Collections and Collectibles | By Gabrielle Dosdos | Jan 21, 2026
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (SCPDA)—At first glance, the small and well-known collectibles known as Smiskis may seem like simple, glow-in-the-dark figurines. However, these charming trinkets come with a unique blind box feature which evokes a sense of anticipation many collectors enjoy. While some may seek this element of surprise, others collect for gratification or recreational purposes, fostering satisfying habits that collectors look forward to. The fascination with collecting has attracted a vast audience of people who dedicate time and resources towards building physical and digital collections tailored to their interests.
Collectors of all ages gather an assortment of objects, including antiques, photographs, and stamps. Collecting memorable items may cause collectors to associate trinkets as a part of their identity or hobby. In the case of small figurines like Smiskis, their charm lies in their distinctive poses and the excitement of uncovering new variations, which includes the eagerness of completing a series. For others, collecting extends beyond the joy of discovering. By pursuing a collection, it often reflects one’s endeared interest in a subject while also forming a sense of personal achievement and identity.
Another motive for owning collectables is their visual appeal. Collectors often find joy in arranging collections in an aesthetically pleasing manner, acting as decorations in bedrooms, or even on dashboards in cars. The journey of collecting could also be a source of contentment for collectors, as gathering specific items requires patience and an eye for detail.
Beyond personal enjoyment or visual aesthetic, companies buy into this passion by implementing approaches and algorithms that make collectibles even more desirable. In a 2020 study published by the European Journal of Marketing, manufacturers use strategies to foster demand for certain items, often utilizing tactics including product scarcity to make items feel more valuable. One tactic is called the limited-edition drop, where only a restricted number of products are released, compelling consumers to buy the product as soon as possible. Along with man-made techniques, computer analyzed algorithms can play a role too. Companies may analyze purchasing data to see which products are most popular and adjust production by making certain items harder to find. To foster even more excitement and publicity, companies may sponsor influencers to promote their products. They often have a significant influence on audiences, especially on social media; their vast presence on such accessible platforms often kindle enthusiasm among viewers.
“I think social media can make a false impression of something,” sophomore Alex Roa Avila said. “It can make people buy something only because [the promoter] is famous.”
While companies find ways to refine their strategies to fuel demand, some hobbyists enjoy incorporating their trinkets into their everyday lives. Some use them as keychains, phone charms, or other small accessories. By keeping a piece of a collection nearby, these novelties have become a way to express individuality in various settings. For many, carrying a collectible may offer comfort and cherished memories, or elicit excitement from finding something exclusive.
"I'm not like a hardcore collector, but whenever I get Pokémon cards, it was [exciting]," junior Rishi Tegulla said. "I don't get them often. The game meant a lot to my childhood, and I used to play it a lot."
Some collections do not need to be physical. Many collectors also indulge in creating digital collections with apps like Pinterest. Pinterest is a social media platform that helps users discover inspiration and ideas, and members can create digital collections known as “boards” to organize, categorize, and share their interests. Evolving as a haven for digital collectors, Pinterest allows users to discover various ideas and develop passions over time.
"Pinterest started my drive to collect,” senior Sara Docuyanan said. “Seeing room inspiration and [seeing] them decorated [with Smiskis] inspired me.”
Although many are fond of curating collections, dedicating a substantial amount of money to them may contribute to overconsumption. The act of constantly buying more unneeded items and disposing of them can impact a person’s financial difficulties while also contributing to waste and trash overflow. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, single-use plastics are commonly used as packaging among manufacturers due to their durability and affordability, which minimizes expenses when shipping products to retailers. Although its convenience makes plastic a favorable choice, it improves comfort at the expense of the environment and its health.
"We should switch to more reusable packaging if we [can] because, as of recent years, a lot of waste has been [building] up in compost areas and in the sea,” junior Marco Chua said. “Even in the sea, there is trash piling up, so we should [consider] what we consume and throw away.”
While excessive collecting can lead to overconsumption and clutter, mindful collecting allows people to enjoy their collections in a substantial and fulfilling way. Curating collections by focusing on secondhand shops, digital organization, and eco-friendly storage solutions can be a purposeful way to collect while still being gentle on the environment. When managed well, collecting can foster self-expression, creativity, and emotional connection with others.