If you've recently joined a Disney Traditions Facebook group, you may have noticed collectors referring to themselves as "Tradies."
At first, it can be a little confusing. Isn't a tradie someone who fixes your plumbing or installs your kitchen?
Well... not in this corner of the internet!
Within the Disney Traditions collecting community, "Tradie" has become a friendly nickname used by collectors who share a love for Jim Shore's wonderful Disney creations. It's not an official title from Enesco or Jim Shore, but it's a term that has been warmly adopted by collectors around the world.
So... what exactly is a Disney Tradie?
A Tradie is someone who simply loves Disney Traditions.
You might own a single figurine that means the world to you, or you may have cabinets overflowing with hundreds of pieces. Either way, if you enjoy collecting, admiring, discussing or hunting down Disney Traditions, congratulations...
You're a Tradie! And you're in good company here!
Signs you might be a Tradie...
You know you're becoming a Tradie if you find yourself:
- Excitedly waiting for the courier because another figurine is arriving.
- Telling yourself, "Just one more..." (before buying three).
- Knowing the difference between retired and current pieces.
- Searching eBay, Facebook Marketplace and collector groups far more often than you'd like to admit.
- Rearranging your display shelves because your newest arrival deserves the best spot.
- Secretly hoping Jim Shore doesn't release another must-have figurine this month... while also hoping he does!
If you smiled at any of those, you're definitely among friends.
Disney Traditions - More than just collecting
One of the loveliest things about the Disney Traditions community is how welcoming it can be.
Collectors happily help identify figurines, offer advice on caring for pieces, celebrate exciting new finds and share photographs of beautifully displayed collections.
Whether someone has just bought their very first Mickey Mouse or finally tracked down a retired grail after years of searching, fellow Tradies are always ready to celebrate alongside them.
Every collection tells a story
Some collectors focus on princesses.
Others collect villains.
Some only buy Christmas figurines, while others proudly display hundreds of Disney Traditions covering every film imaginable.
There is no right or wrong way to collect.
Many figurines become treasured reminders of holidays, birthdays, loved ones or favourite Disney memories. That's one of the reasons these collections become so special - they're not simply ornaments, they're personal stories captured in resin.
Thinking about becoming a Tradie?
The best advice is wonderfully simple.
Buy the pieces that make you smile.
Don't worry about what everyone else is collecting or what's currently fashionable. Your collection should reflect your own favourite characters, films and memories.
Some of the most treasured collections have been built slowly over many years, one carefully chosen figurine at a time.
Welcome to the Tradie community
Whether you've just discovered Disney Traditions or you've been collecting for decades, the Tradie community is full of passionate collectors who genuinely enjoy sharing their hobby.
So if someone welcomes you by saying, "Hello, fellow Tradie," you'll know exactly what they mean.
And if you're reading this with a Disney Traditions figurine proudly displayed somewhere in your home...
Welcome to the club.
Happy collecting!
Are you a Tradie?
I'd love to know how long you've been collecting Disney Traditions and which figurine started your collection. Share your story in the comments below - every collection has a beginning, and every Tradie has a favourite.
