Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectible Toys

By Justina Huddleston
September 2014

^{With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero}When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in August 2014 about their best-selling collectibles, we learned that licensed toys featuring Star Wars, Frozen, and Thomas the Tank Engine were all popular. Not into licensed toys? Collectible figures like PAPO Knights and Calico Critters from INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS were popular too.

You can learn more about these, and all of the Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectible toys, below.

^{*No manufacturer paid to be included in the Top-10 list below. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.}

2in1: Disney Frozen "Chilly Fun" by LEE PUBLICATIONS

Take an exciting adventure as two sisters discover themselves and the meaning of true love. The activities include Magic Pen® Painting, Invisible Ink and Sticker Puzzles. The Special Pen reveals the invisibly printed pictures. The Special Pen also produces a rainbow of colors instantly. Unscramble the stickers to create a surprise picture.
Book 1: Each book includes 24 pages of fun and a special pen.
Book 2: Each book includes 24 pages of fun, a special pen and 2 jumbled sticker puzzles.
— In a August 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Frozen licensed products were their best-selling collectible toys.

8/28/2014 (MSRP: $3.99; Age: 3 and Up)

LEGO Ninjago The Golden Dragon 70503 by LEGO

Lloyd, the golden ninja, has summoned the powerful Golden Dragon into an epic stand-off against Lord Garmadon's minions. Attach Lloyd onto the Golden Dragon and soar into battle. Avoid the launching catapult attacks with the huge extending wings. Fire the dragon sphere! Harness the power of the Golden Dragon to send Lord Garmadon's soldiers back underground. Includes 3 minifigures with weapons: Golden Ninja Lloyd, scout and warrior.
— Joe Berardoini Jr, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that though they don't carry many licensed toys, LEGO Ninjago does well.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, 50% of retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO items were overall best-sellers at their stores.
— In a August 2014 survey, Sunni, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that LEGO Ninjago is one of their best-selling lines of collectibles. 1/14/2013 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 8 to 14)

Star Wars Yo Men High Performance Character Yo-Yos and Action Stands by YOMEGA

The newest, coolest way to play and display your yo-yos with the most popular characters from the Star Wars Universe! Yomega Yo Men include a Star Wars Yomega Fireball yo-yo, cradled in a highly detailed Action Stand sculpted in the character’s likeness. Each yo-yo features a bold Star Wars character image and logo, plus Yomega’s patented transaxle system that allows for high speed and smooth spins. Star Wars Yo Men Wave 1 includes Darth Vader, Clone Trooper, Yoda and General Grievous.

2/12/2014

Panini Sticker and Album Collections by THE AQUASTONE GROUP

Panini stickers and albums are household brands in 110 countries worldwide. "With over 700 licenses, Panini is making its first official foray into the U.S. market," Isaac Wolman, CEO, The Aquastone Group, North American distributor for Panini SPA, told TDmonthly. "When children buy the sticker album, repeat same-store purchases of an average of 23 sticker packs follow. With a firm retail price of $1.00 on both the sticker packs and albums (regardless of the size of the retail outlet), the Panini model is designed to ensure maximum sales and repeat traffice for the retailer." Launch date: April 30, 2010.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toy Shop in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Panini Sticker Books are one of the store's best-selling collectible items. 3/15/2010 (MSRP: $1.00; Age: 5 to 14)

Beanie Boos - Slush by TY INC.

Beanie Boos - Slush by TY INC. This Beanie plush line from Ty features 8” characters and includes such favorites as a penguin, a panda, a koala, a monkey, a frog, and a Husky dog.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: According to the user, the smile was crooked and the toy was taller and thinner than depicted, rendering it less adorable.
— Beanie Boos were popular sellers at My Club Tabby in Lake Charles, La., in March 2010, Owner Natalie Comeaux told TDmonthly.
— In a May 2012 survey, two out of 11 retailers said that TY Beanie Boos were their best sellers in the Plush and Puppets category. John Taylor, owner of O.P. Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 48 TY Beanie Boos each month. ( Watch Video) 3/25/2010 (MSRP: $8.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Calico Critters: Bunk Beds by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Calico Critters: Bunk Beds by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC Cloverleaf Corners is a magical place of imagination, where animal families all live together, as well as play, laugh, learn and love. There are charming homes, playgrounds, toy shops, schools and more! Each parent is about 3" tall, child 2.25 " tall, and baby 1.25" tall. The clothing is removable and everything is interchangeable. This is the Bunk Beds Set.
— In a June 2014 survey, Joel Dinkins from Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that Calico Critters bunk beds is their store's best-selling furniture.
— Mary Whitbrod, owner of Imagination Station in Toledo, OH, told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Calico Critters was the store's best-selling line of collectibles. 6/29/2014 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 3 to 7)

POP! Thor 2 Dark World Vinyl Bobble Head by FUNKO INC.

Directly out of the Thor: The Dark World movie! The Thor The Dark World Thor Marvel Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head features the protagonist and title hero from the original Thor film as a 3 3/4-inch tall bobble head.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Pop! Figures from Funko are one of the store's best-selling collectible items.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that Funko was one of their best-selling licensed toy brands. 8/28/2014 (MSRP: $13.99)

Papo Malta Knight by HOTALING IMPORTS

Papo Malta Knight by HOTALING IMPORTS The Malta Knight figuring from Papo is detailed play figure ready for action. With his sword raised and helmet turned to face his assailant, he can stand alone or ride one of the man armored horses available in the line. The Malta Knight wears chain mail and a bright red tabard emblazoned with a white cross, finished with period inspired details like his shoes, helmet, and scabbard.
—“[Our best seller is] Papo action figures by Hotaling Imports. We can't keep them on the shelves,” said Kathy Burns, manager of My Favorite Toy Store in Downer's Grove, Ill., during a July 2010 survey of top-selling action figures.
— Nine out of 38 retailers said Papo is a best-selling item in their stores.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Childrens Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells "a couple dozen" Papo knights each month, making them her best-selling action figure. 8/30/2010 (Age: 3 and Up)

Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway 5-in-1 Up and Around Set by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Create up to 5 different layouts with this 20-piece play set. Includes Thomas, 17 pieces of track, a bridge and a tunnel.
— Grafton Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that Thomas the Tank Engine toys are their best-selling licensed products.
— In a February 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Thomas & Friends sets from Fisher-Price were among their best-selling wooden toys.
— In a February 2015 survey, Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding (aka Sand Castle Toys Inc) in Mattapoisett, Mass., told TDmonthly that Thomas & Friends trains are her some of her store's best-selling wooden toys. 2/26/2013 (MSRP: $50.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Brio Farm Railway Set by SCHYLLING

Brio Farm Railway Set by SCHYLLING This rural railway set has the classic Brio quality and features a barn with loading crane, farm engine with wagon, farm tractor with trailer, farm animals and hay bale.
— In a February 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Brio Trains were among their best-selling wooden toys.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Ok., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Brio was one of the store's best-selling brand of collectibles.
— In a February 2015 survey, Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding (aka Sand Castle Toys Inc) in Mattapoisett, Mass., told TDmonthly that Brio trains are her some of her store's best-selling wooden toys. 4/29/2013 (MSRP: $59.99; Age: 3 and Up)