5 Collecting Themes to Start With: Animals Myths Scholars & More

So you’re thinking about starting a collection—but where do you even begin? As someone who’s been curating themed pieces for over a decade (and advising collectors from beginners to institutions), I’ll tell you this: the best collections aren’t just random cool stuff. They tell a story. And the strongest stories start with a clear theme.

Let’s cut through the noise. Whether you're into vintage postcards, rare coins, or art prints, focusing on a collecting theme helps build value—both emotional and financial. After analyzing trends across auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, plus data from collector forums and marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, here are the 5 most rewarding themes to start with.

1. Animals: Nature-Inspired Appeal That Never Fades

From ancient Egyptian cat amulets to modern enamel animal pins, creatures great and small have fascinated collectors for centuries. According to a 2023 report by Grand View Research, the global collectibles market grew by 8.4%, with nature-themed items seeing a 12% year-on-year increase in demand.

Why it works: animals are universally loved, easy to categorize (mammals, birds, endangered species), and span cultures. Think of animal-themed collectibles as your gateway—they’re beginner-friendly and highly tradable.

2. Mythology & Folklore: Where Legends Live On

If you love storytelling, myth-based items offer deep cultural roots. Japanese yokai figures, Greek god statues, Norse rune stones—these aren’t just decor; they’re artifacts of belief. A survey by Heritage Auctions found that myth-related antiques rose 17% in average resale value between 2020–2023.

3. Historical Scholars & Thinkers: Wisdom You Can Hold

Portraits of Einstein, first-edition philosophy books, old university medals—collecting icons of intellect is surging. Why? Post-pandemic, people crave meaning. Items tied to figures like Marie Curie or Confucius saw a 22% spike in searches on rare scholar memorabilia platforms (Google Trends, 2023).

4. Space & Exploration

With private space missions on the rise, space collectibles—from moon landing patches to astronaut-signed photos—are hotter than ever. NASA-licensed merchandise alone generated $60M in retail sales last year.

5. Cultural Icons & Movements

Jazz era, Bauhaus design, punk rock—collecting around movements creates narrative depth. These themes attract niche communities, which means better resale networks.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 Themes at a Glance

Bottom line? Start with passion, but plan with data. The best collections grow when theme meets trend. Dive into animals or cultural movements if you’re new. For long-term value, consider mythology or scholars. Either way, pick a lane and go deep.