15 Apr How To Start a Geek Collection

Having a collection doesn’t make you a geek – it is not a requirement. But one way to identify a geek is by their collection. In this post we’ll talk about what a collection is, why geeks collect, and how you can start your own geek collection.

The Geeky Joy of Collecting

It only takes one. One item that you fall in love with and realize you need more of the thing that makes you happy. Maybe it’s a first-issue Star Wars comic book you found at a random comic book shop while traveling. Or the licensed TeeTurtle shirt you grabbed at your favorite convention. It could be a Funko Pop of your favorite anime character that you purchased while telling yourself it would just be this one. Then suddenly you have three bookshelves full of Funko treasures, a growing wishlist, and the realization that you’re in too deep to not be a collector.

My Funko Pop Obsession

Sundays were usually comic book shop days for us before we moved and left our comic-BFF behind. One weekend, we noticed that he started stocking the shelves with boxes of Funko Pops, and it was my first time seeing these mini big-headed figurines. I looked at one and rolled my eyes, asking hubs why anyone would want to collect such silly depictions of their favorite characters.

Like I didn’t come from the generation of the Beanie Baby!

And then it happened. After my very first cosplay of Louise Belcher from Bob’s Burgers, I found a Louise Funko Pop and couldn’t just leave it in the store. But this was all I needed to justify my new obsession. It didn’t take much convincing of hubs, either, when I shared my idea of purchasing Pops for the characters we cosplayed to display next to our convention photos. And then we realized that, instead of photos, we could have our favorite actors and voice actors sign the Pop for the character they portrayed, and we could keep it safe in a Funko case.

Much to absolutely no one’s surprise, it was Star Wars that won me all the way over to the Funko-side. Sweet Carrie Fisher went up to a Galaxy Far, Far Away and to remember her I purchased a Princess Leia Pop. But I couldn’t stop there, so I collected all the Leia Pops. And then Ahsoka. Oh, and right after that, Vader. And before I could stop myself, hubs and I had amassed a small army of Funko Pops.

What is a Collection?

A collection is the simple act of gathering and keeping similar items in one place. As a hobby, collecting something is to intentionally look for and obtain similar items. As your collection grows, you may learn more systematic ways of finding and keeping track of your collections. And collections will grow as fast and as often as you find items to add.

What is a geek collection?

A geek collection is a curated group of items that reflects and shows off your favorite fandoms, passions, or nostalgia. For geeks, collecting isn’t just about owning stuff—it’s about celebrating the stories, characters, and worlds we love. Whether you’re into trading cards, action figures, LEGO sets, or obscure movie props, starting a geek collection can be one of the most rewarding (and fun) ways to express your fandom.

So, where do you begin? Right here—with this geek life blog’s guide to help you define your geeky passion, make smart choices, and build a collection that sparks joy every time you look at it.

Why Do Geeks Collect?

My mom used to ask us pretty often why we collected “those toys”. It was very perplexing to her, but I think she really wanted to understand why. I mean, look at my initial reaction when I discovered Funko Pops. My answer is a simple one – for the same reason you collected Precious Memories figurines and miniature German houses. Also for the same feeling you get when you find a new angel to add to your Christmas decor. Simply because you like them and they bring you joy. I like them and they make me happy.

That answer was good for her. And although you don’t owe anyone an explanation for loving the things (and people) you love, I can offer four more reasons geeks collect things.

The emotional connection. Geeks have an emotional attachment to the fandoms we love. (Brief Star Wars spoilers ahead – skip to the next paragraph if you haven’t seen the original movies or Clone Wars) I still cry when Obi Wan Kenobi leaves Anakin to die, and when Ahsoka Tano walks away from Anakin and the Jedi Order. I have such an emotional attachment to those characters that I feel what they feel. I want to have that experience outside of watching the movies, so I collect pieces that allow me to see those characters everyday.

Many of us have both good and bad childhood memories. We grab onto the good memories and the things we associate with them. Collections that remind us of TV shows and characters we loved as kids gives us nostalgia whenever we see them. This is another form of emotional attachment that gives us the perfect excuse to start collections. 

