How to Collect 1950s Memorabilia

For baby boomers who are now reaching middle age, nostalgia is the 1950s and '60s. A good way to recapture the feeling you had when you were a kid is to collect items from the period. Because of the boomers, collecting '50s stuff has become fairly popular.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Comic Books
• Pez Dispensers
• Postcards
• Baseball Cards
• Classic Lego Playtables
• Matchbox Cars
• Viewmaster Disney Reels
• Marbles
• Vintage Barbie Dolls
• Vintage Hot Wheels

1. Decide what category of collectibles you want to garner. You can collect '50s sports memorabilia, '50s toys, '50s lunch boxes, '50s Disney characters, '50s furniture, '50s Coca-Cola or '50s McDonald's items. Delve into the category that interests you.

2. Read a lot about your category. A plethora of books cover each category of collectibles. These books can tell you the value of an item, how to assess its value, and what is out there for the buying.

3. Visit '50s memorabilia shows, nostalgia conventions, gatherings and museum exhibitions.

4. Go to flea markets, swap meets and auctions.

5. Surf the Internet to see what is available. There are sites like Mickey's Place and Yogi Berra: Official Website for baseball collectibles, for example.

6. Avoid buying the first items you see. Wait until you know the market and understand the range of prices.

7. Establish criteria for buying. Collecting as an investment is extremely risky.

8. Set a budget. Collecting can become almost addictive and get out of hand.

9. Ask for additions to your collection as gifts. Your friends and family will be delighted to know what to get you, and your own wallet will be spared.

10. Obtain a detailed receipt when you buy, but be aware that many collectible items are not returnable.

Tips & Warnings

• Some useful books are "101 Sports Card Investments: Best Buys for $5 to $500"; "Getting Started in Card Collecting"; "Football, Basketball and Hockey Price Guide"; "Coca-Cola: The Collector's Guide to New and Vintage Coca-Cola Memorabilia"; and "Coca-Cola Commemorative Bottles; Identification and Value Guide."