Anchor: Pop figures make great collectibles for kids
Are you tired of toys piling up, falling out of use, and cluttering your home? Do you wish you had chosen items whose value could be preserved? After all, it’s frustrating when your child outgrows their 12-piece LEGO set—something that once sparked joy now sits untouched, possibly even limiting their development.
You can donate the toys (which bring joy to another child who might not have access to such things), sell them online for a small return, or pass them along to friends or family. But even saving them for a second child doesn’t always work, as trends evolve and toys keep getting more sophisticated.
Toys should serve a developmental purpose until a certain age. But some toys have more profound meaning and can teach your kid a thing or two about collecting, supply-and-demand economics, and the art of taking care of beloved things.
When Toys Aren’t Just For Fun
Not all toys are fleeting playthings; some collectible toys have a long track record of rising in value. For instance, an untouched Boba Fett action figure sold at auction for a whopping $185,850 in 2019. This sale highlights just how valuable a rare collectible in excellent condition, especially one kept in its original packaging, can become.
The process of evaluating collectible toys isn’t so different from assessing sports cards, stamps, or memorabilia. The same key factors apply:
- Nostalgia
- Originality
- Demand
- Scarcity
- Condition.
By choosing toys that follow emerging trends while tapping into nostalgic value, you can support your child’s development and possibly their future finances. Collectible toys achieve a balance between meaningful play and long-term value, serving more than momentary fun. Best of all, you can help your child begin to understand the concept of thoughtful investing, steering them away from wasteful, consumeristic habits and toward mindful purchases.
Here are some of the most iconic collectible toy categories and why they’re worth considering.
LEGOs: From Building Castles To Building Savings
LEGOs have always had their unmatched charm, but recent years have taught investors something more: LEGO sets can appreciate more than some traditional investments, outshining bonds, stocks, and even gold. From popular collections like “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” and “Dinosaur Fossils”, to rare, elusive, and limited-edition releases, the resale market thrives.
But before anything else, LEGO bricks contribute massively to cognitive development. Studies from the University of Arizona are disclosing that playing with LEGOs promotes spontaneity and can even help adults get out of a draining rut and find new perspectives. Problem-solving, creativity, and special awareness are essential for a kid’s good development, and LEGOs emerge as one-size-fits-all solutions. While your child learns and creates, you can store the box and instructions in a safe place, for the set’s value is directly proportional to how well it is kept.
Funko Pop Vinyl Figures: Playful Yet Valuable Pieces
Funko Pops, especially rare and top-condition pieces, can preserve value and become attention-grabbers in the resale market.
They’re a relatively new player in the collectible game, but they’ve quickly gained traction and earned a top spot among today’s most sought-after items. Part of their appeal lies in their multiple scopes: from anime to sitcoms and gaming to sports, you can find a Funko Pop for every niche. That’s a strong suit that makes them valuable. For instance, some can go from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars in a matter of years. And the best part? It’s not only about investing; Pop figures make great collectibles for kids within a varied age range.
For kids, Funko Pops can be a fun first step into collecting and pop culture. On the other hand, they’re easily findable and affordable enough to buy two or more figures at once: some for kids’ fun and others for value preservation. Like any collectible out there, condition matters, so keep the box, find a safe storage spot, and monitor trending characters. Look for Comic-Con exclusives, discontinued editions, and limited editions, as these often hold the most value over time.
Hot Wheels: Small Cars, Significant Returns
As interest in alternative investments grows, 1:64 scale Hot Wheels cars are stepping into the spotlight. Early editions from the ’60s and ’70s can fetch thousands of dollars, should you own a few and decide to sell them. Even newer models can increase in value, depending on rarity and condition, so it’s never too late to take a second look at these collectibles.
When it comes to your child’s development, Hot Wheels can help teach the value of collecting and taking care of things. They also offer a hands-on introduction to basic economics, like supply, demand, and the idea that rarity can drive value. Limited-edition models and series releases build anticipation and excitement while cleverly introducing investment concepts. If you’re a Hot Wheels fan and think a particular car might become a potential collectible, keep it sealed to preserve its value.
Action Figures: Another Type Of Art And Fine Wine
From Marvel to DC and from “Ninja Turtles” to “Transformers”, action figures have become a hot topic among investors lately. Action figures of sports MVPs, for instance, can bring in a fortune when auctioned, especially those in excellent condition. On the same note, a mint-condition 1980s He-Man or G.I. Joe can sell for hundreds or thousands, depending on a few factors. Modern figures associated with cinematic universes are also promising collectibles, especially if kept in their original packaging.
Action figures can support your kid’s creativity and spontaneity development. Children engage in imaginative play, develop narrative thinking, and create complex scenarios, all of which are essential for emotional and social growth. At the same time, certain editions can offer a chance to earn returns if you set one or two unopened figures aside for the future.
Barbie: Blending Investment Potential With Beauty
Remember those blonde, blue-eyed dolls that topped so many Santa Claus wishlists? Little do kids know that they’re actually gateways for future savings. Barbie isn’t just about pretty clothes, perfect skin, and endless fantasy plots anymore. Several doll types, especially limited editions and vintage ones, hold a lot of promise. Some are created by famous artists such as Bob Mackie, while others are labeled under designer collaborations with high-profile names like Vera Wang, Andy Warhol, and even Star Wars.
If you’re looking for dolls for their investment potential, look for dolls that are in untouched boxes and have certificates of authenticity.
With a little strategy, you’re not just buying your child a toy—you’re investing in play, memories, and possibly their first future asset.