6 Reasons Why You Should Start Collecting Ephemera

Now that you have a knowledge of what ephemera is, you might be wondering why you should be interested in collecting it! As we’ve previously learned, ephemera can range from vintage recipes to ticket stubs. If you’re curious about what ephemera is, visit So You Want to Know More About Ephemera.

Let’s dive in!

Why Should I Collect Ephemera?

There are plenty of reasons why the hobby of collecting ephemera could be right for you! This article will give you six reasons why you should start a collection now! Keep reading! Something might catch your eye.

1. It’s an Interesting Hobby

Having a hobby can make you mentally and emotionally healthier! How is this so? Hobbies can be an outlet. They can be used as a way to relieve stress from the daily routines and tasks of work and responsibilities at home. Do you find yourself happier when you are doing something you love? Maybe you love to take art classes or cycle? Whatever it is that you enjoy doing, it can be beneficial not only for you but for those that you come in contact with because you will be happier! According to the Health Department of Australia,

“Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get you out and about can make you feel happier and more relaxed” (2017, December 12, “Hobbies”, Retrieved from https://headtohealth.gov.au/meaningful-life/purposeful-activity/hobbies).

Another reason to start a new hobby is the fact that it can also produce a sense of identity and improve your self-esteem. Usually, when someone asks who you are, we mention our names/titles, jobs, family, and hobbies! Why not add collecting ephemera to that hobby list?

2. It’s Inexpensive

Are you interested in being involved in a hobby that doesn’t require deep pockets? Collecting ephemera might be just right for you! Many hobbies such as camping or traveling can be quite costly. I’m not trying to say that you shouldn’t travel or camp because of the price, rather I am trying to point out that not all hobbies have to involve an expensive price tag.

Due to the fact that much of ephemera is considered to be vintage, this means you will have to search in places where vintage materials might be kept. For example, an antique store or a thrift store. Most vintage ephemera like ticket stubs and old business cards have either been thrown out or forgotten. This means nearly all vintage paper will be pretty inexpensive. To get a better idea of prices and where you can find ephemera, check out Searching High and Low for Ephemera.

3. It’s Low-Maintenance

Once again, I am not trying to deter you from camping or hiking! Don’t get me wrong, I love to camp and hike. It’s one of my favorite pastimes. Unfortunately, they can require a lot of energy, funds, and time. While I don’t possess an infinite supply of energy, funds, or time, it might be nice to have hobbies that don’t demand them. Another reason to give the hobby of collecting ephemera a try is that it is low-maintenance.

a. You Can Do It On Your Own Time

Collecting ephemera doesn’t require a lot of attention, rather it can be done on your own time and you can continue to collect throughout your life! You can do as little as 10 minutes one day, gathering ephemera from around your house, to hours of going to various garage sales to find more! It isn’t a hobby that requires good weather or a weekend, although you can do it on the weekend if you’d like. Instead, you can do it any day of the week despite the weather!

b.  Not Many Instruments Are Required

The second reason why collecting ephemera can require little maintenance is that not many tools are needed to successfully organize your collection of ephemera. You might need binders and acid-free folders but these don’t get very expensive. Are you wanting to know more about how to organize your collection like a pro? Read How to Organize Your Ephemera Collection (add link). It’s also not very difficult to properly store ephemera. In fact, it can be easily stored in your home! If you’re interested in knowing how to properly store your ephemera collection, check out How Should I Store Ephemera?

4. It Involves History

Do you enjoy learning about history? Along with finding vintage postcards, stamps, or whatever you might take an interest in, you will have the opportunity to find out the history of each item! Where did it come from? What was it used for? When was it used? What type of person did it belong to?

Learning to value the things of the past won’t only help you appreciate today but can open your eyes to see the progress we’ve made in the past years. 

5. It Can Be Personalized

The hobby of collecting ephemera can be personalized! Sure there are rules to properly store ephemera but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways! Maybe you want to take the approach of displaying your ephemera in your home decor. If so, check out Top 10 Creative Ways to Display Your Ephemera (add link). Personally, I love to keep my ephemera in two places, my journal and a shadow box I purchased from Hobby Lobby. They always have great deals on things like that!

In addition to decorating with ephemera, try collecting everything you have from around the house. These items could include a ticket stub from your first concert with dad or a birthday card from grandma. Any printed paper item that brings fond memories can be added to your collection. As I mentioned before, I love to keep ephemera in my journal. An idea that you could try is creating a junk journal. Not sure how to start? Check out Ephemera Junk Journals – A Guide to Make Your First Journal.

6. It Can Be Worth Something

Did you know that all your efforts of collecting ephemera could pay off? You might be thinking, well duh! I can hand down my collection to someone who would appreciate it! While this is an excellent idea, I am actually referring to monetary value.

Over time your collection will increase in value due to the rarity and age of the items in your possession. If you’re wanting to know more about how to value the stamps or postcards in your collection, I’ve attached the links!

Tell us why you collect ephemera by commenting below! We’d love to hear from you!

Sources:

https://headtohealth.gov.au/meaningful-life/purposeful-activity/hobbies