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‘It’s a tiny bit of joy!’ How trinket swapping is making the world a happier place, one china sheep at a time

What’s so life-affirming about collecting and trading miniature animals, keyrings, stickers and pins? We visit one of the 1,500 trinket exchanges to find out

‘It’s a tiny bit of joy!’ How trinket swapping is making the world a happier place, one china sheep at a time

TL;DR

  • Trinket exchanges involve swapping small items like keyrings, stickers, and figurines.
  • The trend has seen rapid growth, with over 1,500 installations documented globally.
  • These exchanges provide a form of instant gratification and joy without ecological impact.
  • Nostalgia, a desire for control, and 'whimsymaxxing' are key drivers of the trend.
  • Trinket collecting can be seen as a way to connect with one's inner child and find happiness in difficult times.