Boys Collectables - a round-up of collectable

Boys and Bandai their toys

With toys shops open, hopefully boys will be popping in after school and at the weekends to spend their pocket money on the latest collectable. So what’s looking popular for this summer and beyond? TnP fi nds out...

Collecting can prove not only to be a fun hobby, but if you’re patient enough, it can be quite profi table too!

One of the most popular collectables according to our indie retailers are Pokémon cards, and one of the rarest from 20-plus years ago could be worth more than £200,00! The 1999 Holographic Shadow-less First Edition Charizard, with a ‘PSA 10 Gem Mint’ rating, recently sold on eBay for $311,800 (£226,761). Even more common cards such as the Charizard Holo cards from the 1999 base set are known to fetch between £3,000 and £7,000, despite the fact that there are more than 10,000 in circulation.

This fun fact was revealed in a new study by Money.co.uk, which showed the most popular and valuable collectables around the world.

So what about today’s collectables for boys? Spin Master is well known in the category and offers a wide range, with Monster Jam vehicles, action fi gures from Batman, and Bakugan battling toys. However, it’s skateboarding that’s proving most popular at the moment, as marketing manager Simone Palombi explains: “We’ve found that due to the increased popularity in skateboarding over the past year, there has been a signifi cant drive in sales of Tech Deck Fingerboards.’’

Robots and tech toys are also gaining in popularity, and Thames & Kosmos has just the thing for boys aged six-plus: “For 2021 we are expanding our robotics offering with the introduction of ReBotz, which is due to arrive in the UK in September,’’ says Julia Loeser, science kit sales, marketing & PR manager. “ReBotz is a series of four motorised robot pals that spring into action from a heap of scrapyard parts. Children can collect all four models and the different robot parts are all interchangeable, which will keep inquisitive engineering minds engaged.’’

With screens and games such as Fortnite luring boys in particular away from the toy shop, how are suppliers trying to encourage older boys towards the collectables market?

“Our collectables core target is children aged fi ve to seven, however, we have seen some items, such as toys from the Tech Deck brand, gain popularity among older children due to the skills needed to use them,’’ explains Simone. “Similarly, Bakugan items are steered towards older children as there is a level of skill and ability required to play with the toys alongside their collectability aspect. Children are indeed spending increasing amounts of time looking at screens or playing video games, but the appeal of physical toys and roleplay still remains strong, as does the challenge and mystery of collecting.’’

Julia adds: “2020 has seen a signifi cant rise in STEM toy sales. We think this is due to the fact that it compromises children’s desire to stay on electronic gadgets but also opens up new ways for parents to introduce young children to STEM.’’

When it comes to collectables, ‘the next big’ can be key, and Simone believes “there will be a continued demand for all things skateboard-related. We predict that anything with ‘the fi ddle factor’ will remain successful.’’

Retailer Aamir Yusuf, owner of Totally Awesome shops in Yorkshire, concludes: “Even though we encourage kids and families to get away from phones and tablets, collectables that interact with a virtual world will no doubt be the next big thing.’’

Ask the retailers

What products do you stock in this category and which are your best sellers?

We didn’t stock Pokémon until this year, but the popularity has surprised me. As soon as new ranges hit the shelves they fl y. We will be expanding our range of Pokémon this year. Pokémon and Warhammer are our current core brands. For us, Warhammer tends do well from ages 12 to 18. Then there is generally a gap as they discover university and the pub - and then come back into the hobby at 25-30-yearsold. Pushpoppers [from H Grossman under its HGL brand] have been doing well for us. And we are looking forward to getting stock of Loopy Loopers [from Asmodee].

Brendan Will, Will’s Toy Shop, Aberdeen

Our best sellers are Schleich Eldrador creatures. We have always done well with Squishmallows; customers ask for them every day.

Lisa Clay, Armadillo Toys, Chapel Allerton, Leeds

We stock Schleich animal fi gures and sales always ticks along. We don’t see great surges, although I have a lad who collects them. He saves his birthday cash and pocket money, so we have a bit of a peak in the week when he comes in and suddenly splurges on them!

Richard Barsley, Barsleys Department Store, Paddock Wood, Kent

We stock a range called Arty Toys by Djeco, which is really popular. Kids always come back to add to their collection and are excited when we bring out new characters - we have a huge Arty Toy character in the shop that children love!

