All my windowsills are stuffed with junk. Plants seek out the sun amongst piles of books and small stacks of shimmering stones. Photos of my friends are taped to the space in between the windows above porcelain figurines. Everything has a place, and a special purpose in my heart.Â
Like most people I began collecting when I was young. I would pick up rocks on hikes with my family or interesting leaves I saw. Once, after it rained, my cousin and I walked all the way up my dirt road collecting all the orange Eastern newts we could find in a plastic container. We were told off by a neighbor not much later. As I grew up, my urge to collect shifted to more material things. My first job was at a toy store and I regularly spent portions of my paycheck collecting mystery Unicornos. Recently, my interests have turned specific and I’m more interested in mini American Girl Dolls and easily cared for plants.Â
 There’s a certain joy inherent in hobby collecting. First is the excitement you feel while learning all the lore behind your object of interest. I can tell you about the whole lives of my mini American girl Dolls or what collection that Unicorno you’re holding is from. Some folks can tell you when every stamp in their collection was released or the life of the artist who crafted their prized porcelain spice jars. Getting to know this history connects you deeply to the life and work of the person who created the object or everyone else who collects alongside you. There’s such a wonderful moment when you meet someone else who loves the same niche thing as you.
While I think you absolutely should start collecting as a hobby, I do have a few suggestions. Firstly, spend your money on something that truly excites you. Don’t just collect because something might have some future value, but because it genuinely interests you. Secondly, be mindful of your collecting. If you’re collecting something made of plastic or metal, be mindful of the repercussions that might have on the environment. Collecting more sustainable or second-hand goods can be more beneficial than buying brand-new collectibles. Lastly, be knowledgeable about the community you are entering. Many collectibles thrive because of the lively communities that buy, sell, and trade together. It helps to be mindful of the people you’ll be interacting with. Hobby communities can be some of the most caring and welcoming bunch of folks.Â
Overall, it can be extremely rewarding to start a collecting hobby. Keep an eye out for things you encounter or learn about that peak your interest. Start researching the history of some of the products you already love to see if they can be made into a collection. Most of all, follow your heart when it wants a little toy.