Houzz Call: What Home Collections Help You Feel Like a Kid Again?
About once a year, I take down a tattered cardboard box from the top shelf in my closet and sift through my small collection of comic books and baseball cards. Admittedly, the first thing I do is check online to see if any of the items have exponentially appreciated in value. They never have. If I sold everything today, I might have somewhere in the ballpark of $13.
This disappointment is always fleeting. When the monetary realization falls away, I'm left with the true value of Wolverine #4 and Barry Bonds (back when he was skinny). These small mementos take me back to blissful moments when I was a kid, when life was uncomplicated and all that mattered was baseball and comics.
Many homeowners feel the same way. A collection might not be superheroes and retired sports stars, but maybe it's a complete set of Ty Beanie Babies, which my wife proudly owns, or a stunning assortment of Matchbox cars. Whatever the items, their meaning and value are priceless.
We'd love to see what makes you feel like a kid again. Here are a few special collections. Please show us yours in the Comments, and we'll follow up with an ideabook showcasing your display.
Terry Minshull served with the Paso Robles fire department from 1962 to 2005, starting at age 21 as a volunteer, then finishing his career as the town's fire marshal. His vast collection of vintage fire trucks, equipment and firefighting gear fills his and his wife's den.
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This homeowner proudly displays an impressive G. I. Joe collection in his man cave.
Brian Gibb and Misty Keasler display their collection of limited-edition designer toys on a kitchen wall.
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Dan Benedict shows off his train collection in his home office.
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Not going to lie. I love Pez and have always been fascinated by the dispensers. So this homeowner's collection that spans multiple shelves near the ceiling is extra, er, sweet.
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Your turn: Show us your collection!
