DIY Toy Display Ideas: Showcase Your Treasures with Style and Flair!

Are you a proud toy collector looking for creative ways to show off your cherished treasures? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with some fantastic DIY toy display ideas that will make your collection shine. Let’s get started!

1) Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a sleek and modern way to display your toys while keeping them safely out of reach. Simply install some shelves at different heights, then arrange your toys by color, size, or theme. This will create a stunning visual effect that’s sure to impress your guests.

2) Shadow Boxes

For a more dramatic display, consider using shadow boxes. These enclosed frames allow you to showcase your toys in a museum-like setting, protecting them from dust and damage. You can even add a personal touch by creating custom backdrops or including small props to bring your toy scene to life.

3) Custom Built-In Cabinets

If you’re handy with tools or have access to a skilled carpenter, consider designing custom built-in cabinets to house your collection.

These cabinets can be tailored to fit your space and accommodate various toy sizes. Here are a few ideas:

Include glass doors to keep your toys visible yet protected.
Add interior lighting to highlight your toys and create a striking display.
Incorporate adjustable shelves to accommodate different toy heights and allow for easy rearranging.

4) Repurposed Furniture

Vintage or thrifted furniture can be a budget-friendly way to create unique toy displays. Look for pieces like old bookcases, dressers, or china cabinets that can be transformed with a fresh coat of paint and some creative staging.

5) Magnetic Boards

For smaller toys or action figures, magnetic boards can be a fun and interactive display solution. Simply attach magnets to the back of your toys and arrange them on a magnetic board. This makes it easy to change up your display whenever inspiration strikes!

6) Themed Dioramas

Get creative by crafting themed dioramas to showcase your toys in action. For example, build a miniature cityscape for your superhero figures or a whimsical forest for your fairy tale characters. You can use materials like foam core, cardboard, or craft supplies to bring your vision to life.

7) Hanging Displays

Make use of vertical space by creating hanging displays for lightweight toys. You can use fishing line, ribbon, or clear plastic cords to suspend toys from the ceiling, creating a floating effect. Just be sure to secure them safely to avoid any accidents!

8) Rotating Displays

If you have a large collection and limited space, consider rotating your displays periodically. This will keep your collection fresh and give each toy its moment in the spotlight. You can even create themed displays based on seasons, holidays, or special events.

9) Display Cases

For fragile or rare toys, display cases can provide the ultimate protection. Look for cases with built-in lighting and adjustable shelves to create a stunning focal point in your home.

10) Mix It Up!

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different display methods to find what works best for your collection. Mix and match these ideas to create a dynamic and engaging showcase that reflects your unique style and personality.

In conclusion, displaying your toy collection should be as fun and creative as the toys themselves. With these DIY display ideas, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your home into a toy collector’s paradise. Happy displaying!

DC Comics Batman Adventure Batman Vs Bane Action Figures Review

Shoutout to our friends @spinmaster toys for hooking us up with this sweet DC Batman Adventures: Batman vs Bane Action Figures set!

Whether you’re a collector or looking for a gift for a younger fan, this DC Batman Adventures: Batman Vs Bane double action hero set is a must have! With comic style detailing, these 12-inch figures have an impressive 17 points of articulation and they are customizable with 14 unique and interchangeable armor accessories! Mix and match these armor pieces to create endless looks!

We literally scoured the internet trying to find where in Canada to get this. We couldn’t even find it on Amazon or eBay so our best advice is to check out the Spinmaster toys website to find a retailer near you!

We received this gift courtesy of @thisisbutterly & @spinmaster toys

10 Gift Ideas for The Adult Toy Collector

‘Tis the season for joy, laughter, secret Santa, and of course, the arduous task of gift searching. If you’ve got a beloved toy collector in your life, don’t sweat it, for Santa’s very own content marketing specialist is here to gift you with ten fantastic Christmas gift ideas.

