Uncover objects of play through the eyes of collectors.
Jenny Crowther collects Crayola crayons and other art supplies. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, she explains the experience that got her started as a collector at the age of eight and shares a word of warning about a harmful crayon ingredient.
Kerchie collects vintage Polly Pocket compacts from the 1990s. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, she explains how growing up in the Philippines shaped her interest in Polly Pocket and why she’s unafraid to repaint and restore items in her collection.
Mary Wernke collects dolls from Mattel’s Barbie brand, including Barbie’s long line of family and friends. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Wernke shares her early start as a collector and why she focuses on Skipper, Barbie’s younger sister.
Mark Bergin evolved from punk musician to toy collector then dealer of rare tin toy collectables. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Bergin explains how he became a trusted dealer and shares his tips for collecting.
Paul Scardino holds the Guinness World Record for his collection of Funko Pop! figures. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Scardino shares details about some of his most highly prized figures and explains why it’s important to have family buy-in when it comes to establishing a large collection.
Larry Franks is renowned for his Dukes of Hazzard collection of memorabilia. Here, he shares his early fascination with the television show and explains how his relationships with the cast of the show have cemented his reputation as an authority on all things Dukes.
Fred Weichmann collects vehicles and has celebrities autograph them for a one-of-a-kind collection. Here, he shares details about how his passion led him to meet Adam West, Frank Gorshin, Van Williams, Larry Dixon, and other well-known personalities.
Clark Risley has amassed an impressive collection of Mr. Potato Head objects since he began collecting twelve years ago. Here, he explains how he got his start with the toy spud and shares a resource that no one else has mentioned in all our years of talking with collectors.
Bruce Pascal has curated the rarest Hot Wheels collection in the world and wrote the book on Hot Wheels prototypes. Here, he dishes on details about his massive collection and shares his dying wish related to the hobby.
Ben Meier shares details about his Transformers collection, his role at the Transformerland website, and highlights the similarities between Generation 1 collectibles and early Star Wars toys.
Mike Pingel shares with Toy Tales how his enthusiasm for Charlie’s Angels led to collecting that caught the eyes of the Angels themselves.
David Przybyla shares with Toy Tales the origins of his passion for board games and explains his philosophy of gameplay.
Mardi Timm and her husband Stan collect novelties. Here, Mardi provides insight into their vast collection and explains the historical significance of collecting.
Tim Smith collects Micro Machines. Here, he tells Toy Tales about his collection and how it served as a catalyst to his new book, Micro But Many.
Bob Molta collects slot cars. Here, he tells Toy Tales about his love of collecting and how it evolved into a business.
Jim Garbaczewski collects Hot Wheels vehicles. Here, he shares his start as a collector and explains why a collection isn’t likely to make money.
Andrea Katelnikoff collects Barbie dolls and related items. Here, she explains why she started collecting and what keeps her interested in the hobby.
Robert Murch collects talking boards. Here, the Ouija’storian and collector shares his history with the often misunderstood spiritual tool and explains his theory on what happens when people use talking boards.