Once you fall into the chaotic little world of sticker collecting, things escalate quickly. Suddenly you’re questioning every $8 oat latte, but happily dropping $30 on tiny frogs wearing hats. Priorities shift. Storage multiplies. Life is good.
If you’re trying to build your stash without completely blowing your budget, here are a few ways to keep things slightly under control.
DESTASHES
Destashes are a blessing and a curse.
On one hand - incredible value. On the other - you will find yourself aggressively typing “SOLD” on a sheet of bird stickers before you’ve even processed whether you like birds.
If you’re starting out, look for bundle listings - they’re a great way to build a base collection quickly. Anything you don’t vibe with can be traded, gifted, or passed on in the same groups.
Just… gentle reminder to keep resale prices fair. The karma of overpriced secondhand stickers is real.
ou can join the Australia and New Zealand Planner Destash group in the link below. Planner Destash Australia and New Zealand
PRINTABLES
If you’ve got access to a printer (or a willingness to befriend your local Officeworks), printables are a goldmine.
You buy once and can print as many as you like for personal use - no shipping, no waiting, no time zones stopping you from late-night browsing international shops.
The only catch - you do have to cut them out.
If your cutting skills are… optimistic at best (same), it might be worth looking into a cutting machine.
That said, most printable kits are pretty forgiving - lots of straight lines, minimal chaos.
Check out our printable collection here and our very buttery and forgiving sticker paper here.
OOPS BAGS & CLEARANCE BOXES
Oops bags are elite.
They’re usually made up of slightly imperfect stickers - tiny miscuts, colour shifts, old paper stock. Nothing major, but enough for stores to discount them.
Hot tip - newer sticker shops tend to have more of these while they’re learning their machines (we’ve all been there). They’re a great low-risk way to try a new brand.
They do sell out quickly though, so keep an eye on your fave shops and socials.
MEETUPS
Meetups are wildly underrated.
Yes - you’ll meet other people who also own an unnecessary amount of stickers. But you’ll also leave with freebies, swaps, and things you didn’t even know existed.
There’s usually a mix of sticker swapping, giveaways, and little bits from sponsors. It’s also just… nice? Being around people who get it.
Only rule - bring something to share. Even a small handful of stickers you’re not using goes a long way. It keeps the whole thing feeling generous, not grabby. If you're a Brisbane local, you can join us for Stash Hangs most Thursday's!
OP SHOPS + FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE
There is a whole generation of incredibly dedicated scrapbookers, card-makers, and craft hoarders who came before us - and every now and then, their collections quietly make their way into op shops or onto Facebook Marketplace.
We’re talking:
- full scrapbooking paper pads (sometimes barely touched)
- drawers of stickers, punches, stamps, ribbons
- oddly specific tools you didn’t know existed but now deeply need
Marketplace is especially good for bulk craft room clear-outs - search things like “scrapbooking lot”, “craft supplies bundle”, or even just “stickers” and be prepared to go down a rabbit hole.
Op shops are a bit more hit-or-miss, but when they hit… they really hit. Especially in more suburban areas or the smaller niche charity groups.
There’s also something kind of nice about it - giving these materials a second life instead of them sitting unused. Very full-circle, very crafty inheritance energy.
GRAB BAGS
Grab bags (aka mystery bags) are like oops bags’ slightly more put-together cousin.
Same concept - curated bundle at a lower price - but without the “oops”. Just random picks from a shop’s range.
They’re great if you like surprises, or if you’re trying to discover new styles without overthinking every single sheet.
GET CREATIVE
This is the one people don’t want to hear - but it works.
Mix things up instead - use scraps, packaging, magazine cuttings, random paper bits. With glue tape or a goood glue stick, almost anything can become a sticker.
Some of the most interesting spreads come from using what you already have - not just what you’ve bought.
Also - let’s be honest - there are far more expensive hobbies out there. So if this is your thing? Lean into it. Just maybe… with a little strategy.
Get creative, get a little bit scrappy, and don’t underestimate the power of a free magazine!
Happy stickering 🖤
Jessie