There are no fixed rules when it comes to collecting Smurfs. When I first started collecting Smurfs I had no idea and I even felt a little self conscious about it all. That quickly changed when I found others who also collected Smurfs and also how others were interested in my Smurf collection.
I am a big believer that every collector has a story to tell. Recently I was fortunate enough to interview Joan from the USA about her collecting Smurfs and this is her story.
How long have you been collecting Smurfs?
I started collecting Smurfs about 40 years ago as inexpensive rewards or surprise gifts for my young son. When my husband and I traveled to other countries we always looked for Smurfs. As the collection grew my son’s grandfather built a case to display the Smurfs, but eventually the case was too crowded. A much bigger one was built in our study where it still is today and crowded with Smurfs because when my son outgrew Smurfs, I didn’t.
What’s the appeal?
I guess the appeal was that they are so darn cute, and it became a challenge to see if I could find all that were produced. I was able to add some of the more difficult to find and special Smurfs through my membership in the Smurf Collectors’ Club International which was run by Suzanne Lipschitz.
How many do you have now?
I have never counted how many Smurfs I own but it has to be well into the hundreds as I have continued to this day to add to the collection, acquiring new ones, promotional ones, and variations. Unfortunately no new Smurfs were produced for 2020.
What’s your favourite item in your Smurf collection?
It is hard to pick a favorite in that each Smurf has something appealing about it.
Do you ever find yourself having to explain your collection to People?
People who visit me are surprised to see the display case filled with Smurfs and are even further surprised when I tell them I have so many more packed away in boxes because there is no room to display them. My biggest concern is what I will do with the collection and all the related Smurf items I own when living in my home is no longer practical.
I hope you enjoyed Joan’s story as much as I did. The wonderful thing I am rediscovering about the Smurfs is their mass appeal not only across the world but also across the ages.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B