Simon Russell, Crafts4Kids, The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle, Nottingham

Our two best sellers are Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards. We fi nd a lot of teenage boys are still keen collectors of Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards.We are planning to bring in a wider range of Pushpoppers.

Samantha and Laura Clare, Toys Plus, Blackpool and Cleveleys, Lancashire

A myriad of options

MATTEL

01628 500 000 | www.mattel.com/en-gb

Mattel offers an impressive range of boy collectables from its portfolio of brands including names such as Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, Jurassic World, Disney Pixar, WWE, and Minecraft.

In 2021 Hot Wheels introduces Disney Character Assortment to its diecast range. The assortment of 1:64 scale vehicles with realistic details and authentic decos is as magical as the characters they represent.

Expanding the world of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks is the new Monster Maker. This item integrates Monster Trucks and 1:64 scale Hot Wheels cars to deliver an entirely new way to play. The assortment has different coloured truck chassis, and each comes with two Hot Wheels diecast to mix and match.

A monster of a collection!

FLAIR

0208 643 0320 www.flairgp.co.uk

From Flair and Just Play comes an exciting selection of boys collectables. The monster war ranges in the boys aisle as Flair celebrates the release of Godzilla vs. Kong with its collection of MonsterVerse figures. Adding to the Classic Toho figure assortment, Flair introduced a selection of movie figures at the start of this year, including 6in articulated figures. Having launched with five figures to collect, Flair has since unveiled a special monster character - Mechagodzilla - following the announcement that Godzilla vs. Kong would see the return of this formidable character. Like the other figures, Mechagodzilla features an impressive attention to detail, including removable chunks of flesh!

There are also larger articulated characters available: look out for the 11in Giant Godzilla and Kong assortment, as well as the 13in Mega Godzilla and Mega Kong figures, which have lights and sounds features, and a mechanical battle action.

Jada speeds ahead

SIMBA SMOBY TOYS UK

01620 674 778 uk.simba-dickie-group.com/en/home

Revved up and on the way to a strong year of growth is Simba Smoby Toys UK’s collectable die-cast vehicle brand Jada Toys. Celebrating the best in action film merchandising with scaled replicas of the most memorable wheels, these models feature an impressive level of detail. A must-have for any Bat-fan is the collection of 1:32 scale Batman vehicles: each of the six packs contains a metal figure and vehicle modelled on Batman’s on-screen appearances.

The Fast & Furious collection, which is also part of Jada’s Hollywood Rides series, will enjoy greater traction this year with the release of the F9 movie this month. Fans can collect cars from the eight-film, multi-billion-dollar franchise, as well as new additions from Hobbs & Shaw.

Meanwhile, there’s an egg-stra helping of collectable fun to be had with the Ryan’s World Mystery Eggs! Boys can create their own unboxing videos as they crack open the bright yellow egg to reveal a free-wheeling 1:64 die-cast fantasy race car hidden inside. With 12 die-cast vehicles waiting to be unboxed, including the Combo Panda Speedster and Ryan’s Muscle Car - plus one chase model - the race is on to collect them all!

A must-see in the Jada Toys collection is the 1:24 scale diecast range inspired by Marvel’s superheroes. From SpiderMan and Iron Man to Black Panther, Groot, Black Widow and Venom, Jada takes the appearance of each character to deliver a fun, instantly recognisable range that is packed with Marvel appeal.

Each Marvel vehicle comes with a 2.75in figure of the character that inspired it. A popular choice in the range is the Groot 1963 VW Microbus, with tree vines painted along the van’s side panels. Or for something a bit fancier, there’s the Black Panther Lykan Hypersport.

VIVID TOYS

01483 449944 vividtoysandgames.co.uk

Ryan’s World continues to go from strength to strength, with the Ryan channels racking up more than 4.3 billion UK lifetime views (YouTube data, January 2020); Vivid’s retail sales up 15% for the year-to-date (YTD); and the brand holding its own as the number three property in the preschool toys category (NPD YTD data, August 2020). Off the back of the overall brand success, Vivid is launching a range of new product for 2021.

