Unusual Investments: 12 Tips when Investing for Fun

Fun Investments That Are Unique, Weird, And Interesting

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Let’s make investing fun and talk about unusual investments to do so.

After the events of recent months, couldn’t we all use a little more fun in our lives?  And what better way to have some fun than by looking for some good times. And by coming at it from an investment perspective.

So, no delays. Consider this list of unusual alternative investments when investing for fun.

Examples Of The Best Unusual Investments

  1. Hobby farmland
  2. Livestock
  3. Vacation property
  4. Rental property
  5. Jewelry
  6. High-end watches
  7. Handbags
  8. Automobiles
  9. Works of art
  10. Coins
  11. Stamps
  12. Wine

Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

We will cover each one of these unusual investments in a moment.  Before we do that, let’s talk a bit more about these potential items to invest in.

But, just in case you are looking for more conventional investment ideas. Check out our full library of investing articles by clicking the preceding link.

It’s neatly organized for a quick scan of all the articles. Surely you will find something of interest. To help you with your investing.

What To Know When Making Fun Investments

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Not every unusual investment will become more valuable.  Furthermore, the unusual investment ideas in this list have times where their value decreases.  In the worst case, some may never increase in value.

Most importantly, asset values are influenced by the fundamentals of supply and demand.  In other words, an unusual investment item is worth only what someone is willing to pay for it.

On the other hand, we are talking about fun investments.  Ways and places to spend your leisure time. Or, blue-chip investments that make you look good no matter where you go.

So, our goal is to make investing fun. While making alternative investments and diversifying our assets.

Finally, some of these investment items may not seem so unusual to you.  On the other hand, they are all alternative investments of some form.

Specifically, they are alternatives to the more typical asset classifications. Those investments besides stocks, savings bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or your primary residence.

I use Empower to manage these traditional types of investments. Best of all, Empower is free to sign up for and use.

Categories of Unusual Investments

And as I see it, these 12 kinds of weird investments fall into 3 main categories.  They are

  • Specialty real estate investments
  • Fashion, or investment items you wear
  • Collectibles items to invest in

These categories do not seem too crazy for investments. Right? You can decide. If you think so, stick to trading stocks. I do so for free using the Webull app. It’s fast, powerful, and free.

So, with those thoughts about having fun investments taken care of.  Let’s get down to business. And review each of these 12 investment opportunities that are unusual, unique, crazy, weird, or interesting in some way.

1. Unusual Investment Opportunities: Hobby Farmland

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First of all, a hobby farm is a small farm that is maintained without being a primary source of income for the owner.

Furthermore, some hobby farms provide recreational land and perhaps a few horses for the family’s children.  Other hobby farms are managed as working farms for side income.

Finally, some hobby farms are run at a loss.  In this case, the farm is a lifestyle choice by people with the means to do so.   In this way, the hobby farm functions more like a country home than a unique investment.

Most importantly, land may be the best unusual investment of them all.  And turning your land investment into a hobby can make investing fun especially if you enjoy gardening and growing produce.

But there is more than one use for farmland. And this brings me to our next unique investment, livestock.

2. Unusual Investment Ideas: Livestock

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Livestock may sound like an unconventional investment idea. But it has become less so in recent years.

And livestock can go hand-in-hand with hobby farmland.  But it doesn’t have to.

For example, I was on vacation recently and met a man and a woman that raise honey bees.  Yes.  Honey bees are a form of livestock.

Also, my neighbor has a beehive on his property.  He recently brought me a jar of his homemade honey. Sweet!

Raising chickens has also become very popular in recent years.  My sister-in-law has a chicken coup.  She buys the baby chicks from a third party and raises them for their egg production.

Productive livestock, like bees and chickens, are examples of unusual items to invest in.  Furthermore, you may be able to earn an income by selling their eggs, honey, milk, etc.  And make investing fun while you are at it.

3. Unusual Investments: A Vacation Home

Many people own a vacation home in a popular vacation spot or resort town.  Vacation homes are another example of an unusual alternative investment.

