2/3 of people will not sell these popular toys despite income potential

UK survey data shows that 47% of parents and grandparents said they have no intention of selling their loved toys. 65% are planning to pass them on to their children and grandchildren. Despite the potential of additional income to offset rising living costs, most people would rather save their old valuable toys to pass down to future generations.

Marg Randles, Co-founder of Busy Bees commented: “No matter how drastically toys may have changed in the past 40 years, it’s the values of play that remain the same and that’s why so many parents and grandparents want to pass on the beloved toys from their childhood to share in their joy with future generations.”

These are the top 10 most popular toys that parents and grandparents have kept:

• Barbie 
• LEGO 
• Hot Wheels
• G.I. Joe
• Suzy Homemaker
• Fisher Price Telephone
• Lite-Brite
• Slinky 
• Rubik’s Cube
• Nerf Ball

Number of people in the UK searching for these toys every month, in order of popularity:

1. Lego – 658,000
2. Barbie – 105,000
3. Hot Wheels – 57,000
4. Slinky – 10,000
5. Nerf Ball – 900
6. Fisher Price Telephone – 400
7. G.I. Joe – 70
8. Rubik’s Cube – 50
9. Lite-Brite – 20
10. Suzy Homemaker -10

How much these original toys can sell for on eBay in the UK, in order of highest price:

1. Lego – up to £3,995
2. Hot Wheels - £3,999
3. Barbie - up to £2,500
4. Slinky – up to £118.99
5. Nerf Ball – up to £101
6. Rubik’s Cube – up to £75
7. G.I. Joe – up to £63
8. Suzy Homemaker – up to £60
9. Lite-Brite – up to £40
10. Fisher Price Telephone – up to £25

How toys have changed over time

The way toys are made has changed drastically over the years. Manufacturing has advanced, and natural materials have given way to plastic, but there are many other notable differences in how toys have changed over the years, as well as the ways children interact with them. A key change is an advancement in technology, which has undoubtedly made a huge difference in the way children want to play. Although toys such as SEGA and Game Boys have been around since the ‘80s, the way technology has adapted has meant that electronic toys are much more accessible for children now. 

How toys help with children’s development

Aside from the obvious factor of toys being fun, they also have many positive effects on children’s development, including:

• Encourage learning
• Build self-confidence
• Improve motor skills
• Promote physical activity
• Enhance social skills
• Accelerate creativity and imagination