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E, DanielMy wife, like many others on this board doesn't collect, and neither does my mum. And in talking to them about collecting, the tidbits they throw out are:
No great NEED to own things, though they always seem happy to have things given to them that are meaningful or please them.
And with an almost embarrassed shrug, they have both commented on their lack of knowledge about any one collectable, and a sincere disinterest in gaining that knowledge. Its almost as if it is too great an investment of time, and without any great feeling that the time would be worth it, that the hobby would be interesting enough.
For this reason too, they both are extremely hesitant to buy anything considered a collectable or vintage, because of the fear of getting ripped off and made to look silly.
All in all, it has tended to mean very few presents over the years that I really wanted or would have chosen for myself. Good thing I'm not shy about buying them on my ownsome!