Collecting things seems to be a dated pastime. It's now all about minimalism and small space living. I know moms that don't even keep any of their kids' pictures, but snap photos and keep it in the cloud.
It makes sense for the new generation I suppose. Housing is only going to get worse.
My mom has a collection of small little statues which will meet a better fate than Bubbermiley's mom's spoons. Personally I don't collect anything. I try desperately to get rid of stuff though admittedly I'm not very good at it.