Four ways to turn your toy collection into cash with hidden gems
DISNEY toys are some of the most valuable collectables.
Last week was the 20th anniversary of Finding Nemo’s release, so it may be time to dig out your toys.
Mitchell Kaba, Lead Specialist & Director of Cataloging at Julien’s Auctions, reveals how to find a valuable hidden gem.
TIN IT TO WIN IT: Mitchell says: “Wind-up tin figures are the most sought-after.
“The Tipp & Co Mickey and Minnie Riding A Motorcycle toy recently sold for nearly £200,000 at auction.
“The Mickey Mouse Organ Grinder tin toy in the original box still sells for around £20,000.”
My tip: Check all the stalls at your local car boot sale just in case it’s been missed.
BOOK IT NOW: “Comic books are a good investment,” says Mitchell, “and many people have them tucked away somewhere in a pile without realising they could be worth a fortune.
“The Dell Publishers’ Walt Disney’s Donald Duck from 1940 has sold several times in the £16,000-£25,000 range.
“If you have a stack of comics in your loft, check them now.”
My tip: Head to charity shops, which often have boxes of comics, or ask the staff as they may have a stack they haven’t sorted through yet.
LOOK LIVELY: Mitchell says: “With each subsequent generation there will always be a shift in interest.
“As children born in the 1980s and 1990s get older, they desire the character items related to the films they saw when they were kids, such as Little Mermaid or Lion King.”
My tip: Keep an eye on new Disney release dates and anniversaries. Finding Nemo bedding sold for £200 on Ebay last week, while snow globes can go for up to £319 each.
STICK TO THE RULES: Mitchell advises: “When it comes to collectables, just buy the items you like and keep them in the best condition possible. That’s how you maintain their value.”
My tip: Only buy what you can afford. There’s no guarantee a toy’s price will increase, but keeping it in the box will help keep its value.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
JUMP into the week with an inflatable bouncy castle that’s perfect for parties. Now on offer at B&M for £100, usually £150.
SAVE: £50
Cheap treat
TRY a home manicure using Barry M Velvet nail paint – usually £3.99 a bottle, now £1.99 at barrym.com.
SAVE: £2
What's new?
TAKE a trip to Hobbycraft to decorate for a birthday party on a budget.
There’s a range of new decoration deals including three packs of latex balloons for £3 and packs of LED tea lights reduced to £2.75.
Top swap
GIVE your dad a Davidoff Cool Water gift set, £27, thefragranceshop.co.uk for Father’s Day.
Or head to Home Bargains, where their Bleu Water one is just £3.99.
SAVE: £23.01
Leah's little helper
ICED latte season has definitely arrived and you can make your own at home using the new Espresso Maker, now in Lidl stores for £9.99.
Shop & save
FORGET the ice cream van – a three-pack of Classic Magnums are now reduced from £3.25 to £1.62 when you use your Tesco Clubcard.
SAVE: £1.63
Hot right now
PICK up the Ambiano chocolate fountain for £12.99 instead of £22.99 at aldi.co.uk.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!