Vicky Parry
2nd Feb 2026
Reading Time: 3 minutes
These aren’t guaranteed wins, but each shows rising mentions, growing markets, or structural momentum — the kind of signals that preceded booms in markets like Pokémon cards, sneakers, or Labubu.
1. Designer Art Toys & Blind‑Box Figures
Why it matters: After Labubu’s meteoric rise — with sales growing roughly 130 % month‑over‑month on platforms like Whatnot — designer toys from brands such as Skullpanda, Crybaby, Dimoo are emerging as the next wave.
Signal: Monthly sales growth and social buzz climbing for toys tied to childhood nostalgia and art‑toy design.
2. Trading Card Games (TCGs) — Pokémon, Magic, etc.
Why it matters: Classic TCGs continue to outperform many alternative assets (e.g., premium Pokémon cards show +1,500 % YoY search growth).
Signal: High auction activity and increasing number of graded PSA/CGC cards indicate growing investment interest.
3. LEGO Limited Edition & Retired Sets
Why it matters: Retired LEGO sets often appreciate after discontinuation.
Signal: Limited edition and franchise sets show consistent online sell‑through rates above 90 %.
4. Vintage Gaming Consoles & Sealed Vintage Software
Why it matters: Sealed retro gaming items are increasingly valued as nostalgia meets scarcity.
Signal: eBay and Whatnot sales of boxed NES, SNES, Sega and early iPhones up 40–50 % YoY.
5. Archival & Vintage Luxury Fashion
Why it matters: Auction prices and resale platforms show growing appetite among Gen Z collectors.
Signal: Chanel, Hermès, and rare runway pieces appreciating 20–35 % annually in top markets.
6. Vintage Glassware & Mid‑Century Decor
Why it matters: Aesthetic collectibles with practical and display appeal.
Signal: Online mentions and marketplace postings up 50 % YoY.
7. Vinyl Records & Music Memorabilia
Why it matters: Limited pressings and signed albums are increasingly sought.
Signal: Discogs and eBay resale prices for rare albums rising 25–40 % annually.
8. Vintage Sports Memorabilia & Trading Cards
Why it matters: Game‑used items and cards remain resilient collectibles.
Signal: Graded cards for legends seeing secondary‑market growth >30 % YoY.
9. Comic Books & First Print Editions
Why it matters: First prints and character debuts are enduring blue‑chip collectibles.
Signal: CGC‑graded comics sales increasing steadily, particularly for Marvel/DC milestone issues.
10. NFT‑Backed Physical Collectibles & Hybrid Assets
Why it matters: Blockchain authentication and NFT integration reduce fraud and increase liquidity.
Signal: NFT-linked physical collectibles sales doubled in 2025 across limited releases.
📊 2026 Collector Trend Scorecard — Online Buzz + Investment Signals
| Rank | Category | Online Mentions YoY | Secondary Market Growth | Forecasted Appreciation Potential (Next 2 Years) | Signal Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Designer Art Toys | +130 % | +100 % | 25–50 % | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| 2 | Pokémon / TCGs | +1,500 % | +80 % | 30–60 % | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| 3 | LEGO Limited Sets | +80 % | +60 % | 20–40 % | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| 4 | Vintage Gaming (Sealed) | +40 % | +50 % | 15–35 % | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| 5 | Archival Luxury Fashion | +35 % | +30 % | 20–35 % | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| 6 | Vintage Glassware | +50 % | +25 % | 15–30 % | 🔥🔥 |
| 7 | Vinyl & Music | +30 % | +25 % | 15–30 % | 🔥🔥 |
| 8 | Sports Memorabilia | +25 % | +30 % | 10–25 % | 🔥🔥 |
| 9 | Comic Books | +20 % | +25 % | 10–20 % | 🔥🔥 |
| 10 | NFT-Physical Hybrid | +70 % | +40 % | 15–40 % | 🔥🔥🔥 |
Notes on metrics:
- Online mentions YoY = % increase in social media mentions, Google Trends, and marketplace posts.
- Secondary Market Growth = % increase in resale/auction prices.
- Forecasted Appreciation = estimated growth in value over next 2 years based on past trends, scarcity, and cultural resonance.
- Signal Strength = combination of buzz, liquidity, scarcity, and emotional/collector appeal.
💡 Key Takeaways for 2026 Collectors & Investors
- Nostalgia + Scarcity = Investment Potential
Labubu‑style surges are triggered by emotional resonance and limited supply. - Community & Culture Matter
Products tied to social groups, online fandoms, or collector communities outperform purely functional items. - Track Data Early
Mentions, social buzz, and auction activity often precede price appreciation by 3–6 months — giving early movers an advantage. - Hybrid Assets Are Emerging
NFT-linked or blockchain-authenticated physical collectibles combine the appeal of traditional scarcity with modern liquidity, offering a unique growth vector.
Disclaimer:
The content of this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Collectibles and alternative assets carry inherent risks, including market volatility, liquidity constraints, and potential loss of capital. Past performance, trends, or market signals discussed in this article do not guarantee future results. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment or purchasing decisions.
