7 Tips On Starting An 80s Toy Collection

If you've ever lived during the 80s or are a toy aficionado, you would know that the 80s are considered the golden age of action figure collecting. Although the action figures nowadays are a lot more sophisticated and have better details and articulation, 80s action figures are highly rated and prized by collectors.

This is partly due to the nostalgia factor and partly because the toys of the 1980s were just awesome. During the 1980s, kid's shows like He-Man, Transformers, or GI-JOE were created. These shows were even made to advertise toys.

However, if you want to start your very own 80s toy collection, you should know a few things. Here are 7 tips for starting your own 80s toy collection.

Do your Research

Before you go out and start your 80s toy collection, you should make sure that you do your research. Remember that anything worth collecting could get very expensive. This also goes for 80s toys. So if you invest money in 80s toys or fancy dress you should know what you are getting. 

First things first, there is a process called toy grading. This method is used to determine a toy's value. It might be a bit difficult to grade toys at first, so you will need the help of a specialist. However, as you learn to grade toys more accurately, you could grade them yourself.

Aside from grading your toys, you should make sure that you know which toys are worth collecting. The most valuable 80s toys are usually connected to a toy or movie franchise. One great example is the He-Man TV series. The He-Man toys are based on the much-loved TV series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The TV show first started in the mid-80s, and many waves of toy lines were created. This made the He-Man toy line extremely popular. Other great examples of famous 80s toy lines are the Gi-Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

Know Where to Look For Them

If you are going to collect 80s toys, you should remember that you can only buy them in some places. Their respective toy companies stopped making them decades ago. This is one of the main reasons why 80s toys are very sought after. Although 80s toys are rare, this does not mean you can't find them. You just need to know where to look. Online toy shops are usually the most popular places to look for 80s toys. However, they could be expensive because the sellers already know the product's value.

Aside from buying your toys online, you could also go to flea markets or garage sales. By looking through these options, you will save more on your toys because the sellers don't really know the value of their toys, so you could get them for a bargain price. Remember that there is no guarantee that these toys are in their boxes or don't have any damage.

You must know where to look for your collectibles; however, you should also remember that looking for toys is part of the adventure, so you should enjoy every bit of it.

Build a Great 80s-themed Shelf for Your Collection

Once you've amassed a respectable collection of 80s toys, it’s time to find suitable storage for them. When it comes to storage for your toys, it is usually a good idea to use a shelf because it has great visibility. However, seeing as you are going to collect 80s-era toys, your shelf should also fit in with the theme.

One of the most iconic aspects of the 80s is its neon signs. Arcades and movie houses use neon lights and signs, so it is a good idea to incorporate these elements into your shelves. You might hesitate to use neon signs because they were considered expensive before. Nowadays, though, companies such as Gindestar can create quality mini neon LEDs and other neon lighting options that will come in handy when creating a theme for your collection. Their neon products are high quality and surprisingly affordable.

Go to Toy Conventions

Aside from buying your 80s toys online or at garage sales, attending toy conventions is also a good idea. These conventions usually contain great finds you always need to find in online shops. What's more, toy conventions are great places to meet like-minded individuals that you could form lasting friendships.

Join Online Communities

It is also a good idea to reach out to online communities. By doing so, you can make contact with fellow toy aficionados. They are not only a great source of knowledge on 80s trivia, but they could also give you great deals on toys.

Get some Toy Insurance

If you first heard the words toy insurance, your first reaction would most likely be to laugh. Who would have their toys insured? It's not really a common concept. However, you should remember that you are spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on these toys. They might even be called luxury items. So it is a good practice to have your toys insured. They will not only be protected from unforeseen damage, but you will also have peace of mind.

Learn Proper Toy Maintenance

When it comes to having a toy collection, you must learn proper toy maintenance. Remember that 80s toys have been around for some time. Three or so decades is more than enough to destroy any toy. So it is important that you regularly clean them and keep them away from direct sunlight. If your toys are in their original package, then you should clean them and check them for wear and tear.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of starting your very own 80s action figures, you should know where to start. With these great tips, you'll be able to create a truly great collection of toys from the 80s.