A "collectible" is an item being collected either for its appreciation in value over time, or for the satisfaction the owner receives from owning, using and displaying the items.

I started my collections because they represent my life, my home environment, my life style. In my early 20s, I started with the Precious Moments figurines, because of the manufacturer's representation of Christianity and its specialty towards animals and the handicapped. I am a Christian hearing-impaired animal lover. I was also inspired by an acquaintance, who collected them with her sister. I purchased the figurines hat depicted the rain-drop eyes of a girl with a cat or with a dog or both.

As I eventually moseyed on to a different collection in my 30s, I fell in love with rubber-stamping and scrap-booking, because they value family ethics and about being thoughtful towards others. I had a Tuxedo cat (who passed away) and have a red/white Persian cat, along with a Shih Tzu dog. Therefore, I collect (and use) rubber stamps that depict them and their ways. Not only have I succeeded in finding several Shih Tzu, Persian, and Tuxedo stamps, I've also branched out to seasonal stamps with dogs and cats involved.

I have amassed such a collection of stamps that I've purchased various shelves to properly display them. I don't put them away in the drawers or boxes. I have one shelf for Christmas, the other for other seasons, the other for animals, the other for miscellaneous, etc.

I also collect figurines, statues, sculptures, and miniatures of a Shih Tzu (any color), a Persian (reds), and a Tuxedo. I'm mainly partial to the stamps, because they don't sit there and take up so much room like the figurines; you can use them at play by creating and making things with them. The retired figurines and stamps have very high re-selling values, and I know I can have them as security for my future.

Anytime you acquire or are given an item that you absolutely do not want, don't throw it away; hold on to it and research and find out if there is a value. Maybe somebody else will value it and pay big money for it.