Obviously I have specific reasons for collecting my sugarpackets, but some people like to collect them just like others collect stamps or porcelain dolls--for fun. It's really easy to start a collection, and it's fun to talk about with friends and family. I've found that when I ask someone for a sugarpacket and I haven't yet told them why I want it, they're puzzled and sometimes taken aback by such a strange request. However, explaining my story is always a joy to me and when they understand that it would be significant to me if they brought me something so simple, they're usually happy to oblige... even if they laugh at me for it.
When I get sugarpackets, usually I write right on them. I typically write the date, where I was, and what I was doing or who I was with when I grabbed the packet. Some people have asked me if that doesn't "depreciate" the value. In my personal opinion, it adds to the value--the personal value that I place on having that packet in my collection is only magnified by knowing where it came from and who brought it to me. Maybe for some really serious collectors writing on them would reduce the value, but for me, since I'm in this for the memories, I love writing on them.
Sometimes the people who collect the sugarpackets for me write on them for me. A number of my friends who know about my collection habits will take the time to scribble details about where they were, when, with whom, and why. I really love when I get a packet that's already labeled so I can read it. Plus, the packet is more unique when someone else writes on it for me--even if it's from a chain restaurant or looks like other packets in my collection.
Once the packets are all labeled, most of the time they get tossed into a shoebox until I can get around to filing them. Yes, I file them... in baseball card collector binder sheets. (My mom got them for me for my birthday one year.) But putting the packets full of sugar right into the binder? Well, that could get a little messy. I like to slice the corner with an Exacto knife and drain out the sugar. This way, no loose granules are going to make my book sticky... and I won't get ants. Again, though, many people ask if this depreciates the value. I say that the value increases because I don't have to worry about ants.
What do I do with the sugar from all the packets? I throw it away. Some friends have suggested that I get a jar and pour the sugar in to it so that I can say that I have sugar from all over the United States and the world... but what would I do with it (other than attract ants)? Some people ask why I don't use the sugar. Think about it this way, though: some of the packets have been in pockets all day, in washing machines, stuffed in purses, kept in travel bags, dropped on the floor... Is that really the kind of sugar you want to put in your coffee? Really, I don't recommend collecting sugarpackets if you're just looking for a back-up sugar supply. Go ask your neighbor for a cup of sugar if you run out--don't use the sugar from your sugarpacket collection. I'm not responsible if you do... I just don't think it'll end well.