By the ocean, near the lake, or in the foothills of the mountains, a vacation home can be a relaxing place to go for a family gathering.

Vacation homes can also be rented out when not in use for additional income.  The more popular the vacation spot becomes, the more valuable your vacation home will be.  And perhaps become one of the best investments you can make when your goal is to have fun.

4. Best Unusual Investments: Rental Property

Similar to vacation homes, rental properties are not the most unusual investments.  But they can be one of the best alternative investments you can make.

They are purchased by their owners for the sole purpose of renting their use to one or more tenants.  Rental properties have the double benefit of passive investment income generation along with asset appreciation.

How do you make a rental property a fun investment?  Here’s how…

Buy a 2 or 3 unit rental property in a location you love to visit.  For example, the big city in your state. Or, any other destination you enjoy visiting.

Keep 1 unit for yourself. And rent the rest. This way, you have bought an asset AND a comfortable place to stay. When spending time and having fun at your favorite locale.

Next, we are going to transition away from unusual real estate investments.  And move on to some crazy investment ideas related to fashion.

Mainly items you can wear and invest in too! That is if you want to make a fun investment. And look good doing it.

5. Unusual Investments: Jewelry

Do you want a fun and interesting investment that appreciates? And something you can wear to that next big social event?

Then consider jewelry that is made from precious metal or gems.  Typically, gold and platinum are thought to be the best investment metals for jewelry.  And don’t forget gemstones for your jewelry collection.

Let’s discuss all 3 of these unusual investment opportunities that may also have resale value.

Gold Jewelry

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Gold is also known as the “yellow metal”.  Investors who are gold enthusiasts are sometimes called “gold bugs”.

In and of itself, gold is not that unusual of an investment. Because there are other ways to invest in gold besides jewelry.

These options may be better and more efficient for investment purposes. Like gold bars, coins, and exchange-traded funds.  But these do not seem like fun investments to me. They are different types of boring investments. Not like gold jewelry.

Gold jewelry is an unusual investment idea that tends to hold its value. Because outside of jewelry, gold does not have many practical applications.  This protects the value of gold from economic downturns and recessions.

Is gold jewelry an asset that appreciates?  The short answer is yes.  Its value will have a direct relationship with the market price of gold.

The market price of gold typically appreciates during inflationary times.  And, during times of severe economic and financial stress.

Platinum Jewelry

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Platinum jewelry is another fun investment item that can increase in value.  As a metal, it has a few more practical applications than gold.

But for jewelry, platinum is highly regarded out of all of the silvery-white precious metals.  Its color does not change. And jewelry-grade platinum has a very high content of the precious metal.

Platinum is a soft substance.  So, it tends to scratch easily.  On the other hand, the metal has a high resale value.

Consider it for something with sentimental value, like a wedding ring.  I can’t think of an investment that is more fun than a gift for that special someone in your life.

Let’s stay within the jewelry category.  And talk about gemstones as a unique investment. When looking to make fun investments and diversify your assets.

Jewelry Made From Gemstones

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Gemstone investing is not for everyone. But for those who love fine gemstones and beautiful jewelry, rare gems have a good history of increasing in value over time.  They are another form of an unusual alternative investment item that can increase in value.

When the stock market is declining and currencies are falling, gemstones tend to be a reliable store of value.  They are also compact, portable, and private.

Here are the top 10 gemstone assets that appreciate.  They are potential fun investments when building your portfolio of assets

  • Ruby
  • Blue Sapphire
  • Emerald
  • Spinel
  • Tsavorite Garnet
  • Spessartite Garnet
  • Alexandrite
  • Jadeite Jade
  • Imperial Topaz
  • Paraiba Tourmaline

Source:  The top 10 investment gems

I don’t know about you.  Gemstones may be a unique investment opportunity.  But I don’t have very many of those little jewels lying around my house!

Let’s stick with some things we wear for our next unconventional investment.  That being high-end luxury investment watches.

