There’s an innate thrill in collecting, especially when you find that perfect piece you’re missing. Whether it’s books, jewellery, photos, or toy collectables, we all have something we want to gain and keep, instilling a sense of accomplishment and joy. In fact, around a third of people in the world have a collection of some sort, with the majority of these collectors being men.
Toy collectables is one of the largest collectible markets in the world today, estimating around $13.9 BILLION. And guess what? It’s expected to almost triple in the next decade. So, it seems like there is no better time to read up on the toy collectable market growth (accessible here) and start investing!
If you’re still not convinced though, let's look at the psychology behind collecting toys as adults.
- Emotional Connection
The main reason people are drawn to collecting toys is because it invokes a sense of nostalgia. Many people collect the toys they loved as a child, allowing them to relive their childhood memories and reclaim the innate sense of safety and simplicity we felt as children.
- Thrill Seeking
Having a goal, and making tangible progress towards it, activates our brain’s reward centre, releasing dopamine that stimulates a sense of achievement and motivation. This turns collecting into a thrilling hunt, especially when collectables are rare and valuable. This creates a sense of anticipation when looking for a toy, and results in a fulfilling experience when it is finally attained.
- Self-Expression
Collecting toys is another way for people to express themselves, curating collections that are unique and reflect their interests, passions, and personality. It also fosters a deeper level of community, with online forums, social media groups, and collector events allowing people to meet like-minded people. This fosters relationships that extend beyond the toy themselves, reflecting a deeper acceptance of personality.
As collections are an extension of a person, it’s important that we support this hobby as much as possible. One way to do that is by helping add to your loved ones collections.
To do this, try looking at the collection they already have and see what might be missing. Or, if they have a friend they talk about collecting with, ask them for advice on what your loved one may want next! You could also consider buying something collection-adjacent that they can use in a different aspect of their life. For example, if they’re into diecast collectables, you could get them a chance to drive a real version of their favourite model, making their passion come to life.
If you want to stick to the idea of adding to their existing collection, here are some gift ideas for the three main toy collections: Diecast cars, LEGO, and Board and Card Games.
- Diecast Collectables
These cars can be quite valuable, with the size, condition and manufacturer all altering their cost. To read more about understanding the value of diecast collectables, click here.
Here at My Toy Kingdom, we have an extensive diecast collection with authentic details and high-quality designs, providing replicas that are a must-have for any motorsports fan.
For example, you can pre-order our Classic Carlectable - 1:18 Holden EH Panel Van Streets Taste of Australia, which holds a significant place in Australian automotive history as one of the nation's best-selling cars. This could be a unique gift for any overseas collectors you have.
Another great piece in our diecast collection is in our Highway Replicas category - 1:64 Kenworth Freight Road Train Gascoyne Pty Ltd. Expertly crafted with attention to detail and precision engineering, this truck from Gascoyne Pty Ltd is a must have for any collector.
- LEGO Collectables
Possibly the largest toy being collected by adults, LEGO is an amazing collectable as the true joy comes from building it, not just buying it. Plus, the LEGO company is great at incorporating other interests into their kits, making there be something for everyone.
For example, if you know someone who is also a fan of Disney, you could get them this Lego Disney Tripod Camera (Mickey and Minnie Minifigures included!), merging their two passions for extra excitement.
Or, if your loved ones are more into a challenge, this Lego Liebherr Crawler Crane, fit with a remote control to play with it, would be a gift of a lifetime.
Not seeing any gift ideas suited to your loved one? Click here to check out the rest of our LEGO collection.
- Games
Board games and card games are another collection most people have, but for those with serious collections, they can have entire rooms dedicated to the storage and participation of their games. And the great thing about card and board games? You can buy the same game twice, but in limited editions and/or new themes!
Here’s a few we think every collector needs:
Taboo, the laugh out loud, out-of-your-seat game of forbidden words! Perfect for a stress-free night at home with friends.
Settlers of Catan - 5-6 Player Extension 5th Edition. This game extends the Catan base game, adding in more players and scenarios. If your loved one is already a fan of Catan, this edition is a fun-have to increase the fun.
Poker. Whether you’re playing for actual money or just for fun, nothing screams ‘adult’ more than a poker set, so why not have a set to match? This portable set features 300 high-quality professional-weighted poker chips, a deck of playing cards, a dealer button, and so much more!
Already have these games? Check out our whole board game and card collection here.
Connect with us on our social media to stay up-to-date with the latest collectable items and know when they’re restocked. Happy collecting!