What to do with ponies you want, but don't need? / Collection dilemma

[ponyville]

Hello MLPTP!

I come to you all with something I have been pondering a bit as of late.. I thought perhaps some more experienced collectors may have encountered this problem as well, and may be able to offer some guidance. Otherwise maybe we can just have a discussion about it This might be another long post from me, bear with me please!

I've been collecting MLP seriously for a year now. As I expand my collection, I find myself collecting certain ponies that don't really fit into my displays- as some of you have seen, I take my shelf display very seriously, LOL! And this is where I get stuck. Ponies such as princess size G4s that don't necessarily fit with the rest of the G4s, those articulated G4s, etc. I want to hold onto these ponies because I like them, but I suppose not enough to make a display that lets them shine. This is the case with some G1s and G3s as well, because I don't collect those generations as much, and therefore they don't have their own dedicated display. These such ponies are kind of stuck in where-to-go limbo.

I have also been reevaluating my collection and what I want to collect because I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and like I had a bunch of "stuff" rather than a happy assortment of ponies. I decided I was holding onto some MLP because they are MLP, not because I super liked the pony, and to let those ones go. That made me feel much better! But there are some things I don't want to get rid of!! I feel kind of conflicted. Part of the reason I collect MLP is as a sort of a self-expression, and joyous decor for my room. However, another part of why I collect MLP is because of the history of the brand. I don't feel I am a completionist (well, maybe a little bit for G5), but there are some toys I want to hold onto almost in like a museum type of mindset. For example, "Mrs. Cake isn't my favorite G4 character, but she has a different expression, which is rare for MLP- I should keep her." You know?

I don't know, am I making any sense? It's something that's rather inconsequential, but I think about it sometimes. Like, what are my goals as a collector? Does this pony fit into that goal? These are questions I don't have concrete answers to, just yet. I suppose I am wondering, what are your goals for your collection? What do you do with ponies you come across in lots or something similar, and like, but they don't fit into your goals?

I am hoping I made sense with this one- I am not very good at communicating my thought process, so if you need any clarification, let me know. And as always, feel free to reply with general musings on the topic, even if it doesn't fit into the questions I asked here. Thank you!

 

[starbritesprinkles]

Don't get rid of anything until your collection goals are clearly defined. Of course, those goals can and often do change with time. Sometimes it's best to store some of your collection away and reevaluate after a year or so. Hold onto things that are harder/more costly to replace and let the rest go.

I know I am personally at a point of realization after purchasing our home last year that I do not have room to display and appreciate everything that I have accumulated. I know other collectors who don't purchase what they can't or won't display for the same reason. The task of selling, though, is daunting for me, as I've been accumulating for 20+ years. I do, however, have more clear goals in mind for my collection and will be happy to finally get the decluttering done and focus on my goals.

 

[zoepx]

I have a really similar mindset, especially because I also collect anime figures and dolls and there's always stuff coming out that I want. Sometimes what I'll do is put something back in the box and put the box somewhere I can't see for a couple weeks - if I end up missing it, I know I should hang onto it. If I forget about it or don't think about it a lot, I know I should probably let it go. It's hard because sometimes you've spent money on something, or hunted for it for a long time, or recognize that the item itself is valuable/rare, but if the item itself doesn't actually bring you joy anymore you'll feel better without it.

 

[ponyville]

Don't get rid of anything until your collection goals are clearly defined. Of course, those goals can and often do change with time. Sometimes it's best to store some of your collection away and reevaluate after a year or so. Hold onto things that are harder/more costly to replace and let the rest go.

I know I am personally at a point of realization after purchasing our home last year that I do not have room to display and appreciate everything that I have accumulated. I know other collectors who don't purchase what they can't or won't display for the same reason. The task of selling, though, is daunting for me, as I've been accumulating for 20+ years. I do, however, have more clear goals in mind for my collection and will be happy to finally get the decluttering done and focus on my goals.

I get this!! I recently got a new bookcase which means I have room for all the ponies (for now ) but before that, I was considering rotating ponies in and out. For example, bring out spring ponies during spring, put them away the rest of the year. Or just changing my display whenever I felt like it. I get attached to how I display things, though, LOL. And about selling. Taking good photos, finding the right price, shipping everything out.. It can be a lot. I hope you are able to move along the things you don't need to focus on the things you love, but of course allow yourself some grace as it can be challenging! Thank you for the advice as well!!

