Travis Giles lives in Big Stone Gap, a small town in Virginia. He never outgrew his love for toys and video games, and these days, he enjoys sharing his collection with his 5-year-old son, Charlie. Travis is also anticipating the arrival of a baby girl in a few months, who he hopes will be a fan of all that “boy” stuff.
How did your collection start? What was the first item in your collection?
My collection mostly just started as a kid. I had older cousins who grew out of these things before I did and I usually ended up with their stuff. I got a lot of items from Star Wars to Voltron to Inhumanoids from them, and I’ve been hanging on to those things ever since, while also adding things that I either lost along the way, or never had but always wanted.
Approximately how many items are in your collection?
I have no idea, thousands maybe. It’s not all worthwhile to everyone though. Some of the things I have are really nice pieces and some things would look like trash to most people, but it’s all stuff I have a strong attachment to. Even if it’s just a vending machine toy that I can remember my mom or dad letting me buy.
Do you have a favorite item in your collection?
I would probably say my Computer Warriors transforming computer base. Computer Warriors is a line from Mattel that really was great but not many people seem to remember. I have a memory of getting that big base playset from my dad for Christmas when I was about 9 years old. It has always been one of my favorite toys.
How do you store/display your collection?
90% of my stuff is in one room in my house. Several years ago when my wife and I were having the house built, I told her I didn’t care what the house looked like or what any rooms inside were as long as I got one room somewhere in the house that could be all mine. She pretty much designed the house (and did a much better job than I’m sure I would have) and saved me one room which has most of my collection.
Is there a “holy grail” item that you would love to add to your collection?
I would love to get a Dino-Riders T-rex. That sucker is just an awesome toy. One day I’m just going to have to break down and finally buy one.
Do you collect other things?
The thing is that I don’t really collect things of one type. I collect anything that I can remember as ever making me happy. Cereal boxes, video games, toys…
Do you have a favorite collecting story or experience?
A great experience for me is one that happened recently. I really dig the new Nickelodeon Ninja Turtles figures and after buying a bunch for my room, my son really got into them too. It’s the first thing we have both really collected together. I’m sure it seems weird to some people but I really enjoy going out with him and looking for new Ninja Turtles toys, and he does too!
Do you have any advice for new collectors who are just starting a collection?
If you like something, and have the means to get it, then just do it. Don’t collect just to impress other collectors. Amass a collection to impress yourself.
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A huge thanks to Travis for sharing his amazing collection with us. You can connect with Travis over on his Facebook page, where he posts a new item from his collection every day!
If you are a collector and would like to share your passion with other like-minded collectors, just fill out our collector profile form.
(All photos are the property of the photographer.)
kngfu says
great profile
kal says
Great Post. I love seeing all those collectibles in one place.
Paxton Holley says
Don’t collect just to impress other collectors. Amass a collection to impress yourself.
Excellent advice.
Pax
T-Rav says
Thanks. I always feel slightly like I’m a braggart for showing anything off and I know there are collections that far surpass mine but I’m glad some of you think it’s cool.
Brian says
I think it’s very cool! (And you can brag here any time.)
😉
Jon says
Isn’t that what collections are for? Showing off? Incredible collection you have there!
Stacey Rader says
Rad collection, and in my neck of the woods! (I live in Kingsport.) I really need to do one of these posts of our house.
T-Rav says
Kingsport? That’s where I go to find alot of stuff. The antique shops downtown and Hero Headquarters in Lynn Garden .
Rich says
Awesome collection and great advice!
Brian, you’re on a roll with the collector profiles. I like!
Brian says
When am I going to see your collection up here Rich? 😉
ShezCrafti says
Never heard of Computer Warriors, but sounds awesome. I love the box art. Would be cool to learn more about them.
Awesome collection and nicely displayed!
blax says
I love seeing all these great collections!
B
John (Batcave Toy Room) says
Now that’s a toy room. Hats off to you sir. Sweet collection.
goldpanner(larry) says
Nice..