Collecting all sorts of memorabilia has always been a major pastime. People have been collecting coins, stamps, teapots, paintings and books for generations. Within the world of collectibles, there are those who collect more unusual items. These collections may have started out from a chance encounter -- you may have stumbled upon a particular item which sparked an interest, which then turns into a serious hobby. Many begin their collecting career after having travelled to certain countries where they may have seen or learned about a specific object. Many others just enjoy the challenge of searching and seeing a collecting grow. For the rest, it might just be down to pure eccentricity! Whatever the reason, buying and collecting anything can be a fun activity -- here are some tips to help you if you are a new to buying and collecting weird and wacky things:

What kind of weird and wacky things do people collect?
Amongst the collectors, there are those who collect purely as a hobby. Others have more serious intents -- they buy and collect these items to make a profit as part of their business. You will find below a random list of some of the more weird and wonderful things which people collect. The majority of these objects are vintage while others may be good quality modern reproductions.

Autumn Leaves
Elvis Presley Memorabilia
Christmas and Halloween Memorabilia
Disneyana
Autographs
Snow Domes
Pins
Lunch Boxes
Cookie Jars
Medical and Surgical Antiques
Animal Paraphernalia -- such as elephants and hippopotamus.
Vintage Nursery Rhymes
Vintage Appliances -- such as fans and radios.
Cereal Boxes
Sports Memorabilia
Postcards -- including travel, military postcards.
Vintage Calenders
Toasters
Souvenir Spoons
Avon Cosmetics Collectibles
Apple Parers
Cookie Jars

Where to look for weird and wonderful collectibles?
Fortunately for the collector of weird and wacky things, it is easier than you may imagine to find these unusual objects. There are numerous places you can visit, both online and offline, to satisfy your hobby:

Auctions
Auctions, both online and land-based, are popular places to find highly unusual things. However, make sure you attend the correct type of auction. Visiting an antique auction is a good choice but there are also specific online auction websites specialising solely in all things weird and wacky. Log on regularly and participate in these auctions -- you are sure to find what you are looking for after a while. Besides these niche auction websites, you can also use the larger ones such as eBay or Amazon Marketplace.

Individual Websites and Online Shops
There is a great number of individual websites offering all manner of weird and wacky items. Although many are based in America, it is still easy to get hold of any item you want on the condition that you are prepared to wait for the item to be despatched from overseas as well as incur the extra shipping fees. When buying from overseas, make sure you have appropriate insurance should the item be lost or damaged in transit.

Collectors' Fairs, Markets and Garage Sales
There are numerous specialist fairs, flea markets, antiques market and occasionally, garage sales and conventions held around the UK and abroad. You will find stalls specialising in weird and wacky things. These places are perfect for general browsing and hunting down of specific items. Furthermore, it is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with your fellow-collectors.

Online Collectors' Clubs
If you go online, you will find there are dozens of collectors' clubs and associations. These websites provide an essential service to their members. They publicise details of any auctions or markets that may be taking place. They allow members a forum to discuss issues and pose questions. Some publish regular newsletters with stories and features. All in all, they are an invaluable resource for helping collectors keep their hobby alive!

Magazines & Newsletters
There is usually a magazine or newsletter dedicated to the collecting of a particular item. Use your search engine to find which magazine or newsletter would be helpful to you and your particular collection. Alternatively, there are more general antique and collecting titles, both online and printed, that may feature advertisements selling weird and wacky memorabilia.

Online Classifieds and Directories
It is also possible to find the weird and wacky objects you are looking for simply using the services of an online or printed classifieds or directory. Online resources are particularly useful as they are able to provide more than just a listing -- they also give tips and advice as well as a host of other useful links to relevant articles and news about buying and collecting weird and wacky memorabilia.

How to purchase weird and wacky things securely
If you think you are buying a genuine antique, make sure you can verify its authenticity. Ask an expert for advice or if possible, obtain certification.

When buying from a private seller, make sure you study the description provided carefully before you agree to buy. Often the seller may be able to provide clear photographs or images but this is not always the case.

Some of the items you are buying may be fragile or easily breakable. Be clear on who would be responsible for any items which may arrive broken or damaged. Similarly, if the item is bulky or heavy, be clear on who is responsible for delivering it to you. If you need to collect it, make sure you the price you pay does not include delivery fees.

Bear in mind that all traders can be fined or prosecuted if they sell unsafe or incorrectly labelled goods. This may be more tricky to prove with private sellers.

Some advice on reproduction goods
It is normally the case that collectors insist on the real thing. However, there are many reasons why a collector would choose to purchase a reproduction item instead of a genuine one. A reproduction or fake could be both quite a bit cheaper and easier to find than the real thing. To some collectors, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a reproduction amongst their collection -- as long as they know it is a reproduction when purchasing it!
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