Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectibles

BC USA Erasers Make School Supplies Fun

By Ashley Heaton
September 2010

^{With additional reporting by regional correspondents Marie Raven, Brenda Ruggiero, Chris Lundy and Pete Fernbaugh}

In July 2010, TDmonthly Magazine spoke with 38 specialty retailers about their best-selling collectible toys and gifts. Their responses crowned BC USA’s Iwako novelty erasers an overwhelming favorite. Uglydolls from Pretty Ugly LLC and Madame Alexander dolls from Alexander Doll Co. Inc. still hold sentimental value for children and adults, while card games including Pokémon and Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering continue to be solid sellers. See the rest of TDmonthly’s top-10 most-wanted collectibles below.

Iwako Donut Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES

Iwako Donut Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES These donut erasers have interchangeable parts that can be removed and reassembled. They come in six colors and are available in "vanilla" and "chocolate" versions.
— In summer 2010, nine of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly that Japanese erasers are a top-selling collectible item. Nancy Hanson of The Toy Box in Friday Harbor, Wash., cited sales of four to five Iwako erasers each day. 8/9/2010

Silly Bandz Zoo by BCP IMPORTS LLC

This 24-pack includes giraffes, flamingos, elephants, hippos, kangaroos and rhinos. Silly Bandz bracelets are designed to be collected, worn and traded with friends.
— In July 2010, Richard Gibson, owner of Learning Express of Newton in Newton, Mass., told TDmonthly of rubber band bracelets, “We've always had them, (but) they just started getting hot. Kids come in with 30 or 40 on their hands, then they trade them. All of a sudden, they just kind of took off."
— In a summer 2010 survey, eight of 38 retailers named rubber band bracelets a best-selling collectible item.
— TDmonthly first reported on kids collecting rubber band animals back in 2005. 8/9/2010 (MSRP: $4.95)

Two Foot Ugly Mij Uglydoll by PRETTY UGLY LLC

This oversize green Mij plush stands a whopping 24" and is designed to be ultra-huggable.
— Uglydolls are “so different; they have an unusual charm to them. They're cuddly," Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly in July 2010.
— Eleven percent of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2010 that Uglydolls are a collectible best seller. 8/2/2010 (MSRP: $50.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Papo Silver Weapon Master and Horse by HOTALING IMPORTS

This knight action figure wears a suit of silver armor decorated with a unicorn emblem. The set includes a horse figure with matching armor.
— Eight percent of 38 retailers told TDmonthly in July 2010 that Papo figures are a top-selling collectible. 8/9/2010 (MSRP: $11.55)

Magic: The Gathering 2011 Booster Pack by WIZARDS OF THE COAST

The collectible card game's 2011 Core Set is available in booster packs featuring five different cover art images. Each pack includes 15 cards.
— In a July 2010 survey, two of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly that Magic: The Gathering cards are a best-selling collectible item.
— In August 2010, three percent of 43 specialty retailers named Magic: The Gathering a best seller in the card game category. The game was also mentioned as a top-selling overall item. 8/9/2010 (MSRP: $3.99; Age: 13 and Up)

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver 2010 Collector Tin by POKEMON USA

In this collectible card game, players work with powerful Pokémon to become a Pokémon trainer. Each tin expands increases game play choices, and contains one promo foil card and four booster packs.
— In July 2010, five percent of 38 surveyed retailers told TDmonthly that Pokémon cards are a top-selling collectible. 8/9/2010 (MSRP: $11.99)

Dolly Pink by COROLLE DOLLS

This stylish 16" Les Dollies doll comes with a bright, bold outfits and colorful hair rooted hair to match. She has a vinyl face and a soft cloth body.
— In a summer 2010 TDmonthly survey, two of 38 toy and gift retailers named dolls a best-selling collectible. One retailer cited Corolle as a top brand. 8/9/2010 (Age: 3 and Up)

Evil Icecream Figures by DKE TOYS DISTRIBUTION

These vinyl toys are each sold individually in a window box. The figures 2" to 5" and include the characters Evil Icecream, Ice Clown, Creepsicles and Zit Chip.
— Jennifer Schneeweis, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, told TDmonthly in summer 2010, "I've ... done really well with vinyl figurines from DKE. The Kidrobot-type stuff is everywhere, and these are different and new."
— In a July 2010 survey, five percent of 38 specialty retailers named vinyl toys a top-selling collectible. 8/9/2010 (MSRP: $20.00)

Die-Cast Pull-Back Mini Train by SCHYLLING

These die-cast trains measure 3” long and are powered by pull-back motors. The trains come in assorted styles and colors. "The Mini Trains are a perfect item to keep by the cash register for that impulse purchase for the antsy child," said Stephen Medina of Schylling Toys.
— "I do new die-cast, [including] Schylling," said Anna Barr, owner of Anna's Toy Depot in Austin, Texas.
— Among Schylling die-cast items mentioned to TDmonthly by retailers in spring 2007 were classics, pull backs, tractors, school buses, jumbo jets, ambulances and lawn mowers.
— In summer 2010, two of 38 retailers told TDmonthly that toy trains are a best-selling collectible, with one specifically naming Schylling’s Die-Cast Pull-Back Mini Train. 5/22/2007 (MSRP: $1.60; Age: 3 and Up)