Had we known as children that vintage toy collections could be so lucrative, perhaps we wouldn't have been so careless with some of our favorites.
Sylvanian Families were one of the most sought after children's toy sets.
These adorable critters have even found a new adult audience thanks to the TikTok account @sylvaniandrama imagining Gossip Girl inspired plot lines for the animals. The account has amassed 1.1 million followers.
The original Sylvanian Families craze began in the 1980s and the toys went on to become so popular that the company claims to have sold over 100 million figurines in over 50 countries.
Despite their popularity, there are still some figurines and toy sets that are rare and may hold some value.
While the figurines we may remember playing with were small, it seems one of the rarest Sylvanian Family collectibles is a giant version of Freya the rabbit.
One of these 32.5 inch tall bunnies sold on eBay for $1,200.
The seller described it as a "very unusual and very rare piece."
Of course, as well as the figurines, there were houses and buildings you could buy to help create different scenarios for the critters. The Vintage Country Flower Shop is one of the more collectible and sought after of these.
One set was sold on eBay for £319 ($439.34).
4. Calico Critters Baby Gathering Set
This set was released in 1993 and was exclusively sold in Japan, making it a rare find for international collectors.
It contains eight babies and one seller on eBay sold their Calico Critters Baby Gathering Set in a used condition with the original box for $359.99.
The 1980s Sound Parties Bear was bigger than typical Sylvanian Families figurines. It was complete with a sound sensor so that it would move when spoken to and came with a cassette that the doll could dance along to.
One eBay seller received $310 for theirs.
6. Calico Critters Handicraft Shop
Another makeshift storefront for your figurines to play with, the Calico Critters Handicraft Shop was sold by one eBay user for $360.
In 1989 there was 100 of this beautiful white rabbits released to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Sylvanian Families in japan. This was the first ever white rabbit family and they are one of the rarest families ever released.
Though some items may seem to be expensive, there is often a reason for this. Sylvanian Families items from the past, especially BRAND NEW, hard to find items are already expensive to procure, then add on international postage, taxes and various fees to the price.
In 1985, Epoch launched the first range of Sylvanian Families, consisting of only a few initial families, including the Timbertop Brown Bears, Evergreen Grey Bears, Wildwood Brown Rabbits, Babblebrook Grey Rabbits, McBurrows Moles, Thistlethorn Grey Mice, Acorn Brown Squirrels, Slydale Tan Foxes and the Waters Beavers ...
Businessman Jacc Batch, from Kettering, claims the Guinness World Record for largest Sylvanians collection: 3,489 items, costing £250,000. The Sylvanian Families shop shuts, but you can still buy online: sylvanianstorekeepers.com has been taken over by Taylor and Rose's daughter Daisy.
In January, a Sylvanian Families Japanese Doll Of The Year was sold for a massive £500 on eBay. Meanwhile, another hopeful eBay seller is currently listing a giant Sylvanian Families rabbit on eBay for an impressive £750.
In January, the Gazette announced that the shop, which first opened in May 1992 and has been called 'The Sylvanian Embassy', was set to close after the owners decided to retire.
In 1993, Tomy, who had been distributing the toys worldwide, lost the rights to the name "Sylvanian Families" in Canada and the US. Tomy reintroduced the line under the new name Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners, now simply just called Calico Critters.
Combine with Red Roof Cosy Cottage to create Red Roof Grand Mansion, the biggest house in Sylvania – or go even larger by adding Sweet Raspberry Home too and make one, enormous dwelling for all your families.
Jacc Batch, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, is believed to have the world's biggest collection. Now 29 and star guest at the birthday picnic, he still remembers getting his first Sylvanian aged seven.
Why are Calico Critters so expensive? It's true that Calico Critters can be a bit pricier than some other toys out there, but there are a few reasons for that. For starters, these toys are made with really high-quality materials and attention to detail.
They are part of manufacturing the figure. Some might be more prominent than others, but all Sylvanian Families have them underfoot. No one really knows why there are tiny pin holes but a common theory amongst collectors is that the hole is meant to keep the figure upright during the flocking process.
To date, more than 100 million Sylvanian Families figures have been sold worldwide. Sylvanian Families are more than just toys; these anthropomorphic creatures have their own names, birthdays and even personalities.
Sylvanian Families is suitable for children 3 years or older, but this evergreen toy appeals to children and adults alike, from young children just making their first friends, older children about to start secondary school, right up to nostalgic adults who fondly remember the figures from their own childhoods, plus ...
Combine with Red Roof Cosy Cottage to create Red Roof Grand Mansion, the biggest house in Sylvania – or go even larger by adding Sweet Raspberry Home too and make one, enormous dwelling for all your families.
The largest collection of Sylvanian Families memorabilia consists of 3,489 unique items and is owned by Jacc Batch (UK), in Kettering, UK, as verified on 19 May 2017.
Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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