When people were asking about gift ideas for a birthday, someone once remarked that a friend "collects them Coke Cola things" in a Southern accent as thick as molasses. As it turns out, the friend had a sister who was equally infatuated with Pepsi collectibles, so shopping for either of them was really simple.

They were not alone, since soft drink collectibles are extremely popular and easy to find in almost any price range or type of object. These collectibles can cost a dollar or even less for bottle caps or recent cans or bottles, or tens of thousands of dollars for things like very rare early vending machines.

Collectors are extremely excited by old signs that are still in good condition, since many, especially those made of wood, only exhibit wear-and-tear caused by being outdoors. Often, these signs may be stored in an attic or barn, preserving their condition. These are real treasures, sought by many collectors.

All soft drink collectibles aren't even very old. A limited edition mug or can or teddy bear can become competitively priced in a very short period. Of course, like anything collectible, a "rare" soft drink item can also be a fake, so buyers do need to be careful.

Many replicas aren't rip offs at all, since facsimiles authorized by the companies are sold on their own websites and just bring old and cherished designs into greater availability and affordability than the real things. You just need to know that you are buying a replica and not have it misrepresented.

Since many soft drink collectibles are priced well under $20, anyone can get started with these thrifty choices and later venture into more valuable and desirable items. Many even specialize in things that are not individually very valuable, such as all the commemorative cans from a single city or region. What matters most is how much the owner values the item.

In choosing a soft drink collectible as a present, it is a good idea to figure out what is on the recipient's wish list. This can be done by asking a relative or good friend who would know what is on that list. Be sure to check if you are purchasing an original piece or a replica, making sure you pay appropriate. As with any other gift purchase, look for sellers with good return or exchange policies.