You may have seen the remarkable uptick of people — on campus and off — adorning themselves with little keychains and tools of all kinds. Some have come to define these broadly as ‘trinkets,’ a fun word that encompasses many things.
There are many different types of trinkets. To narrow our scope, I have decided to put them into three categories: functional, accessory, and home.
A functional trinket may be a tool like a mini compass, carabiner, or pocket knife. Typically stowed away, these items are only revealed when necessary. If displayed on the belt-loop of some jeans or the zipper of your backpack, they become a stylish addition to your repertoire. These items can be a fun way to let others know the sort of hobbies and activities you are interested in. A rock climber may always carry a carabiner; a makeup fan may always have some lip gloss, and so on. It can be fun and connecting to display your interests in such a way.
The desire to present who you are internally to the world around you is very common among all people who live in a community. Through your accessories and clothing, you can signify to others the kind of person you are.
In that vein, accessory trinkets are similar in that you wear them on your person, but they tend to lack that functional component. These trinkets come in all shapes and sizes and make the bulk of what you might see on a day-to-day basis. Specifically what I have seen most around campus is small stuffed animals and acrylic keychains hanging from backpacks, but you may also see beaded phone charms, keychains hanging off belt-loops, and the like.
Finally, there are home trinkets. These items pepper the rooms of where you live — a little houseplant, a figure of something you like, or even just a memento from a friend. These types of trinkets are the ones everyone owns, across ages and nations. Home trinkets may remind you of a past occasion or person, or even just a piece of media you enjoy. Adorning your home with these things may make it feel more of a comfortable space.
The connection between what we own and who we are is one that many are quick to be suspicious of, but it is certainly a connection few can deny. What we enjoy and how we live our lives is a deeply integral part of who we are. It changes, often with frequency, but our items remain important.
Your philosophy of life affects what you purchase, even down to your toilet paper brand. Maybe trinkets are less inclined to become so intimate with you, but they still adhere to that basic idea. A band t-shirt may signify love of a certain music genre. A sticker could represent a love of a certain show, and so on. Have you ever seen someone with a sticker of a show or band you enjoy? Did you feel even a small inclination to go up to them and strike up a conversation, or at least a silent sense of camaraderie with the person? This is what I think is most positive about trinkets.
However, there are some negative aspects in the uptick of trinkets. You have to be careful when buying anything not to fall into the trap of having something just because. I fell victim to the trinket craze over the first reading break and really enjoyed it. There is something very crow-like about a desire to have interesting shiny objects, diamonds, shoes, air fryers, and the like. However, the enjoyment I had also came with a looming question: why do I want these items?
There is a utilitarian sensibility denied by the trinket. Even the functional trinkets are often more accessory than they are function. The very essence of the trinket is something that is just pleasant to you. Maybe this is just some form of hoarding. Should we own things strictly because they are nice? I think yes. In moderation, having a couple items that just bring you joy for no specific reason is simply pleasant in a way not often seen in the modern day. Especially if those items connect you to a larger community or remind you of the people you care about.
Putting yourself out there can be difficult, so give yourself a leg-up and show off the things that interest you. Shout out to the trinket-wearers on campus, you guys are always looking cool. If you have not given them a try yet, this might be your sign.
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