Community in the age of the trinket

Graphic by Sami Seyedhosseini, Cartoonist

Though there is a nonfunctionality to trinkets, the rise of these tiny pieces have skyrocketed. Plastic is made into objects of nostalgia. Miniatures are cuteness overload. It’s the thrill of the hunt.    

Whether it's mini furniture or intricate food sculptures, having a collection of these tchotchkes blurs the line between accumulation and the addictive nature of curation. Showcased on platforms from TikTok to television, and even displayed in The Orange Circle, these knickknacks are hard to miss, despite their size. 

 Currently located next to Soulland Lab in The Circle is a metal box attached to a post: the OC Trinket Exchange. While a seemingly normal box, this treasure chest stickered with the words “open me” and a rule sheet above is a whimsical “take one, leave one” system for free trinket trading. 

It is also known by its creator as “Daisy.” 

After being taken down by the city of Orange a few weeks back, the exchange has received support from community members and businesses in the comments of an Instagram post announcing the news. 

From comments such as “Daisy always has a home in our shop” from @localgemcollective to “You can’t just put it up on a public pole. You need to have your own support and permission to put up, just like little free libraries” from @monnkee, the attention is staggering.     

Another comment stated: “The city is allergic to rainbows and sunshine,” from @ch3rry_kit1en. 

Now having returned to its throne, the box is routinely restocked by community members and its anonymous owner. Inside are pins, stickers, figurines, keychains, bracelets, temporary tattoos, stamps, plushies and more. It’s also a sustainable way to connect offline.

The rise in popularity for trinket trading seemed to have emerged from TikTok. Viral trends such as “Jane Birkin-ifying” bags with bag charms, Sonny Angels and owning Mini Brands or antique items have stepped up the game for personal curation. 

With the trinket collection shelf trend, where people showcase their cubbies designated for their trinkets, an ornate “messy-chic” side of this activity exists for those that aren’t into the plastic collectibles, and rather the small porcelain boxes or brass items. 

Trinket conventions such as the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts and reality show “Best in Miniature” reaffirm just how expansive the trinket community is.

Whether you’re strolling down a flea market and a shiny treasure catches your eye, or you find yourself at the OC Trinket Exchange box, you’re contributing to a growing community trend that reminds us of the simple joys.