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!
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!
Flacc’s Collectible’s!
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 $20 early bird VIP 10am-5pm. Kids under 12 are free!
When and where is Fanaticcon?
August 13th 2023 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Center
Back in the good old days of the 1980s, Mrs Toybox had some little tiny animal friends called Calico Critters. They’ve become very popular around the world since then, also going by the name Sylvanian Families.
One hobby we have is searching local online markets for nostalgic toys to both buy and we also post ones to sell that we’ve acquired. One search lead back to childhood with the Calico Critters.
A seller was selling a brand new Hopscotch Bunny family and a CC Livingroom Furniture set. For the price and the memory, we couldn’t resist. Although her first CC family were bears, she thought the bunnies were absolutely adorable.
A few days later on another pointless search we found a CC cottage with furniture! It’s so friggin cute!
There are so many things to collect for the Calico Critters, you could really spend a fortune. Mrs Toybox is stopping with this one small display. She said she has enough with all her dolls and action figures.
Before we begin, we know that Mattel is one of the biggest commercial toy companies in the world and while we would love to post a sponsored content, this isn’t one of them.
Ever since she was a kid, Mrs Toybox has been a huge fan of Barbie. While she didn’t have the Malibu or Dream houses, she did have many different Barbie’s.
I’m sure by now you’ve heard that the movie is coming out this summer, unless you’re living under a rock. So naturally there are or were Barbie dolls available.
All I can say is CA-CHING! Wow. For Barbie’s these go from 39.99$ each to 99.99$ each depending which version you were lucky enough to get. Why am I saying this? Our local toys r us sold out within the first day of release. If you wanted a special 99$ Barbie or Ken you’re SOL my friends. They can now be found overpriced on eBay.
Let’s start with Barbie
Isn’t she pretty? I love her outfit and the accessories she is wearing. The pink is just so her.
I wasn’t going to buy Ken
What blasphemy is this? I wasn’t going to buy Ken? Oh good Lordy lord! No, seriously I did not want to spend $80 on two dolls who’ll stay in their boxes because I want them to stay perfect BUT Mr Toybox pointed out that technically they’re a set. So, here we have Ken. Why he is in beach clothes and not town clothes like Barbie is beyond me. I guess I’ll have to see the movie to find out. He doesn’t come with much special other than his loud clothes and a surf board.
I love that they are both ball jointed dolls and can be fully posed with many points of articulation from the head down to the ankles.
So there you have it folks, the collectors editions Barbie Movie Barbie and Ken. Good luck finding them so close to the movie release! 🙂
“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!
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.
Worlds smallest Barbie collection!
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.
Gremlins was a hit movie back in the 80’s followed by Gremlins 2: The new batch in the later 80’s. They were supposed to be horror movies but the gremlins antics ended up making them more of a “family” movie, toys were even marketed for kids.
Growing up we had the posable versions of Gizmo and Stripe (see image below). They were pretty cool for their time; I have always been about details when it comes to toys and even back in 1984 they were fairly detailed for toys that originally were for kids (even though adults like me today would love to get our hands on them).
There have been a multitude of toys and other collectibles depicting gremlins and the popular Gizmo but none compare to the detail and fun of the Gremlins and Gremlins 2 collections by Neca!
Each figure is very detailed down to expressions on their faces and come with little accessories that are sure to bring back the Gremlins movie nostalgia.
You can read about the neca Gremlins release dates here.
Ultimate Gizmo
We started our Gremlins collection with the Ultimate Gizmo. He comes with familiar accessories from the Christmas scene in the movie; the instrument, candy, toys and also multiple faces to pose him with! He can be happy, sad, content; the choices are great! We will most likely unbox this guy for Christmas time.
Ultimate Stripe
Next up we found The Ultimate Stripe which is the “boss” or “leader” of the evil and mischievous gremlins. He comes with a very detailed chainsaw, a skateboard and another metal saw tool. He looks as ugly and angry as he did in the movie; we love it! You know, you can’t have Gizmo without Stripe; they go together!
