The rectangular, tart candy that shoots out of Daffy Duck's neck is a fond memory that I treasure from my childhood. I could never understand why people put the candy in the dispenser, since it took so long to lock and load, and then would be gone in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, for those of us who love the PEZ dispenser more than we do the candy, it was a good thing we ate the candy and kept the holder as a reminder of the sweet simplicity of childhood.

Now, PEZ dispensers are not toys, although they might appear to be. In all actuality, they are very serious collectibles, so don't let the innocent look on Betty Boop's face fool you. She has been tricking people like that for years. The PEZ collector will usually have the collection organized into series and groups of like dispensers, so here are a few handy tips to help you get started on your PEZ crusade.

EBAY: For any collector of any kind, Ebay is a must. You can buy everything from the very first PEZ dispenser to the funniest or most disturbing. In addition to the auctions, you will be put in touch with others who have large collections and you can potentially trade or deal with other to get the ones you are missing. Ebay is a great place to buy, sell, or make contacts with other collectors.

VINTAGE DIE CUTS and TINS: The earlier PEZ dispensers are, of course, the most valuable, depending on their condition. Die cuts, which have metal stems are rare, so if you find one in a throw away box at a garage sale, grab it! Also, tin PEZ dispensers are also rare. It is easy to tell the difference between a plastic dispenser and a tin or metal one, so make sure that you pay close attention at sales and auctions.

MOVIE STARS, STAR WARS, and ALL THE REST: There is no limit to what someone can make into a PEZ dispenser. Anyone from Elvis to Hulk Hogan can be a candy receptacle, but items in a series are also great. You can find Disney characters or MGM characters and just about anything under the sun.

MOVEABLE PARTS: Did you know that some PEZ dispensers have movable arms and legs? It is true. Some look just like small people and the condition or working order of their movable parts will often determine their value.

VALUE and CONVENTIONS: You will be able to gage the value of a dispenser by looking at its book value or by visiting PEZ conventions. Yes, there are actually conventions that are held in cities all over the world and collectors come from far and wide to show off their collections or add to them. This is a great place for the novice collector and the expert, as well. There are some great tips on finding the value of your PEZ, including checking patent numbers and knowing subtle distinctions between models. A great website for pricing and value is: http://www.ehow.com/how_2670_d etermine-value-pez.html

BOXES: I really regret throwing away those boxes. If I had only known that much like my Barbie it would increase the value of the toy inside, I would have rebelled against my parents every Christmas over those boxes they couldn't wait to throw away! The boxes and packaging do make the dispensers more valuable, so when inquiring about a dispenser you would like to purchase, always ask if the box is included. This can also be a great bargaining point to get them to drop the price!

No matter if you began collecting as a kid or as a bigger kid, PEZ dispensers are a great reminder of the images we loved from childhood. Sitting there on its own little pedestal, the PEZ dispenser still holds a place of joy and in the hearts of many collectors.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Doherty.
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