My grandmother was into collecting thimbles, when she was still alive.
As a child, whenever I went away somewhere on a trip with my parents and we saw a souvenir thimble, I’d always want to get it for her.
Looking back as an adult, I’m quite sure now that she didn’t really care that much about the thimbles at all, especially towards the end. What she really cared about was the connection it created, and the relationship with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
It’s nice to know what someone likes, and to think of them when you see it. And every time I saw thimbles I thought of her.
In a modern context I have a friend who likes frogs, and every time I see a random frog plush or weird frog toothbrush holder or whatever it is I always think of him and want to get it for him.
Fads change but I think the reason for having them stays the same. It’s nice to be into something, and for other people to know you’re into it, too :)
