Papa was an avid numismatist (coin collector) and we spent hours sorting through coins to find buffalo nickels, drummer boy quarters, and other U.S. coins of value. Papa passed the joy of coin collecting to my sons as well, and through it we taught them history and geography. Whether your interest is in coins, baseball cards, rocks and minerals, or anything else, starting a collection is a fun way to create a bonding experience between you and your children you’ll always treasure.

Here are some tools (some free, some for a fee) for starting collections. (I have linked to some of these resources via my Amazon affiliate. Amazon gives me a small reward for referring people to their site.):

Coin Collecting

• The United States Mint H.I.P. Pocket Change™ – Get free activities and games to help kids learn about coins, and join an online coin collector’s club.
• How To Start A Collection – A free online tutorial.
• Official Blue Book of U.S. Coins
• Official Red Book of U.S. Coins
• Coin & Currency Collection Starter Album

Baseball Card Collecting

• How to Start a Baseball Card Collection – a free online tutorial.
• Vintage Baseball Cards
• Baseball Card Collector’s Album

Rocks & Mineral Collecting:

• A Rock & Mineral Website for Kids with free information, activities, projects, and more.
• National Geographic Kids Everything Rocks & Minerals Book
• Gemstone Collection Box

Stamp Collecting:

• The American Philatelic Society “Just for Kids” offers free information, collecting tips, activities, clubs, and more!
• Complete Guide to Stamp Collecting
• 100 Mint U.S. Stamp Collection