These Boots Were Made for Collecting
This morning, I was packing for a trip to Austin, Texas and trying to figure out how many pairs of cowboy boots I could fit into my suitcase.
Confession: I have a slight obsession with cowboy boots.
And not just one or two pairs, I’ve got a whole collection of them—different colors, styles, patterns. Some are fancy, some are practical, and yes, some have only been worn once or twice.
But I love them all.
There’s just something about slipping into a pair of boots that, for me, feels like confidence, fun, and a little bit of swagger rolled into one.
Now, I know what you might be thinking—how many pairs of cowboy boots does one girl really need? I get it. To some, my collection might seem… excessive. But let’s be honest: we all collect something, don’t we?
Some people collect stamps. Others, coffee mugs. I know someone with a staggering collection of ham radio equipment, and a cousin who still has every Beanie Baby from the 90s tagged and stored. My friend’s grandmother collects miniature hotel soaps. Another friend proudly displays her rocks and beach glass collection from every vacation she’s ever taken— occupying every inch of the shelves in her living room.
So, I started wondering, why do we collect things?
I suppose sometimes it’s about nostalgia. For others, it’s the thrill of the hunt: finally finding that rare pare of vintage sneakers to add to your collection. For one colleague and his woodworking studio, collecting all those tools allows him to feel organized and in control of this one area in his life But more often than not, it’s just about joy. Pure, unapologetic joy.
Have you ever noticed how people light up when they talk about the things they collect? Ask me about my cowboy boots and I will enthusiastically tell you about each pair and the story behind each vacation destination where I purchased them. Ask a child about their Barbies or their LEGOs and they’ll go on and on.
When you ask people about their collections— no matter what the collection is comprised of— their eyes tend to sparkle and their energy shifts.
And that’s the moment we should lean into—as opposed to what we might be more inclined to do: judge them.
Instead of raising an eyebrow at someone’s third vintage lunchbox or twelfth pair of boots (or 13th pair once I get done shopping in Austin), try asking: What do you love about these items? You might be surprised at the stories, the passion, or even the history behind what might look like “too much” from the outside.
A few questions for you to consider:
What do you collect—or wish you did?
What item in your home brings you an unexpected sense of joy, even if no one else gets it but you?
Who in your life has a quirky collection you’ve never really asked about? Maybe it’s time to ask!
How could asking about someone’s “things” spark a deeper connection?
This week, find someone who collects something—anything—and ask them about it. Allow them to light up. Whether it’s silver spoons, snowmen, or Star Wars memorabilia, use this as a chance to connect. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to start (or expand) some collection of your own.
And if anyone questions your ever-growing stash of [insert your favorite thing here], just smile and say, “I love these! In fact, I have a whole collection of them! Tell me the story behind something you collect…”
So go ahead—celebrate your own quirky collection, admire someone else's, and don’t be afraid to add a little extra joy to boot.
This Month’s Resources & Cool Ideas
The Pez Outlaw
This Netflix documentary tells the fascinating story of Steve Glew, a man from Michigan who smuggled rare Pez dispensers from Eastern Europe into the U.S., navigating the intricate world of collectors, and facing challenges from the Pez corporation. Learn more about this crazy collectibles story here.
Why Do We Love to Collect?
In this insightful article, Simmons Victoria summarizes the psychology behind our collections and why collecting objects makes many of us so happy.
“The Minimalists: Less Is Now" Documentary
This documentary will move you in the opposite direction of collecting! Available on Netflix, it features Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who advocate for minimalism by demonstrating how life can be more fulfilling with less. They share personal experiences and insights into the benefits of decluttering and focusing on what truly matters.
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