6. Unusual Investment Opportunities: High-End Watches

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Do you like to show off a fancy timepiece on your wrist? Then you’re in luck because watches as an investment item have become more popular in recent years.

Consider a watch to be a crazy investment that may be profitable.  First of all, you will need a good knowledge of the luxury watch market.  Furthermore, investing in watches is not a passive investing strategy. Finally, be in no hurry to realize your profit after your unusual investment is made.

In addition, you must possess some pretty deep pockets to invest in a very high-quality timepiece. $5,000 is probably the minimum buy for this asset class.  $10,000-$20,000 is more likely a better price range to be in for investment purposes.

Some watch brands are considered better investment quality than others.  Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe names are several that frequently come up.  There are many more.

After you make your purchase, be sure to keep your watch in excellent condition.  Also, carefully maintain the original packaging and paperwork.

Hold on to the watch for a good number of years.  Then look for good timing and an attractive market to sell into.

Watches, as a unique investment idea, are not for the uneducated.  So make sure you buy a piece you are happy with whether you make a big profit or not.  This way, you will be sure to make a fun investment.

Next up, consider this popular fashion accessory a crazy investment idea.  I’m talking about handbags. They are an unusual investment item for sure. But they can be assets that become more valuable over time.

7. Unusual Investment Ideas: Handbags

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Believe it or not, certain handbags are considered legit investment items.  Similar to investment grade watches, you need to know what you are doing in this area.  That being said, handbags may be one of the best fun things to invest in.

But, be careful. Fashion trends and tastes are highly changeable.  If the trend moves in the wrong direction, you just might be left holding the bag.

To buck changing trends, look to invest in timeless, classic brands and designs.  First of all, establish your budget for the investment. Then research vintage luxury handbags that are always in demand.

Like watches, certain brands tend to have the most investment value. Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Hermès are frequently mentioned.

Finally, look for vintage pieces that are in good condition.  And just like art that we will get to shortly, make sure the handbag is authenticated before you invest.

On the other hand, do you want a brand new handbag as an investment alternative?  That’s more of a challenge because what’s in style today, may not be in 10 or 15 years.

When investing in a new handbag you will need a good eye. And a crystal ball to make an unconventional, but profitable investment.

Okay, to recap. We started with unusual real estate investments. Then talked about jewelry and fashion items. Things that you buy, wear and will hold value over time.

Next, let’s talk about some other types of unusual investment items that can increase in value. Specifically, collectible items.  Our list includes some of the best things to collect for investment purposes.

8. Unusual Investments: Automobiles

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The average automobile is a depreciating asset.  I’m pretty sure my 2009 Toyota Camry is worth less every year that I have owned it.

I don’t even bother to value it and add it to my net worth calculation.  The same goes for my wife’s 2007 Toyota Corolla.  So, don’t think about your everyday use vehicles as collectible items to invest in.

On the other hand, classic cars and vintage automobiles are a different story.  They can be fun, interesting, and unique investments that become more valuable over time.

But, only a handful of classic cars will make for good investing.  Factors such as the scarcity, brand, age, image, and desirability of a classic car can affect its value.

Some brands, especially Ferraris, tend to appreciate and are crazy, but reliable investments.  And, other brands that were ignored in the past can suddenly spike in value in your alternative investment portfolio.

Here are a few classic cars with the best investment potential:

  • Lamborghini Diablo
  • 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica SIII
  • 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
  • Mercedes-Benz 190
  • 1984 Pininfarina Azzurra
  • 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo S
  • 1994 Mazda RX-7
  • 1972 BMW 2002
  • 1998 Porsche Boxster
  • 1973 Datsun 510
  • 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera

Source: Classic cars with the best investment potential

Ready for our next fun investment?  Let’s talk about artwork.

9. Best Unusual Investment: Art

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As with most investments, increased demand equals increased value.  And, art is no different when considering unusual investments that make investing fun.

