MAIN Recreation Collecting

Collecting is a hobby that appeals to all ages. Little ones gather shells along the seashore or fill their pockets with pretty stones. As the collector grows, the objects tend to get a bit more expensive, but the basic motivation is the same.

Many think of collections as a way to invest for future financial gain. In some cases this can be a good investment strategy, but if you are collecting just for financial gain, there are less risky ways to make money. The collectibles market is driven by how much collectors are willing to pay for an item.

Take the case of the Cabbage Patch Doll where investors held original issue dolls in their packaging waiting for the 25th anniversary of their release. After 25 years, the original dolls were only worth about as much as the purchase price. If you count in inflation and storage, these speculators lost money. There are many collectibles that may increase in value over time, but if you only collect for financial gain you are in a very risky investment area. If you enjoy the collection and it happens to increase in value, you've discovered the secret to becoming a satisfied collector.

Whether you collect music boxes or matchbox cars, each item in your collection is special. Some collectibles are measured by the sentiment attached to them. The least valuable Barbie Doll may be the first one a little girl received and played with for years -- and to her it will always be star of her grownup collection.

Coins, stamps, along with dolls, art, antiques, comics, toy and more items from around the world are on view in this guide to everyone's favorite collectibles online - featuring pictures & galleries, online shopping and consumer facts and information...

Collectics Antiques and Collectibles Mall - Fun, funky layout fronts a backend of consignment shops, antiques and collectibles, a bookstore, reference information, an arts magazine, online quiz, and a cybermuseum.

Collector Network - Find tons of info and resources at this online marketplace for rare coins, banknotes, stamps, cards, antiques and collectibles.

UK Philately - Buy and sell, or learn more about stamp collecting with links to societies, dealers and organizations, plus a fun and fact-filled section for the young collector.

Collect-online.com - Extensive directory of links for finding online antiques, art, coins, dolls, stamps and lots more, plus classified ads, message board, bookstore.

Coin Link - One of the best of this group, with slick design and an encyclopedia of coin fact and lore, offering info on U.S., international and ancient coins and currencies, plus breaking news and feature articles.

Toyzine.com - Entertaining feature articles and an extensive global directory of related toy collector info.

Doll Net - Online shops, free patterns and tips, online classes and lots more info for doll collectors everywhere, plus bulletin boards, chat rooms, gallery.

Doll Searcher - U.K. community offering chat, discussion boards, hand-picked links; user want ads and trades and instant messaging for registered users, plus regularly updated reviews, news and an image gallery.

Also in Recreation -> Antiques | Genealogy

Living History | Trains | Travel@