Winter Gremlins Two Pack
Neca released a set of two Gremlins from the wintery scenes. They come in their winter attire and come with candy cane and a gingerbread man with its head bit off. The detail is phenomenal, I cannot express it enough. Maybe these two are the ones who messed with Mrs Deigle or Billy’s Mom with her cookies!
Ultimate Gremlin
When the gremlins take over the local downtown area (movie theatre, the bar etc), they have a blast. Neca did not disappoint with this gremlin who comes with all kinds of fun party accessories playing cards, candy, cup of pop, a cigarette and a mug of beer!
Ultimate Greta
She is out and displayed in a shelf with lights around to give her that dramatic look! Hello, Greta!
The only female Gremlin in the movie series is called “Greta”. She is from Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Her backstory comes when the gremlins take over a high rise building and one level happens to be a science lab. They get into different experimental potions, each having a different effect. This one pink potion happened to change this Gremlin from male to female with a really comedic lust for a man she sees. Today, what she does would be considered assault but hey it was the 80’s. She was also the sole living gremlin besides Gizmo who survives to the very end of the movie. This figure comes with a potion and a pink feather boa. Greta has “real” hair but her outfit is sculpted and painted on. It’s a beautiful figure to have in the collection.
Back to School Gremlin
Conclusion:
We didn’t originally set out to get almost the entire set of Neca Gremlins figures but it ended up being a great collection to have. What I like most about these, besides the incredible paint details and accessories, is the box they come in. It’s not a shell capsule so you don’t need to break the box or cut them out (except Greta who came with a plastic elastic around her head/hair but otherwise simple to get out) you can also easily put them back into their original boxes for safe keeping.
Are they worth collecting? For someone like us, absolutely. They aren’t extremely expensive compared to some other figures of similar stature, they come in a nice windowed box with movie pictures, on the back there are images of the figure posed with its accessories. They are superior collectors figures for us Gremlins movie fans.
Hello there! Let’s travel back in time, a time when your heart skipped a beat as you ripped off the vibrant packaging of a brand new toy. You marveled at the intricate details of your Transformers action figure, or the captivating elegance of your new princess doll.
Today, we’ll reignite that excitement and dive into the nostalgic, rewarding, and uniquely captivating hobby that is toy collecting.
Toy collecting is more than just hoarding kids’ stuff. It’s an engaging world of nostalgia, appreciation for artistry, the chase for that rare find, and yes… lots of fun. And even better? It could be an investment, with some toys appreciating in value over time, just like that super rare mint-condition Optimus Prime Transformer from the 1980s.
Embarking on the Adventure of Toy Collection
Remember, every journey starts with a single step…and every collection starts with a single toy. Start by exploring your interests. Do you have fond memories of playing with action figures, like He-Man or G.I. Joe? Or did you spend hours lost in the world of dolls, comics, or miniatures?
Once you’ve identified your interests, it’s time to do a little research. Discover the classics in your chosen category, identify the rare pieces, and gain an understanding of the value of different toys. Your childhood favourites might just turn out to be highly coveted collectibles today.
Chasing the Thrill of the Find
Part of the joy in toy collecting comes from the thrill of the hunt – from rummaging through piles at garage sales and scrolling through eBay listings to attending toy fairs or visiting local toy stores. Each find can feel like unearthing a hidden treasure and adds a unique piece in your growing collection.
Creating Your Toy Sanctuary
Your toy collection is a physical representation of your personal journey. Each piece’s story and how it came to be part of your collection adds to the fun and satisfaction. So why not create a dedicated space in your home to display your collection? You’ll be surprised how a well-arranged display of vintage toys can add a whole lot of character to a room.
Joining the Toy Collecting Community
Engage with fellow enthusiasts. By joining toy collecting communities, both online and offline, you’ll discover new friends who share your passion. They could offer collecting advice, trade toys, or simply share stories of their own fantastic finds.
