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Collectible Giving
Can Have Pitfalls
Holiday Feature
Story
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DENTON —
Cowbells, postcards and lunchboxes. These are just a few of
the things people collect. And if you’re thinking of
adding to someone’s collection this holiday season —
think twice.
“Giving a
friend or family member something they collect is a sure way
to have it sold after the holidays on eBay,” said Dr.
Lou Thompson, associate professor of English at Texas Woman’s
University and a collector of Mona Lisa items. “Unless
money is no object, it’s almost certain you’ll
make a mistake with a collectible.”
The established,
serious collector will either have the item or the gift collectible
will be something he or she doesn’t want.
“I like campy
in my collection. But if your recipient doesn’t and
you give them a campy item, it will never again see the light
of day,” said Dr. Thompson.
“Also, as
people develop their collections, they tend to become more
exclusive. I collect items with Mona Lisa on them. But right
now, I’m focused on collecting Mona Lisa dishware. Anything
else someone might give me with Mona Lisa, I probably already
have.”
A gift certificate
to an antique mall, comic book store or sports card shop —
whatever genre fits — is a better route to take. The
recipient can find the item she or he wants to add to the
collection.
“For collectors,
part of the thrill is the hunt for an item,” said Dr.
Thompson. “Having that item is a great feeling. But
the stories you can tell about how you acquired something
adds special value to the item.” A gift certificate
allows the collector to add to her or his collection while
still fulfilling that hunting instinct.
But every rule
has its exception.
If someone is just
beginning a collection, it’s hard to go wrong with an
addition to her or his grouping. “Or, you can give an
item or two to get someone — especially children —
started on a new collection” said Dr. Thompson.
###
For Further
Information Contact:
Roy Kron
Director of News and Information
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: rkron@twu.edu
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