30 Weird Hobbies People Do either for Cash or Fun
Some people have unusual hobbies! From collecting rare coins to philately (stamp collecting), there are plenty of unique activities people enjoy. Whether it’s a love for rare finds, documenting memories, or gathering unique items, these hobbies show that people have all kinds of interests.
Aside from the Weird part gees, some daring folks do earn some cash doing any of the activities I’m about to list here, and still manage to surprisingly keep it a hobby …
Funny enough, people indulge in these hobbies either for fun, cash, or even both.
Here, we list 30 of these activities. The truth is, many people have made a serious living doing these things — you might even consider them wierdos.
But the fact that they earn some money — or even a lot — doing these things means they deserve our respect. Know what I mean?
***Disclaimer- Personally, I’ve never done any of these things and I’m not endorsing any for that matter, this write up is just for fun and academic purposes (that is — if you for any reason consider it such). Notwithstanding, I urge y’all to carry out extensive research(es) before you indulge***
Now that I’ve clearly made that point, let’s go fully into the list, and also have some fun as I make this very interesting, educational, and informative unveil. Happy reading!
1. Coin Collection:
Coin collection by Philatelists (though Philately is strictly for stamp collectors) is one of the biggest and rare hobbies that has seen a multi-billion-dollar industry blossom.
Over the centuries and ages, many civilizations have risen and fallen, and with this comes a glut of artifacts, including coins, right from various times and eras.
These collectors gather and arrange them in chronological order, starting from when each item was acquired, along with other minute details.
For example, after the Biafran/Nigerian Civil War, it is rumored that the money, including coins, was collected by some people who still believe in the rise of the Biafran Republic.
They took a step further by insuring the ones in their possession with gold, ensuring that these coins retained their monetary value.
This is how serious this hobby — or should I say, vocation — is. Imagine coins from the medieval era; just picture their weight and worth in gold today.
Only when you imagine this can you truly grasp the enormity of coin collecting and the beauty inherent in it.
2. Cartoon scrapbooking:
Though I mentioned earlier that I haven’t indulged in any of these hobbies, I almost developed an interest in cartoon scrapbooking after visiting an old friend who was into it
I mean, it was so beautiful and aesthetic looking at him dexterously arranging these cutouts he obtained from different magazines and newspapers.
He was quite meticulous with the arrangements, placing them niche by niche and interest by interest.
Not forgetting, he made sure he followed the times each of the cartoons was published.
Seriously speaking, I was already living in the pictures as I viewed this wonderful art.
This dude had it in him, and he was literally creating and weaving stories and realities based on scraps and inanimate pictures he lifted from old publications. More like breathing life into these pictures, albeit skillfully and methodologically too.
3. Shells Collection:
This is another big one, folks!
Mollusks like snails, then Tortoises and their closest relatives- Turtles and other reptiles alike with every other creature that has ever walked this earth—have had their shells collected and preserved by some shell-loving folks.
Note: This ain’t poachers, but real people who love these animals and will love to preserve whatever is left of their remains.
Time and again, we are made aware of many archaeological digs across varied places around the globe, where shells are sampled from the Jurassic or Mesozoic era (about 230 million years ago, I presume).
Today, we have people from various walks of life making sure that these rare antiques are preserved.
While some collect ancient and extinct species, others are living in the moment. Collecting shells from today’s fauna population, which consists mostly of mollusks, crustaceans, and anthropoids (yes, they too have exoskeletons that could be regarded as shells—weird, innit?!).
4. Rare Book keeping & Collection:
Yes, there’s a science of “bookkeeping”, but this ain’t "bookkeeping,” but “Book-Keeping” in another context of the word.
This one involves the process of collecting books. Again, some might wonder if this is some sort of library. Well, still not that, but it comes close in this regard.
I’d say "book keeping" here is more like collecting books from eclectic genres and sources on a wide variety of issues and just storing them not for reading or academic purposes but for the sentimental value it possesses, presumably.
It is a situation where a person just gathers books and stores them either on a shelf or under his bedding or wardrobe, or just anywhere he can look at them, reminisce, and feel some sort of liberation within. Remember, this is weird, so you don’t need to be surprised or flabbergasted (I think that’s the right word).
These folks attend book fairs and actually meet book lovers and fans of different genres.
Since their collections are rare, they engage with other people looking for a particular book, maybe one that is no longer in publication. Then make a sale to such a person for the right price (usually higher than the normal price).
5. Picture snapping and storing:
I’ve heard of a man who began taking pictures of his daughters right from conception until adulthood.
This started as a mere hobby, but it later became an obsession.