Pinch of Pixar: This season, add some whimsy to their collection with a limited edition Pixar figurine. These high-quality replicas add a sprinkle of childhood nostalgia to any collection and are a sure-shot hit for every Toy Story, Cars, or WALL-E fanatic.
Masterly Miniatures: If your toy-enthusiast appreciates craftsmanship, miniature architectural models are calling your name. From the intricate towers of Hogwarts to the majestic Titanic, these sets will provide both hobbyist joy and a delightful display piece.
LEGO Lovers’ Delight: The iconic plastic bricks aren’t just for kids. The recent LEGO releases cater to adult collectors, including intricate replicas of famous city skylines. And if they’re Star Wars fans? The Millennium Falcon set will make their Christmas truly out of this world!
A Piece of Pop: Funko Pop’s charming figurines are a great pick for a modern collector. With a vast range to choose from, including iconic characters from movies, TV series, and comic books, you’d be hard-pressed not to find a figurine that tickles their fandom!
Tactile Tinkerer: 3D wooden puzzle models like the UGears collection are fantastic for a hands-on collector. The mix of building, artistry, and mechanics make every piece a memorable keepsake that channels the spirit of childhood in every adult!
Action Figure Fervour: An action figure of their favorite superhero or anime character is a timeless gift. With beautifully detailed designs and interchangeable accessories, these figures will help your collector recreate epic battle scenes from their favorite franchises!
Modeling Magic: Airfix model kits offer an exciting journey from a box of plastic components to an astonishingly authentic display piece. A Spitfire or a Lamborghini, perhaps?
Time-Honoured Trains: For a more traditional touch, consider a vintage-inspired model train set. With an old-world charm, these sets delicately blur the line between toy and treasure, making it an excellent pick for those who cherish history and artistry.
Box of Board Games: A deluxe version of a classic board game like chess, scrabble, or monopoly could be a fantastic pick for those collectors who love a bit of social interaction with their collecting!
Gift Cards for Collectors: Undeniably, choosing for a collector can be strenuous. For a no-fail option, a gift card to their favorite toy store or an online marketplace is a great choice. It allows them to hunt down that elusive piece they’ve been stalking for months!

With these gifting gems, we guarantee your presents will be serving up some happy, toy-filled memories these holidays! Remember, elves, in the world of adult toy collecting, it’s not just the thought that counts, it’s also the fun of unwrapping a gift that adds a quirky, enjoyable chapter to their unique collecting journey.

Don’t forget: while you’re shopping for your toy collecting loved one, why not pick up something extra and drop it off at your local malls toy drive for kids in need? ‘Tis the season to give!

So, let’s step into Santa’s boots, tip-toe down the chimney, and deliver that festive joy, one perfect gift at a time. Merry (toy-filled) Christmas!

Unleashing Your Inner Superhero: 10 Fun Comic Book Costumes for This Halloween

Hello, fabulous readers!

Are you tired of the traditional ghost, witch, and vampire Halloween getups? Well this year, you deserve a transformation that is bolder, brighter, and super fun. Bring your favorite comic book superheroes to life with these exuberant costume ideas! Pulling off a superhero disguise has never been easier.

The Classic Superman: One of the most recognizable comic book characters of all time, Superman’s gear includes a blue bodysuit with his iconic red cape waving behind. Recreate those childhood intensified moments with your very own Superman Halloween costume.
The Marvelous Wonder Woman: Make a bold yet elegant statement as the Amazonian princess. Don your gold tiara, red bustier, blue shorts, and don’t forget the “Lasso of Truth” to capture your Halloween spirit!
The Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star-Lord: Steer your Halloween in a cosmic direction. The Star-Lord costume, complete with a burgundy jacket and mask, is both cool and unusual.
The Invincible Iron Man: Blast into action with a crimson and gold suit! Halloween isn’t complete without the high-tech hero–bonus points if you add LED lights for the eyes and hands.
The Mysterious Batman: Nostalgic of the golden age of comic books and Batman movies? Step into the dark night with a bat-themed ensemble. Keeping it captivating with black from head to toe.
Captain America, The First Avenger: Salute this Halloween with the red, white and blue. Captain America’s uniform, with distinctive shield, is always a favorite pick.
The Enchanting Scarlet Witch: Capitalize on the ‘WandaVision’ trend with a Scarlet Witch superhero Halloween costume. The red leather jacket, black bottom, boots and the crucial accessories – gloves with red energy emblems will make a hit for sure.
The Mighty Thor: Reward yourself with the mantle of the God of Thunder. A muscular bodysuit combined with the renowned hammer, Mjölnir, will give you a god-like presence on Halloween night.
Black Widow’s Power Packed Combat Suit: Unravel the mystery of Black Widow in her black stealth suit. Dare to be different, and keep it sleek with her signature weapon, the Widow’s Bite.
The Indomitable Black Panther: Become the undefeated King of Wakanda, costumed in a sleek black bodysuit. This not only brings an icon to life but pays tribute to the legendary Chadwick Boseman.

These superheroes aren’t just for the comic books; they’re mighty personas waiting to be unleashed by you! This Halloween, step beyond the fantasy and become the hero you were always meant to, even if just for a night. You are never too old for some comic book magic, and hey, who says adults can’t have all the fun!

After all, Halloween is not just about adding a chilling factor. It’s about exploring your style, celebrating creativity, reliving childhood memories, and making new ones. So whip out the Halloween candy, string up the spooky decorations, and most importantly, indulge in becoming your favorite comic book superhero for a night to remember.

