A collector’s item is any object considered to have particular value, either due to its age or the fact that it was exclusively released as part of a limited edition and which is of interest to collectors. Yet, the items may or may not be monetarily valuable, and, in some cases, they are not even uncommon, yet people want them anyway. There are many different types of collectables out there, with some being antiques made at least a century ago, while others are part of current trends you can see on social media nowadays. A curio is a rare and unusual object that intrigues collectors, while a manufactured collectable is an item that was specifically designed in order to become part of a collection.
The desire to collect is nothing new and is actually not unique to humans either. For instance, bowerbirds are known for their collections of shells, leaves, flowers, and other brightly colored objects. Back in the Renaissance, wealthy individuals built cabinets of curiosities, including historical and religious relics, archaeological items, antiquities, and artworks. These spaces are regarded as the forerunners of the present-day museums, but they were, originally, someone’s collections. With that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the latest trends in collecting and see what are some of the most coveted items nowadays.
Funko
Funko is an American company that manufactures limited-edition pop culture collectibles. They are known for their bobbleheads and vinyl figures but also produce apparel, accessories, games, and action figures. The figures are primarily designed at the Funko headquarters in Everett, Washington, with input from licensors used every time a new series of characters is added to the list. Fans can also share their opinions regarding the designs on social media. The artists working for Funko use the ZBrush to come up with digital models that are revised before being turned into prototypes for the sculptures.
Funko currently has thousands of products across numerous toy lines that it has been steadily adding to ever since the day of its inception. Anytime a new series or film is released, fans wait for the Funko collection, while others collect figures from media they haven’t watched purely out of their passion for collecting. Right now, the largest Funko Pop collection in the world belongs to Paul Scardino, who owns more than 8,000 unique figures. Apart from its online marketplace and flagship stores, Funko also offers retail exclusives via companies like Target, Hot Topic, Walmart, and Toys R Us.
If you ask a Funko Pop collector why they like owning these figures, you’ll most likely get a wide variety of reasons, ranging from feeling a nostalgic connection to the characters to the pure joy that comes with collecting and finding more items to add to your collection. The collectors can find community with each other via social media platforms as well, having the chance to bond over their common hobby. There are also some who simply enjoy the aesthetics of the figures as well as their relative affordability, especially when compared to other collectables that can be incredibly expensive.
Labubu
If you are attuned to the latest trends on social media, then you have definitely come across the Labubu hype before. These plush toy collectables were designed by Hong Kong-born, Belgium-based artist Kasing Lung and are marketed exclusively at Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company. The character was originally a part of Lung’s story “The Monsters”, which drew inspiration from Nordic folklore and mythology, both of which he had a fascination with during his childhood. While Labubu was first introduced a decade ago, it reached more visibility around 2019 and only went viral this year, with customers able to access 300 different figures nowadays, ranging in price depending on the size, with the three-inch vinyl iterations being around $15, while the 31-inch mega editions being as much as $960.
Several collaborations have resulted from its growing popularity as well, with a 13-figure line of The Monsters depicted as One Piece characters being released earlier this year and a Coca-Cola-themed blind box series launched in winter 2024. The Louvre became part of Labubu’s success story as well, with France’s national art museum hosting the opening of a new store holding exclusive Labubu figures. Its unofficial endorsement by celebrities such as Blackpink’s Lisa, who was spotted with a keychain Labubu on her bag in April 2024, has made it even more popular, with fans, especially those cased in East and Southeast Asia, starting to become Labubu collectors from that point onward.
Vintage items
Collecting vintage items has become increasingly popular over the last few years, especially among those who love collections that have a functional element to them as well. Most vintage collectors are focused on sustainability as well and look to decrease their environmental impact by purchasing pre-owned items that don’t take any more water, fuel, or raw materials to create. On top of that, vintage and thrift shopping can let you come across some real gems, serve as a window into the historical past and help you discover plenty of high-quality items that are as good as new (and which you can get almost for free).
Nemadji pottery, created between the late 1920s and the early 1970s, is particularly popular among collectors as a result of the special technique used to make the items. The interior of every pot was treated with a quick swish of shellac, which was recycled from pot to pot to develop a unique and stunning patina. Wheat pitchers date back to the 19th century when wheat was a symbol of abundance and would only have been used for special occasions such as harvest dinners. They are durable and have a practical grip, and if you want an authentic one, make sure to check for the screws close to the rim, as back in the day, these vessels came with lids as well.
Collectables are nothing new, and their appeal has reached people from all over the world. Collecting can provide you with comfort, be a way to get unique items that can also be used practically, or just be the result of liking the way something looks. Whichever it is, you can be certain that your collection will bring you plenty of joy.