Toy collecting isn’t just a hobby, it’s an adventure filled with fascinating tales and exciting experiences. It takes you on a nostalgic ride into your childhood while introducing you to a vibrant, dedicated community. Whether you are nostalgic about the simplicity of vintage toys, passionate about the artistry behind miniatures, or love the thrill of finding a rare comic book, toy collecting offers something for everyone.
So, why not relieve that childhood fascination once again?
Start your toy collecting adventure today and discover the immense joy this hobby can bring!
I’ll admit, I know who the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are but I wasn’t a die hard fan of the show or movies; a younger generation as I was an older teen when this show originally aired. I did babysit a few kids over my teen years who were quite obsessed with MMPR. Even though it’s been revamped and rebooted into movies and new shows, my kids never got into the Rangers either. Needless to say, not being a huge fan didn’t stop us from getting this collectors special edition My Little Pony for The Toybox Collection!
Hasbro My Little Pony Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Crossover
With an intergalactic threat hovering over Equestria, a team of friends unite under the Harmony Grid. These are the Mighty Morphin Power… ponies!? Fandoms collide with My Little Pony Crossover Collection — an expanded universe of My Little Pony mashup characters! Crossover Collection Morphin Pink Pony toy combines the retro My Little Pony form with the design of Power Rangers characters. Character has unique deco, colors, and Cutie Mark inspired by the Mighty Morphin Pink Ranger. This 4.5-inch figure comes in collectors’ packaging that’s great for fans of the My Little Pony or Power Rangers brand to display. Turn the stories you know on their tails with the My Little Pony Crossover Collection.
When you think of these two franchises crossing over into eachothers worlds, you might wonder what could a Power Ranger Pony look like? Well, Hasbro has shown us with this unique crossover figure named “Morphin Pink Pony”. The figure is 4.5” in size and a cross between an original ‘80s My Little Pony and the Pink Power Ranger, aka Kimberly Hart. She wears pink armour like the Pink Ranger. Really cool looking figure! Morphin Pink Pony will look excellent next to her other crossover friends, My Little Prime and Plasmane!
Next up…
Hasbro My Little Pony X Light Bright Crossover! This one is going to be a fun flash from the past!
When there’s something strange in the neighbourhood, who ya gonna call? My little pony! This awesome mashup Collab was released in 2020 by Hasbro; a retro pony styled like a ghostbusters character. I am old enough to remember how popular ghostbusters was back in the ‘80s when the first two original movies hit theatres. Ghostbusters 2 was on of my first theatrical experiences as a child. I clearly remember my younger cousin screaming at Vigo the Carpathian to “put the baby down!” during the scene where the spirit is taking Dana’s baby so that he can become human again.
We were thrilled when Hasbro released My Little Pony Transformers Crossover fig and even so finding out they also have a Ghostbusters crossover! Check it out!
Manhattan meets Equestria – Meet Plasmane!
“When the city of Manehatten is overrun with ghosts, Plasmane ain’t no scaredy-pony. She saddles up in the Ecto-Wagon and gears up for an adventure. Fandoms collide with My Little Pony Crossover Collection — an expanded universe of My Little Pony mashup characters! Crossover Collection Plasmane toy combines the retro My Little Pony form with the design of Ghostbusters characters. Character has unique deco, colors, and Cutie Mark inspired by the iconic Ghostbusters team. This 4.5-inch figure comes in collectors’ packaging that’s great for fans of the My Little Pony or Ghostbusters brand to display. Turn the stories you know on their tails with the My Little Pony Crossover Collection.” – Hasbro Pulse
Sold out
We were lucky to find this Pony online at NMC Toys, I believe they’re having a sale on them for $9.99 (plus tax and shipping) which is a deal because right now you really can’t find them anywhere but on Amazon or EBay at the rich price of $29.99 (plus tax and shipping); yikes!
I love the look of this pony! Details in its outfit like the belt and straps on the legs. The bright ecto-plasma coloured hair is eye catching and let’s not forget to mention the best part: the ghostbusters logo cutie mark! This is one that tempts you to possibly, maybe think about taking it out of its box to display but Hasbro did a good job of box art and I’m going to be keeping this collection in its fancy boxes while on display side by side.
