Top-5 Most-Wanted Collectibles

By Justina Huddleston
September 2013

^{With additional reporting from Brenda Ruggiero}

In an August 2013 survey, TDmonthly discovered that many specialty retailers just aren't that interested in selling collectible items.

However, if you are thinking of carrying collectibles in your store, you can see the top-selling items from three of the retailers we interviewed below — then decide if they're a good fit for your shelves.

Apatosaurus by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The dinosaur Apatosaurus (formerly Brontosaurus) was one of the largest land animals that ever existed. This enormous plant-eater had a long neck, a long whip-like tail, a hollow backbone, peg-like teeth in the front of the jaws, and four massive, column-like legs. This hand painted replica is sculpted in close cooperation with the Natural History Museum of the Humboldt-University Berlin.
— "Schleich animals sell all the time. We have a large display in the back," Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthly in March 2010. She noted her store sells a few dozen Schleich animals per week.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, two out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Schleich was their best-selling brand of action figure.
— In an August 2013 survey Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that Schleich animals are one of the store's best-selling collectible lines. 11/5/2009 (MSRP: $31.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Gem the Deer by TYNIES

Tynies are glass collectibles, introduced in 2008 with 40 different styles. New styles are released three times per year. Each Tynies has a name — each name is three letters. First edition Tynies come on a cardboard base that can be removed by soaking in water for about one minute. Because Tynies are handmade, they vary in color and shape.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that Tynies are her best selling keepsake item. They sell about 200 per month in each store.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly Tynies were their best selling collectibles. Elmer Carranza, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell 8-10 Tynies each month.
— In an August 2013 survey Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that Tynies are one of the store's best-selling collectible lines.

8/25/2009 (MSRP: $2.95; Age: 8 and Up)

Calico Critters Baby Playground Tea Cup Ride by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This set allows girls to take their critter babies for a fun tea cup ride again and again. The base rotates and each individual cup spins when the handle is turned. The tea pot also spins and lifts its lid. Puppy babies Chubby and Spottie are included.
— In late Spring 2011, 4 out of 12 retailers said toys from Calico Critters were their best-selling play sets. Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., said she sells between 30-40 Calico Critter products each month.
— “Calico Critters is one of our best sellers as a brand,” Kristen Dolle, owner of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.
— In a June 2010 survey, five percent of 40 retailers named Calico Critters as a best-selling toy for girls. 7/29/2010 (MSRP: $23.99)

Breyer Mystery Foal Surprise by REEVES INTL. INC.

Breyer Mystery Foal Surprise by REEVES INTL. INC. This three piece set comes with a mystery foal, whose color is a surprise. This set features a grey stallion and a black mare, and their foal remains hidden in its stall until the package is opened. A fun visual lesson in horse genetics, the foal's coat color and pattern will be based upon the coat color and patterns of its parents.
— Denise Magstadt, owner of Imagination Station in Whitefish, Mont., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that they sell 10 Breyer Horses each month.
— Sari Powacek from Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Ariz. told TDmonthly in an August 2013 survey that Breyer horses are one of her store's best-selling collectible lines. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $8.99; Age: 4 and Up)

NurseryTime™ Babies by Adora

Adora’s NurseryTime™ Babies are lovingly swaddled in an adorable jersey one piece newborn outfit and tucked gently inside a cushiony soft baby doll carrier. At just about 2 pounds 7 ounces they are perfect for nurturing. You will adore them from their little button noses...to their tiny little hands and feet. Each handmade doll is created in our exclusive, lightly baby powder scented, Gentle Touch™ vinyl. They are perfect for cuddling with their soft doeskin body and bean bag weighted bottom.
— Sari Powacek from Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Ariz. told TDmonthly in an August 2013 survey that Adora is one of their store's best-selling collectible doll brands. 2/12/2013 (MSRP: $79.95; Age: 3 and Up)