It's always hard to buy for a collector, especially if you don't know what they have in their collection or are very particular about their stuff. Worry no more! Here's a list of gifts that I give, get and covet! There are items that almost all collectors would relish getting, things that we can all use.
1. Books, Books, Books
Random House
I don't think anyone can have enough books. If there aren't any new specific guides for a particular collector, find one that anyone will love getting, like Kovel's American Collectibles or Judith Miller's Buy, Keep or Sell.
TV buff? Take a look at The Official Collectors Guide to TV Guide, it's a trip down memory lane for any TV buff or for those who want to know what their guides are worth!
Holiday collector? The Christopher Radko Ornament book by David Olsen is incredible and the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Guide is colorful, complete and useful.
Warman's Field Guides are fun little books that are perfect to carry when on a treasure hunt, they cover a wide range of topics and the price is right.
2. Ornaments for the Trees
MIA
It's one of my favorite gifts to give -- I love selecting just the right piece for each person. A few suggestions include:
- A dog ornament for the dog lover from Joy to the World Collectibles
- The fine art lover would enjoy an ornament from MIA, perhaps one inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night or Toulouse Lautrec's Can-Can.
3. Photography Equipment
American Recorder Studios
This isn't as scary as it sounds. All collectors love to take pictures of their stuff, but how many times have you seen a picture with all sorts of clutter in the background? Or is your collector trying to sell on eBay, but not getting the desired photography results? The solution to that is American Recorder's Photo Studio-In-A-Box. It's terrific for taking pictures of small pieces, inexpensive and when stored is the size of a small briefcase.
If your collector has an old digital camera, how about a new camera? The prices are reasonable, cameras are smaller and folks love getting a new gadget.
4. Table Top Christmas Trees
CollectiblesToday.com
There are so many different theme choices for a tree, it's a bit frightening. A blue Elvis porcelain tree? I'm not too sure about that one! But others include a cute Rudolph tree, a fun Kinkade Wonderland Express or the popular Nativity tree also by Kinkade.
