20 Totally Unexpectedly Cool Things to Collect as a Hobby

Martin Mihál has a collection of chocolate wrappers from all over the world. It quickly grew to a large collection of around 674 wrappers. A decade later, the collection grew to 38,579 wrappers, of which around 8,700 wrappers are from Germany alone!

If there are things to collect, you are sure to find a collector somewhere. So much so that there are people collecting toilet seat covers, air sickness bags, sugar and condiment packets, and pencils as their hobbies.

To begin collecting as a hobby, all you need to do is decide upon what you want to gather, and then hit malls, streets, garage sales, flea markets, etc. Inform your family and friends that you've begun collecting certain items, and they might just be happy to pitch in. You can also try online stores and social networking sites. However, be well informed about your collectible before you begin collecting, as this will prevent you from being fooled.

Ideas for Collectors

Collecting action figurines can be very rewarding and an enjoyable hobby. You can buy them from shops, websites, thrift and novelty stores, flea markets, and garage sales. You may have to shell out some extra pennies for mint condition action figurines, but they can fetch you much more in the longer run.

Intricate and unique designs along with an array of sizes of these antique skeleton keys make them a pride and joy for their collectors. These are highly durable keys made from iron, steel, and/or brass. What attracts the collectors more is the fact that this is an inexpensive hobby and ideal for beginners.

For those who are fascinated with butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects, this is the perfect thing for you. There are millions of species of these little creatures fluttering around in your backyard. You could begin your collection right at home. However, be well read and informed, and avoid catching something that is endangered and protected by the law.

Coins and paper money collection may sound boring to many. But, in fact, it is one of the most popular hobbies. You can even find a start-up kit at stores near your house. You can collect coins and currency from all over the world, and from different eras and number sequences. A complete sequence or a rare coin can fetch you quite a bundle if and when you choose to sell them.

Collecting door knobs may sound weird to some, but just like antique keys, these too come in an array of colors, materials, sizes, designs, and eras.

Collecting feathers is not as easy as it sounds. It is just as difficult as collecting butterflies and other bugs. You will need a thorough knowledge about different birds. However, bear in mind not to harm any bird in order to get a feather. Also remember, many birds are endangered, and even possessing a feather can be a punishable offense.

You know the value of holding a good book in your hands, and taking the first whiff of the new book. There's no feeling that compares to the feeling you get by possessing a first edition of a classic author or any author for that matter. Let this be a fair warning―this could be a pricey hobby to have.

Every country has had a bloodshed history. Finding knives from different eras and countries can not just be interesting but also quite a treasure to possess. Even more so if you have a large collection framed and hung on the walls for all to see. These too come in varied materials and sizes, and their prices too vary accordingly. The older and elaborately decorated with exotic materials, the more expensive they get.

You can find a music box in every era, with many songs delicately wound up in them. Like the snow globe, these too come in an array of colors and patterns to have a large collection. From ballerinas to carousel, to the simplest of treasure chests, these collectible delights make attractive mantle pieces to have.

Fountain pens make for a great pen collection hobby. They can be found all over the world. Some pens from Japan, China, and Indonesia are works of art in themselves. You can also collect calligraphy pens, ballpoints, and even Parker pens.

Many are unaware that postcards can be collected and are fun to gather. If you travel all the time and wish to have a growing inexpensive hobby, this is the perfect thing you can collect. Like many of these collectibles, older postcards have a lot of character, but they can also be pricey.

We aren't joking! You can really collect different types of rocks and crystal clusters. You can even find start-up kits that will help you identify rocks and minerals that you aim to collect. Such a kit can be an ideal gift for getting children interested in geology.

Seashells have been collected and even adorned by many throughout ages. A collector can rarely get tired or bored of his collection. There is a cornucopia of color, shape, and size. Every continent and coastline has many shells waiting to be picked up by a collector.

You can collect a snow globe from every country, suiting every festival and mood. And it is easily found at any tourist shop and online store. You can pick one up on your next trip somewhere or ask your friends and family who travel often to help pitch into your collection.

Here, by souvenirs we mean that you can collect
about anything from different places that you travel. For instance, those little chachkies (trinkets and collectibles) that you find off the streets or they can be tiny figurines of animals, people, etc.

Stamps are another popular collection hobby. You can find start-up kits in gift stores too. This is a fast-growing hobby. The USPS often sells a variety of stamps for those who seek them. You can ask your friends, neighbors, and family members to pitch in the next time they go globe trekking.

A simple walk in the toy store of a mall will show you different types of teddy bears that can be found. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, attires, and materials. Antique teddy bears will cost you a lot more than you can expect.

Model trains can be an addictive hobby. They come with elaborate scenic settings and many classic toy trains. These trains can be collected from all over the world and be bought online as well.

There are many things to choose from when it comes to vintage collectibles. You can choose from jewelry, clothes, sports items, trading cards, furniture, comic books, albums, bobbleheads, paintings, posters, lighters, etc. All you have to do is pick some item that you are interested in collecting, and then hit thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc.

Collecting wines can often be expensive, and it requires ample space for storage. But like the real estate, the rates of wines too increase as per the passing years. At the same time, maintaining one can be an expensive endeavor as wine bottles need to be kept at a specific temperature with controlled humidity.

Other Hobby Collectibles