The Collection Phenomenon: Why do we do it?

Do you know someone with boxes stacked up in their closet filled with baseball cards? Or perhaps one of your good friends collects postage stamps? Or maybe your sister has an extensive collection of antiques (and most likely within this type of collection, there are multiple smaller collections of different types of antiques)? Odds are most of us have either at one point had our own collection, or know someone who does. And this is not just specific to the United States, collecting is a global phenomenon!!

People have been collecting things for AGES, whether it is on purpose or just simply acquiring things on accident is another story. Sometimes it is hard to understand why we collect things that are old, new, expensive, rare, odd, etc. There are multiple reasons why a person may begin a collection, and a lot of the time we are just dying to know the reasoning behind that rare assortment of treasures that they protect and love as if it was their first-born child.

The following are some common reasons why a person may begin a collection:

1.    It stimulates fond memories.

 Perhaps a specific coin reminds them of a day they spent with their father in Atlantic City, or a pink seashell of their honeymoon….just the touch can transport them back in time to that very day, that very moment in which they picked it up! Kind of like their own personal time machine.

2.    To reminisce of their childhood.

As we grow older, we grow out of certain toys and games, but that by no means indicates that we fall out of love for these things. Adults are finding more and more often that they really miss the toys they used to play with as children. This is why a lot of people will collect old toys, old board games, old video games, etc. Having them reminds them of when they were young and even sharing them with their own children brings them great joy.

3.   It’s fun, duh!

Many find it exciting and enjoyable to search for the next item needed for their specific collection. It is like a modern-day treasure hunt. You never know where that item may turn up, or how long it will take you to find it, but when you do, it feels like you just won the lottery or an Olympic gold medal. Yes that’s right, it’s that fun!

4.      Investment Purposes.

Although most often we find that people collect thing as a hobby, there are others out there that begin their collections for the sole purpose of monetary value. There are several things that one can collect that will rise in value as the years go by, or that are worth a pretty penny as complete set. This type of collection is no walk in the park, if the collector is not extremely careful, they may end up losing more money than they make of the assortment in the end. This makes it important to research and gain expertise in the field and sometimes to get a second opinion as to the condition or genuineness of the object. Rarity.com is a good site to use for this circumstance and to avoid such issues.

5.       “Fandom” or obsession. 

It is easy today for people to become obsessed or “star struck” with many objects or documents. Some people like a specific celebrity or movie so much that they feel the need to collect items that relate to them/it. Star Wars is a good example. People still love to collect memorabilia from the film such as R2D2 toys, light sabers, posters, etc. The same goes for a celebrity like, say, Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe.

6.       Achievement and/or completion of the set.

It is a really fulfilling moment when a person finds the last item needed to complete their collection. They love to know that they are one of the small bunches that actually owns the object in its entirety. This makes the owner proud, and indefinitely gives them “bragging rights”. It is similar feeling to reaching a long-term goal.

 7.       Something to talk about.

Often enough people collect things because it gives them something to talk about with family, friends and strangers alike! Often a parent will teach the child the importance behind the collection, or friends will star looking out for items that their collecting friend may need. It is an interesting conversation piece also because of the uniqueness and dedication behind the process.

We hope that, with Sikii and Stik-em’s, that children and parents will collect the accessories not only because it is fun, but because it will stimulate nice memories in the future. Our Stik-ems are so unique and fun that it will make an excellent first collection for children. This can help to teach them responsibility, the importance of research, and give them something to be proud us. Let us know if you would like more details on beginning your first Stik-em collection!