Are Your Kids or Grandkids Collectors?
My grandson has been acquiring since he's been about 18 months old. First it was everything Elmo, then he went through various other fads and phases including Toy Story stuff, Wallace and Grommit items, wind-ups and Disney Cars.
But the one thing he has always been adamant about is having the complete set. I confess to having caused that problem, as we spent many hours browsing eBay together looking for items he didn't have. His latest passion has lasted the longest and I think will continue for a long time. He discovered Star Wars last summer and we all know what that means, there is no end of stuff. Yesterday he found my Warman's Star Wars Field Guide -- it's apparently no longer mine. But as a collector, I love it. Even though he is only six, we speak the same language! The passion and language of collectors.
Unfortunately too many kids don't collect anymore, blame it on TV, video games, the Internet, whatever, but the lure of the baseball cards and stamp collections don't excite them as much as they did a few decades ago.
If you want to do find something to do and share with your kids and grandkids, the answer is simple. Get them into collecting! Help them discover something to be passionate about and you'll soon have company on your garage sale stops and flea market adventures. It doesn't have to be expensive, there are loads of collections that are free or almost free.
Poll: Are the youngsters in your life collectors?
- My kids/grandkids are avid collectors and we enjoy the hobby together.
- No, my collecting has caused them to embrace the minimalist lifestyle.
- Actually I collect for them and purchase most of their collection.
- They're not very interested in collecting lots of stuff, but have a small collection or two.
Comments
Young collectors are the future of our hobby. All of us must work to draw them into the hobby, otherwise there will be no market for our own collections when the time comes to sell them. It is our responsibility to try to inspire and motivate any young person around us who shows even a slight interest in collecting.
I’m an aunt living in a different country to my nephew. I enjoy working with him and supporting him in his collections, even though I have to do this remotely. This gives us a bond that would be difficult, if not impossible, otherwise. Another great thing is that it makes gifts easy - no embarrassing socks or sweaters from this Aunt!
Well, in my family it takes a bit different turn. There are collections of coins and arrowheads and figurines, but there are also several of us that collect brushes and tools and nifty gadgets for our favorite forms of expressions. Granted, these are “working” collections, but drooling over a new sable brush, just ’cause it’s cool, is more about the having than the using.
We are looking young collectors to spotlight in Today’s Vintage magazine! If you know a child who would like to share their collection please email me at: editor@todaysvintage.com or visit http://www.todaysvintage.com.