When you think about the toys, games, movies and television shows you loved as a child, what do you think of? Which characters and stories immediately spring to mind? There’s something special about bringing that love into 2025, being an adult, and holding a piece of your childhood in your hand.
Whether it’s a classic figure, a retro game, a limited edition artwork, or even a replica prop, merchandise and toys that evoke a sense of nostalgia can instantly transport you back to your favourite morning cartoons, a memorable gaming session, or a movie marathon with friends. That’s the power of nostalgia collecting.
Around the world, collectors are embracing merchandise that celebrates the stories, characters, and fandoms that shaped their passions. From gaming, anime, and comics, to movies and television, the market for nostalgic collectibles is booming. But why is it suddenly so popular?
Let’s Break it Down: What is Nostalgia Collecting?
When it comes to nostalgia collecting, it’s not solely about owning as many random items as possible. It's about reliving the experiences and emotions that defined you as you transitioned from childhood to your teenage years and into adulthood.
It spans multiple fandoms, including gaming, anime and manga, movies, TV shows, comics, and pop culture; anything that takes you back and reminds you of your passions from the past can be part of nostalgia collecting.
Every nostalgic collectible is a connection to your past, letting you relive moments of joy, excitement, and discovery once more. These items aren’t just decoration or to show off as part of a wider display; they’re conversation starters, storytelling devices, and personal time machines.
Why Nostalgia Collecting is Rising Rapidly
There are a lot of reasons behind the rising popularity of nostalgic collecting, such as:
Accessibility: Online marketplaces, fan communities, social media and Just Geek make rare and retro items easier to find than ever.
Limited Edition: Collectors are drawn to exclusive, numbered, or limited edition items, knowing that scarcity increases value and significance.
Reboots: The resurgence of classic franchises in movies, TV and games keeps old favourites relevant and spurs on collector demand.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest continually showcase curated nostalgic collections, inspiring fans to start or expand their own.
Investment Potential: High-quality collectables often retain or increase in value, making nostalgia collecting appealing not just emotionally, but financially.
Shared Experience: Collecting allows fans to engage with communities, trade one item for another, and display their favourite fandoms alongside other enthusiasts.
With nostalgia collecting, collectors and fans can reconnect with their favourite franchises, engage with other fans, and showcase items that hold meaning.
My Hero Academia: Ochaco Uraraka TUBBZ (First Edition)
£19.99
Zero gravity, maximum cuteness! Ochaco Uraraka joins the duck pond as an adorable First Edition TUBBZ. Dressed in her signature hero costume, this aspiring Pro Hero is ready to take on any challenge. A must-have for My Hero Academia fans,… read more
How to Welcome Nostalgia Collecting into Your Space
Nostalgia collecting isn’t just about what you own and showing off the limited edition items you’ve managed to bag. It’s about how you engage with your collection and the joy you get from seeing it every day. This is why it’s important to welcome nostalgia collecting into your space in a way that elevates the experience, making it more than just a collection of toys, figures, artwork and replicas.
Create a Dedicated Corner: It’s a good idea to allocate a shelf, cabinet or desk to your favourite franchise. Highlight your most loved pieces and create a narrative through your display.
Blend Franchise Eras: There’s nothing wrong with combining classic and modern items for a dynamic, layered look. For example, displaying a retro console alongside a new limited edition figure creates a story that spans decades.
Use Risers and Stands: All your collectibles deserve a moment to shine, so use risers and stands to make sure each one is seen. Layering figures or statues adds depth and ensures every piece is clearly visible, turning your collection into a gallery.
Rotate Collectibles: There’s nothing stopping you from swapping items seasonally or for special occasions. This keeps your collection fresh and makes revisiting old favourites exciting.
Nostalgia collecting is the perfect way to enjoy your personal experiences with different franchises whenever you’re in the mood, while also letting you show them off to others in a tangible, visible way.
My Hero Academia: Shota Aizawa TUBBZ (Boxed Edition)
£14.99
Eyes open. Quirk erased. Aizawa enters the TUBBZ universe wrapped in capture gear and sleep-deprived readiness. Calm under pressure and boxed for deployment, he’s a one-man shutdown, no spotlight required. Key Details Official My Hero Academia Merchandise Designed by Numskull… read more
FAQs: Nostalgia Collecting
Can nostalgia collecting be done on a budget? Yes, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy nostalgia collecting. Though some rare and limited editions can be expensive, you can start with affordable prints and figures that still capture the essence of your favourite franchises.
How should I display my nostalgic collection? There are a lot of ways to display your collection, including using shelves, risers, themed corners, lighting or wall displays. Collections can fit into gaming dens, bedrooms, home offices or living spaces, depending on your style and space.
Can nostalgia collecting be an investment? Yes, depending on what you collect. Some limited edition and rare collectibles retain or increase in value over time. The emotional value comes first and foremost, but financial value can be a bonus.
