By Elise Ong, September 16, 2025
Blind boxes, trinkets, figure series, bag charms and other forms of collectibles have grown in popularity over the past year, so much so that Global Market Insights Inc. forecasts around $249.2 billion in sales of general collectibles by the end of 2025.
A big contributing factor to the growing demand is the online presence and attraction brought to these kinds of products. Apps such as Instagram and TikTok have been huge promoters as people continue to make content surrounding collectibles, specifically unboxing videos for products like Sonny Angels, Smiskis and Labubus.
Furthermore, companies like Pop Mart and Miniso have become increasingly popular, making their storefronts common additions to shopping centers, even in the form of vending machines.
Although some may look down on the trend as unnecessary spending or impulsive consumerism, I see it as an opportunity to make tough days a little better. You’d be surprised how much joy a little figure could bring you. Not only do they help us express ourselves, but they can also serve as a reminder that things will be OK.
And as it turns out, health experts agree. There is even a science behind why we enjoy purchasing and collecting things.
According to psychologist Susan Albers, buying something for yourself can be therapeutic. This concept is known as retail therapy. When we go out to make a purchase, we have dopamine flowing through us.
Dopamine, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and our reward system, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. The act of purchasing something we want is one way we activate that hormone, which quite literally makes us happier.
The collection aspect behind these purchases also contributes to the happiness it can bring us.
According to an article from Medium, the items we collect can contribute to our self-expression.
“The objects we choose to collect often reflect our individual interests, passions, and values,” the article said. “For some, collecting is a way to showcase their unique personality and tastes.”
Music industry studies student Orion Hodge has a wide variety of collections, ranging from figurines to CDs and set lists from concerts.
“I do collect things when I’m feeling down,” Hodge said. “Out of all the figurines I have, including the ones at home, I would say I have 30 to 50.”
Apart from our trinkets depicting who we are and what we’re interested in during our current stage of life, there is also something special about spoiling your inner child.
Hanging on to the things that bring us joy can be powerful amidst the hard moments in life. As young adults begin to get older and face more stress, being able to afford stuff to make us feel better is pretty neat.
I remember being a kid and seeing things I wanted but wasn’t able to buy. Now, having two jobs, I love being able to buy myself a little something every now and then.
My older sister and I both have specific trinkets we like to collect. She collects Sonny Angels while I collect Smiskis, and we both agree our respective trinkets accurately reflect our personalities. Going out to add to our collections has become a way for us to relieve stress and is one of our favorite bonding activities to do together.
There is a sense of comfort that comes with buying something that makes you smile, so don’t be afraid to indulge every once in a while when your mind needs it.
Feature image courtesy of Elise Ong
