Living in a city-state like Singapore, where space is tight and outdoor recreational options are often constrained, collecting becomes a popular way to fill the void.
The lack of sprawling national parks or easily accessible nature spots pushes many toward indoor hobbies. For some, it’s sneakers or vinyl records; for others, it’s limited-edition figurines or branded merchandise.
For me, collecting wasn’t just a pastime — it was an obsession. As a kidult, I found joy in hunting down rare items, each purchase fueling a sense of accomplishment.
But over time, those purchases added up, and the financial toll became impossible to ignore.
Playmobil and Popmart Figurines
As a kidult, I dove headfirst into
collecting Playmobil and Popmart figurines. These intricately designed,
nostalgic toys spoke to my inner child. Each new set or blind box promised a
dopamine hit — the excitement of getting a rare figure was addictive.
I’d spend hours scouring online marketplaces or visiting specialty stores,
often dropping hundreds of dollars on a single haul. My shelves filled up, but
so did my credit card bills.
Starbucks Christmas Mugs
Then came my Starbucks Christmas mug phase. Every holiday season, I’d
eagerly await the latest limited-edition designs. These weren’t just mugs;
they were collectible treasures, each one a badge of my dedication.
Some years, I’d spend upwards of SGD 200 on mugs alone, rationalizing it as a festive tradition. In reality, most sat unused in cabinets, gathering dust while my savings dwindled.
Cute Teapots
My obsession with cute teapots was another chapter. From whimsical pastel
pots to elegant ceramic designs, I couldn’t resist their charm.
Dog Toys and Accessories
By 2022, Moving to a new place that year forced me to confront the reality of my collections — they were taking over space and my finances, but they weren’t bringing the joy they once did.
The turning point came when I calculated how much I’d spent on these hobbies over the years. Thousands of dollars, gone on items that were now clutter or forgotten.
In Singapore, where the cost of living is already sky-high, this was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore.
I sold many of my collectibles on platforms like Carousell. While I didn’t recoup all my losses, it helped recover some funds and cleared physical and mental space.
I still allocate a small, fixed budget for hobbies, ensuring I could still enjoy them without going overboard.
If you’re a Singaporean collector teetering on the edge of overconsumption, I get it. The thrill of the chase is real, and the urban lifestyle makes collecting feel like a natural outlet.
But take it from someone who’s been there: those purchases can quietly erode your financial stability. You don’t have to give up your hobbies, but setting boundaries can make all the difference.
Next time you’re tempted to add to your collection, pause. Ask yourself if it’s worth the cost — not just in dollars, but in the time and freedom it takes from your future.