Ryan’s World Tour is a key new brand initiative, with a product range based around Ryan and his adventures learning about different countries. The line includes new collectable fi gures and playsets from all four corners of the globe. Collect 80 different versions of Ryan and his friends, each with a unique style and fl ag sticker for the country they represent. The core of the range focuses on its collectability with single-fi gure Mini Globes, two-fi gure blind bags and a six-pack of fi gures allowing children to build their collection.

In addition to the new World Tour range, the core range of product will be bolstered with new series of all the key collectables including Series 7 of Mystery Figures, Mystery Putty and Mystery Squishy Figures, which sold more than 600,000 pieces combined in 2020. Additional refreshes will be introduced across the range, with some big news coming for A/W21.

Action-packed play

SPIN MASTER

Build and move

MOOKIE TOYS

01525 722769 | www.mookie.co.uk

This year Silverlit will launch BioPods: robotic creatures in pods with three options to choose from creatures in pods with three options to choose from including BioPod Single, BioPod Duo and BioPod in including BioPod Single, BioPod Duo and BioPod in Motion. Build them up and watch them Motion. Build them up and watch them move! Pick up the BioPod Single move! Pick up the BioPod Single or BioPod Duo and build your or BioPod Duo and build your creatures to reveal what lies creatures to reveal what lies inside. Each BioPod Duo also inside. Each BioPod Duo also includes a special glow-inincludes a special glow-inthe-dark creature! BioPod in the-dark creature! BioPod in Motion is a bigger, terrifying Motion is a bigger, terrifying build-your-own robot build-your-own robot with gesture control and with gesture control and frightening sound effects. frightening sound effects. Biopods are targeted at Biopods are targeted at boys aged fi ve and above. boys aged fi ve and above. They offer an exciting buildable They offer an exciting buildable aspect that will steer children aspect that will steer children away from their screens, away from their screens, working towards building their working towards building their BioPods to play with. Make sure BioPods to play with. Make sure to collect them all! to collect them all!

01628 535 000 | www.spinmaster.com

Spin Master offers a wide range of collectables for children of all ages. For younger collectors, there’s a selection of fi gurines from Paw Patrol, while older collectors have the pick of toys from brands such as Monster Jam, Tech Deck and Bakugan.

Spin Master’s Monster Jam brand has an exciting selection of die-cast trucks in its range. The offi cial Monster Jam 1:24 scale monster truck features intricate details and graphics.

Alongside this, Monster Jam also offers a smaller size truck as part of its collectable range. The 1:64 scale die-cast Monster Jam truck is similarly authentic but on a smaller scale. Even at this size, the offi cial BKT Tyres, stylised chrome rims and chassis still deliver the accurate details that children love. There is also an exclusive Monster Jam poster available to help kids keep track of their growing collection. In addition to the 1:24 and 1:64 scale trucks, Monster Jam is introducing a new line of collectable mini trucks. Compact and smaller than ever before, the 1:87 scale trucks are hidden in concealed packaging to add to the fun.

Play and display

BANDAI UK

0208 324 6160 | www.bandai.co.uk

Bandai UK continues to evolve its boys collectables portfolio throughout 2021 with the unveiling of a new range along with extensions to bestselling brands.

Available at retail from this summer and set to create a new playground craze, NanoBytes are collectable real-life items built up as mini pixels. With more than 100 to collect in Series 1, NanoBytes bridge physical and digital play to offer an exclusive ByteWorld experience. With each NanoByte, children scan the QR code found on the collectable to unlock a host of edutainment including fun facts, jokes, how-itworks, and world records. They can then download the free ByteWorld app and enter a code to earn virtual ByteCoins for saving and spending in their own ByteWorld. There, they get to grow their world, and can spend ByteCoin to play games, get exclusive characters, build themed stores (Nano Arcade, ByteMart, BurgerBytes, Bytes Café, Nano Scoops), and play quests. The more NanoBytes that children collect, the more ByteCoins they can earn, and the bigger their ByteWorld empire becomes.

