Collectors could be in for making a few hundreds or thousands as some of our nostalgia faves such as Care Bears or Beanie Babies (remember those?) have shot up in value
The second-hand toy market is booming – and Brits could be sitting on a treasure chest worth thousands of pounds, according to antiques expert Dan Hatfield.
The Money-Making expert, who regularly appears on daytime TV to give his expert insights, estimates there’s roughly £3,000 worth of unused items scattered around the average person’s home – approximately £300 of which is in toys.
He has revealed exactly what eagle-eyed sellers and buyers need to look out for to make the most of their unwanted toys and said: “We’ve seen a monumental resurgence in demand for plush toys.
“As a society, we’re all about nostalgia, and these items really ignite that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with it.
“Being transported back to your childhood can equate to big money. Think 90s Beanie Babies and early TY releases. Jellycat originals that are rare or retired can often fetch several thousand pounds.
“Original Care Bears also regularly reach the several hundred mark. Condition and provenance are key and original tags can easily double a toy’s value. Limited edition or store-exclusive plush toys, particularly those released in small numbers, are climbing fastest in value.”
It comes as research of 2,000 adults found over three-quarters of Brits (76%) have toys at home – with the average having 16 in their property.
Cuddly toys (72%t), building sets (59%) and cards (49%) are the top toys people have inside their four walls.
He added: “In the resale world, plush toys might look soft but the market behind them can be razor sharp. It’s not just about what’s cute. It’s about scarcity, nostalgia and timing.
“The smart reseller isn’t just chasing trends; they’re reading the psychology of collectors and striking when the demand’s hot but the supply’s cooling.”
With new toys such as Labubu entering the market, Dan suggests brands with evergreen franchises like Pokemon, Disney or Star Wars are the safest bets.
He added: “Labubu is an exciting new player, but whether it stands the test of time will depend on how the brand evolves and what it offers in the coming years.”
The best way to spot if your toys are hot or not is through monitoring social media, online forums and community chatter.
He said: “If you see fans talking about long waiting lists, early sell-outs, or aftermarket price spikes, that’s a strong sign to buy in before the boom. The key is keeping your ear to the ground. You want to be a trendsetter, not a trend follower.
“Our homes can be an absolute treasure chest when it comes to the toys we’ve held onto. It’s estimated that Brits have more than £3,000 worth of unused or forgotten items in their homes and a significant amount of that is toy-related.”
Dan’s tips on what to look out for mark the release of Compare the Market’s new Sergei cricket toy, as part of their principal sponsorship of The Hundred.
DAN HATFIELD’S TOP THREE TOYS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
1. BEANIE BABIES:
2. JELLYCAT:
3. HARRODS TEDDY BEARS
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