Funko Pop! Figures and Beanie Babies: A Collector’s Dilemma

The comparison between Funko Pop!® figures and Ty Beanie Babies® often arises, as both have gained popularity as collectibles during their respective eras. However, key differences between the two should be considered when deciding whether to collect Funko Pop! figures.

Funko Pop! figures boast a diverse range of subjects, featuring pop culture icons (e.g., Princess Diana), television characters (e.g., Ted Lasso), movie characters (e.g., Star Wars, Marvel), and real-life celebrities (e.g., Britney Spears, LeBron James). This variety has enabled Funko Pop! to sustain its appeal among a wide array of collectors and enthusiasts. Additionally, the company consistently releases new lines and limited editions, fueling ongoing interest.

In contrast, Beanie Babies experienced a bubble in the late 90s, marked by a rapid surge in popularity and value, followed by an abrupt decline. This downturn was partially due to market oversaturation and the misconception that these toys would serve as long-term investments. Ty has since adapted with the introduction of Beanie Boos®.

As a collector, it is crucial to evaluate your reasons for collecting. If you genuinely appreciate Funko Pop! figures for their artistic and nostalgic qualities, collecting them can be an enjoyable and fulfilling pastime. However, if you’re pursuing collection with the intention of making a profit, it’s important to bear in mind that collectibles’ values can be volatile and may not consistently appreciate. You might end up with a valuable Funko Pop! collection that brings you joy or a closet full of vinyl figures with little worth, reminiscent of your mom’s once-cherished beanies.

In conclusion, the decision to collect or not to collect Funko Pop! figures should be driven by your personal interests and enjoyment, rather than solely banking on potential financial returns.

What’s New in LEGO and Disney Collaborations?

In celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, LEGO® has released some new sets for Disney® fans.

LEGO is celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary with the release of the new LEGO Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House (43217) set. The set, which is available now, features a detailed section of the iconic house from the Disney and Pixar film ‘Up’, as well as 2 LEGO minifigures (Carl Fredricksen and Russell), a LEGO dog figure (Dug), a wilderness explorer backpack and an adventure book.

The LEGO Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House (43217) set is perfect for fans of the film and LEGO builders age 9 and up. The set is challenging and rewarding to build, and it features a variety of details that will appeal to fans of the film. We noticed that Carl’s minifigure includes his grape soda button on his lapel.

For the younger building, LEGO is celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary with the release of the new LEGO Disney 100 Celebration Train (43212) building toy. The set, which is available now, features a train with 3 themed train ‘parade floats’, a station, 6 LEGO minifigures: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Moana, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Woody.

The LEGO Disney 100 Celebration Train (43212) set is perfect for fans of Disney and LEGO builders ages 4 and up. The set’s minifigures feature character details that will appeal to fans of Disney.

The LEGO Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House (43217) and The LEGO Disney 100 Celebration Train (43212) commemorate the Disney’s 100th anniversary. These sets are must-haves for fans of Disney and LEGO® builders.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks vs Spin Master Monster Jam

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Spin Master Monster Jam have some differences in design, features, and licensing. Here’s a quick comparison of the two.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Spin Master Monster Jam are two popular toy lines that feature monster trucks. As they are produced by different companies, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Spin Master Monster Jam have some differences in design, features, and licensing. Here’s a quick comparison of the two.

Manufacturer: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are produced by Mattel, an American toy company, while Spin Master Monster Jam trucks are made by Spin Master, a Canadian toy company.

Design: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks often have a more stylized and exaggerated design, with some trucks featuring unique themes, colors, and graphics. In contrast, Spin Master Monster Jam trucks are designed to closely resemble their real-life counterparts, both in terms of appearance and detailing.

Licensing: Hot Wheels has a mix of original monster truck designs and a few licensed ones from various automotive and entertainment brands – Marvel, Star Wars, Nickelodeon, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Ford. Spin Master, on the other hand, holds the official license for Monster Jam, a popular monster truck event series in North America. As a result, their toy line features replicas of real-life Monster Jam trucks like Grave Digger, Max-D, and El Toro Loco.

Compatibility: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are compatible with Hot Wheels Monster Truck playsets, making it easier for collectors to integrate them with their existing Hot Wheels collections. Spin Master Monster Jam trucks are compatible with Monster Jam playsets or tracks.

Features: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks often focus on stunt (crushable or connect/crash cars) and crash playsets, while Spin Master Monster Jam trucks may come with additional features, such as obstacles or ramps for added play value.

Scale: Both Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Spin Master Monster Jam offer a range of scales, with 1:64 being the most popular. Both also offer larger, more detailed 1:24 scale trucks for kids and collectors to enjoy.

Ultimately, the choice between Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Spin Master Monster Jam comes down to personal preference, brand loyalty, and whether one is looking for stylized, original designs or more realistic event trucks. Our young staff member at Toy Choo Choo is an avid Monster Jam enthusiast who also cherishes his Hot Wheels Monster trucks featuring Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and SpongeBob SquarePants. He appreciates the Hot Wheels playful designs and the way they pay homage to his beloved characters.