Celebrating 40 Years of Cherished Collectibles
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the beloved Sylvanian Families, a toy line that has endured impressively in the competitive world of playthings. Originating from Japan in 1985, these charming miniature figures of animal families have captivated multiple generations with their warm, detailed, and high-quality craftsmanship. “The characters, homes, vehicles, and accessories are meticulously detailed, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship,” emphasizes Camille Dal Degan, Sylvanian Families’ product manager. The brand appeals to both kids and collectors alike. “Many adults, reminiscing about their childhood, collect these rare, sometimes Japanese, pieces that can increase in value over time,” she adds. We spoke with Stéphanie, a 48-year-old Sylvanian Families collector, who shared her insights about her passion and the pieces most sought after by collectors today.
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It all started with her daughter Rose. Ten years ago, when Stéphanie first discovered Sylvanian Families, her daughter was just four years old. The collection quickly took on a deeper meaning. Rose, diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, struggled significantly with social interactions. “I learned about behavioral therapy, which emphasized the importance of playing with your child,” the mother explains. Using Sylvanian Families sets like the fashion boutique, bakery, dentist, and doctor’s office, they recreated entire worlds. “We’d have a family of little rabbits go shopping. It helps develop fine motor skills, teaches shopping, and structures daily routines. It greatly aided her,” Stéphanie confides. This seemingly simple play became a therapeutic educational tool and a strong bond between mother and daughter.
As her collection grew, Stéphanie also delved into the passionate world of collectors. Certain items have become real treasures. Initially, giant figurines, often displayed in stores but not sold, are highly coveted. “They don’t meet international safety standards, so they aren’t sold to the public. I was lucky to find two for under 100 euros.” Today, a giant chocolate rabbit is listed at 1,300 euros on eBay, and gray models can go for 1,500 to 2,000 euros.
Among the rarest pieces are the white ermine family, consisting of four characters, which goes for around 800 euros, as do the owl families. Vintage figurines or limited-edition models are also highly prized by collectors. Sold in very limited quantities, they are generally quite expensive. “There are also astonishing vintage items, like real porcelain dishes from the 80s or antique furniture: a sink or bathtub can resell for 40 to 50 euros each. And among the most expensive item ever sold: a unique Victorian wooden house, likely a prototype, went for 10,000 euros at auction,” the collector adds. While vintage products are highly sought after, some newer models are also in high demand, like the White Titmouse family sold for 35 euros on the official store site. The advantage? This exclusive item sold in limited quantities “could easily resell for a hundred euros in 5 to 10 years,” Stéphanie estimates.
Among the most expensive purchases Stéphanie has made is the Grand Hotel, a modern piece she bought upon its release for 300 euros, which she keeps carefully. In total, this enthusiast has spent between 7,000 and 10,000 euros over ten years on her impressive collection and spends an average of 60 euros per month on new figurines. But for her, it’s an investment: in 20 years, the value of these figurines could double, says the administrator of the Facebook group “Sylvanian Families passion,” which gathers all brand fans and collectors. “The value especially increases for models sold in small quantities. And most importantly, everything must be kept in its box. That’s what guarantees a real increase in value.” The advice is straightforward: throw nothing away, preserve everything, and maintain your collection well. Who knows? Perhaps a forgotten figurine from your childhood tucked away in a drawer could be worth a small fortune today.
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