So many people collect so many different things. I suppose the most popular would be coins and stamps along with spoons and cards. You can of course collect anything you like. Some things that people collect are for investment purposes but most are just because they love what they are collecting. I love collectible teapots amongst other things like teddy bears and figurines.
I suppose ever since I was a little girl when I got my first tea set I fell in love with teapots. Back in those days we all drank tea from a pot not like the recent days of teabags as we have all come to accept as the norm. It always seems so much more pleasurable to have a nice cup of tea from a pot.
Now of course I don't drink that much from a pot but I do collect them. You would be amazed with how many different shapes and sizes there are for one to collect. Some of them I have used and some that I would not dare to take the chance, as they are so old and delicate. Those ones stay under lock and key in my glass cabinet out of harms way.
Some of my collectible teapots I have been given as gifts from people who know how much I love to collect them but most are those that I have bought. I love going to antique shops and second hand shops where you just do not know what you might find. Another place I like to go to is markets. Many people sell off things that they think are junk while I think they are treasures.
Buying this way will often get you a bargain compared to antique shops that know what they are selling. I don't always go for what might be an antique, as I generally just like all pots no matter what their history is. I must say that I do not do this as an investment but I do it as a hobby. If I end up with something that is worth a lot then that is a bonus.
If you are thinking of collectible teapots as an investment option then another good place to find what you want is at auctions. But to do this type of shopping you really do need to know your stuff. You must need to understand the history and the sort of the pot you are after. You need to know what the going price should be for investment purposes before you start bidding if you are looking at it that way.
Auctions can be a very intimidating atmosphere to be in and you can become emotionally attached to an item and then get caught up in the hype. You then can end up paying way too much for something that is not worthy of the price. Of course in the end it is your money and if you just have to have that item then so be it. But you really do need to be aware of what you may get yourself into. A little bit of homework will be a beneficial thing.
Collectible teapots really are a great hobby and always a great conversation starter. It is also a good hobby for young children to start especially little girls. They can start out with tea set teapots just like I did. But of course I think any collecting hobby is good and there are so many things to choose from and you don't have to have a lot of money to do it either.