By seeking unique items through shops and trading during free time, everyone can experience the joy of building collections made of pieces that bring about joy and community.
Though certain items have always been marketed as collectibles, such as trading cards or blind box figures, collections can be unique to each individual.
One person may like to collect figures while another finds value in cards with pictures on them. Though each person may not understand the other, “It’s definitely worth it if you are into it,” senior Ali Eng said, who collects K-pop photocards.
“[I collect] Smiskis, the figures,” senior Yerin Kim said. “I kind of just saw it on social media and it made me want one and then once I had one it was like I wanted more.”
A known collectible is Pokémon cards.
“In elementary school, they were this big thing, Pokémon cards,” sophomore Micah Perry said.
Pokémon cards are used to play the ‘Pokémon Trading Card Game,’ with different cards offering variety.
“I played the video games a lot when I was younger, and then I started playing the card game a few months ago,” sophomore Jack Fazekas said.
Certain pieces are considered scarce for different reasons among collecting communities.
Pokémon cards, along with various other collectibles, come in randomized packs. This means that there is always a small chance a collector could pull something rare from a pack. With randomized sets, it is difficult to find a specific or favorite piece when the box does not tell the buyer what is inside.
Items are rare within packs because only a certain amount are produced.
According to comic store owner Jason Radowsky, a comic with a character’s first appearance is of high worth and demand.
To avoid the hassle of buying multiple packs in hopes of finding a particular item, some may shop online to find specific pieces.
“I would look on Mercari to see what cards people were selling,” Eng said.
The internet also has a downside, as it can lead to scalpers. “People will go to the stores as they restock [Pokemon cards], buy them out completely, and then resell them for a ridiculous price. So it is getting harder to get,” Perry said.
According to Fazekas, it is frustrating to play when a card for the game is in the hands of business-minded resellers.
Sharing collections can also lead to friendships and community. Fazekas has recently started a Pokémon club at the high school that meets every Tuesday in room A362.
“I also wanted to bring the people who liked the shows and liked the game into the original card game,” Fazekas said.
Though every niche may have unique or limited items, collectors agree that part of the fun is personal interest. Someone may go for a piece because of the art or series, not only for rare status.
“Just go for what you like, and if it appreciates in value, then that’s great,” Radowsky said.
To avoid increasing prices and scalpers, one option is to trade items with another collector.
“I trade with my friends a lot,” Eng said.