Whatever you end up choosing, make sure it’s a character you love and feel comfortable portraying. Remember, superheroes may have superpowers, but their greatest power is their human spirit, just like ours. So here’s to an epic Halloween filled with adventure, fantasy, comic books, and unforgettable superhero costumes. Let the transformation begin!

Fanaticcon 4 (Ottawa) 2023

We have been and done, Fanaticcon 4 in Ottawa!

This was our third time attending this local comic, game and toy convention. It’s always great to see how hard everyone worked and how it all came together. It was great to get out and mingle with some familiar face and meet some new ones.

We did our rounds and checked out all the amazing vendors. We brought our two youngest kids this year. It was fun and both of them (plus the Mr.) left very happy shoppers having found some treasured comics and must have video games.

I think the highlight for all of us this year (aside from going to begin with) were the cosplayers walking around. Incredible jobs done on their costumes and being in character just put the cherry on top. They’re always also so friendly and welcoming to take a picture! We ran into a Jawa, Darth Maul, and we also saw the capital ghostbusters among many other characters. So fun!

Thanks to the team at Fanaticcon for hosting us! We had a great time! A day well spent! Stay tuned for future announcements about Fanaticcon 2024!

What to bring to an event (besides your smile)

We will be attending Fanaticcon 4 (Ottawa) and Ottawa Comiccon is happening in September plus we also have the Toys, Dolls and Teddys show in October, so many events I don’t know if we can make them all but we will try!

All these events got me thinking about something I could share with our readers, people like us who either participate or attend their favourite collectors events; how to prepare for a fun time and avoid unnecessary stress.

Going to events is always exciting but they can also be costly and overwhelming if you just walk in blindfolded. There are so many people to see and things to look at or do, where do we start?

First off, get tickets early. Don’t wait until the day of the event. Even if tickets are available at the door you don’t want to stand in line and have to wait. Plus, sometimes advance tickets come with perks and a discount.

Dress appropriately, unless you’re in costume. It can get pretty hot even in a well ventilated or laid out area. Lots of bodies in one space heats things up. Luckily, most events have wristbands or stamps or ticket stubs of some kind which allow attendees to go out for fresh air, grab a beverage or whatever and come back to enjoy the rest of the show. Also, wear comfy shoes because you will walk, a lot.

Charge your phone the night before (or if it’s an evening event charge it during the day beforehand) and bring your charger in your car. I once attended an event and had my phone die during a really awesome moment I attempted and failed to capture on video because SOMEONE (me) didn’t think to charge their phone before the event. Don’t do what I did. Don’t miss the moment.

Bring drinks and snacks in a cooler. If the event allows you to leave and come back, you’ll already have some things to munch on from the comfort of your cooler and save on spending at a cafeteria or worse have nothing if the venue doesn’t have any food sources.

Bring a bag. Reusable shopping bags can be found anywhere, usually we keep them in the trunk of our vehicle since you prettymuch need them wherever you shop. This goes for conventions too! You don’t want to walk around with your arms full of goodies (trust me it’s easy to get carried away with buying the things). A simple reusable shopping bag can come in very handy.

If you carry a purse or wallet, bring the bare minimum. I suggest paying cash for any items just to avoid any issues with disloyal currency and maybe theft at a bigger venue with more people. Carrying a heavy wallet or purse is just annoying imo.

Bring your best attitude and have fun! Take your time to look around(maybe you’ll see something and take a trip down memory lane), don’t be shy to talk to the vendors and artists, cosplayers love when you admire their costumes. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, you can still have a full and fun day at an event if you prepare.

Have any tips to add? Leave a comment below this post!

Fanaticcon 4 This Summer!

It’s that time of year again folks, when Mr and Mrs Toybox start getting hyped up for some summer collecting and also summer events happening in our local city!

This summer, geeks and nerds alike will be gathering in Ottawa, Ontario for our favourite local event: Fanaticcon 4!

What is Fanaticcon?

Fanaticcon is described as a fan-driven convention for nostalgic toys, collectors items, games, art, cosplayers and more! It’s a day to get together and celebrate all things geeky with other enthusiasts like you!

What happens at Fanaticcon?

Vendors

Fanaticcon will have over 33 vendor booths to check out featuring some of the Ottawa areas finest nostalgic toys and games vendors, collectibles, artists and much more. There are also games and prizes throughout the day. Make sure to stop at Flacs Collectibles and Kaboom Comics stations!

Cosplay

Expect to see the unexpected! Fanaticcon attendees have amazing cosplay skills and they will definitely be on display once again this year for us to be in aw of! Plus, there’s a contest and you have a chance to win a prize if your costume is judged THE BEST of Fanaticcon!!! So fun!

