Would you start a collection for your kid?

In anticipation of my kid’s upcoming birthday, I’ve been buying lots of Hot Wheels. I’ve shown up at the store early a few times to get the best pickings. Inevitably, I’ve bumped into a few hardcore collectors and we’ve gotten to talking. Most of them are pretty funny to talk to. Lots of tips, tricks and stories.

But one in particular got me thinking. He told me that his brother was starting a Hot Wheels collection for his five-year-old——but not giving it to him until he turns 18! The little kid could look at them in the package, they were technically his, but he wasn’t allowed to open them until he was 18.

Oh my god! That sounds like torture! Yet, can you imagine having that Optimus Prime or He-Man in its mint packaging?

I can definitely appreciate the value in the gesture, but I don’t have the heart to torture my kids.

What about you?