The Three Tiers of Vintage Toy Collectors
Exploring the three types of toy collectors. What tier do you fall under?
No two vintage toy collectors are always alike. Each one has their target toy lines — usually drawn from embedded nostalgic memories from childhood. Toy collectors will also have varying personal budgets for their collections. Some are willing to splurge while others have to be more frugal. And a select few have that seemingly unlimited budget to fuel their desire to own the most prized — and most expensive — vintage toys. We’re not talking hundreds of dollars per item. But tens or hundreds of thousands.
In the end, vintage toy collecting is whatever the collector wants it to be — a casual hobby, a dedicated mission, or even a healthy (and sometimes unhealthy) obsession.
With that in mind, here we delve into the three general tiers of vintage toy collectors. But before we get into all of that, let’s talk a little bit about the core elements of a toy collection.
The Core Elements of a Toy Collection
A toy collection is a testament to the collector's passion, dedication, and personal journey. Whether it's focused on preserving childhood memories or collecting pieces of pop culture history, a toy collection showcases items that hold special meaning for the collector, which means that toy collecting is more than just a hobby — it's a form of expression and a bridge to one’s past.
Here are some of the core elements of a toy collection.
Theme and Focus
What distinguishes a toy collection from a random assortment of toys? Its theme and focus. Some collections may focus on specific genres, such as vintage toys, action figures, vehicles, and playsets from popular franchises, dolls, or LEGO sets. The theme can be broad or incredibly niche, depending on the collector's interests. Either way, when a collector shows off their collection, the best collections display a particular theme and focus.
Condition
The condition of the toys plays a crucial role in defining a collection's value. Mint condition items — especially those still in their original packaging — are highly prized. While loose figures can have value within a toy collection, the presentation dynamics of original packaging can’t be ignored. Whether it’s a mint condition and complete loose figure or vehicle, or a piece that is sealed within its original box or packaging, the condition of any items in a toy collection says a lot about not just the collection itself — but the dedication of the collector as well.
Rarity
Rarity also adds to a toy collection’s appeal. Most vintage toy lines have their “Holy Grail” items that are highly sought out but rarely found. When those items are added to a toy collection, the value of the collection increases dramatically. And we’re not just talking about monetary value. We’re also talking nostalgic value — with added respect.
Limited edition releases
Discontinued models
Items with production anomalies
These types of items are what become key pieces in your collection.
Historical Significance
Some toy collectors focus on toys that hold historical significance, representing key moments in toy manufacturing history or cultural shifts in society. These collections serve as a window into the past, preserving the legacy of toy production and design trends over the years.
Personal Significance
Emotional connection or personal significance is the driving force of most toy collections. Most collectors — no matter what tier they fall under — may seek out toys that remind them of their childhood, represent milestones in their lives, or are connected to memorable experiences. Nostalgia is a powerful experience. Toy collectors often use their toy collections to experience this phenomenon on a daily basis.
Presentation and Display
How a collection is displayed and maintained reflects the collector's dedication and respect for their items. Thoughtful presentation and proper care enhance both their aesthetic appeal and their value. Once again, a toy collection — and how it’s presented — reflects not just on the toy collection but also on the toy collector.
Okay, let’s dive into the three tiers of vintage toy collectors to see where you are at in your toy collecting journey, or where you want to aspire to be when all is said and done (and we know, no toy collection is ever truly complete).
1. The Casual Toy Collector
Casual collectors are usually the ones being introduced to the toy-collecting world. This is the entry-level tier. And as most toy collectors know, it’s often a gateway to higher tiers of toy collecting. Not always, but often.
If you’re a casual toy collector, you are collecting toys sporadically, usually driven purely by nostalgia for certain items from your childhood or the joy of finding toys you either had as a child and lost over time, or never had as a child but always wanted them.
You’re not necessarily driven by collecting the most valuable or aiming to complete a full set of items. Instead, you may be focused solely on what triggers nostalgic memories within you. You may have a corner in your house or apartment decorated with select items in your small but nostalgic collection — or maybe you place the items on your work desk or throughout your work office.
As a casual toy collector, your investment is often minimal to moderate. You’re likely not going to drop a paycheck — or even a big fraction of one — on collection pieces. You tend to spend within a budget and do not usually pursue rare or high-value items aggressively.
While you may have a good knowledge base of your favorite toys or series, you may not delve deeply into the broader toy-collecting market. It’s not important to collectors like you because you’re more focused on that personal collection.
Casual toy collectors have been on the rise since the pandemic times. We all want an escape from the realities of society, war, and politics. Nostalgia is the best escape. And what better way to feel nostalgic about something than looking back to your favorite coveted toys from your childhood?
2. The Dedicated Toy Collector
The dedicated toy collector is committed to building a more comprehensive collection of specific lines, brands, and types of toys. Their collections showcase the intent of two specific toy-collecting goals:
Completeness
Obtaining Rare Items
Completeness
If you’re a dedicated toy collector, you generally strive to complete a previously released collection. Star Wars collectors may want to collect all 96 figures from the original 1978-1985 line. Some may want them in mint loose form. Others may want them on their original cards. Regardless of what the toy line may be, completeness is a driving factor. And it doesn’t always have to be the whole line of every single figure. You may have a nostalgic connection to a specific grouping of characters or vehicles.
Obtaining Rare items
Sometimes the thrill of the hunt isn’t about completing a particular line or grouping. Sometimes you just want to find those rare gems that are difficult to find. Rare items enhance a toy collection because that toy collector may have items others seek out, which offers an added thrill to anyone’s toy collection — bragging rights.
Your investment as a dedicated toy collector can be much more significant. Some collections may not be as costly as others. But when you’re trying to complete a set or find a collection of rare items, the investment is much more costly than that of a casual collector’s expense. Dedicated toy collectors are willing to spend more to acquire key pieces for their collections, including attending auctions, conventions, and engaging with online communities and peers.
They also possess a deep understanding of their collecting niche, including the history of the toys, variations in models, and market values.
3. Elite or Investment Toy Collectors
This tier represents the pinnacle of toy collecting, where collectors are deeply invested in their collection. It’s more like a business to them — an investment.
If you’re an elite toy collector, you likely either run a business centered around toy collecting or invest in pieces at a grand level for toy collection stature, investment purposes, or personal satisfaction with a very high budget. You often aim for the rarest, most valuable, or historically significant pieces. You may focus on mint-condition items, prototypes, or toys with notable provenance.
Your knowledge of the toy market is usually extensive, covering not just historical and current values but also trends in collectibility, rarity, and investment potential. If you don’t have that knowledge, you may collaborative with or hire people who can do legwork for you via auctions.
Where are you on this list of toy collector tiers? Are you comfortable where you are? Are you looking to level up? Regardless, your toy collection is a wonderful expression of your love and knowledge of your favorite toys. Whether it’s an investment, dedicated hobby, or casual pastime, your toy collection can be that perfect nostalgic habit that keeps on giving.
Let The Toys of Our Lives help you on your nostalgic toy-collecting journey. Check out our online store as we continue to add more and more pieces to our vast library of toys and collectibles, or come visit our brick-and-mortar store in Verona, WI!
