Collecting - How to get started collecting

Have you ever looked at someone else’s collection and thought, “That looks amazing! I want a collection of my own!”Maybe you already have a passion for something—teapots, vintage cameras, glassware, or comic books—and you’re ready to start curating your own set.

But what if you don’t know where to begin?

Starting a collection can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options. You might be thinking:

• “I need something small because I don’t have much space.”

• “I want something valuable so my collection will be worth a lot someday.”

• “I love hunting for rare treasures—I want a challenge!”

• “I want something visually stunning that looks great when displayed.”

• “I want my collection to reflect my personality so people get to know me better.”

• “I just want to collect things that bring back happy memories.”

Maybe you’ve even inherited a small collection from a loved one, and now you’re wondering how to continue it.

No matter your reason, collecting should be fun, personal, and rewarding. Today, we’re going to explore the best ways to start collecting—and to make things easier, we’ll use postcards as an example.

Why would someone collect Postcards?

Postcards are one of the easiest, most affordable, and versatile collectibles.

They can tell a story….

Dear Old Kid, How are you? I am feeling low and broke, wish I had more sleep and more money. I am Doing lots of sight-seeing and traveling. I Hope you have behaved yourself. Things are tough, will be seeing you. I have seen the mountains, snowbanks, lots of good looking girls and deer. Your, Till the cow comes home, Leo

“Been traveling on ice - cold is no better but I’ll get rid of it some day Yours Leo”

 

They can capture history….

They can bring nostalgia…

Plus, they are:

✅ Small and easy to store

✅ Budget-friendly (many start at just a low prices)

✅ Incredibly diverse—from historical sites to rare artist prints

✅ A great way to travel through time and places

 

Step 1: Define Your Collection Theme

The first step in collecting is deciding on a theme. Some people collect postcards at random, but if you want a more curated collection, consider focusing on:

• Location-based postcards (states, cities, national parks)

• Time periods (Victorian, Art Deco, Mid-century)

• Events & holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, World’s Fairs)

• Real photo postcards (RPPCs) (early 1900s photographs printed as postcards)

• Artists & illustrators (e.g., Art Nouveau postcards by Alphonse Mucha)

• Advertising & novelty postcards (quirky promotions from the early 20th century)

If you’re unsure, start with what excites you most. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s the artwork, or maybe you just love the thrill of the hunt.

Location Example - Castle in England:

 

Time Period Example - Edwardian era:

 

Holiday Example - St Patrick’s Day:

 

Real Photo Postcard Example (RPPC) - :

 

Artist and Illustrator Example - Alfred Mainzer:

Advertising & Novelty Postcard Example -

Step 2: Where to Find Postcards (Or Any Collectible!)

Once you know what you’re looking for, the hunt begins!

Some of the best places to find postcards (or any collectible) include:

🛒 Flea markets & antique stores – Great for digging through boxes and finding hidden gems.

📦 Estate sales & auctions – Often a goldmine for vintage and rare items.

🔍 eBay & online marketplaces – Perfect if you’re hunting for something specific.

📬 Postcard & collector shows – Many cities host events where you can buy, trade, or learn from other collectors.

🎁 Gifts & travel souvenirs – Some people collect postcards only from places they’ve been or ones received from friends.

Tip: If you love the thrill of the unexpected, estate sales and flea markets are the way to go. But if you’re after something where you can browse and shop, online marketplaces can help you find that perfect piece.

Step 3: What Makes a Postcard (or Any Collectible) Valuable?

Not all postcards (or collectibles) are created equal. If you’re thinking about investment potential, here are some factors to consider:

💰 Rarity – Was it mass-produced or limited?🖼 Condition – Are there creases, stains, or fading?

📅 Age – Older doesn’t always mean valuable, but pre-1940s postcards tend to be more sought after.

✍️ Postmarked vs. Unused – Some collectors prefer unused postcards, while others love the historical aspect of mailedones.

If you’re collecting for fun, don’t stress too much about value—go with what you love. But if resale value matters, research price trends on eBay, collector forums, and auction sites.

Good Postcard Example

vs Fair Postcard Example

Step 4: Storing & Displaying Your Collection

So you’ve started collecting—now what? Keeping your items organized and protected is key!

Storage Tips:

📂 Archival sleeves or albums – Prevents creasing and fading.

📦 Acid-free boxes – Keeps postcards safe from moisture and dust.

💻 Digital cataloging – Apps like Notion or Google Sheets can help track what you own.

Display Ideas:

🖼 Shadowboxes & frames – Great for showcasing your favorite pieces.

📖 Rotating display albums – Flip through your collection like a book.

🧲 Magnetic frames – Easily swap out postcards to match seasons or moods.

If you like any of these ideas, you can find them HERE.

 

Final Thoughts: Just Start!

The best way to start collecting? Just start.

You don’t need to overthink it. Grab something that excites you, research as you go, and enjoy the process. Over time, your collection will naturally evolve into something uniquely yours.

Whether you’re collecting postcards, vintage glass, cameras, or ephemera, the journey is half the fun. And who knows? Maybe one day, your collection will be the one that inspires someone else to start their own.

Do you Collect or What Do You Collect?

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below—what do you collect, and how did you get started? or What do you want to collect?

Let’s talk collecting! 🧡