I have a really similar mindset, especially because I also collect anime figures and dolls and there's always stuff coming out that I want. Sometimes what I'll do is put something back in the box and put the box somewhere I can't see for a couple weeks - if I end up missing it, I know I should hang onto it. If I forget about it or don't think about it a lot, I know I should probably let it go. It's hard because sometimes you've spent money on something, or hunted for it for a long time, or recognize that the item itself is valuable/rare, but if the item itself doesn't actually bring you joy anymore you'll feel better without it.

Oh wow, this is a really great tip, thank you!! Yes, I totally get that. You've invested a bit of time and resources into something, it can feel like a "waste" to move it on, but it really does feel better once it is off to a new home. I can imagine this effect is magnified with anime figures as well, with having to wait many months for a pre-order, and how expensive they can be. Thank you!!

 

[shes-so-unusual]

I'm having really similar issues, you're definitely not alone! I've been expanding my collection rapidly, as I've mentioned previously my old collection was destroyed in a house fire in 2022 and I have a lot of time/boredom during the summer for customization and restoration. However, it is getting to the point where I've gotten ponies that I don't necessarily REALLY want but also just like having. I'm not sure what to do about it either - one thing that's helped is making a wishlist and sticking firmly to it (unless I find a pony that I've never seen before and really want or find a pony in the wild) since it helps keep my herd to ponies that I really want. Also, don't feel bad about keeping some ponies even if they aren't your favorite in the entire world or anything! Unless you are super strapped for storage space - then I'd agree that putting them away for a while and then seeing if you still feel as attached is a good idea

 

[Rebeldream]

Back when I was actively collecting G3 I got wrapped up into a completionism mindset and had lost sight of collecting for joy. Now that I’m revisiting my collection after a 16 year break, I’m looking at the G3s I “missed out on” and realizing I don’t even like them all that much so pursuing them would bring little joy.

I got the Collector’s Guide books and have been flipping through them with an intentional eye towards what colors/features/designs make my heart leap. The list is far shorter than I would’ve previously thought.

For example, Cascade is a pony that just leaps out at me in pictures. She’s stunning. And the fact that I own her makes me smile every time I see a picture of her. That’s the kind of joy I’m striving for now and it feels good. Still working on creating a spot to display more than just a few, but I’ll get there eventually.

I so love seeing everyone’s collections and different ways of displaying!

 

[minticat]

i find myself constantly reevaluating what i have in my space - my pony room is also my bedroom, so i have a ton of stuff crammed in here. before i moved into my current apartment, i went through my whole collection and asked myself "do i see value in this?" "do i like this item?" "do i want to dedicate space to this type of item?" and it led me to get rid of everything i had that was G4, and doubles of items and ponies that i had (with a few exceptions - different applejack variants, for example). it's really about taking the time to find what you like. i also asked myself if something was worth keeping if it wasn't going to be on display - why leave it in a storage box in the dark if someone else can enjoy it?

i noticed in your display pics you already have your collection sorted by generation, and i think that's a good idea. even if you don't have enough items to make their own displays, you're still dedicating space within what you have for the different parts of your collection. a mini display within your display, if that makes sense? everything is compartmentalized, so it looks organized despite being a mixed display.

 

[ponyville]

@shes-so-unusual Thank you for your kind response!! I'll definitely have to get on making a wishlist. It feels overwhelming because there are sooo many ponies!! But I think it will help me stay focused! Plus I already spend so much time thinking about ponies, what's a couple more hours? Especially as you noted, with all this summer free time!

I got the Collector’s Guide books and have been flipping through them with an intentional eye towards what colors/features/designs make my heart leap. The list is far shorter than I would’ve previously thought.

@Rebeldream The way you have described pony joy makes me realize I am holding on to some ponies I do not necessarily need. I want to feel the same way you do about every pony in my collection- ones that make your heart leap, and smiling every time you see Cascade! That is such a wonderful way to put it. I think I will find that if I went through everything with this kind of "critical" eye, I would also have a shorter wishlist than expected. Thank you for your advice!!

@minticat Those are great questions to consider, thank you so much!! Especially the third one- toys can take up a lot of space. I am grateful ponies aren't as big as fashion dolls. However, it's something to still consider even though I have recently gotten more space for ponies. Especially if I am beginning to feel that I am collecting "stuff," rather than my favorite toys. Yes, thank you for the comment about my displays!! I like that I am able to automatically group something by generation, so that even if the toys are different, it is cohesive, in a way.

If I may ask, how did you feel getting read of all your G4 stuff? Sometimes I get nervous that I will regret getting rid of something in the future. I remind myself I have buying power now, lol, and it's not like ponies are going anywhere. I could purchase it again. Is that something you considered, and if so, how did you overcome that? One last thing, my room is also my pony room. As such I feel it is even more important to keep my collection in line, as your room can really affect your mindset and everything. Perhaps you might relate to that as well. Thank you!!