This man, from what I gathered, took pictures of his kids every minute of every day, beginning from their birth, and he never stopped till these kids thought it was becoming rather monotonous and asked him to stop.
Aside from this man I cited here as an example, there are a tad more out there who do this freakish act, and even if we might consider it weird, some have earned a living with this hobby, taking an interest on a particular item, person, or niche.
Note this: this is not about selfies or whatever picture-taking activity we overindulge in these days. This act requires some sort of sophistication and top-notch equipment to achieve.
It’s more about snapping and saving, then repeating the sequence every day on either living or inanimate objects. Call it weird, call it whatever you deem fit, but to these broads and laddies, it is just fun, and for the most part, there are monetary gains too.
Free stock photography sites are constantly looking for more pictures to add to their ever-expanding glossary. So selling your pictorial portfolio to these sites can fetch you some good money, and you can still catch more fun while you at it.
6. Video Taking:
Just like the one above, the only difference is that what we have above are mainly Stills.
Videos are more about action, sequence, and movement.
It is about videoing every act, imagined, preempted, or happening. Now, with cell phones, we can easily pick up different footage of events as they happen.
But the context here is quite different, so to speak. This is so because those who are into this actually come better equipped than your average cellphone camera, which is just a few pixels in magnification.
Rather, we have peeps who make use of high-definition Definition Cams and other optical paraphernalia you can think of, all in their kitty, to execute this pastime.
Capturing rare moments you can only imagine in your dreams—times that are so surreal, beautiful, and enlivening.
7. Bone cataloging:
It is safe to say that most of the bone catalogs or collections are for research and didactic purposes. Mostly by the Anatomy Departments in various academic institutions in this discipline.
Aside from the institutions, as I opined above, there are other private and nonaligned individuals who developed the interest from curiosity as well as for fun, literally.
These are the groups I’m referring to in this discourse.
Bone collectors could be either stringent in their aggregation or eclectic in their approach.
They assemble these items for varied purposes too: either therapeutic, academic, or, as we all have come to realize, Fun.
I still remember this one incident when I suffered a kneecap dislocation some years ago. I decided to take a field trip to a native bone healer a few leagues from my residence. Now legend has it that the healer’s family is truly famous and that he also inherited his art from his father and his fathers before
When I got into his infirmary, or whatever you might call it, right on the wall, I noticed different kinds and types of bones.
What was rather strange about this collection was not the fact that they were bones; these bones were not only from human beings.
We had bones from Canines (foxes, wild dogs, and dingoes), Bovines (primarily cows), Avian bones (all kinds of Bird within a ten-mile radius of this Ecosystem), Piscean, and some rather confounding bones that made me dizzy as I gazed to decipher what they were and from which animal they came from.
When I inquired about these rare collections, the native bone healer told me a chilling but interesting set of stories about each of the collections and what they were meant for.
He informed me that most bone defects, fractures, and malformations bore semblance to some of the assemblages on display.
So his father and fathers before him presumed or should I say made some sterling discoveries via these bones and healed their clients based on these summations.
Many rare bones and cartilage are constantly in high demand, and these collectors can offer their priceless possessions for a fair price, I think.
8. Used Cans Collection and Storing:
Can you believe this? But it is true.
The first time I came across this dude who engaged in this, I felt he was some sort of scavenger who spent useful time around garbage, bins, and incinerators—picking up stuff from dirty and unhealthy places.
Then proceed to store them either for ornamental reasons or just out of plain insanity.
But it looked like I was wrong??
Now, this pastime involved gathering used cans. It could be Coke cans, beer cans, groceries like tomato paste cans, and just about anything canned.
Again, I noticed some rare kind of arrangement this particular dude I spoke about earlier brought to the game.
He grouped the used cans based on what kind of item was inside, its color, and even the times it was manufactured.
Here, you get to see old cans from way back. Strangely, from companies that are now defunct, extinct, and no longer in production, or the ones still around but evolved or evolving with their brands. You also get to see cans from different industrial revolutions and eras.
9. Stamp Collection:
Another beautiful art for the Philatelist, and a term strictly for them too.
With this hobby, you get to see stamps from different periods and times, Centuries. I can’t help but feel ecstatic as I write this. The best part of viewing a scrapbook or collection of ancient stamps is that you get to appreciate the progression we have made through the ages. You also respect civilization vis-a-vis the beautiful advancements made with communication, bridging time, space, and continuum.
For Historians, laying your hands on a scrapbook filled with old stamps from way back could be exhilarating.
Then for a collector, I think he should fill in the blanks and understand the worth of his ware.
