In my eyes, there’s no better pop culture collector’s item or gift than Funko Pop!s. No, the Pop!s in Funko Pop!s isn’t a typo. That’s the way you spell the plural version of these big-headed, wide-eyed collectibles that capture every corner of entertainment, from classic movies and hit TV shows to iconic video game characters, musicians, and celebrities. The brand even manages to create figures for real-life historical figures…
…and pop culture brand icons that represent everything from your favorite candy to your favorite breakfast cereal.
Here we present three simple reasons why these collectible delights are the perfect items to start your new collection — and also why they make for the perfect gift for family, friends, and coworkers for any occasion.
But before we get into all of that, let’s take a quick dive into Funko’s fascinating history, the birth of the Funko Pop!, and why these figures have become an unstoppable trend for collectors worldwide.
The Humble Beginnings of Funko
Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker in Snohomish, Washington, Funko’s business plan wasn’t initially about capturing every facet of pop culture, as it is now. The company actually started with a simple nostalgic Big Boy bobblehead, based on the iconic restaurant mascot.
Becker’s goal was to create low-tech toys with a vintage vibe — a counter to the high-tech toys flooding the market at the time.
Big Boy’s success led Funko to create Wacky Wobblers, a new line of bobbleheads depicting various pop culture figures like cereal mascots and superheroes.
The company slowly gained a cult following, especially after selling eighty thousand units of Austin Powers bobbleheads.
Despite the cult following and moderate success, Becker felt the company could achieve even more and sold Funko in 2005 to Brian Mariotti, who recognized its vast potential.
Mariotti had a vision to expand Funko’s reach by obtaining as many licenses for movies, TV shows, comics, video games, and more as possible. This approach allowed the brand to tap into nearly any potential customer’s interest. And that is really the “secret” sauce of Funko Pop!s.
Restructuring the company’s licensing approach proved to be a game-changing move.
The Birth of the Funko Pop!
In 2010, Funko introduced its most iconic line — the Funko Pop! vinyl figure. Originally known as Funko Force 2.0, these figures debuted at the San Diego Comic-Con.
The original line had “clamshell” packaging until the Funko boxes were later released.
Their quirky design — a blend of bobblehead charm and a unique look with oversized heads and expressive black eyes — caught on quickly. Fans loved the simplicity, the cuteness, and most importantly, the diversity in characters.
The simplicity of the Pop! design has since become Funko’s trademark. The figures aren’t overly detailed but capture the essence of each character with broad paint designs, making them easily recognizable and endearing.
By the time Mariotti took over, he saw the potential in obtaining rights to a wide variety of properties. His team started by establishing connections with big-name franchises like Marvel and DC, but Funko didn’t stop there. They secured rights from nearly every entertainment company, including Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal. This move allowed Funko Pop! to expand into various genres, reaching fans of everything from horror and anime to retro TV shows and niche video games.
The Pop! line was a hit, especially for collectors.
Why Funko Pop!s Make the Perfect Collectible and Gift
1. Diverse Fandoms
The great thing about Funko Pop!s is that they cater to nearly every fandom. Whether you’re into Star Wars, Stranger Things, or classic rock bands, there’s a Pop! for you. The figures also appeal to diverse interests and tastes, meaning collectors can build highly personalized collections. And that’s really what any collection is all about — an expression of the collector’s personality.
Beyond that, it’s also about nostalgia. You can surround yourself with your favorites of any genre, platform, or era.
You’ll also find a diverse amount of variants for your favorite characters. Funko prides itself on creating multiple variations of characters for fans to enjoy.
They also recently added a new feature for fans — custom figures. You can create mini-me versions of yourself or your friends, family, coworkers.
2. Affordability and Accessibility
Unlike other high-end collectibles (vintage Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc.), Funko Pop!s are much more affordable for most fans, and you can find them everywhere (online, major retailers, second market collector stores).
Typical Pop!s are priced between $10-$12 for brand new base figures.
For more collectible variants — and those that are less prevalent on the shelves — you can still nab some excellent pieces from $15 to $50.
Sure, limited editions, exclusive figures, and rare finds can be much pricier (as with any collectible line).
But the base figures are reasonably accessible, making it easy for fans to start a collection without breaking the bank.
The affordability has helped Funko Pop!s become a “gateway collectible,” inviting new collectors into the hobby and allowing veteran collectors to grow extensive collections.
3. Perfect Gift for Any Occasion
Funko Pop!s are ideal for gifting because they’re so universally appealing. The simple, playful design suits almost any age, and there’s a character for virtually every interest. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, a Funko Pop! figure allows you to tap into someone’s unique fandom.
There’s even a selection of holiday-themed Pop! figures, from Halloween icons to Christmas classics, making them a fun and memorable gift choice year-round. You can even nab a coveted Happy Birthday Pop!
If you know someone’s interest, Funko Pop!s are the perfect gift. The people you gift them to can start their own collections and/or decorate their spaces/offices/desks, all while keeping them in their original boxes for added eye candy, or letting them out to play.
Funko Pop!s are the perfect year-round gift for anyone.
The Future of Funko
If you’re thinking about starting any type of collection, it’s always good to explore the potential of the line you’re looking to invest time, money, and heart in.
These plastic delights aren’t going anywhere.
Funko Pop!s have seen exponential growth, with over 20,000 unique figures produced since their inception — and there’s no sign of slowing down. The company continues to release Pop!s that reflect new releases in movies, gaming, and TV, as well as timeless classics, ensuring its relevance to every new generation. As Funko expands into other merchandise, from apparel to home decor, the brand’s footprint in pop culture continues to grow.
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Funko has managed to bottle the magic of fandom in a single, pocket-sized figure.
Here at The Toys of Our Lives, we have almost 2,000 Funko Pop!s — everything from affordable base figures to highly collective grail Pop!s.
Come out to the store to check out our collection or scroll through our online store to find every Pop! we have on the floor. You never know when you might find a favorite character for your collection!