The best things to collect as a hobby are items you already care about that also have an active resale market, coins, stamps, comic books, vinyl records, and Pokémon cards are common starting points because collectors always want more of them. This guide covers 12 popular things to collect, what drives their value, and links to deeper guides for miniatures, POGs, matchbooks, bottle caps, board games, and pens.
Jump to:
- What Is Collecting as a Hobby?
- 12 Fun and Valuable Things to Collect
- Your Collections Are Your Own Stories
- More Things to Collect
- FAQ: Collecting as a Hobby
What Is Collecting as A Hobby?
Collecting as a hobby means looking for, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining things of interest to the collector. This activity dates back thousands of years. Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, is known as the first coin collector.
Depending on the individual, collecting can be a simple childhood hobby or a lifelong quest to fill out their collection. Whether you’re passionate about collecting, or just looking for a new fun hobby to start, in this blog you’ll find the top collecting hobbies today and some of the best things to collect for profit. Let’s dive in!
12 Fun and Valuable Things to Collect
- Antique Furniture
Among all collecting hobbies, nothing can be more satisfying than collecting antiques. In the antique market, furniture is one of the most traditional and diverse categories. With the increase in value of Chippendale furniture and Tiffany lamps, antiques are some cool things to collect that are likely to be profitable as well. - Banknotes Collecting
The hobby of collecting paper money became popular in the late 1950s. Banknotes are among the most valuable things to collect because they enable you to explore the history of different countries across the globe and are also a good investment.In 1986, a large-size U.S. $10 note featuring likenesses of a buffalo and explorers Lewis and Clark sold for $800. As of today, the uncirculated (mint) condition sells for $1,100 to $1,600.
- Collecting Pokémon CardsFUN FACT: A rare Pokémon card was sold for $183,812 at an auction.
Remember those Pokémon cards that we used to trade away with our friends when we were younger? Well, they’re back on! These days, complete sets of the standard cards sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay. Single, ultra-rare cards are well into the thousands.
So, if you still have some of the 1999 original Base Set of Pokemon cards stashed somewhere in your old drawers, bring them out because they can be worth a real treasure.
Disclaimer: The value of your Pokémon card collection can vary depending on a variety of factors like condition, rarity, age, and demand. If you have a collection of rare and valuable collectibles it may be worth a try.
- First Editions Books
If you enjoy reading, rare books may be one of the things to collect that you can consider. Nowadays, first editions of popular books are rare and sell for hundreds of dollars, such as the Harry Potter series. If you were able to get your hands on a first-edition copy of The Da Vinci Code or A Game of Thrones, consider it an excellent investment. - Coins
Coin collecting is another cool collecting hobby that you can get into this year. Each coin comes with its idiosyncrasies, histories, and ties to different nations. Some valuable specific pieces can even carry an exorbitant price tag.
The most valuable coin in the world, the 1794/5 Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar, was sold for 10 million dollars in 2013, setting a new world record for the most expensive single coin sale ever.
- Collecting Antique Jewelry
If you’ve got a desire for one-of-a-kind, symbolic or sentimental pieces, collecting antique jewelry could be a great hobby to pursue this year. Collecting antique jewelry is a fulfilling and valuable hobby for everyone, be it a beginner or an experienced collector looking for a new item to add to your collection. - Old Typewriters
Typewriter machines are some cool things to collect. Though they’re commonly related to the 1950s and ’60s offices, originally they date back to the late 1500s when Italian printmaker Francesco Rampazetto invented the machine to print letters on paper.Typewriters also are worth a lot during this time because the classic ones aren’t produced anymore.
- Stamps
Stamp collecting is considered one of the most popular collecting hobbies throughout the world. Stamp collecting is a fun and valuable hobby that enables you to learn a lot about countries and their histories as you collect.
The British Guiana One-Cent Magenta is the most valuable stamp in the world which went for over 8 million dollars earlier this year.
- Vinyl Records
Vinyl records have certainly made a comeback in recent years. They’re truly some of the coolest things to collect today if you enjoy the aesthetic beauty of a vinyl record while getting lost in the cover art that comes with them.
Additionally, some of these formats can prove quite valuable, with the first pressings of The Beatles already worth a small fortune.
- Car Miniatures
If you’re an automotive enthusiast but you can’t afford to collect every vehicle in your garage (which is arguably one of the most expensive things to collect) you can opt for a cheaper version of the hobby and start collecting car miniatures. From Hot Wheels to Matchbox, there are thousands of collectible toy cars to choose from.
If you already have a miniature car collection in your attic, be sure to check its value because you may have a car in your home that has a lot of value.
- Zippo Lighters
The hobby of collecting Zippos has long been popular among smokers and non-smokers alike. The artistic and vintage appeal of flames has captured the interest of collectors, whether they are military or non-military, brass or silver.The older the models have become rare and hard to find, and collectors of these unique lighters are often willing to pay a premium for Zippo vintage lighters to add to their collection. Zippo lights are one of the coolest things to collect today!
- Comic Books
If you love comics, this is a fun collecting hobby that you can take pride in. While comics weren’t worth a lot when they first came out, now some of these colorful papers are worth millions. For instance, the 1938 issue of Action Comics that first introduced Superman to the world sold on eBay for 3.2 million dollars, making it the most valuable comic book of all time.
Your Collections Are Your Own Stories
From philatelists to vinyl fans to comic book devotees, every collector community is filled with enthusiasts devoted to whatever they are collecting. The process of building a collection is a never-ending treasure hunt that’s truly fulfilling and very rewarding.
Some people collect to preserve the past, others collect for investment, and some simply collect for the pure joy of having things they love surrounding them daily. Whatever your reason for collecting, we hope that our list of the coolest things to collect will give you some ideas and inspiration about building your collection.
Remember to always collect what you enjoy, and what is authentic to you. Happy Hunting!
More Things to Collect
If one of the categories above caught your interest, we’ve got dedicated guides for a few collecting niches worth a deeper look:
- Collecting miniatures and Warhammer miniatures
- POGs, a nostalgia collectible with real resale value in rare sets
- Phillumeny (matchbook collecting), an overlooked hobby with a surprising history
- Bottle caps, one of the cheapest ways to start a collection
- Comic books, for collectors chasing both nostalgia and long-term value
- Pens, a small, deceptively deep collecting niche
- Board games, where collecting and playing overlap
FAQ: Collecting as a Hobby
What are good things to collect as a hobby?
Coins, stamps, comic books, vinyl records, trading cards, and vintage toys are all popular starting points. The best choice is usually something you already have a genuine interest in, since that keeps you engaged long after the novelty wears off.
What are the best things to collect for profit?
Coins, rare stamps, first edition comics, vintage vinyl, and limited edition trading cards or toys tend to hold or grow in value best. Condition and rarity drive most of the value, so well preserved or complete items are worth far more than worn ones.
What do most people collect?
Common categories include coins, stamps, trading cards, vinyl records, action figures, and books, but plenty of collectors focus on niche items tied to a personal interest, like specific bands, eras, or hobbies.
Do I need to spend a lot of money to start a collection?
No. Many collectors start small by saving items they already come across, like coins from change or free promotional items, and only spend money once they know what direction their collection is taking.
