Free things that I collect

As much as I aspire to minimalism, the truth is that I also want to live surrounded by things that inspire me and that bring joy to my life. I'm not a big shopper, and I've realised that most of the things that I enjoy collecting are things that I've picked up for free over the years. I love appreciating the little things in life, and saving small souvenirs that remind me of the places that I've been and the things that I've seen. 

Here are some of my collections:

Postcards

I have a huge collection of postcards that I've picked up over the years. Some of them are flyers for university events, and many of them came from trips to the cinema back in the 90s when they used to have racks of free postcards advertising all sorts of things. I used to come home with a bagful! If I ever spot one while I'm visiting somewhere I have to pick it up, I just love all the different designs and how advertising has changed over time. I currently have most of them stored in a deep plastic folder, but I do have a few favourites pinned around my desk and a large postcard display hanger in the utility room.

Business cards

In this digital age these are quite often still around, especially in pubs and restaurants. If I spot one at the till while I'm paying I surreptitiously slip it into my wallet, usually to stick into my journal later! They are a lovely reminder of the places that I've been.

Pens

I can't resist a free pen, and some of them have become my favourites to use. I have a great one which I picked up at a hotel that we stayed at in Florida last year. It's chunky, it writes smoothly, and when I use it I'm transported back to a lovely sunny beach and a relaxing pool.

Notepads

I can't resist a hotel notepad, especially if it has the name of the hotel on it. I also have a few sets of postcards, envelopes and writing paper purloined from various fancier hotels that we've stayed in. I keep the pads in my desk drawer to grab when I need to make a quick note of something.

Pretty boxes and bags

I keep any kind of attractive box or bag, especially gift bags. I've never bought a gift bag, I always seem to have the perfect one to hand when I need it! I use pretty boxes for storage, or I use the lids as trays in drawers for smaller items. I also keep a stash of plain boxes on hand for sending out eBay parcels. I quite often buy things like biscuits just for the tin that they come in, I do love a decorative tin and I always keep my eyes open in the post Christmas sales.

Beach finds

Shhh, I know that you aren't supposed to bring home shells and stones from the beach. But I think everyone that has visited the seaside has at least a few in their home, and I am very discerning with what I bring back. Also, most of the things that I collect from the beach are not natural materials, for example I love to search for colourful sea glass or marine plastic.

Tote bags

My husband often comes back with these from work events and we have quite a collection. I can't bear to throw them out! I don't tend to use them for shopping, but they are very useful for filling with charity donations and I hope they come in useful to the shop as well. Now that plastic shopping bags are harder to come by it's always useful to have a spare one or two that you don't mind not getting back.

Do you collect things that you come across in your daily life?