If you truly want to start a Coin, stamp, and scrapbooking hobby that you could even make money from by selling this on marketplaces like Etsy, then consider getting this beautiful MUDOR 4 Ring Classic Binder ,Empty Binder Albums Stockbook for Stamps, Documents, Coins, Bank Notes Classic Binder (Green)-
10. Computer Scrap Collection:
This is supposed to be the exclusivity of the Museum of Science.
But seriously, we have ordinary people who use this hobby to either remind themselves or others of what it used to be back then.
In their collection are old MacBooks, PCs like the Pentium I, and old monitors that look like cinema screens and black and white TV sets.
I mean, it is always fun looking at and reminiscing about the stages of advancements made in computing technology throughout the ages.
These old gadgets and accessories remind us of all that.
But more importantly, it also gives credence to the resilient nature of man. Especially in his quest to conquer new grounds and make all his imperfections a beauty and a reminder of the innate abilities he possesses.
These pieces could come in handy as Movie props for stories set in any of the eras they were manufactured.
11. Tattoos and Piercing Cataloging:
Every tattoo artist needs a customer’s catalog.
Regardless, we still have people who are impressionist artists and graphical nonconformists who make it an art to catalog different tattoo styles, either for the love of doing so or probably for simple reasons like transforming their aesthetic ink creations into sales.
Specifically for people looking for new ways to express themselves and get their freak on drawing these rare tattoos on their already heavily inked and tatted bodies.
Interestingly, you can make a decent living from this hobby by selling your services via your catalog on online marketplaces like Fiverr.
For reference, peruse through this page and see for yourself how others with your typical skill set are making good money on the Fiverr marketplace.
12. Voice and Speech Cataloging:
Who’d believe our voices and speeches could be collected and stored not by the FBI, CIA, Police, Scotland Yard, KGB, MOSSAD, or any law enforcement agencies, for that matter, who violate our right to privacy for some security BS or something?
I daresay that this is not even the kind of voice cataloging done by big media houses like CNN, FOX, BBC, etc.; rather, it is a handicraft carried out by ordinary folks who get off on other people’s voices.
What they simply do is collect these voices, store them, listen to them, and make them motivational, sentimental, or fun keepsakes.
As I stated earlier, while some collect these voices for motivational reasons, there are others who do so for racial profiling, voice pattern study, speech and dialectical variations by demography, or for some not-so-detailed and rather strange reasons that only their psyche and personas can respond to.
13. Human Hair Collection:
I was invited by a friend to this hair fair some time ago. I never knew such a thing as a hair fair even existed.
Here, you get to see different hairs from different races. Be it Caucasian, Indian, Negroid, Asian, Caribbean, or just about anything you can refer to as “human hair”.
Each of the assortments had its worth. At first, I thought Caucasian hair would be worth more, but strangely, I discovered that Afro-Caribbean hair had more value than the former.
I don’t know if this was a blanket price or maybe it was only at this fair, but the takeaway here’s that I never imagined such a hobby as Hair Collection, cataloging, and storing even existed, let alone a hobby. But here I was at this fair, interacting with people of various races and backgrounds, all brought together by a passion—HAIR!
14. Animal fur storage and cataloging:
Yes, this is another funny yet real hobby I’ve seen people do.
Those who engage in this rarity see themselves as Conservationist.
What these groups of collectors simply do is make a detailed collection of different species and kinds of animal fur.
Some concentrate on a specific kind, for example, felines, collecting fur from Lions, Cheetahs, Tigers, Leopards, etc.
Others: bovines like Buffaloes, and wildebeests. While another group specializes in ape furs, like those of the orangutans, monkeys, gorillas, and just about anything ape. I’ve learned that some are assembled mainly for medicinal purposes.
In some parts of Africa, it is assumed that some of the furs have therapeutic and healing properties that could be used to formulate Elixirs, portions, and medicinal concoctions to cure and heal various ailments. Hence, some of the peeps located in this part of the continent collect these rare gems.
While this is so, they are peeps who’d do it strictly for sport; to them, “variety (in this case furs); is the spice of life.”
15. Venom Extraction and Storage:
Aside from the Herpetologists (reptilian study), Entomologists (insects), and toxicologists.
There are people outside the realm of medicine who take to it as a specialty. Some do it for voodoo and cultural reasons, while others just feel like, "Why not?”.
To these groups (the why not-ish), it is just fun & amusement.
