My Mom collected spoons, bells and musical figurines. Whenever any of us would travel, we'd always try to bring her back a spoon and a bell. She had a lovely collection of musical figurines, but the collection got split up when she died. We all took a few of our favourites, which worked out well since no two of us had the same favourite.

I used to collect wooden boxes, but had to stop when that's all anyone ever gave me for birthdays and Christmas - last count I think I have close to 100 of them. Thankfully, most of them are very small and have managed to find a useful niche somewhere in the house.

I don't collect anything now, though do buy small fridge magnets wherever we travel...I love it when I go to the fridge and see one of those magnets and am immediately transported back to that place and that time...lovely memories for each one (if we didn't have a good time somewhere, I don't buy the magnet, LOL).