Christmas 2024: Best collectible toy gifts

David Ho goes shopping and comes up with the best collectible toys to gift your loved ones for Christmas 

Labubu

Labubu has been around for some time, since 2015 to be exact. Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lu and inspired by Nordic folklore, the cheeky yet cuddly looking critters are made into plush toys and vinyl figures available at Pop Mart toy stores. They really took off in a big way this year when Lisa of Blackpink was spotted with the toys in April 2024, an obsession that she has picked up from her close friend. 

Fast forward, Thailand now has the first Labubu-themed store, while there have been reports of crimes in squeaky clean Singapore over the toys and shortages in China thanks to resellers snapping up stocks. 

Murakami Flower Go Walk

The art world and the toy industry have long been cosy bedfellows. Through his Kaikai Kiki company, renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami has released a whole lot of merchandise, ranging from shoes to trading cards, based on his iconic smiling flower. But the most fun merchandise he has come up with to date is the Flower Go Walk, a virtual pet with a pedometer function that allows one to journey with Murakami’s signature character and evolve it based on pollination with other flowers it encounters. Released in various colours and in both monochrome LCD screen and full colour display, the toy injects a whole lot of fun into getting your steps in for the day. Our pick is the special Blackpink collaboration Flower Go Walk with its striking black and pink petals.  

Tamagotchi

Speaking of virtual pets, Tamagotchis have made quite a resurgence in recent times thanks to Japanese toy conglomerate Bandai’s re-release of older, nostalgic models and continuous push of new and more innovative versions. For those that crave that original late 90’s experience, we recommend the relatively simple and stripped back re-releases, though more recent models like the Tamagotchi Uni have much more engaging gameplay.

Fans of J/K-pop girl group XG have the option of picking from eight different shells on their official site. Seven have been designed by each individual member in the group and there is also a special one dedicated to their Alphaz fanbase in a stunning silver chrome.    

Bearbrick

Starting out as a free convention souvenir, Bearbricks have evolved into a collectible genre of their own. The plastic bears have served as a great canvas for everything, ranging from original designs and pop culture iconography to fashion collaborations and traditional art. Coming in a variety of sizes, there has got to be one out there that suits your fancy. 

Barbie

Since Barbie became the highest grossing movie of 2023, a whole new lot of collectors have (re)discovered their love for the plastic fantastic fashion doll. There have been collectible Barbie lines of all price ranges over the decades, but our pick are the ones from their Inspiring Women Series. Based on real life female role models, Mattel has created a loving line that pays tribute to trailblazers past and present. We think the recent Kristi Yamaguchi Barbie shares an adorable and accurate likeness to the Olympian gold medal-winning figure skater. She also has the Made to Move body that is an incredible display of how doll articulation has evolved.   

Jellycat

For those that love it fluffy, London-based Jellycat has been bringing a smile to many worldwide with their plush toys. Gen Z fans are now using their plushie keychains for that maximalist aesthetic. Lane Crawford Times Square currently has a pop-up store featuring fan favourite ranging from Bartholomew Bear to Bashful Bunny and Amuseables Peanut, along with Jellycat Jack's 25th anniversary range. 

Also see: Celebrating Barbie’s life in plastic