One other thing common about these peeps is their wanderlust. They visit the remotest parts of the globe, seeking to extract venoms and toxins from reptiles like snakes, Monitor lizards and highly venomous insects and arachnids like spiders, and more. As risky as this hobby might be, it could be self-rewarding if practiced ethically, with the utmost safety and precautionary measures put in place too.
In some regard, we have heard of these people helping in the process of developing vaccines and antidotes to issues related to venom infestations from animals and insects. What a plus for these heroes!
16. Jewelry and ornament keeping:
This is a very expensive one. Aside from the pawnshop owners and banks, this is more like collecting different heirlooms and familial possessions passed down from generation to generation.
This is a hobby for every rich person I know; some even go as far as visiting auctions just to obtain rare trinkets and pendants of famous people.
17. Collection of Celebrity Autographs:
When you think you’ve seen or heard of how weird it can get, you just get to learn about another. Yes, people actually do this. Some have a very large catalog that you’ll envy.
They have autographs from famous Hollywood stars, athletes, Musicians and influencers. Some even pride themselves on this, developing some sort of Archaeologist complex just to go ego-tripping for interacting with the best of humankind.
For what it’s worth, I see this as rather strange, but as strange as it might appear, it is real and liberating for this group of individuals.
Not forgetting the fact that they can offer their collection for monetary gains or use it as a fundraiser for a worthy cause.
18. Saving used clothes, undies, and items from famous and iconic people:
This is weird, peeps, I mean, I’ve seen some people, mostly dudes, collecting these items, preserving the sweat and grime coming from these pieces.
It gets even more uncanny when you hear of some of them collecting used undies and underpants of famous male and female celebs (mostly Adult Film Stars).
I’ve got wind of stories about auction sites where these items are auctioned to the highest bidders, and those who collect them inspect these items for sweat smells, armpits, and even bodily fluids and odors coming from down under; that’s how perverted the whole scenario is, but it is true and very real.
They proceed to resell the items to others like them, who also want to perceive the scents and bodily fluids of their stars and idols.
19. Old Newspaper Cataloging:
This is done chronologically and painstakingly, too. I love this craft and almost got myself indulged in it.
It is very time-consuming yet beautiful art. I doff my hat to the peeps who make it happen, because it takes you through the chronological labyrinth of time, giving you a nostalgic feeling of events that happened in the past. It kind of gives one a glimpse into future occurrences, citing historical precedence and antecedents as a precursor to what might be or not.
Many studies, investigations, and breakthroughs have been aided by this art.
20. Old musical tapes, turntable plates, and vinyls:
The first time I heard James Brown’s famous I Feel Good track was through a collection of my late grandfather’s vinyl collections.
It was lit and ecstatically dope, to say the least. I dug deeper through this one helluva lifetime collection, and guess what? I saw other timeless pieces by great and iconic masters like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and other classical music maestros.
This is why this hobby is truly timeless and very important. There are simply great acoustic pieces that are not supposed to be lost, and I’m well aware that many have been transferred to mp3s, WAVs, oggs, and whatever sound format we have today.
However, you get this satisfactory feeling and contentment when you listen to the sound via an old vinyl. It serves its purpose best, giving you some soothing feeling only acquired from listening to these classics and critically acclaimed musical pieces by the greatest musicians that walked this realm when you turn it on via a Turntable.
Vinyls are priceless, and for those who still have some in their archives, you can make some good money by offering them up for sale. As for me, I rather let them be.
21. Halloween costume cataloging and archiving:
Yes, about that time every year when Jack o lantern worked his magical pumpkin head to scare off demons and supernatural figures.
This has orchestrated the art of collecting, cataloging, and, most importantly, archiving great costumes that shaped this culture that dates back to medieval times.
Movie props are in hire demand, and if for any reason you’ve got the original version of a Halloween costume of a highly revered pop culture character or iconic personality, then consider it a goldmine yet to be explored.
22. Acupuncture Needles:
As an oriental craft of lofty proportions, acupuncture is an alternative medicine route known to cure and prevent ailments.
Used mainly during the Han Empire days in what we know today as China. Even to this day, acupuncture is strictly applied to take care of stress-related issues.
It has also been utilized in other ways where its therapeutic effects can be applied. Surprisingly, they are people who’ve made it a point to collect and store needles used in various sessions, and as strange as this might sound, I believe it is mostly done for the sentimental value these items portend.
23. Autos Antiques:
Aside from being a talk-show aficionado, Jay Leno is one dude who loves living big, and he does that more like a classic Renaissance man living in the present.
Jay is known to be wholly into this very expensive and big-ticket hobby meant for the biggest and most sophisticated players in the game.