Geeks also collect because it gives us a sense of identity and fandom pride as part of a community of other fans and collectors. The thrill of the hunt is another reason many people collect, and geeks are no different. The feeling you get when you find a rare or limited edition of something from your favorite fandom is like no other. And that sense of community you feel when you find something from a popular fandom brings a special connection to others who collect similar items. There are whole groups dedicated to collections.

What do geeks collect?

Rare and limited editions of clothing items, action figures, and comic books are some of the more popular items that geeks collect. But you can collect anything from any fandom in any niche that suits your taste. No fandom is too obscure if it’s a fandom you love.

Here are some things that you can collect: 

• Comic books
• Funko Pops
• Action figures
• Trading cards (Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering)
• Video games & consoles
• Movie memorabilia
• Pins and keychains
• Artwork and fanart
• Cosplay gear
• LEGO sets
• Licensed Makeup and nail polish
• Plushies and Pillows

There are so many possibilities!

How to Start Your Geek Collection

Here are seven simple steps to starting your own geek collection. This is just an intro to get you thinking about how you want to get started. I will have future posts that help you dive a little deeper into your new collection life!

Because I am nothing short of an enabler. You’re welcome!

Decide What You Love

Think about something you watched or read that just grabbed your attention and had you enamored with every detail. Honestly, you know you’re a fan when just the very thought of a character or general fandom makes you giddy. New movies, television shows, and merchandise make you excited every time they come out. And I dare say that even if your favorite fandom produces something that may not be the best for you, you still have a positive outlook on the fandom, in general.

Fandom should be a positive experience. If everything about a fandom makes you angry, let’s be honest, you don’t actually like that fandom. *cough-Star-Wars-fans-cough*

For me, it was Star Wars that made me understand geek fandoms. I fell so fast and far that I couldn’t read the books and comics fast enough. I wanted to be immersed in that world. Of course, I joined the fandom way too late because now, positive Star Wars fans can be as rare as a Mammoth and are often bullied for loving any new show or character. But I still love that far, far away galaxy, and hubs and I often geek out about it together. Quietly. In our own home. lol

So choose a fandom, genre, or character that genuinely excites you. If you love it then it’s valid. Period. But do think long-term interest rather than what’s popular right now. Is this fandom one you will love for years to come, or are you just hyped about the new season that everyone’s talking about? Your collections, like your favorite fandoms should have longevity because they are an investment. Even if you’re collecting for the sheer joy of it.

Choose What You Want to Collect | What’s Your Niche?

Your collection should be focused on a specific item or group of items from the fandom or genre you like. Let’s go back to Funko – I will pick up most Star Wars Pops I see because that is my top fandom. But I also have Funko Pops for anime characters I love, superheroes, and video game characters.

You may love X-Men, but get a feeling of nostalgia from the X-Men you watched as a kid. If you love comic books, you could start a vintage X-Men comics collection. Or just a Spiderman figurine collection. Since I have a problem that there is no medication for, I have also recently discovered that I love Loungefly bags. You could even collect licensed t-shirts featuring your favorite DC characters.

Consider the scale of your collection, your theme, and your passions. Do you have dreams of owning the life-size Ironman suit, or will you be fine with the automated helmet? If you’re passionate about cooking and anime, you may want to start an anime cookbook collection that you keep on a shelf above your microwave. 

Plan Where You’ll Keep or Display Your Geek Collection

And speaking of scale – where are you going to keep your collection? Do you have space to start and grow a collection? What is the size and weight of the items in your collection? You may need to create shelf space or purchase bookcases to hold your comic books or cookbooks, as well as your figurines. Some shops sell special display cases with glass doors if you need to keep your collector’s items away from direct light. If you collect fan and geek art, make sure you have plenty of wall space to show off your prints.

Don’t forget to think about how to work your collections into your home decor. Consider lighting and temperature; and plan how you will keep your collections dust-free.

Don’t worry! I will have a part two to this blog post where we will talk about how to display your collections and make them an attractive part of your home decor.

