People are collectors by nature. Most of us have collections that we don’t even think of as collections—two closets full of clothes, a house filled with décor, photo albums full of memories.
Collecting is a rewarding way to connect with our history, interests, and ourselves. That’s why many people find it satisfying to start intentional collections of unique items, such as coins, movie memorabilia, stamps, etc. If you’re interested in experiencing the thrill and joy of building a collection yourself, here are some tips to help you get started!
Choose a theme you’ll have fun with.
It takes a lot of time, energy, and money to build a quality collection. While it’s true that some people collect items with the long-term goal of making a profit, the most successful collectors are motivated by interest. Stick to collecting something you’re passionate about and you’ll have more fun and be more willing to put in the effort and money to hunt for good pieces.
Look for quality over quantity.
Speaking of good pieces, your focus should be on acquiring high-quality pieces slowly, rather than cheaper, mediocre pieces quickly. Choosing your investments carefully will allow you to build a more polished collection made up of pieces that will gain more value over time, which is especially important if you eventually decide to sell. Remember—collecting is a process, not a race.
Do your research.
It’s tough to recognize a quality collectible if you don’t know what to look for. Take the time to research the items you have in mind for your collection. Look at average prices, markings for authenticity (if you’re collecting originals), and options for reproductions. Learning about the history and function of what you’re collecting as well will make the process more exciting.
Take care of your collection.
Collectibles must be cleaned, maintained, and stored properly to ensure they retain their value over time. Don’t just think of it as work though, have fun and get creative with different display ideas! Half of the satisfaction in collecting comes from artfully organizing and showing off the fruits of your labor, so you can watch it grow and remember why you love being a collector.
Looking for inspiration for a new collection? Check out the wide variety of collectible and novelty items we carry here at Otto’s Granary! Our unique collectible categories range from puzzles and toys to valuable figurines and movie/TV memorabilia and so much more. We even have a handful of rare retired collectibles ripe for the taking at a price that can’t be beat.
Explore our hundreds of novelty and quirky gift items online or in-store today and snag something for your collection you can’t find anywhere else!
