2022's Hottest Collectibles: Unveiling the Must-Have Treasures of the Year
At the beginning of 2020, online auctions were gaining traction among consumers, as they were deemed a viable way of exploring some of the best items with minimal effort. The trends emerging in retail – including the increasing popularity of online auctions – were largely driven by younger shoppers. These trends, which gravitate towards sustainability, nostalgia, and a focus on ‘the home,’ continued throughout 2021 and 2022.
Pop Culture Memorabilia
TOYS
The global pandemic and climate crisis have caused many to seek comfort in the past – mainly via collectible toys and related memorabilia. Products made between the 1960s and the late 1990s are the most popular.
Disney collectibles have proven popular, with books, toys, and theme-park souvenirs in increasingly high demand. The Star Wars franchise and the merchandise that goes with it can become extremely valuable. Action figures that date back to the 1970s & 1980s can be worth a ton, especially if they’re in their original packaging.
A wide array of toys are popular among collectors due to their nostalgia, cultural significance, and rarity. Some of the most popular types of toys to collect include:
Action Figures: Collectible action figures, especially those from popular franchises like Star Wars, G.I. Joe, and Marvel, are highly sought after by toy collectors. Vintage action figures in good condition can command high prices in the collector's market.
Vintage Board Games: Classic board games from past decades, such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue, are cherished collectibles. Vintage editions with unique artwork and components are particularly desirable.
Model Trains: Model trains and related accessories, like train sets, tracks, and buildings, have a dedicated collector base. Collectors often seek vintage model trains from well-known manufacturers like Lionel and Bachmann.
Dolls: Collectible dolls, such as Barbie dolls, Cabbage Patch Kids, and American Girl dolls, are popular among collectors, especially those in pristine condition and from limited edition releases.
Vintage Cars and Trucks: Die-cast model cars and trucks, such as Hot Wheels and Matchbox, are timeless collectibles. Vintage models and rare variations are particularly prized.
Comic Books: Comic book collecting is a passionate hobby for many enthusiasts. Rare and key issues from iconic comic book characters, like Spider-Man and Batman, can command substantial prices.
Vintage Video Games: Retro video games and consoles, such as Nintendo NES, Sega Genesis, and Atari 2600, are sought after by collectors who enjoy revisiting classic gaming experiences.
Teddy Bears: Collectible teddy bears from famous brands like Steiff and Hermann are cherished by teddy bear collectors. Limited edition and vintage bears can be highly valuable.
Pez Dispensers: Pez dispensers with unique characters and designs are fun collectibles for enthusiasts of all ages. Collectors may seek rare and limited edition Pez dispensers.
Movie and TV Memorabilia: Toys and memorabilia related to iconic movies and TV shows, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Simpsons, are popular among fans and collectors alike.
These are just a few examples of popular types of toys to collect. The vast and diverse toy-collecting world offers something for every interest and passion. Whether collecting for nostalgia, investment, or pure enjoyment, toy collecting allows enthusiasts to connect with cherished memories and timeless playthings.
ROCK/POP ITEMS
Infatuation with musicians and any items connected to them will always be a staple of contemporary culture. This explains why something as simple as a hand-written note written by a famous musician can yield as much as $2 million at auction.
Music is often just as much about collectibles and memorabilia for many fans as the music itself. Music collectibles can include almost anything: vintage albums, concert tickets, concert T-shirts, backstage passes, and even artists' clothes/costumes, as well as signed paraphernalia. Some bands, like KISS, have also released board games, Christmas ornaments, comic books, and more.
Most Collectible Musicians
The Beatles: As one of the most influential bands in music history, The Beatles hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. Items such as original vinyl records, concert posters, autographs, and vintage merchandise are highly sought after.
David Bowie: The eclectic and iconic David Bowie has a devoted following of collectors who seek his vinyl records, concert posters, and rare memorabilia.
The Rolling Stones: As one of the most enduring rock bands, memorabilia of The Rolling Stones, including original vinyl records and concert posters, is highly collectible.
Madonna: As one of the most successful female artists in music history, Madonna's memorabilia, including concert memorabilia and limited edition releases, is highly collectible.
Jimi Hendrix: The legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix's memorabilia, including concert posters and original vinyl releases, is prized by collectors.
Queen: The legendary British rock band Queen has a dedicated fan base, with collectors seeking vinyl records, concert tickets, and band-related merchandise.
Michael Jackson: The "King of Pop" left an indelible mark on the music world. Collectors seek Michael Jackson's memorabilia, including vinyl records, concert memorabilia, and limited edition merchandise.
Prince: Prince's unique blend of funk, pop, and rock music has made his memorabilia, such as vinyl records and concert-related items, popular among collectors.
Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan's influence on folk and rock music has led to a dedicated collector base seeking original vinyl records, concert posters, and autographs.
Elvis Presley: Often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley's memorabilia remains in high demand. Collectors may seek concert tickets, original albums, movie posters, and personal belongings.
Mid-century Modern
Mid-Century Modern describes the era of style and design that started in the mid-1940s and continued through the mid-1960s. It's a spin-off of Modern design often associated with the casual furniture and relaxed look of tract homes in suburban California during the 1950s.
The Mid-Century Modern era is also noted for the mass production of household objects, from furniture and clocks to lamps and figurines, since many designers wanted their work affordable to the average homeowner. Here are some popular types of mid-century modern collectibles:
Furniture: Iconic mid-century modern furniture pieces, such as Eames lounge chairs, Noguchi coffee tables, and Saarinen tulip tables, are highly sought after by collectors. These designs' sleek lines, organic shapes, and innovative materials make them timeless classics.
Decorative Accessories: Collectors often seek mid-century modern decorative accessories, including ceramic vases, pottery, glassware, and sculptures. These items showcase the artistic expression and craftsmanship of the era.
Lighting: Mid-century modern lighting fixtures, such as pendant lamps, floor lamps, and Sputnik chandeliers, are prized for their sculptural designs and use of materials like brass and teak.
Barware and Cocktail Accessories: Vintage barware, including cocktail shakers, decanters, and glassware with atomic and abstract designs, is a popular category for mid-century modern enthusiasts who appreciate the era's cocktail culture.
Textiles and Fabrics: Collecting mid-century modern textiles and fabrics, like iconic designs from designers like Alexander Girard and Charles and Ray Eames, offers a glimpse into the bold patterns and color palettes of the time.
Artwork and Prints: Mid-century modern art, including prints, posters, and paintings, showcases the era's abstract and geometric styles. Pieces by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Joan Miro are highly sought after.
Kitchenware: Collectible mid-century modern kitchenware includes colorful enamelware, melamine dishes, and vintage Pyrex and Tupperware items with distinctive patterns.
Clocks: Mid-century modern clocks, like George Nelson's sunburst clocks or ball clocks, are iconic timepieces that blend functionality with artistic design.
Electronics and Appliances: Vintage radios, record players, and rotary phones from the mid-century era attract collectors who appreciate the nostalgia and craftsmanship of these early electronic devices.
Advertising Memorabilia: Vintage mid-century modern advertising materials, including posters, signs, and promotional items, capture the advertising styles and graphics of the time.
Vintage Costume Jewelry
Jewelry will always be popular amongst collectors. Antique and vintage jewelry possesses an old-world charm and uniqueness. It aligns with the current trends toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle that encourages reusing and recycling. The costume jewelry market was valued at $32.9 billion in 2019 and is estimated to reach $ 59.7 billion by 2027.
Most Collectible Brands/Designers
Hattie Carnegie - Hattie Carnegie jewelry was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, bold designs, and use of luxurious materials. Her creations often featured intricate metalwork, colorful gemstones, faux pearls, and enamel detailing. Carnegie's jewelry designs embraced a mix of classic elegance and modern trends, making them highly fashionable during her time.
One of the notable aspects of Hattie Carnegie's jewelry was her use of innovative and imaginative themes. Her pieces often incorporated whimsical and thematic elements, such as animal motifs, floral patterns, and artistic inspirations. These creative touches added a unique and playful charm to her jewelry, setting it apart from the more conventional designs of the era.
Chanel - Chanel jewelry is characterized by its sophisticated and chic aesthetic, featuring high-quality materials, attention to detail, and iconic design elements. Coco Chanel's vision for jewelry was to create stylish and versatile pieces meant to complement her clothing designs and accentuate a woman's elegance.
Coro - Vintage Coro jewelry was notable for its innovative designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and use of rhinestones and other sparkling materials to mimic the look of precious gemstones. Many of Coro's pieces were made from base metals, such as gold-plated or silver-plated metal, with intricate detailing that resembled fine jewelry.
One of the distinctive features of Coro jewelry was its use of various themes and motifs in its designs. Popular themes included floral patterns, animals, figures, and Art Deco-inspired geometric shapes. Additionally, Coro produced a wide range of jewelry styles, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and sets, catering to different tastes and fashion trends.
Dior - One of the defining features of vintage Dior jewelry is its use of signature symbols and motifs that are closely associated with the brand's identity. The "CD" initials, representing Christian Dior's name, have been incorporated into many designs and serve as an iconic hallmark of Dior jewelry. Other common motifs include stars, hearts, bows, and flowers, reflecting the brand's romantic and feminine aesthetic.
