It is very easy to feel overwelmed by the amount of Smurf merchandise there is out there. Because of this, I made a descision very early on to only collect the pvc figurines. I occasionly I would be tempted by other Smurf things such as the Plastoy Smurfs, but mostly I kept to my original plan. But collecting Smurfs is such a personal thing that can be hard to explain to others. Here’s Carl story, who currently lives in Perth, Western Australia.
How long have you been collecting Smurfs?
I first started collecting Smurfs when I was about 7 and my first Smurf was a red Judge Smurf. I started in New Zealand and stopped when I was about 10 as shops stopped selling them. I did not start collecting again until I came across some in Spain in a small shop in about 2007. After that I went a little crazy on eBay and the internet and found out that they never stopped making Smurfs. And kept buying them.
What’s the appeal?
I am not sure what drives me to buy them, I only collect the pvc Smurfs. And I would like to one day have a complete set which would be very hard to do.
How many do you have now?
Well, I did not know how many I had until I had to answer this question. I thought I had about 500 but after counting them I have 1288.
What’s your favourite item in your collection?
My favourite items would be my rugby collection or my Surprise Box Super Smurf.
When did you start?
I started when I was about 7 years old and I am now in my 40’s.
Do you ever find yourself having to explain your collection to people?
Sometimes. I don’t really tell a lot of people but some people that collect other toys are usually interested in them.
Carl’s story is very similar to my own and no doubt others who are reading this. The Smurfs have such a nostalgic influence on many of us, that can be hard to explain to people who don’t collect. Perhaps this is the reason we don’t even try, but when we meet others who do collect we feel a special bond with them.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
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