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Guide Picks - Top Resource Gifts for Collectors
Looking for a perfect present for a collector friend, but you're always afraid the present will be something they already have? How about a general item or two that almost any collector can use. Here are some of my favorite picks for collecting nuts with prices ranging from $3. and up!
1) Quake Hold
Quake Hold, Museum Putty, Museum Gel, it goes by several names, but it's a godsend for securing collectibles. I buy it by the six pack and use it to secure glass and pottery items. It keeps them from rattling every time a door slams, secures my jars to the shelves (works on different materials) and is easily removeable. It comes in a small pack, but really goes a long way and it's reuseable!
Quake Hold
2) Shopping Carts
These are great for large flea markets, craft shows and even book sales. There are several things to look for -- easy maneuverable wheels, able to hold heavy weights, and most important to me, a comfortable handle height.
3) Magnifying Glass
This is really a must-have for any collector no matter what their age. Magnifying glasses can come in any price range from a cheapy plastic one that is found at a dollar store to a piece of jewelry that is a necklace. If you're buying for a guy, find one in a travel case. If it's for a woman, find an antique pendant with a magnifying glass -- it will always be treasured. But it doesn't matter what type you buy, everyone can use another glass, especially a small "portable" one.
4) Collecting Club Memberships
You can't go wrong with purchasing a membership in a collectibles club. There are clubs and associations for everything and there will be one that is the perfect fit. Take a look at the long list of associations and clubs available to join.
Collecting Clubs
5) Reference Books
Reference Books You can never have enough reference books and since many of the "general" books are updated often, a new one is always welcome. Kovel's and Schroeder's are my favorites for a miscellaneous price guides and will help find information about an elusive item. But there are dozens of specific books/price guides available and a lot of fun to read (even if you don't collect that particular collectible).
6) Collecting Software
We all need to catalog our stuff and it can be done as simply as using a notebook, word processing program or index cards. But a software program designed to help catalog a collection is even better, especially for those that are computer challenged. There are specific software programs for particular collectibles, e.g. Hallmark or general programs that any collectible can be plugged into.
Collectify Website
7) Packable Luggage
Does your favorite collector do a lot of traveling? Think about a soft piece of luggage that can be tucked into another sturdier suitcase on the way out of town, then used on the way home. Collectors can (usually!) get carried away when shopping out of town and if they travel by air, it can be a challenge to get the goodies back home. An extra suitcase is a must when I travel, I fill it with clothes and use the heavy duty luggage for purchases. packed with almost a must when I travel.
8) Antique Trader Subscription
A subscription to a weekly or monthly publication will always be greatly appreciated. Two favorite choices are Kovel's monthly newsletter and the weekly Antique Trader. The Antique Trader has classified ads and regular columns written by experts in different fields of antiques and collecting. The paper is a large tabloid size and is delivered to you via snail mail at the beginning of each week.
9) Digital Cameras
If they don't have a digital camera -- this is the ultimate present for a collector. But they would have to be a pretty close friend or family member to spend the big bucks required. There are numerous choices available and a lot of research is needed before you buy a camera. Take a look at camera reviews, the numerous options, and decide just how "much" camera is required, it's easy to buy more than you need. For instance, a camera just used for Internet pictures doesn't need the high resolution that a camera used for print pictures requires. Next, check out these editors picks for the hottest digitals around.
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