Next up in the Hasbro MLP crossover collection: Mighty Morphin Pony!
As collectors, we know there are many places to check important and specific details for your collection like a year something came out, where it came out and what price it goes for today. Today, we are talking about some books that are like the holy grail of collectible books specific to Transformers collectors like us. Books like other things, are an investment and these are an investment that could help you maximize your collection investment giving you most of all the information you need if you start to one day sell your beloved and hard earned collection.
Unofficial guides to everything Transformers
Do you collect vintage Transfomers? Here’s another gem you may want to get your hands on for reference! The Unofficial Guide To Vintage Transformers 1980’s through 1990’s by JE Alvarez.
“For many years, the Transformers have been a staple of pop culture. As new and old collectors seek to enhance their knowledge of this toy line, this book provides a wide view of the Transformers action figures from their earliest incarnations, their journey through the 1980s, and culminating with the Beast Wars in the 1990s. Extremely well researched, this guide provides information on the development of the figures while explaining their key features, along with showcasing many figure variations. Featuring images of figures both in and out of package, yearly product listings for easy reference, and pricing examples for many key items, this book is a great tool for reintroducing yourself or getting familiar with these toys from the past.”
G1 collectors, pay attention! Transformers Collectibles (unofficial guide) by J.E. Alvarez is book you need when collecting retro memorabilia of your favourite G1 (1st Generation) Transformers figures and other merch, including prices so when you shop or sell, you know it’s approximate true value! Ah-mazing #book you’ll want to keep your own hidden secret collecting weapon!
“If you have collected Transformers*™️ action figures and think you have it all, this book will open your eyes! Over 1,000 stunning color images display the vast armada of Transformers collectibles beyond the action figures. The volume includes PVC figures and cold cast porcelain busts, arts and crafts, battery operated toys, birthday party decorations and favors, clothing, comics, DVDs, puzzles, radios, videos, and walkie-talkies, all with a Transformers theme. The engaging text draws the reader easily and quickly into each chapter and the captions provide current values for the items displayed. This book is a must for every Transformers fan, whether you have been following them since the 1980s or have just discovered their heroic exploits today!”
Did you know there is more to Transformers than meets the eye? The Unofficial Guide to Japanese and International Transformers by J.E.Alvarez will have you second guessing what you think you know about your favourite robots in disguise!
“Welcome to the world of Transformers™! These immensely popular “robots in disguise” originated in Japan, and the United States has only been one destination on their worldwide tour. Learn about fascinating variations between the Transformers of Japan, America, and Europe through hundreds of gorgeous color photographs of Transformers from all over the world. This in-depth guide delves into such Japanese toy lines as the Headmasters, Masterforce, Zone, and the Return of Convoy. There is discussion of many of the European figures including the Turbomasters, Predators, and the Obliterators. Also appearing are early Pre-Transformers like the Diaclones and Kronoforms. Fun to read, and with current market values in each caption, this is the book collectors have been waiting for. Transform and roll out!”
Want to learn everything you can about Beast Wars Transformers? Beast Wars Transformers™
The Unofficial Guide by J. E. Alvarez brings you a full, in depth look at the series from its shows to comics to collectors figures and more! We don’t collect Beast Wars but it’s great to have a book like this in our collection because, you never know when you may need it.
About the book:
“Both American and Japanese Beast Wars Transformer toys, popular from 1995 to the close of the millennium, are discussed and displayed in this all-encompassing guide. Robots from Armordillo and Cheetor to Megatron and Optimus Primal, are shown in over 870 color images. These shape-changing robots, both in their boxes and loose, are often displayed in multiple transformations of the figures. The development and distribution of Beast Wars characters and TV shows is provided, along with current market prices for the figures. This guide is a must for every Transformer and action figure collector, and for pop-culture enthusiasts everywhere.”
Thank you to our friends @thomasallenltd for sending us these great books!
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