To understand which brands or series are currently popular in collectible toys and which ones might become future collectible hotspots, you can employ the following methods:
Social Media Observation
Follow brands and communities related to designer toys on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. These platforms are where toy enthusiasts share their collections and discuss the latest products. Observe popular tags and trends, gaining insights into ongoing discussions. Here are some well-known brands and communities on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
Kidrobot is a brand renowned for designer toys and urban vinyl art. They share their latest products and collaborations on Instagram.
Mighty Jaxx is a Singapore-based designer toy company known for creative and unique collectibles. They showcase their latest creations and limited editions.
Toy Art Gallery is an art gallery in Los Angeles specializing in designer toys and contemporary art. They share works from various designers on Instagram.
Spanky Stokes is a toy enthusiast and blogger who shares his collections, reviews, and news about designer toys on Twitter.
CoART Magazine focuses on urban vinyl art and designer toys, sharing information about new releases and events on Twitter.
Designer Toy News provides news and reviews about the designer toy world, sharing the latest industry trends on Facebook.
This is a Facebook group dedicated to designer toy collectors worldwide, where members share their collections and insights.
A community on Facebook that focuses on designer toys, providing information about new releases, events, and industry news.
Engage in Toy Communities
Online communities and forums are gathering places for toy enthusiasts. Joining these communities, interacting with other collectors, and sharing your interests can provide real-time information about current popular brands and series. Here are some well-known designer toy online communities and forums where enthusiasts discuss and share their insights:
An online magazine focused on designer toys, art, and culture. It covers new releases, artist interviews, and events.
specialized Facebook group that gathers designer toy collectors globally, allowing members to share collections, exchange experiences, and stay informed about new releases.
Kidrobot’s official forum, a place to discuss their products and other designer toys.
A community dedicated to vinyl toys, where members share their collections and provide buying advice and industry news.
A community centered around action figures and models, covering various toy types, including designer toys.
Reddit hosts several subreddits dedicated to discussing various types of toys, including designer toys.
A community that extensively discusses various toys, including designer toys, action figures, and collectibles.
Follow Trend Magazines and Blogs
Some magazines and blogs focus on reporting the latest trends in designer toys and art. These media outlets often introduce new products and share stories about designers and brands. Subscribing to these magazines or blogs will keep you informed about industry trends. Here are some media outlets that concentrate on reporting the latest trends in designer toys and art:
An online magazine specializing in designer toys, art, and culture. It offers detailed coverage of new releases, artist interviews, and events.
A blog covering designer toys, art, and culture. It provides content about new releases, artist features, and industry news.
Clutter is a print magazine with an online platform. They report on designer toys, art, and pop culture, including artist interviews and reviews.
This blog focuses on designer toys, custom toys, and urban vinyl art. It offers information about industry trends, new releases, and artist features.
The Designer Toy Awards is an annual event honoring innovation and excellence in the designer toy industry. Their blog covers news and events related to designer toys.
Tomopop is a community centered around toys, models, and collectibles. They provide articles about new products, reviews, and industry news.
Attend Trend Art Exhibitions
Trend art exhibitions showcase the works of emerging designers and brands. Participating in these exhibitions allows you to see the latest designer toys firsthand and discover potential future collectibles. Internationally, there are some well-known designer toy and art exhibitions. Here are a few:
DesignerCon is one of the largest designer art and toy exhibitions in the USA. The event brings together designers, artists, and collectors globally, showcasing various designer toys, custom art, and trends in pop culture.
Toy Fair New York is one of the world’s largest toy trade shows. While primarily for industry professionals, it also serves as a significant event for designer toys and art.
Art Toy Culture (South Korea)
This international exhibition in Seoul, South Korea, focuses on toy culture. It displays works from global designers and artists, attracting toy enthusiasts worldwide.
ToyCon UK is one of the largest designer toy and art exhibitions in the United Kingdom. It gathers designers and manufacturers globally, showcasing a variety of designer toys and unique art pieces.
Art Basel is one of the most important art exhibitions globally, held in Basel, Miami, and Hong Kong. While primarily focused on traditional art, it has incorporated trends in art and designer toys in recent years.
Follow Limited Editions and Special Versions
Limited editions and special versions in designer toys are often more popular because of their uniqueness and limited supply. Brands and designers frequently release specially designed versions that may become future collectible hotspots.
Understand Designer and Brand Storiesal Versions
Many designer toys have unique stories behind the designers or brands. Understanding the creative inspiration and stories behind these designs can help predict whether a series or product might become a future collectible. Many designer toy designers and brands have official websites and social media accounts where they share their creative concepts, design processes, and latest works. Browsing through this content allows you to gain deeper insights into the inspiration and motivations of designers.
Market Research and Auction Results
Regularly conduct market research and keep an eye on the auction prices of designer toys on platforms like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Heritage Auctions, Bonhams, and Phillips. Auction results reflect the actual value of a brand or series in the market and are essential indicators of their popularity. Please note that designer toys might fall under different auction categories, such as modern art or designer collectibles. Before participating, thoroughly understand the rules and processes of the auction platform.
In the process of exploring valuable collectible toys, we’ve learned seven key steps. From understanding brands to market trends and delving into designer stories, it all makes up a fascinating journey of collecting. We hope these steps provide you with guidance, making you more adept in the world of designer toys.
Collecting designer toys is not just about accumulating items; it’s about participating in a community full of creativity and passion. By interacting with other collectors and designers, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the charm of this field.
A Friendly Reminder
In your journey of collecting designer toys, keep that curiosity alive and relish the joy of discovery. Each collectible has its unique story, and every collector has their own narrative. May your path in the world of designer toys be filled with excitement, and each discovery be a unique experience!
