Collectible toys are nothing new, but their appeal has continued to grow since the 1960s. Fortunately, modern parents are more aware of the potential value of collectibles, which means that your tween or teen won’t have to track down their favorite toy again years later on eBay. Instead, collectibles for teens can provide a nice infusion of cash once they decide it’s time to let them go.
For now, though, what’s important is to help your child express themselves through collectibles. After all, almost everyone goes through a collection phase—be it toys, comic books, or cards. Embracing this is a good way to enable tweens and teens to discover more about themselves! Read on as we point out some of the hottest current toy collectibles for your tween or teen.
Figurines: Collectibles for Boys and Girls
When kids are younger, they care more about playing with their toys than collecting them. Over time, though, they’ll stop playing with toys. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean they don’t want new toys; it simply means they’ve discovered a new way to get joy from them.
The good news is that we feature ultra-realistic looking toys. So, for example, let’s say your tween wants to set up a scene and display it. Suddenly, figurines like the Mandrill or Komodo Dragon take on a new meaning. Is your teen into dragons? Help them set up their room with collectible figurines such as the Twilight Dragon or the Jungle Dragon.
Good Luck Minis Help Create a Scene
Good Luck Minis are another thing that can help your tween or teen create a specific scene for display. Each bag comes with eight different miniaturized figurines. They’re highly detailed and will make any display pop! The wide array of choices include:
- Arctic Fun Pack
- Backyard Fun Pack
- Birds Fun Pack
- Coral Reef Fun Pack
- And many, many more!
Let them continue to engage their imaginations without feeling like they’re simply playing with toys. These mini figurines can also come in handy with certain school projects.
The Allure of Limited Editions and Exclusives
Telling someone about a limited edition toy naturally creates more interest in it. In fact, it can produce a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out). These collectibles can transcend a teen’s feelings of being ‘too old’ for toys, too.
We offer a small but impressive list of limited edition and exclusive toys. For instance, are they into Disney? We carry the LEGO Disney Lilo & Stitch Angel Set.
Do they prefer Hello Kitty items? Grab them one of the limited edition Hello Kitty and Friends from tokidoki. These tokidoki-ified Sanrio characters make fantastic collectible art!
Has your teen become a LEGO master builder? The Super Mario: Mario Kart - Mario & Kart Set features 1,972 pieces! They’ll spend quite a while building this set, which is intended for experienced LEGO builders only.
Building Models is the Teen Way to Play with Toys
Models and toys aren’t the same, although they fill a similar role in a tween or teen’s life. These intricate model kits are made for those 12 and up. Encouraging your child to build models will keep them happily occupied. Some of the best models are Transformers, including:
- Blokees Transformers Classic Class 02 - Bumblebee Rise of the Beasts Figure Model Kit
- Blokees Transformers Classic Class 01 - Optimus Prime Rise of the Beasts Figure Model Kit
- Blokees Transformers Classic Class 09 - Optimus Prime (Transformers 2007 Movie) Figure Model Kit
Marvel also offers a comprehensive line of models, such as:
- Blokees Marvel Cinematic Universe Champion Class Deadpool Figure Model Kit
- Blokees Marvel Infinity Saga Champion Class Captain America Figure Model Kit
- Blokees Marvel Infinity Saga Champion Class Thor Figure Model Kit
Provide Nostalgia with Toobs & Bundles
Believe it or not, it’s quite common for tweens and teens to feel nostalgic for their younger childhood experiences. A good way to tackle this feeling is by offering them Toobs & Bundles. We suggest making these part of their Christmas stockings. They may say that they’re ‘too old’ for toys like these, but it’s a safe bet they’ll play with them in private.
Reignite their passion for dinosaurs with the 70 pc Plus-Plus T-Rex Tube or the 70 pc Plus-Plus Spinosaurus Tube. Alternatively, you can help them daydream about seeing the world with the Around The World TOOB®. Just a few other examples include:
Building LEGO Sets is for Kids and Adults
Young children who play with LEGO sets develop core skills for future learning of math and writing. Adults, meanwhile, can boost their creativity, reduce stress, and break out of mental ruts. Your tween or teen rests somewhere in between, thereby making LEGO sets a fantastic gift!
Our shop includes LEGO sets for a variety of age groups. Focus on one of the following for your tween or teen:
- LEGO Botanicals Bouquet of Pink Roses
- LEGO Star Wars Home One Star Cruiser Building Set for Adults
- LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 W15 Race Car
Encouraging Your Tween or Teen to Keep Playing
Playing serves an important role in your child’s life, whether they’re a toddler or a tween. However, once a child reaches their tween years, they’ll probably start to feel embarrassed by wanting toys. Why does this happen? It’s a matter of wanting to seem cool. In other words, they give into peer pressure.
Instead of letting your child get rid of all their toys, ensure you keep at least their favorites. Plus, talk to them about the importance of accepting themselves, rather than pretending to be someone else. It’s common for tweens who don’t feel accepted to try to gain more independence and trust, which they sadly equate with getting rid of their toys.
To make them feel more comfortable, try not to rely on praising them for doing things that seem grown up. The truth is that if you imbue them with a sense of freedom and trust, they’re likely to remain childlike for longer, which is a good thing! This is also a vital way to help counteract adults who don’t believe that playing with toys is a ‘serious’ enough activity for tweens and teens. Furthermore, keep in mind that their version of playing will keep evolving as they get older. Therefore, it’s a wise idea to embrace:
- Hobbies and collecting (sneakers, toys, skincare items)
- Social and performance play (music, improv, drama)
- Digital and creative play (video games, Dungeons & Dragons, building complex models)
- Physical and exploratory play (dancing, outdoor activities, sports)
Remember: Creativity, fun, and social connections are equally important, regardless of what age range your child is. Therefore, help them keep playing and having fun!