However, several factors can make for smart purchases and increase the value of art over the long term:

  • Buy something you love so you desire to keep it as a long-term investment
  • Buy an original that is signed by the artist
  • Iconic figures or images generally retain value
  • Controversial or political pieces with historical significance also fare well in resale
  • The notoriety of the artist is a safer investment choice
  • But art from emerging talent can have more upside potential
  • Obtain certificates of authenticity and retain your proof of purchase
  • Quality framing will make your art look better and protect your investment

Source:  How to buy art that will increase in value

Another collectible item to invest in, coins…

10. Unusual Investment Ideas: Coins

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Coin collecting can be a very profitable venture when done the right way.  But, coins are unusual alternative investments.  That can increase in value.

Coins derive their worth from two principal sources. The first is the physical metal contained in the coin, which is also known as its bullion value.

Gold and silver are popular metals used in coins.  We have already discussed gold jewelry as an interesting investment idea.

But coins have a second source of value called their numismatic value. This factor applies mostly to antique and rare coins.  And, numismatic value is quite a bit harder to determine than bullion value.

Ultimately, a coin’s collector value depends on buyer sentiment.  But there are some general guidelines.

For example, the fewer units of a coin that were minted, the higher its collector value is likely to be.   This is due to the shortage of supply.

So we are back to a concept I have mentioned earlier in this article about unique investments.  The concept of supply and demand is important when determining the best items to collect and invest in.

Source:  Is coin collecting profitable, or just a fun hobby?

11. Unusual Alternative Investments: Stamps

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There are two kinds of stamps to consider when investing for fun.  But only 1 is truly useful for investment purposes.  The first is collectible stamps.  And the second is investment-grade stamps.

Collectible stamps are for people into stamp collecting just for the fun of it.  Collectible stamps are not usually for investment purposes.

On the other hand, investment-grade stamps are identified as having the potential to grow in value. 

Only a very small fraction of stamps are likely to appreciate.  They are very rare.  And they have to be in pristine condition.

Investment-grade stamps are unusual investments that can increase in value.  But they should only be for the investor who has all their financial bases well covered.

For example, Bill Gross, founder of the asset management company PIMCO, has reportedly invested between $50 and $100 million of his $2 billion fortune buying stamps.

Stamps have proven to be among his most profitable investments.  Mr. Gross sold a small portion of his collection for four times the initial investment at a charity auction.

And, this is what he said at the time.  Mr. Gross called the gains “better than the stock market.”

Source:  Investopedia – Where does Bill Gross keep his money

One last unique investment idea. Then we will be ready to wrap it up.

12. Unusual Investment Opportunities: Wine

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Most wine isn’t suitable for long-term investing, and it’s unlikely that you’ll find a vintage that produces significant returns.  So, this is a weird investment idea, in my opinion.

However, investment-grade wine has a reasonable chance of becoming more valuable over the long term, typically at least five years.  It is another example of a fun item to invest in.

But, investing in a collection of wine has a host of challenges from sourcing to storing to selling.  Get it right and make some money.  Get it wrong and just have fun enjoying your bottle of wine.

Source:  Collecting & Investing in Wine – Costs, Risks, How to Buy

Wow! Collectible items to invest in. We discussed cars, art, coins, stamps, and wine.  Who would have thought?  They are unusual investments, for sure.

Best Unusual Investments – Wrap Up

I think that any of these weird investments should only be for individuals that have all their investment bases covered.  Do you know what I mean?

What I mean is this.  Investors with fully stocked emergency funds, fat 401(k) or IRA retirement accounts, and a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds. If you need an IRA account, Webull is a great place to open it.

Once you have those bases covered, make a fun investment. By considering any one of the 12 unusual investment opportunities we have discussed today.  They are listed below for your convenience.

Examples Of Unique Investments

  1. Hobby farmland
  2. Livestock
  3. Vacation property
  4. Rental property
  5. Jewelry
  6. High-end watches
  7. Handbags
  8. Automobiles
  9. Works of art
  10. Coins
  11. Stamps
  12. Wine

Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

I do not own any of the unusual investments mentioned in this article.

Unusual Investments When Investing For Fun