. I think we all can agree Mother’s...
-
Mother's Day Mother's Day without Mom: Remembering lost loved ones with new traditions
This Mother’s Day will be my third without my mom. She died just before Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2020, which mad...
-
Drinks Sparkling green tea soda
Green tea has been much applauded for its health-giving properties, but it also makes a great base for a sparkling su...
-
Spring History of Administrative Professionals Day
Three people led the effort to create Administrative Professionals Day/Week: Mary Barrett, a past president of the...
-
Easter Easter Eggs-travaganza: Our favorite Easter egg ideas
When it comes to Easter, we think both adults AND kids deserve to have some fun and make fabulous, way-too-pretty-to-...
-
St. Patrick's Day Free Printable St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Pages for Your Little Leprechauns
If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, then you know it’s all about sharing love, luck and fun. And what could be more f...
-
Easter Free printable Easter coloring pages to brighten up your celebration
One of the best things about Easter—in addition to faith, family and food—is all the colors. So we figured we’d throw...
-
Spring History of Teacher Appreciation Week
People in the United States started celebrating National Teacher Day in 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Cong...
-
Spring History of Nurses Day
In 1953, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare proposed that President Dwight D. E...
-
Congratulations Rewards for Kids: 10 Parents Share Their Tips for Celebrating Achievements
One of the most important tools parents have to shape their kids’ behavior is the power of positive feedback. But as ...
-
Congratulations How to Give a Toast from the Heart
At some point in your life, you’ll need to give a toast. You might get advance notice as a Maid of Honor or host o...
-
Congratulations How to Say Congratulations (Even When You'd Really Rather Not)
Congratulating others is easy and fun, right? Like when your friend worked really hard and got that awesome job ma...
-
New Year's Guilt-Free New Year's Resolutions
“New Year’s resolutions.” To some, those words are filled with pure possibility...an invitation to start anew, comple...