Many of us, if not all, got started by keeping a few chips from our visits to casinos and since you are only 12 you won't be able to do this for several years. Perhaps your parents will do the work for you. Otherwise you will have to buy them from other collectors and after a few good-will freebies you will incur the cost of the chips and shipping. As a gesture you should discuss with your parents I could send you up to 100 different $1 chips for face value plus shipping. I would even put in a few extra chips that you might like.