How to Collect Chotchke Souvenirs

Collecting chotchkes is something everyone has done at one time or another, yet the question remains if they are truly worth anything. Some of them are, but it often depends on the chotchke and where it was made. For collectors who buy what they like, though, the chotchkes are truly valuable. If you start collecting by following a basic set of rules, you'll have a special collection in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand what a chotchke is. A chotchke is a collectible item from an extreme tourist destination. Think Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty or Las Vegas. These are massive tourist destinations that are loaded with different types of collectibles.

2. Decide on the chotchke worth collecting. If you are looking to collect chotchkes for the point of value, then look for the items that are not in abundance. Say, pick a custom made, hand-thrown sugar bowl and creamer set over magnets or t-shirts.

3. Look for the maker's mark on the item, something that is usually found on the bottom of the piece. This could be initials and a date, or a special signature stamp. If it says "Made in Japan," take it home; if it says "Made in China" leave it. This is because China is consistently producing items in mass quantity while collectible pieces made in Japanese are more rare.

4. Find a chotchke collectors' group and attend meetings. At such a gathering, collectors can share be fun information the best places to travel to find good chotchkes. This also provides you a group of individuals who may be interested when you find items you want to sell.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to popular tourist destinations, but look for unusual items or unusual chotchke shops to find the best chotchke collectibles. Look at online auction sites for chotchkes you like, then purchase them or ask the sellers where they found them.