Do you have a collection, or a hobby, that sometimes leaves you wondering why you're keeping or doing it?

Most of my collections are by accident. For instance, I like snowmen and years ago, randomly at craft fairs or primitive shops I would pick one up occasionally. Not normal snowmen. Generally weird or different. Family members noted that I had some snowmen out at the holidays and next thing I knew I was gifted them forever.

I got rid of most of them a few years ago. Funny how well the Christmas stuff sells on marketplace. Made about $400 selling a bunch of crap. (humbug)

I still have the weirdest or more unique snowmen, and should I come across one that fits that criteria, I might buy it but the "collection" is really small now.

I used to collect tea cups and saucers. I have a few in the dining room but the rest are up in the attic. I went through a period in the 1990s when I collected Barbie’s; the Holiday ones, characters like Cinderella, Dorothy from Wizard of Iz, etc. In box, never opened and in a large bag up in the attic. I also used to collect anything Christmas related, ornaments and decorations. I’ve been clearing those out and donated a huge tote full a couple of years ago to a fellow lover of Christmas 😁

toys i kept from childhood, toys i wanted in childhood and a big tote of retro toys i bought few years ago that i question keeping now in order to buy other vintage toys im hunting

It's pretty common knowledge that I collect the vintage Star Wars stuff by now I'm sure. I'vew lost count, but I'm somewhere in the high 80's of the entire 92 to complete the set. The thing is now, the ones I need are really expensive. I've picked up a few of them over the past year because they were good deals but I'm slowing down to where I may buy one a year. The remaining ones are in the $300-$600 range at this point, and I prefer to buy only from one guy because I know they're going to be complete, in good condition, and not reproduction.

I've also limited what other things I'll buy because I'm really limited on display options so most of the non action figure stuff I have is in plastic totes in the basement. Unless something is really rare or a really good price, I generall pass it up and leave it for someone else who may be looking for it.

I'll also grab some non Star Wars toys, things we played with as kids. As a result, I've built up quite a collection of the Masters of the Universe action figures. But with that line, they released some ridiculous characters that, as an adult, I know werre just a money grab. So I don't bother with them.

I have some 80's pop culture stuff as well; some of the old Pac-Man stuff for example.

If I had a bigger house or an outbuilding I could dedicate to some of the stuff I like, I'd have a regular museum.

As to the "why", I think the guy in the video says it best. Not only is it an interesting hobby, it's a connection to the kids we once were and the memories of getting and playing with those toys.

And, if the family doesn't want all this stuff when I'm gone, they can sell it for a good price!

13 hours ago, ADAM said:

in order to buy other vintage toys im hunting

What are you looking for now?

I am so glad I don’t have this problem!!

9 hours ago, Chris said:

What are you looking for now?

same things as usual figures that are bit pricier, boxes for some of my Joe vehicles etc