Dior's jewelry collections have ranged from delicate and understated pieces to bold and statement-making accessories. The brand has used various materials, including precious metals like gold and platinum, as well as diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, to create exquisite and luxurious designs.
Eisenberg - Eisenberg jewelry was known for its exquisite use of clear, high-quality crystals and rhinestones, which closely resembled the brilliance of diamonds. The brand was dedicated to producing jewelry with the look and feel of fine jewelry, making it a luxurious and affordable alternative for fashionable women.
One of the notable aspects of vintage Eisenberg jewelry is its signature design style, often featuring bold, elaborate, and elegant pieces. Many designs incorporated Art Deco influences, floral motifs, and geometric patterns, making Eisenberg’s jewelry both glamorous and sophisticated.
Hobe - Hobe jewelry quickly gained popularity for its attention to detail and meticulous handwork. The brand's designers were skilled in crafting intricate, elaborate pieces rivaling fine jewelry’s look and feel. Many Hobe jewelry designs featured a combination of clear and colored rhinestones, pearls, beads, and semi-precious stones set in high-quality metalwork.
Hobe jewelry embraced various design styles, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Victorian influences. The brand's designers drew inspiration from various sources, creating pieces with floral motifs, ribbon and bow designs, and intricate filigree work.
Miriam Haskell - In 1926, Miriam Haskell founded the Miriam Haskell Company in New York City. Her exquisite, handcrafted floral-themed costume jewelry became an instant success among stylish Manhattan women. They were particularly fond of her intricate necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins. Haskell's jewelry designs often featured gilt findings, filigree, faux pearls, Austrian crystal beads, blown glass beads from Murano Island, and rose montées, which she loved most.
Trifari - Vintage Trifari jewelry spans many styles and eras, with some of the most sought-after designs dating back to the Art Deco and Retro periods. Trifari pieces often feature timeless motifs like flowers, bows, leaves, and geometric shapes, making them versatile and classic.
Trifari's commitment to quality is evident in its patented designs and innovative techniques. For example, they developed the "Trifanium" process, which prevented the yellowing of white metal, ensuring the longevity of their jewelry.
“A hearty Christmas greeting: Four jovial froggies / a skating would go; / They asked their mamma, / but she’d sternly said, ‘No!’ / And they all came to grief in a beautiful row. / There’s a sweet Christmas moral for one not too slow. / Just so!” (via Nova Scotia Archives/Flickr)
Victorian Kitsch
During the 1960s, Victorian art was considered kitsch, a term used to describe something mass-produced and cheaply made. This label was often attached to Disney movies and Norman Rockwell paintings, but kitsch actually originated in the nineteenth century during the Romanticism movement, which emphasized emotion, beauty, and aesthetics. The Victorian bourgeoisie was fond of sentiment and clutter, often decorating their homes with objects like flowers and taxidermy animals under glass domes.
The Victorian era, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, was characterized by its distinct art, culture, and design. Many collectible items from this period are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Some popular collectible Victorian-era items include:
Victorian Jewelry: Intricate and ornate jewelry, often featuring gemstones, pearls, and detailed metalwork, is highly coveted. Brooches, necklaces, earrings, and rings from this era are widely collected.
Victorian Furniture: Lavish and decorative furniture, such as tables, chairs, and cabinets, featuring carved wood, upholstery with rich fabrics, and elegant designs are sought after by collectors of antique furniture.
Victorian Silverware: Elaborate silverware, including tea sets, candlesticks, and serving trays, showcasing intricate patterns and detailing, are valued collectibles.
Victorian Fashion: Clothing and accessories from the Victorian era, including dresses, hats, gloves, and parasols, are cherished by collectors and costume enthusiasts.
Victorian Pottery and Porcelain: Fine china, ceramic vases, figurines, and decorative plates made during this period are popular collectibles for their craftsmanship and beauty.
Victorian Clocks: Mantel clocks, wall clocks, and carriage clocks from the Victorian era are prized by collectors for their unique designs and historical significance.
Victorian Artwork: Paintings, prints, and illustrations from prominent Victorian artists are valuable collectibles for art enthusiasts and historians.
Victorian Photographs: Early photographs, such as daguerreotypes and tintypes, capturing Victorian life and portraits, are sought after by photography collectors.
Victorian Books and Literature: First editions or rare copies of famous Victorian literature and publications are highly desirable for book collectors.
Victorian Toys and Dolls: Vintage toys, dolls, and games from the Victorian era are cherished by collectors and often evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Victorian Postcards: Collectible postcards from the Victorian period, featuring illustrations, photographs, and handwritten messages, are sought after by postcard enthusiasts and historians.
It's important to note that the value and demand for these items can vary depending on their rarity, condition, historical significance, and current trends in the collecting community. If you're interested in collecting Victorian-era items, it's recommended to research and consult with experts to ensure you make informed and enjoyable additions to your collection.
