Childhood Toys From the 2010s That Are Already Becoming Collectibles
It might feel like just yesterday, but the 2010s are already becoming a nostalgic decade—and so are the toys that defined it. From interactive gadgets and viral fads to pop culture tie-ins and creative kits, many childhood favorites from the 2010s are quickly gaining value in the collector’s world.
Whether they were played with every day or sat unopened on a shelf, these toys are now being sought after for their rarity, condition, and cultural impact. In this article, we’ll explore the standout toys from the 2010s that are already turning into collectibles—and might just be worth digging out of the closet.
| Toy | Description | Why It's Collectible |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchimals | Interactive toys that hatch from eggs, released in 2016. | High demand during launch, unique surprise element, nostalgic appeal. |
| L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls | Layered unboxing experience with dolls and mystery accessories. | Billion-dollar brand, unboxing trendsetter, strong collector community. |
| Monster High Minis | Miniature, gothic-themed dolls with blind-box packaging. | Detailed design, rarity, part of a popular narrative universe. |
| Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures | Stylized figures with oversized heads covering pop culture icons. | Limited editions, wide variety, strong fan and collector demand. |
| LEGO Friends Sets | Mini-doll based building sets centered in Heartlake City. | Diverse characters, evolving themes, large number of unique sets. |
Key Takeaways
- Hatchimals captivated children in 2016 with hatching eggs, leading to high demand and collectible status.
- L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls' multi-layered unboxing made them a sensation, achieving $4 billion in sales by 2018.
- Monster High Minis, with their gothic charm and rarity, became treasured collectibles for their unique design.
- Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures' stylized features and limited editions make them highly sought-after pop culture collectibles.
- LEGO Friends Sets, launched in 2012, are evolving into collectibles with diverse characters and a vast Heartlake City universe.
Hatchimals: The Egg-citing Craze
Hatchimals burst onto the toy scene in October 2016, enchanting children with their unique ability to hatch from eggs. The Hatchimals hype was undeniable, capturing the imagination of kids everywhere. You'd nurture your egg, enthusiastically awaiting the magical moment of egg hatching when your new robotic friend broke free.
This element of surprise made Hatchimals an instant holiday sensation, leading to massive demand and frenzied shopping sprees. The initial lineup included creatures like Bearakeet and Owlicorn, each one adding to the excitement. Despite some hiccups with the hatching mechanism, the allure remained strong.
Kids loved the nurturing aspect, while parents appreciated the toy's ability to engage children in interactive play, making Hatchimals a must-have collectible of the decade. Spin Master later introduced Hatchimals Colleggtibles in 2017, shifting the focus to miniature figures that became immensely popular.
L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls: Unboxing Delight
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Although the toy landscape was already buzzing with excitement from Hatchimals, L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls exploded onto the scene in December 2016, capturing the hearts of children and collectors alike. You'd find yourself swept up in the unboxing excitement, peeling back layer after layer to reveal: Their rapid rise saw sales skyrocket to $4 billion by 2018, surpassing traditional giants like Barbie. The brand's innovative marketing strategies have created significant shifts in toy industry dynamics, with the mystery-packed design and YouTube-fueled marketing making them a staple in collectible culture, proving irresistible to both kids and nostalgic collectors. The surprise factor enhances the unboxing experience, making purchases more exciting for both children and adults alike. Step into the enchanting world of Monster High Minis, where tiny gothic gems await. These miniature collectibles capture the eerie charm of Monster High with their intricate detailing and gothic aesthetics. Each mini figure is a surprise, hidden within a blind box that makes collecting all the more exciting. You'll love how they keep the iconic character designs intact, despite their smaller size. The stackable locker packaging doubles as both display and storage, enhancing their appeal. These minis are more than just toys; they're part of a narrative universe that encourages creative play and self-expression. Monster High promotes individuality and creativity, inspiring children to explore their unique styles and embrace their differences. The lasting legacy of collectibles