British homes hide toy fortunes worth thousands, expert reveals

Antique dolls displayed at a museum showcase the valuable collectible toys that could be worth thousands (Illustrative image) (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images

British households are sitting on hidden fortunes worth an average of £3,000 in unused items scattered around their homes. Television antiques expert Dan Hatfield estimates that roughly £300 of this treasure trove consists of toys that could be worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

The money-making guru, who regularly shares insights on daytime TV, has revealed a "monumental resurgence" in demand for plush toys driven by society's current obsession with nostalgia. Hatfield said: "Being transported back to your childhood can equate to big money."

Research involving 2,000 adults found that 76% of Britons keep toys at home, with the typical household containing 16 items. Nearly a third have sold toys second-hand, pocketing an average of £125.92 from their old belongings.

Toys worth thousands

Certain 1990s Beanie Babies can command substantial sums, particularly those with manufacturing flaws or label errors. Hatfield recently witnessed Spooky the Ghost selling for £150, whilst original versions can fetch hundreds or thousands depending on condition and rarity.

Jellycat toys from the late 1990s and early 2000s are experiencing a remarkable comeback through high-end collaborations with Selfridges and Harrods. Bashful Bunnies in rare colours can fetch over £200, while a special edition Imogen with tags sold for £2,000 just months ago.

Harrods Teddy Bears from the 1990s have recently resold for between £400 and £600, particularly mint condition examples with original tags and packaging. Hatfield emphasised that original tags can easily double a toy's value.

Market timing matters

Social media monitoring provides the best method to identify toys in demand. Hatfield advised: "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."

Limited editions, discontinued lines, and viral TikTok trends can transform a £10 toy into £200 overnight. The expert explained that successful resellers understand collector psychology and "strike when the demand's hot but the supply's cooling."

Brands with timeless franchises like Pokémon, Disney, and Star Wars remain the safest bets for long-term value retention. Original Care Bears regularly reach several hundred pounds, while rare or retired Jellycat items often fetch thousands.

Current collecting trends

Soft toys dominate British households at 72%, followed by construction sets at 59% and trading cards at 49%. The most lucrative pre-owned item sold has netted people an impressive £395.71 on average.

Condition and provenance remain crucial factors in determining value. Manufacturing flaws sometimes paradoxically increase worth, particularly in Beanie Babies where stuffed toys bearing errors can fetch several thousand pounds.

Compare the Market is releasing 1,000 limited-edition Sergei cricket toys through a prize draw ending September 5, 2025, marking their 20th meerkat toy in the series. Hatfield expects significant future value due to the brand's cultural connection and sporting event tie-in.

Sources used: "Bristol Post", "WalesOnline" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.