Offering long-lasting, repeat play value, NanoBytes are available as blind foil-bag collectables, complete with a ByteCoin code sticker and collector’s leafl et. A two-pack Nano Case, fi ve-pack and 10-pack blister packs will also be available to further drive collectability blister packs will also be available to further drive collectability and purchase choices. The NanoByte Micro Playsets complete and purchase choices. The NanoByte Micro Playsets complete the initial launch range. Each playset transforms into a full the initial launch range. Each playset transforms into a full diorama as seen within the ByteWorld and includes a limited diorama as seen within the ByteWorld and includes a limited edition NanoByte and exclusive character which gives users edition NanoByte and exclusive character which gives users additional digital benefi ts. additional digital benefi ts. Meanwhile, fans of mega-hit Dragon Ball - one of the most Meanwhile, fans of mega-hit Dragon Ball - one of the most successful manga and anime series of all time - are given successful manga and anime series of all time - are given an entry-price action fi gure range with Bandai’s latest an entry-price action fi gure range with Bandai’s latest collection. The highly-articulated, Evolve Action Figures collection. The highly-articulated, Evolve Action Figures range includes new 12.5cm versions of Goku Ultra range includes new 12.5cm versions of Goku Ultra Instinct Silver, Golden Frieza, and Jiren Full Power Final Instinct Silver, Golden Frieza, and Jiren Full Power Final Form, adding to any Dragon Ball collection at pocket Form, adding to any Dragon Ball collection at pocket money prices. money prices. Dragon Stars is the key collectables range that provides enthusiasts and collectors with highlydetailed and posable 17cm fi gures. With 17 or more points of articulation, these fi gures can be posed in more than 9,000 positions, and each be posed in more than 9,000 positions, and each comes with a second set of hands and/or accessories. comes with a second set of hands and/or accessories. Providing an extensive collection, the latest Providing an extensive collection, the latest character figures to join the assortment in various character figures to join the assortment in various forms include Goku, Vegeta, Gotenks, Broly, Bardock, forms include Goku, Vegeta, Gotenks, Broly, Bardock, Vegito, and Janemba. Vegito, and Janemba. A collection of 10 Dragon Ball Super miniature A collection of 10 Dragon Ball Super miniature characters is also available as 5cm mini collectable fi gures characters is also available as 5cm mini collectable fi gures housed in blind foil bags. Once collected, each fi gure housed in blind foil bags. Once collected, each fi gure comes complete with a stand, allowing children and comes complete with a stand, allowing children and fans to play and display. fans to play and display.

Collectable fun

BASIC FUN!

0118 925 3270 www.BasicFun.com

From an all-new peel ‘n’ reveal unboxing experience to a collection of Tonka machines, there’s plenty of collectable fun for boys to enjoy with Basic Fun!

Following an incredible year for Monopoly, Basic Fun! is set to launch Monopoly Surprise Collectables for A/W21. This collection of blind-boxed, multi-purpose collectables presents boys with a peel ‘n’ reveal unboxing experience. With six different collectable cubes to discover, and fi ve surprises in every pack, children can collect, play, and display more than 20 game tokens. The surprises include heavy-weighted, metal, exclusive tokens, unique coins, new Mr. Monopoly expressions, chase tokens, and more. Not just fun to collect, these collectables can also be used while playing with nearly any version of the property trading board game.

Then there’s Bitty Boomers: a new collectable concept where pop culture, lifestyle, and art meet sound. Available from September, this launch aims to change the way that users hear music. Small in size but big in sound quality, Bitty Boomers are miniature, ultra-portable, wireless Bluetooth speakers. Licensed and shaped like kids’ and collectors’ favourite characters including Spider-Man, Venom, Darth Vader and The Child, these 2in tall speakers can be synced for extra boom and can even be used as a selfi e remote. Plus, once collected, kids can take their speakers wherever they go, thanks to the backpack clip and strap that come included with each one.

Off you pod!

WOW! STUFF

01902 948631 www.wowstuff.com

Wow! Stuff’s fi rst venture into the boys collectables market was with Wow! Pods last October, its toyetic ‘swipe to light’ play pattern targeting boys aged fi ve to 10, and laterally girls.

However, social media was quickly alight with adult collectors and the range sold out in the Xmas launch.

A character sits within the hex-shaped POD with in-built UV lights. Swipe to activate a UV light mystery reveal. Additions for 2021 include Sonic the Hedgehog, Fall Guys, Jurassic World and wave two in existing Marvel, Harry Potter, DC and Disney.

SalesUK@Funrise.com | funrise.com

Collectables with character

CHARACTER OPTIONS

sales@charactergroup.plc.uk www.character-online.com

Character Options is stretching out the play value of its collectable ranges for boys, with a host of new lines from Treasure X, Mash’ems and the Heroes of Goo Jit Zu.

