Starting a New Hobby in 2026
Starting a New Hobby in 2026 – Collecting Miniatures vs. Collecting Trading Cards
If you're looking to start a new hobby in 2026, two of the most popular choices in Canada are collecting miniatures and collecting trading cards. Both hobbies offer creativity, community, and long-term enjoyment—but they appeal to different types of collectors. This guide compares each hobby so you can decide which one fits your interests, budget, and lifestyle.
Internal Link: Explore all hobby categories here: Tistaminis – Miniatures, Cards & Collectibles
Quick Summary
- Best for creativity: Collecting & painting miniatures
- Best for portability: Collecting trading cards
- Most social hobby: Both—depending on games/events you choose
- Most affordable long-term: Trading cards (depending on the game)
Collecting Miniatures – A Creative & Hands-On Hobby
Miniature collecting has boomed thanks to games like Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, Star Wars Legion, Shatterpoint, and countless fantasy/sci-fi skirmish games. But you don’t have to play the games—you can collect, build, and paint miniatures purely for fun.
What You’ll Do
- Build and assemble plastic/resin kits
- Paint models using brushes or airbrushes
- Display your creations—or use them in tabletop games
Why Miniatures Are Great
- Highly creative and relaxing
- Massive variety of models—from fantasy warriors to sci-fi mechs
- Painting skills improve quickly with practice
- Large communities and painting events across Canada
Cost to Start
- Basic miniatures: $25–$60
- Starter sets: $60–$200
- Hobby tools/paints: $30–$100
Miniatures are an ideal hobby for people who enjoy hands-on crafting, art, and customization.
Collecting Trading Cards – Fast, Portable & Social
Trading card collecting remains one of the most popular hobbies in 2026 thanks to games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece TCG, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and sports cards.
What You’ll Do
- Open booster packs and chase rare cards
- Build decks for competitive or casual play
- Trade with friends or local communities
- Store cards in binders, toploaders, or graded cases
Why Trading Cards Are Great
- Highly collectible and easy to store
- Affordable entry point
- Strong communities with tournaments and league nights
- New sets release frequently—great for ongoing engagement
Cost to Start
- Booster packs: $6–$10
- Starter decks: $15–$30
- Booster boxes: $120–$180 (optional)
- Binders/sleeves: $10–$30
Trading cards are perfect for collectors who love artwork, game strategy, and the excitement of cracking packs.
Miniatures vs. Trading Cards – Which Should You Choose?
| Category | Miniatures | Trading Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high) | ⭐⭐ (low–moderate) |
| Portability | ⭐⭐ (bulky) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very portable) |
| Social Gameplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (tournaments & events) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (widely accessible) |
| Upfront Cost | Moderate | Low |
| Long-term Cost | Moderate–High (painting & armies) | Low–Moderate (depends on game) |
Who Should Pick Miniatures?
- You enjoy painting, crafting, and hands-on activities
- You like displaying collectibles
- You enjoy tactical tabletop games like Warhammer, Legion, or Shatterpoint
Who Should Pick Trading Cards?
- You