Could your childhood toys be a hidden fortune? Expert tips on cashing in on nostalgia
The Money-Making specialist, who frequently appears on daytime television to share his expert knowledge, calculates there's roughly £3,000 worth of unused items lying around the typical person's home - approximately £300 of which consists of toys.
He has disclosed precisely what sharp-eyed sellers and purchasers should watch for to maximise their unwanted toys and commented to say: "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.
"Being transported back to your childhood can equate to big money. 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 reach 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 climbing fastest in value."
Dan's advice on what to search for coincides with the launch 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 phenomena can all wield enormous influence in deciding whether your £10 toy might transform into £200 overnight, according to Dan.
He explained: "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 savvy reseller isn't merely following trends; they're understanding the psychology of collectors and pouncing when demand is fierce but supply is dwindling."
With fresh toys such as Labubu joining the marketplace, Dan recommends brands with enduring franchises like Pokémon, Disney or Star Wars as the most reliable investments.
He continued: "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 whether your toys are sought-after or not is by tracking social media, online forums and community discussions.
He noted: "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 the typical household containing 16 items. Soft toys (72%), construction sets (59%) and playing cards (49%) are the most common playthings found within people's homes.
Nearly a third (32%) have actually flogged a toy second-hand - with the typical seller pocketing £125.92 from their old belongings. But that's not the end of it, as the most lucrative pre-owned item has netted people an impressive £395.71.
Dan continued: "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 WATCH FOR:
BEANIE BABIES: Not every one was made the same. Plenty are worth merely a handful of pounds, but certain 90s versions can fetch substantial sums. Should you possess Spooky the Ghost, you might be onto a winner. I recently witnessed one go for £150. And should you own one of the Original 9, you could be eyeing up hundreds, perhaps thousands, based on condition, scarcity, and popularity. With Beanies, it's frequently the flaws that boost their worth. Soft toys featuring label typos or manufacturing mistakes can fetch several thousand pounds.
JELLYCAT: Jellycat, a brand that was hugely 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 saw a lovely special edition Imogen with tags selling for £2,000 just a couple of months ago.
HARRODS TEDDY BEARS: Harrods Teddy Bears, released annually, have seen some of their 1990s editions recently resold for between £400 and £600, especially those in pristine condition with original tags and packaging.
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