I don't collect things from others really but when my sister was in the Navy she ALWAYS sent me something from where they stopped or she was stationed. If it was just a regular type of the year I got postcards, which I still have. If it was during holidays or close to my birthday I got gifts. A handmade wood inlay musical jewelry box and hand made cameo from Italy, A small handmade tapestry from Paris, some books and figurine from Ireland, Wood carvings from Guam... My daughter got a jewelry box from Italy, a small bone china mini tea set from England. I couldn't see her very often but it was like she was sending pieces of her life and the things she got to see back to me, so I very much understand your collecting postcards.