Celebrity encounters

Come and rub elbows with some spectacular special celebrity guests like Abby Hagyard (You Can’t do that on TV/Carebears), Ken Sangoes (Nightmare on Elmstreet 3), Kurt Lehner (Celebrity Artist) and more including Lance (the loser) from Canadas Worst Driver 6 for pics, chats and fun!

I did actually meet the real Abby but this prop was too fun to pass up!

There is just a whole lot of awesome going on at Fanaticcon, it’s impossible to write it all here in the blog. Seriously, you walk in and it’s like 🤯 – mind blown, where do we start!!!

If you get VIP tickets and come early you get first dibs on all the vendors. Plus, kids under 12 get in free and have the chance to get a surprise bag (first come first served).

How much is it to get in Fanaticcon?

$15 at the door 11am-5pm or $20 early bird VIP 10am-5pm. Kids under 12 are free!

When and where is Fanaticcon?

August 13th 2023 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Center

Find all the info on the Fanaticcon Ottawa Facebook Page

This will be our 3rd Fanaticcon and we are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new geeks and nerds like us!

‘80s Nostalgia: Calico Critters!

Back in the good old days of the 1980s, Mrs Toybox had some little tiny animal friends called Calico Critters. They’ve become very popular around the world since then, also going by the name Sylvanian Families.

One hobby we have is searching local online markets for nostalgic toys to both buy and we also post ones to sell that we’ve acquired. One search lead back to childhood with the Calico Critters.

A seller was selling a brand new Hopscotch Bunny family and a CC Livingroom Furniture set. For the price and the memory, we couldn’t resist. Although her first CC family were bears, she thought the bunnies were absolutely adorable.

A few days later on another pointless search we found a CC cottage with furniture! It’s so friggin cute!

There are so many things to collect for the Calico Critters, you could really spend a fortune. Mrs Toybox is stopping with this one small display. She said she has enough with all her dolls and action figures.

Which CC family is your favourite?

Blast from the past: New Kids On The Block Jordan Knight Fashion Doll

“Oh oh oh oh oh, hangin’ tough!” What young girl in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s was not dreaming of one of the hottest not bands in the world at the time, New Kids On The Block. These guys blew up out of nowhere and they’re faces were everywhere.

The NKOTB phenomenon

Aside from the usual music swag like cassette tapes and posters, you could get a New Kids On The Block cassette tape player, microphone, outfits, hair accessories, keychains, hats, whatever else you can think of and even fashion dolls.

Nine Year Old Me

Nine year old me was recently thrilled when Mr Toybox came home with one of my favourite pop stars of his time: Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block. I actually had the opportunity to party with and also meet him with a group of other ladies back in 2011 during a media conference in Toronto. He’s a pretty cool dude.

These NKOTB fashion dolls were all the rage. They actually had several collections, this one being called “Hanging Loose” which all the dolls are dressed in “street clothes” where the other collection is in concert and the guys wear fancier concert costumes.

About the doll:

Jordan Knight “Hangin’ Loose” Fashion Doll is dressed in a red and black vest over a sleeveless black shirt, he’s wearing black pants, red socks and black loafers. He also has what’s called a “rat tail”. It’s what people thought was “the cool version of a mullet”. Basically cut neat and tidy in the front but turn around and he’s got a kick ass long tiny braid!

Other than that it’s a basic doll but for $13.99 at Walmart back in the day (the original sticker is still on his box!) you couldn’t go wrong! I had the entire “Hanging Loose” fashion dolls collection and a concert version of Jordan and Joe!

I would love to re-collect them all but like any celebrity fashion doll they are overpriced most of the time and hard to find. We got lucky and found this guy on the Facebook local marketplace. I honestly don’t think the seller knew what they had with the price we paid for him, practically a steal! You never know what you’ll get when you shop local!

Happy hunting!

World’s Smallest Micro toys!

Toys. They come in all sizes; even micro!

Miniature board games and popular toys! Perfect for 1:12 scale dolls and doll houses like Calico Critters!

We found these on sale and couldn’t resist, how tiny can you get! Tiny yet highly detailed games and toys for fans of all ages to collect and display. Now available in the world’s smallest size, measuring approximately only 1.25 inches tall, each micro toy has their own uniqueness.

These are so fun but highly addictive because they come with a paper to check off any you’ve collected and see what you’re missing. If you get the surprise boxes like we did, you get 5-8 random items so you could end up with doubles. Good thing is they are super popular so you can always make some money back selling doubles to other miniature addicts.

We do love the detail on each item, Worlds Smallest makes all kinds of cool retro toys and games but in tiny versions. We’ve got many, many different ones.

You can find them often on sale at places like Toys R Us, Walmart or even sometimes at discount dollar stores, always in the toys section.