from the 1990s shows us that toys can evoke nostalgia and emotional connections, making them cherished items. Regardless of your age as a child or an adult collector, the rarity and detailed accessories of these figures make them a prized enhancement to any collection. Funko Pop! Vinyl figures have become pop culture icons with a fascinating expedition. Originating as Funko Force 2.0 in 2010, these vinyl figures boast a unique Design Appeal, characterized by oversized heads and stylized features. Their Cultural Impact is undeniable, with figures covering everything from superheroes to musicians, making them a staple in comic stores and beyond. Funko Pop! Vinyl figures have sparked a new addiction among fans and collectors, becoming the company's most successful product line. The Cabbage Patch Kids craze of the 1980s shows how collectible toys can become cultural phenomena, with Funko Pops following a similar path. You'll find: These factors contribute to their collectible status, with rare Pops fetching high prices. Regardless of nostalgia or novelty, their appeal continues to grow, securing their place in the collectible world. Figures captured the hearts of collectors, LEGO Friends sets have built a lasting legacy by appealing to a new generation of builders. Launched in 2012, these sets introduced the mini doll evolution, offering realistic proportions and diverse characters. Initially spotlighting Andrea, Olivia, Stephanie, Mia, and Emma, the series has evolved to feature a new diverse cast including Aliya and Nova, reflecting progressive values and interests. Set in the lively Heartlake community, the themes investigate friendship and everyday adventures. The series aligns with LEGO's broader commitment to sustainability, as seen in their efforts to use renewable materials by 2030. You'll find creative sets like the "Fusion Resort Designer" blending physical and digital play. With over 620 sets released, the colorful Heartlake City has become a cornerstone for collectors, making these sets a cherished part of any collection. You've seen how toys from the past influence modern toy design trends through design innovation and the nostalgia factor. Toymakers blend retro aesthetics with new tech, creating hybrids like LED-powered Lite-Brite reboots. They utilize surprise elements and unboxing rituals, seen in L.O.L. Surprise! toys, to captivate today's kids. By reviving beloved concepts with a modern twist, they capture both children's imaginations and adult collectors' hearts, shaping the industry. You're right to question the safety concerns with these toys. They've faced numerous toy recalls due to safety issues. Choking hazards, magnetic ingestion risks, and toxic materials were prevalent, prompting stricter safety regulations today. Despite being collectibles, the risks remain if they're not used cautiously. Watch for broken parts or loose magnets, and always guarantee they're displayed out of children's reach to prevent accidents and comply with updated safety standards. When you're evaluating collectible value, focus on scarcity, demand, and nostalgia factor. Toys that are rare and hard to find often skyrocket in value. Demand plays a huge role, especially if a toy's tied to popular franchises or cultural phenomena. Nostalgia drives collectors to seek items from their past. Condition also matters; mint packaging and authenticity enhance worth. Always check for limited editions or exclusive releases—they're usually more desirable. You've probably noticed how online groups have played a huge role in enhancing toy popularity. These communities share unboxing videos and create hype that taps into the nostalgia factor, making toys more desirable. They also facilitate trading and selling, turning these toys into must-have items. Social media challenges and influencer content keep the excitement alive, ensuring these toys remain relevant and sought after long after their initial release. You're likely wondering which toys from the 2010s might gain value over time. Look for those with nostalgic appeal and rarity factors, like L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls and amiibo Figures. The unique packaging and rare versions make them desirable. Disney's "Frozen" toys, driven by timeless popularity, are another good bet. Shopkins, with their discontinued lines, also stand a chance. These toys' limited editions and beloved franchises make them prime candidates for increasing value.Monster High Minis: Tiny Gothic Treasures
Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures: Pop Culture Icons
LEGO Friends Sets: Building a Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions
How Did These Toys Influence Modern Toy Design Trends?
Are There Any Safety Concerns With These Collectible Toys?
What Factors Determine the Collectible Value of These Toys?
How Have Online Communities Contributed to These Toys' Popularity?
Which 2010S Toys Are Most Likely to Increase in Value Over Time?
