Vintage is big. Really big. It is frequently the number one searched for term on eBay, and it seems that everywhere you look everything is advertised as "vintage." But is it really vintage? And what if you don't know anything about vintage collectibles? Here's some suggestions on how to buy vintage collectibles, whether they are for you, or as gifts for friends or family.

First, determine what you are looking for.

Almost everything is collectible at some level. Do you want jewelry, books, figuirines, paper, toys, fabric? What does your friend like? Does the person you are buying for collect anything? Do they like to read? What about hobbies? Gardening? Tools? Computers? Just pick some general category - there will be some collectible available.

Second, consider likes and dislike. If you pick jewelry, do you want gold, silver, blue stones? Does the person you are buying for garden for flowers? Or do they like greenery? Do they read classics? Or only contemporary books?

By now, you have narrowed your focus. Now, you are going to look for something unique, and collectible in that category.

I'll have part two tomrrow, and we'll talk about authenticity and value.