315. The psychology of trinket collecting
The Psychology of your 20s
iHeartPodcasts
4.9 • 1.3K Ratings
🗓️ 22 July 2025
⏱️ 63 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Why are we so obsessed with the tiny, adorable objects cluttering our desks, bags, and social media feeds? From plushies and vinyl figures to keychains and charms, trinket culture has exploded - but behind the cuteness lies something deeper. What do these seemingly insignificant objects reveal about us, our identities, and the times we’re living in? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology of trinket culture: why we love collecting, how these objects shape our self-expression, and what they tell us about joy, nostalgia, and even economic anxiety in our twenties and beyond.
We explore:
- The digital rise of trinkets through TikTok, Pinterest, and aesthetic micro-trends
- How trinkets offer identity, status, and belonging
- The role of inner child healing and nostalgia
- Why scarcity, blind boxes, and “drops” feel so addictive
- Links between trinkets, impulse spending, and economic uncertainty
- Using trinkets to spark joy
Whether you’re a proud Labubu owner or just curious about why these tiny objects hold such big meaning, this episode is for you.
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Transcript
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