Britain’s most prized possessions revealed

As much as we are taught not to value material possessions even the most non-indulgent people still have those one or two items we just couldn’t live without. Whether it’s a family heirloom, something our child gave to us or or the house itself, we all have prized possessions.

This week the British public were quizzed by Skipton Building on what items they hold dear. The study shows people are more likely to cherish a possession which was given to them by someone else, rather than something they bought themselves.

Family photos, Homes and cars were voted amongst the most popular possessions Brits can’t live without. But the study did reveal some differences between what men and women treasure the most. Baby clothes, parent’s wedding rings, and children’s artwork are amongst a woman’s most prized possessions.  Men on the other hand declared their vinyl collection, smartphone and computer as some of their most treasured items.

But is enough been done to safeguarding these items? Just 24 per cent of Brits have an inventory of everything in their house, and only 13 per cent were clever enough to photograph all of their treasured items so they can prove what they owned in the event of loss or theft.

Kris Brewster from Skipton Building Society said: “Unfortunately treasured possessions such as photos, drawings and vintage jewellery which would be incredibly important to the owner are more valuable in sentiment than anything else – people need to think carefully about how they store these items to keep them safe.”

WOMEN’S TOP 20 PRIZED POSSESSIONS

1. Family photos
2. Home
3. Wedding ring
4. Engagement ring
5. Family pet
6. Photographs of deceased relatives
7. Jewellery
8. Car
9. Smart phone
10. Childhood pictures
11. Laptop
12. Photographs of significant other
13. Children’s artwork
14. Photographs of deceased friends
15. Clothes
16. Books
17. Tablet
18. Baby clothes
19. A favourite book
20. Parent’s wedding rings

MEN’S TOP 20 PRIZED POSSESSIONS

1. Home
2. Family photos
3. Car
4. Wedding ring
5. Photographs of deceased relatives
6. Family pet
7. Laptop
8. Photographs of significant other
9. Computer
10. Smart phone
11. Books
12. Vinyl records
13. CD collection
14. Tablet
15. Television
16. Photographs of deceased friends
17. Computer
18. Childhood pictures
19. Internet
20. Jewellery