One Man’s Treasure: What Are the Best Things to Collect?

Think collecting is just a hobby for kids? Think again. In 2014, a comic book bought for 10 cents resold for an incredible $3.2 million on eBay.

From coins to antique furniture, building collections is a fun and rewarding pastime that can actually end up being very profitable.

If you’re feeling inspired but wondering “what should I collect?” you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to discover the ten best things to collect today!

1- Coins

One of the most popular collectible items is coins. If you’re not sure how to start a coin collection, the good news is that it is actually really easy.

All you need to start is a few coin folders to keep your collection organized. After that, you can start collecting and learning about coins from all over the world and from all different time periods.

People especially enjoy tracking down rare historic coins or special commemorative coins like the marine corp challenge coin. Adding coins like this to your collection will increase the value of your set.

2- Stamps

The Penny Black was the first postage stamp, issued in 1840 in England. With such a long and rich history, stamps are one of the best collectible items around.

The rarer the stamp, the more valuable it is. The best stamps to collect are ones marking historic events or anniversaries.

Collecting stamps is a great way to learn about the traditions, customs, and celebrations of both your own and other countries.

3- Vinyl Records

Record players are back on sale and vinyl records are once again growing in popularity as more and more younger people choose vinyl releases over digital or CD versions.

People generally start vinyl collections out of their love for music, but it is also a good option for those looking to make money too.

Vinyl records retain a lot of value. If there is demand for the title and your copy is in good condition, you can often make a profit.

4- Comic Books

Thanks to the ongoing popularity of Marvel and DC comic book-based films, comic book collections are here to stay.

There are comic book stores all over the country, meaning it is easy to grow your collection. If you just love comics, this is a fun way to keep your favorites to read again and again.

If you want to keep them in the hope of selling them for a higher price, you will need to be sure to keep them in mint condition.

5- Trading Cards

Trading cards are often associated with sports, cartoons, and popular comic books or series. Because of the variety available, card collections are enduringly popular with kids and adults alike.

They are a fun thing to collect, as you can interact with friends and other collectors to trade cards and complete your collection.

You can choose to play games with your cards, display them in a book, or sell them to other collectors.

The value of your cards will depend on how many duplicates exist, and how popular the subject of the card is at the time.

6- Toys

Nostalgia is the driving force for many collectors of toys and action figures. From Tamagotchis to Beanie Babies, if a particular toy brings back good childhood memories, it is natural to want to collect more.

Collecting toys isn’t always just for nostalgic reasons though. Rare toys or toys kept in good or even mint condition can often make you a good bit of money down the line.

Maybe you loved the original Star Wars films and collected the figurines as a child. Now, the latest Star Wars films and series have caused a resurgence in the popularity of the original films, and consequently original figurines and memorabilia.

7- Rocks and Crystals

Amateur geologists and fans of crystal healing alike will enjoy collecting the many different types of rocks and crystals.

This is a collection that will look great on display, and that you can learn something from as you go.

A big benefit of starting a collection like this is that you can start it for free. Try visiting your local beach, park, or even your own backyard to see if there are any interesting rocks or fossils.

8- Sports Memorabilia

From baseball cards and bobbleheads to autographs and clothing are worn by your favorite sports star, sports memorabilia comes in many forms.

Many people grow up in families with strong sporting connections and continue this passion into their later lives.

Maybe your dad took you to baseball matches every weekend or the football was always on television in the background at your childhood home.

Sports memorabilia is often passed down from generation to generation and can dramatically increase in value in this time.

9- Antique Furniture

Whether you collect as a hobby or as a way to make money, there are lots of reasons why starting an antique collection is a rewarding hobby.

A common reason for buying antiques is to restore them before either reselling for profit or keeping them to decorate your home.

Antique furniture is unique, and every antique store will have a completely different offering. Because of this, many collectors enjoy the thrill of tracking down different antiques across the country or even the world.

10- Ticket Stubs

Some people collect rare or vintage ticket stubs by buying them on second-hand sites. They then sell these years later to make money.

For most ticket stub collectors, however, this is more about sentimentality than profit. By collecting ticket stubs from events you’ve been to, you will have a physical keepsake to remind you of good memories.

Whether your passion is rock concerts, baseball games, or even just going to your local movie theater every week, this is a collection you can look back on in years to come.

Keeping a scrapbook is a good way to keep your stubs organized in chronological order.

What Are the Best Things to Collect Today?

The best things to collect are the things you are excited about and will be motivated to find more of over a long period of time.

These ten items are all great things to collect, but no matter what you choose, you are sure to take pride in your collection for years to come.

If you enjoyed this guide, check out our other interesting articles today!