Set a Budget for Your Geek Collection

I know, I know – this is my least favorite part of this post. But let’s be real – collections can get expensive. And if you’re not careful, you can find and grab six funko pops at an average of $13 each, and spend a cool $80 on just Pops. Of course, if you have a $100 budget for Pops that day, then you’re good to go!

Decide how much you can and are willing to spend monthly or per item. That way, when an exclusive Pop wanders into the wild, you know you have the budgeted amount ready to go. Track your expenses so you always know what you can and can’t spend. 

Also, avoid collector FOMO (fear of missing out). You don’t have to own every figurine from My Hero Academia (anime). Instead, choose your favorite characters (Dabi, Bakugo, Overhaul, All Might) and grab one every two weeks or monthly. I have a soft spot for most villains, so when I see a villain I love, I grab the Pop.

Find A Dealer – I Mean Source

Where are you going to find the items you want? Local comic book shops, toy stores, and comic conventions are great places to find collectibles. Always support small and local when you can! But you can also find some really cool collectibles on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Facebook groups, and apps, like the Collectibles.com app. 

You can find hidden gems at garage sales and second-hand shops, or you can invest some solid cash for premium-grade or exclusive items – that choice is yours. Always know what the items are worth – the going rate and value. Be wary of fakes and overpriced listings!

Track Your Collections

I use the CLZ Comics database app to track my comic collection. It allows me to scan and organize all my titles, and for a small fee I’d say the service is invaluable (unaffiliated). I also use the Collectibles app to store images and values of my items. Funko Pop has an app, as well, that allows you to find and add Pops you own to different collections.

Why track your collection? I can’t tell you how many times I went to 2nd and Charles (affiliate), saw a Pop, and got excited about it. I happily purchased it and took it home, only to discover that I already had the same exact one. So much disappointment! Of course, you can resell your used items for money or credit at 2nd & Charles; or you can trade duplicates with other collectors online. But you could avoid duplicates by simply keeping a tracker or database of what you own that you can reference when you’re geeking out and about.

Take Care of Your Collections

Let’s touch on what will be part three of our geek collection series – keeping your collections clean. For now, here are some quick tips to taking care of the items you’ve added to your collection:

1. Keep your collectibles dust-free.
2. Protect your items from sun and moisture.
3. Store packaging if you care about resale value.
4. Be sure to use the proper care for items that are paper, plastic, fabric, or electronics.

Bonus: What’s Your Endgame?

What I mean is where will your collection take you? Do you want to start a collection for the sheer joy of collecting something cool to reflect a fandom you love? This is exactly why I collect all the things I collect – they make me happy. That’s all. And for those of us who want to smile whenever we see our collections, we can focus on incorporating our collections into our home and office decor. This means that we **trigger warning** will rip our boxes open as soon as we get those babies home and place them all naked-like on our shelves. I will have a post on that coming up very soon!

But do consider another option: collecting as an investment. If you want to start a collection because you know that you’ll be able to sell your items at a higher price later on, then that is also a very valid reason to start a collection. This means that your collectibles will stay in-box and in ‘mint condition’ – almost like they’re being preserved. Most investment collectors will be very precise with storage light and temperatures so items are as close to the original condition as possible. Many collectors will also have their items graded. This is when you have an expert study the item to determine whether it’s an original or not, and what the value is. Comic books, for example, are graded for value and then sealed in a frame or sleeve to keep them dust and fingerprint-free.

This is very different to purchasing exclusive or limited items as soon as they are released and then reselling them on eBay for 2-3 times the price. This is not collecting for investment, it is price gouging and there is a special place in hell for people like this.

Go Forth and Collect All the Geek Collections!

Well, there you have it! Are you ready to start your own geek collection? Nothing makes me happier than walking into my home office and seeing my collection of Funko Pops, manga, figurines, and fanart. I want that for you, if you’re ready to get started! Whether you’ve already purchased your first collectible or are already knee-deep in Funko Pops, there is no better time to embrace your inner geek and start curating a collection that’s all you.

Let’s keep this going in the comments. Tell me: What’s the first thing you ever collected? What fandom are you planning to build your collection around? Got any collector tips to share? And don’t forget to share photos of your growing geek stash—because every collection has a story, and I would love to see yours!

Happy collecting, you geeks!