He has collected cars from the nineteen thirties. In his collection, you’ll see cars like the 1909 Baker Electric, the 1909 Stanley Steamer, a 1934 Phantom II from Rolls Royce, and a host of other timeless wonders on wheel.
Other collectors in this range include WWE icon and Hollywood Superstar- John Cena, cars like the 1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD are known to be in his collection.
I don’t even want to stress how lucrative this is because the entry level is pretty high. Just like I stated earlier, it’s an exclusivity of high-ticket players like Jay & John himself.
24. Feathers from Different Bird Species:
If you are a Bird lover and Avian Specialist, this is one cool favorite pursuit that is as old as civilization.
Another pastime that makes whoever indulges in it an avowed traveler and nomad because I’ve seen them collect every feather from strange birds, and some are even have archaeological fantasies. Seeking feathers from the Mesozoic era from countless archaeological digs across differing continents known to be in their collections are feathers from flightless birds like- Emu, Ostrich; from partridges, ravens, birds of prey like the falcon, eagles, and every migratory feathered species you can ever imagine.
25. Wild Animal Dental Cataloging:
Odontologists and Dentists can find this art quite fascinating.
But for those outside the medical profession (and trust me, they are true folks who are none of the two), they make it a case to gather all the various dental collections from different animal species you can think of.
From Felines, Bovines, Avian (yes, birds got teeth too), Equines, Canines and Apes. Some strip it further down by specializing in a specific animal species say felines (lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, cougars, etc.), while some might take pleasure in cataloging the dental structures of canines (dogs, foxes, wolves, dingoes, etc.), and an extremist and strange set could decide to collect and store dental structures on extinct animal species (mostly dinosaurs, like
26. Old Calendar Archiving:
It is quite lovely art if you ask me, and quite surreal and subliminally ecstatic if you understand what this is. Imagine going back in time to see the calendars that shaped the events and happenings of those eras. Just ponder what it’d be like to look at an old calendar marked 4th of July 1776, or On May 7, 1945. I’m trying to make you paint a mental picture of what it’ll look and feel like to see an actual calendar from those times.
Not even telling how much these items could be worth if collected and stored properly.
27. Old Yellow Pages Keeping:
Yellow Pages were used as the compass back in the day. I still get the chills whenever I go through an old yellow page from way back.
When it was still in use about three or four decades ago, you could easily locate anyone listed on it either business or personal contacts.
These pages used to be the guide. With a yellow page, you don’t need to get lost or start guessing the area code for any particular state or area.
Now I give some kudos to the guys who have made it a point to gather and archive these pages, not just for the sentimental value but as a historical antecedent that defines how it used to be in the sixties, seventies, eighties, and even the nineties. Well, I’ll leave you with your thoughts.
28. Old City Maps and Blueprints:
Another beautiful hobby that needs some commendation if you understand the importance it brings to the table Many crimes and ugly situations have been solved by obtaining archived versions of old maps and blueprints of roads, tunnels, bridges, and buildings.
A select number of individuals have taken to this passion of gathering, collecting, and archiving these ancient pieces for study, fun, cash, or just for the heck of it.
29. Recipe Cataloging:
Recipes have remained what they used to be, both now and in the past.
However, we also know that many recipes have evolved owing to cultural changes, technological advancements, intermarriages, health considerations, and other factors.
This is why those who keep a record of the evolution of these recipes make it a noble art worth appreciating and celebrating.
These Food Historians make sure they arrange the recipes based on some of the factors I’ve listed above, and while cataloging, they also observe the timeline of some of the recipes and even some that have been so watered down to the point of going extinct in our kitchens.
With these old cookbooks in the kitty of any savvy collector, they could be translated into important heirlooms to salvage and honor.
30. Bible Hunting
I saved the best for last.
Bible Hunters used to comb the books and crannies of the world, seeking lost ancient manuscripts, ciphers, chapters, unedited & original versions of the books that made up the Bible, strange biblical paraphernalia, historical footnotes and accounts of Biblical figures, translations, and any unaccounted manuscript by the authors of the Holy Book.
Today, we still have Bible hunters who put their ears to the ground seeking more original works, just anywhere they are rumored or proved to be.
This hobby is rather expensive and risky. Many collectors have lost their lives in the pursuit of these rare and highly-priced Biblical artifacts.
Bible hunting is somewhat controversial, but those who indulge, see it as a duty they owe mankind to protect the history, imperfections, innuendos, and wonders of Christendom as documented in the Bible.
We end it here, folks, and thanks for reading. And don’t forget—this piece is purely for entertainment purposes and should be regarded as such.
Thanks!