Vintage Electronics
Electronics from the 1980s and 1990s are finally making their way into the collectibles market. This period brought a new wave of incredible technology, and those first-generation products started catching collectors’ attention. Game consoles like the SEGA Megadrive, the Nintendo 64, and the original PlayStation are in high demand, alongside some original (packaged) Apple products, notably if they’re still in mint condition.
As the nostalgia trend grows, demand for these items will continue to increase among collectors and casual buyers. Popular electronics items among collectors often fall into two categories: vintage and iconic. These items are cherished for their historical significance, innovative design, and nostalgic appeal. Here are some popular electronics that collectors seek:
Vintage Radios: Tube radios from the early to mid-20th century, with their elegant wooden cabinets and distinctive designs, are highly collectible.
Vintage Televisions: Antique televisions, especially those with unique designs, such as mid-century modern styles or tabletop models, are sought after by collectors.
Vintage Cameras: Classic film cameras from renowned brands like Leica, Nikon, Canon, and Rolleiflex are popular among photography enthusiasts.
Vintage Video Game Consoles: Gaming consoles from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, like the Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Sega Genesis, hold significant nostalgic value for gamers and collectors alike.
Vintage Computers: Early personal computers, such as the Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC, are sought after by tech history aficionados.
Vintage Audio Equipment: Hi-Fi systems, turntables, and amplifiers from the mid-20th century, known for their warm sound and classic designs, are highly collectible.
Vintage Typewriters: Old-fashioned typewriters, especially those from iconic brands like Underwood, Remington, and Royal, are sought after for their historical charm.
Antique Telephones: Classic telephones, including candlestick phones and rotary dial models, are popular collectibles among vintage communication enthusiasts.
Vintage Calculators: Early electronic calculators and mechanical adding machines appeal to collectors interested in the history of computing.
Vintage Music Players: Antique phonographs and gramophones, which play vinyl records, are sought after for their beauty and historical relevance.
Vintage Handheld Devices: Collectible electronic gadgets like vintage pocket calculators, electronic games, and early handheld organizers hold nostalgic value for tech enthusiasts.
If you're interested in collecting electronics, make sure to research and connect with fellow collectors to learn more about specific items and their market values.
Combine your sports and electronics collection with some vintage hand-held sports games.
Sports Memorabilia
In sports memorabilia today, it’s rare to see Hall of Fame player items come up for sale. Seldom do legends like Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali turn up anymore. It becomes a real honor to have signed or once-owned items when they come up. Things that become unique sports collectibles also hold sentimental value to the collectors because they have that added nostalgic quality collectors look for today.
When starting a sports memorabilia collection, you can find many areas and possible items.
Most Popular Sports Collectibles
Trading cards: Sports trading cards have been a beloved collectible for generations. Rare and graded cards of iconic athletes can command incredibly high prices, making them sought-after treasures in the memorabilia market.
Game-Used Equipment: Items like game-used bats, balls, gloves, or helmets hold immense value for collectors. Knowing that these pieces were once in the hands of sports stars during critical moments adds to their appeal.
Jerseys: Jerseys signed by legendary athletes are among the most cherished sports memorabilia. Fans often seek jerseys autographed by sports icons, such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Tom Brady, to name a few.
Championship Rings: Championship rings are coveted by both fans and collectors alike. These rings represent the pinnacle of achievement in sports and are often given to players, coaches, and staff to commemorate their team's victory.
Signed Photos: Autographed sports photographs capture iconic moments and the signatures of legendary athletes. They make excellent display pieces and hold sentimental value for fans who witnessed those historical events.
Historic Game Programs and Tickets: Collecting game programs and tickets from significant events, like the Super Bowl, World Series, or the Olympics, provides a glimpse into sports history and can be cherished keepsakes.
Vintage Pennants and Posters: Vintage sports pennants and posters from historical games and teams evoke a sense of nostalgia and are prized by sports fans and collectors who appreciate past aesthetics.
Trophy and Award Replicas: Collectors may acquire replicas of prestigious sports trophies and awards, such as the Stanley Cup or the FIFA World Cup, to display and commemorate these iconic symbols of victory.
The popularity and value of sports memorabilia can vary depending on factors like an athlete's legacy, historical significance, rarity, and condition. Authenticity and provenance are critical considerations for collectors, as they ensure the item's legitimacy and enhance its long-term value. Sports memorabilia collecting is a passionate pursuit that allows fans to preserve and celebrate the sporting moments that have left an indelible mark on history. Many collectors stick to a particular niche, but you can mix and match from the abovementioned categories if that suits your collecting fancy.
Check out our other collecting guides if you’re unsure where to start.