 

[Rebeldream]

If I may ask, how did you feel getting read of all your G4 stuff? Sometimes I get nervous that I will regret getting rid of something in the future.

In 2009 I sold my most valuable ponies in order to fund Christmas for my kids. I can’t really REGRET the reason, but I do miss that chunk of my collection. However, most aren’t ones I’d be in a hurry to get back so idk… there are definitely some that I’m SUPER GRATEFUL I still have and didn’t sell off!

 

[ponyville]

@Rebeldream I am glad to hear you have some that you are glad you didn't get rid of! I haven't been in that position, but I understand missing some ponies you once had, especially if they are more difficult to acquire. But the reason behind your actions was important. What goes around comes around and I hope that if there are some you are looking out for, they cross your path soon!!

 

[minticat]

If I may ask, how did you feel getting read of all your G4 stuff? Sometimes I get nervous that I will regret getting rid of something in the future. I remind myself I have buying power now, lol, and it's not like ponies are going anywhere. I could purchase it again. Is that something you considered, and if so, how did you overcome that?

it was ultimately an easy choice for me because i had come to dislike G4 in general. by the time i got around to sorting through my collection, i hadn't been interested in G4 in years and knew ahead of time 1) i didn't want to dedicate space to something i don't really care for and 2) some other collector would appreciate the stuff i had more. G4 is still relatively new, and while the items i had were sought-after, nothing was extremely rare. if i ever wanted them back it wouldn't be hard to do.

 

[Draco]

At one point I had over 50 G3s and I was running out of space on my shelves. I had to stop and think "Do I really feel anything for G3s?" The answer was no, I sold most of them and made room for my G1. No regrets about selling the G3, I kept a few that were gifts though, those I won't get rid of.

Since space is so limited, I and thankfully, I don't like G4/5 enough to collect. I may get rid of my 3.5 if I need that space. I decided to just do G1 and severely limit myself on merchandise and bigger items like playsets. I feel like space is better used for the ponies themselves. I have a few playsets, they're in storage in the basement due to lack of space and it makes me sad.

Now when I look around shopping, and I see ponies in lots for great price, I stop and look at each of them "I have these already, don't need more. Is this an upgrade from what I already have?" and make a decision rather than impulse decision; it also helps that I am watching my budget.

I think you ultimately nailed it "Is this a happy collection, or a bunch of stuff?" If you feel like it's stuff, it may be time to get rid of them and focus on what makes you happiest. That's how I felt with my G3s

 

[ponyville]

it was ultimately an easy choice for me because i had come to dislike G4 in general. by the time i got around to sorting through my collection, i hadn't been interested in G4 in years and knew ahead of time 1) i didn't want to dedicate space to something i don't really care for and 2) some other collector would appreciate the stuff i had more. G4 is still relatively new, and while the items i had were sought-after, nothing was extremely rare. if i ever wanted them back it wouldn't be hard to do.

I see! I am glad you were able to cut out a part of your collection that wasn't working for you. This is very true about G4. It was popular enough for ponies to be in demand, but most aren't incredibly difficult to find. Thank you!!

At one point I had over 50 G3s and I was running out of space on my shelves. I had to stop and think "Do I really feel anything for G3s?" The answer was no, I sold most of them and made room for my G1. No regrets about selling the G3, I kept a few that were gifts though, those I won't get rid of.

Since space is so limited, I and thankfully, I don't like G4/5 enough to collect. I may get rid of my 3.5 if I need that space. I decided to just do G1 and severely limit myself on merchandise and bigger items like playsets. I feel like space is better used for the ponies themselves. I have a few playsets, they're in storage in the basement due to lack of space and it makes me sad.

Now when I look around shopping, and I see ponies in lots for great price, I stop and look at each of them "I have these already, don't need more. Is this an upgrade from what I already have?" and make a decision rather than impulse decision; it also helps that I am watching my budget.

I think you ultimately nailed it "Is this a happy collection, or a bunch of stuff?" If you feel like it's stuff, it may be time to get rid of them and focus on what makes you happiest. That's how I felt with my G3s

Thank you for this!! To be honest, the ponies that were 'weighing me down' a bit were some G3 ponies. Which I hate to admit because I do like G3, especially the art style! But I think there are many others who enjoy G3 more than I do, and my G3 ponies would probably have a better home with them. I'm glad that you have a bit of a similar story. It seems like you are doing a great job of focusing on your collection goals (ponies over merchandise) and asking questions before purchasing a new pony is a great tip. Thank you!!