A '''collectablecollectible''' is a manufactured item designed[[design]]ed for people to collect. CollectablesCollectibles are specifically created for the purpose of [[collecting]]. In this respect, they are distinguishable from other subjects of [[collection]]s, which may also include natural objects (e.g., [[butterfly|butterflies]]) and objects manufactured for purposes other than collecting (e.g., [[Postage stamp|stamps]]). However, sometimes objects designed for other purposes, such as [[toy]]s, become so popular among collectors that they are later marketed specifically to that audience. [[Star Wars]] [[action figure]]s are a good example of this phenomenon.
The earliest collectablescollectibles were included as incentives with other products, such as [[cigarette card]]s in packs of [[cigarette]]s. Popular items developed a secondary market and sometimes became the subject of "collectablecollectible crazes". Eventually many collectablecollectible items came to be sold separately, instead of being used as marketing tools to increase the appeal of other products.
To encourage collecting, manufacturers often create an entire series of a given collectablecollectible, with each item differentiated in some fashion. Examples include [[sports card]]s depicting individual players, or different designs of [[beanie baby]]. Enthusiasts will often try to assemble a complete set of the available variations.
The early versions of a product, manufactured in smaller quantities before its popularity as a collectablecollectible developed, sometimes command exorbitant premiums on the secondary market. In a mature market, collectablescollectibles rarely prove to be a spectacular investment.