Treasure X remains a top collectable choice for boys, with each season introducing a new aspect to the reveal and collect concept. Big news for A/W21 is the Treasure X Dino Gold range, which brings with it a new egg-themed dig block and eight levels of adventure. Kids can dig through the rock to save the Dino within. A must-see in this range is the Dino Dissection: a giant-sized dissectible T-Rex that comes with an exclusive hunter figure.

Also launching for the second half is Treasure X Monster Gold. Hidden inside each of the Monster Coffin packs is a 5in monster-sized figure. There’s also a new spider egg compound, as well as pop-up scary reveals. Meanwhile, the hero line of the range, the Mega Monster Lab, lets kids create the ultimate monster: this mad scientist lab playset is packed with 20 levels of adventure.

Having marked the brand’s 10th anniversary last year, there’s big news for Mash’ems. This licensed collection of squishable collectables will see plenty of newness added to the range this year, including a Disney Princess collection, a Spider-Man selection, a Paw Patrol collection, and an assortment of Jurassic World characters. Plus, watch out for other new lines: Minions Rise of Gru, My Little Pony, Peppa Pig, Toy Story, Frozen and Harry Potter. This range benefi ts from a massive awareness campaign, including dedicated TV support from this month. Mash’ems’ fi rst TV campaign comprises fi ve different TV adverts, which showcase some of the most popular collections, while also featuring the new licences. From May, Character Options will also be offering a Mash’ems FSDU to ensure the brand remains front and centre not just on the TV screen, but also in-store.

The Heroes of Goo Jit Zu brand remains a top priority, with continued investment and new themes to drive collectability. New for A/W21 is the Galaxy Attack Series, which sees the Heroes embark on a quest to discover the origin of the goo that transformed them into superpowered heroes. Funrise UK continues to illustrate that hitting a bum note is never a bad thing when it comes to boys collectables, with its hilarious Fart Ninjas collection. And the company is letting rip this year, with new farting fi gures to collect and display!

Combining two evergreen play patterns for boys - gross toys and collectables - the Fart Ninjas collection now comprises a frequently refreshed assortment of characters and poses. Kids can choose from a selection of outrageously crude names, as well as a variety of creative formats from this property.

There are motion sensor-activated fi gures that produce realistic fart sounds for unsuspecting passers-by; and Fart Ninjas XL Figures that come with a remote control that allows kids to ‘fart on demand’, as well as a record and play back function for kids to capture their own fart noises. After all, what young boy wouldn’t want to launch a fart attack on his friends and family? Of course, parents and retailers can get creative too, hiding their trouser-trumping friends where children will least expect them…

Plus, there’s more fun to be had with the freely downloadable app, and lots of marketing and PR activity planned throughout the year.

What a pickle!

TWO IN 1 DIRECT

Paul@allin1products.com catsvpickles.com

Having sunk its claws into the collectables category earlier this year, the Cats vs. Pickles collection continues to expand.

Available individually or in themed multi-packs, there are more than 100 styles of Collectable Plushies to collect, Collectable Plushies to collect, and a host of themes to choose and a host of themes to choose from, including Scary Cats like from, including Scary Cats like Skelecat, Foodie Cats like PawSkelecat, Foodie Cats like PawPurr-Oni, and Smarty Cats. Launching in A/W21, Kitty Condos are light-up, customisable Condos are light-up, customisable playsets that stack together to playsets that stack together to create neighbourhoods for the create neighbourhoods for the Plushie pals.

Reinventing the wheel

MAGIC BOX TOYS

01403 251286. www.magicboxint.com

T-Racers are driven by a ‘mix and race’ concept. Each vehicle is made up of three different parts, which can be interchanged to create a favourite car. There are more than 500 combinations, allowing children to build the cars they want. In Series 1, there will be eight drivers to collect, including the ultra-rare X-Racer with a special chrome-like fi nish.

The collectable Turbo Wheel includes one articulated driver and one random car in multiple parts, all within their own opaque envelopes. within their own opaque envelopes.

T-Racers are T-Racers are brought to life with brought to life with 3D YouTube 3D YouTube Webisodes. Webisodes.