Collecting can be a great hobby, as well as a lucrative investment. People collect all kinds of things including advertising items, stamps, coins, dolls, teddy bears, art glass, art pottery, figurines, antiques, vintage items and memorabilia. Some collect for the sheer pleasure it gives them, while others hope to increase their net worth over time. For instance, anything antique or vintage and items that are no longer circulated like coins and stamps can become quite valuable over time, especially rare ones. As the law of supply and demand states, the rarer an item is the higher the value rises. The value of these collector’s items will also largely depend on their condition; many items that have never been out of the package or box are usually worth more than items that have been used or unpacked.


There are few name brands that stand out above the rest and have created a following among collectors that is extra special. Brand names like Boyds Bears, Coca Cola (Coke), Fenton Art Glass, McCoy Pottery, Harley Davidson and Texaco are among those elite collectible brands that have a very large and very dedicated following of collectors. These companies have made a name for themselves with a quality product that “Struck a Chord” in the hearts of consumers and for this reason their customers were transformed from consumers into “Die Hard” fans.



  • Coca Cola collectors collect a huge array of items including signs, bottles, advertising trays, cookie jars, coke machines, plush toys, toy trucks, telephones and much much more. Original bottles (rare ones will even still be unopened), signs, old-fashioned truck models with vintage bottles in the back, and even telephones. Coca-Cola has also helped their collectible following by creating mascots such as the Coke Polar Bears that are in many commercials during the winter months.
  • Boyds Bears are highly collectible because of their cuteness, quality and themes. Boyds is not just limited to bears but now offers a wide array of plush and mohair animals including rabbits, lambs, cows, pigs and many others. Boyds doesn’t stop at plush or mohair though, they also offer a huge line of resin statues and figurines as well as picture frames, treasure boxes, angels and Christmas ornaments. Boyds is an example of a brand name that isn’t just collected because of the name but because their items make beautiful home décor pieces that are sure to brighten up any room! If you want to collect these for their value then targeting limited editions or retired items are a good way to make sure they increase in value. Leaving their tags attached and keeping their original packaging are also other ways to increase the value of your Boyds Collectibles.
  • Fenton Glass and McCoy Pottery are two examples of companies that make quality handmade items which make their pieces unique therefore increasing their value. Many pieces are also hand painted and signed by the artist which is another way to keep their pieces unique and increase their value. The uniqueness and quality combined with the beauty of their products make both of these companies’ highly collectible brand names.


When collecting it is always helpful to enjoy the product you collect so that it is fun for you. It is a thrill like no other to find that certain piece that you have been searching for to complete or add to your collection. It can also be quite relaxing to sit in a room that is filled with your collectibles and flashback to the journeys you took to acquire these items. It can also be very rewarding to know that your collection is or will someday be worth more than what you paid to assemble it. If you don’t sell them these collections can become family heirlooms that be handed down to your children and grandchildren for years to come. Happy collecting!