UK's hidden treasures: Expert tips on turning childhood toys into cash

From Labubus to Beanie Babies, the second-hand toy market is booming - and Brits could be sitting on a goldmine worth thousands of pounds, according to antiques expert Dan Hatfield.

The money-making guru, who regularly graces our screens with his expert insights on daytime TV, reckons there's roughly £3,000 worth of unused items gathering dust in the average person's home - approximately £300 of which is in toys.

He has spilled the beans on exactly what savvy sellers and buyers need to keep an eye out for to make the most of their unwanted toys and said: "We've seen a monumental resurgence in demand for plush toys. As a society, we're all about nostalgia, and these items really ignite that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with it. It comes after calls for 90s tattoo necklaces to return as Maya Jama and Millie Bobby Brown join trend.

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"Being whisked back to your childhood can equate to big bucks. Think 90s Beanie Babies and early TY releases. Jellycat originals that are rare or retired can often fetch several thousand pounds.

"Original Care Bears also regularly hit the several hundred mark. Condition and provenance are key and original tags can easily double a toy's value. Limited edition or store-exclusive plush toys, particularly those released in small numbers, are skyrocketing in value."

Dan's tips on what to look out for coincide with the release of Compare the Market's new Sergei cricket toy, as part of their principal sponsorship of The Hundred. There are 1,000 of these toys available via an exclusive prize draw on Compare the Market's app.

Limited editions, discontinued ranges or viral TikTok crazes can all have massive influence in deciding whether your £10 toy could transform into £200 overnight, according to Dan.

He said: "In the resale world, plush toys might look soft but the market behind them can be razor sharp. It's not just about what's cute. It's about scarcity, nostalgia and timing.

"The clever reseller isn't just following trends; they're understanding the psychology of collectors and pouncing when the demand's scorching but the supply's dwindling."

With fresh toys such as Labubu hitting the market, Dan recommends brands with timeless franchises like Pokémon, Disney or Star Wars are the most reliable investments.

He added: "Labubu is an exciting new player, but whether it stands the test of time will depend on how the brand evolves and what it offers in the coming years."

The most effective method to identify if your toys are in demand or not is through tracking social media, online forums and community discussions.

He said: "If you see fans talking about long waiting lists, early sell-outs, or aftermarket price spikes, that's a strong sign to buy in before the boom. The key is keeping your ear to the ground. You want to be a trendsetter, not a trend follower.

"Our homes can be an absolute treasure chest when it comes to the toys we've held onto. It's estimated that Brits have more than £3,000 worth of unused or forgotten items in their homes and a significant amount of that is toy-related."

Research involving 2,000 adults revealed that more than three-quarters of Brits (76%) keep toys at home - with households averaging 16 playthings each. Soft toys (72%), construction sets (59%) and playing cards (49%) top the list of playthings people store within their homes.

Nearly a third (32%) have flogged toys second-hand - with sellers typically pocketing £125.92 from their old belongings. But that's not the limit, as the most lucrative pre-owned item has netted people a tidy £395.71.

Dan added: "Compare the Market is one of Britain's best-loved brands. The meerkats have become part of our cultural fabric, with adverts adored across the country. When a brand connects that deeply, its merchandise often becomes collectible. Just look at the Tetley Tea Folk or the PG Tips monkeys, which now sell for far more than they originally cost.

"This new meerkat plush is especially exciting because it celebrates Compare the Market's sponsorship of The Hundred and their exclusive giveaway of 1,000 toys on their app. Limited-edition toys tied to major cultural, or sporting events often gain value over time. I'm expecting big things from this little guy."

Kristin Sonfield, director of brand and partnerships at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: "Our polling shows the second-hand market in Britain is booming. There are so many places people can sell their unwanted items to make themselves a few extra quid. And with history which dates back more than 15 years, we know a thing or two about plush toys.

"Sergei looks like an absolute pro with his cricket pads and bat, so we know he will hit this for six. He's the 20th Meerkat toy we've created at Compare the Market and we are looking forward to seeing fans around the country take part in the toy giveaway. To make sure you don't miss out on a chance to win the Sergei cricket toy, you'll need to enter the prize draw before it closes on September 5 2025."

DAN HATFIELD'S TOP THREE TOYS TO HUNT DOWN:

BEANIE BABIES: They weren't all made the same. Plenty are only worth a couple of quid, but certain 90s editions can fetch serious cash. Got Spooky the Ghost tucked away? You could be sitting on a goldmine. I spotted one recently that went for £150. And if you're lucky enough to own one of the Original 9, you might be eyeing up hundreds, possibly thousands, based on quality, scarcity, and buyer interest. With Beanies, it's frequently the flaws that boost their worth. Stuffed animals featuring label typos or manufacturing mistakes can go for thousands of pounds.

JELLYCAT: Jellycat, a brand that was incredibly popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to high-end collaborations with Selfridges and Harrods. Bashful Bunnies in rare colours can fetch over £200, while the most sought-after Jellycats are now changing hands for low thousands. I personally spotted a lovely special edition Imogen with tags going for £2,000 just a few months ago.

HARRODS TEDDY BEARS: Released annually, some of the 1990s editions have recently been resold for between £400 and £600, particularly those in mint condition with original tags and packaging.