Why collectables are selling for fortunes and the six that could make you rich
A surge in the value of collectables like Pokémon cards or vintage toys means you could be sitting on thousands or even millions.
It’s hard to believe a piece of cardboard with a pretty picture on it could be worth millions, but Pokémon collectors know too well that this is true.
Earlier this year, American influencer and WWE pro wrestler Logan Paul sold his “Pikachu Illustrator” Pokémon card at auction for an unbelievable $16,492,000, or around £12 million. The final price was over triple what Paul bought it for in 2021.
While the value of this card was based largely on its rarity – only about 39 were ever produced – many more common Pokémon cards you collected as a child can still be worth thousands.
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But, it isn’t just trading cards you should look out for. A recent surge in popularity sent the price of Jellycat soft toys through the roof, with some listed for over £10,000 on eBay, Meanwhile, trying to find rare Labubu dolls became a craze in the summer of 2025.
Stuart Robb, card game expert at Thistle Tavern Trading Cards, said: “For years, people viewed trading cards as childhood collectables, but today, they’re serious financial assets.
“These cards represent a perfect mix of scarcity, nostalgia, and pop culture, the same forces driving luxury watch and art markets. What we’re seeing is the evolution of collectables into a legitimate asset class.”
For some people, buying collectibles could be a worthwhile investment opportunity. Adding collectables like vintage toys, or luxury items like handbags or fine wine could be a good way to diversify your portfolio, though profit is not guaranteed.
The six collectables that could make worthwhile investments
1. Pokemon cards
As shown above, Pokémon cards are one of the most popular collectables that can command high prices at auctions.
The $16 million Pikachu card is an extreme example, but other Pokémon cards have fetched hefty prices.
A first-edition Charizard card was sold for £313,655 in 2022, while some modern cards that can still be found in packs currently on sale can easily reach more than £1,000.
The interest in Pokemon cards is part of a boom in the toy collectables market, which also includes Star Wars figures and Barbie dolls.
The market for Pokémon cards is also large, valued at $15.8 billion in 2024, and demand for them is so high that children – the target consumers – are often unable to find them in shops.
2. Jellycat toys
Jellycats are another collectable toy that can fetch a high price. These cute cuddly toys range from personalised bunnies to penguin bag charms and even boiled eggs and avocados.
Collectors are drawn to these toys because many are released in limited edition runs, making them scarce, while demand is high.
On eBay, the most expensive 20th anniversary edition bunny is listed for more than £10,000, with others including bees, mice and dogs listed for upwards of £1,000.
3. Handbags
Investing in luxury goods can bring decent profits. One of the strongest-performing luxury assets last year was handbags, according to the Knight Frank wealth report.
These achieved a 2.8% return, compared to a loss of 9% for whisky and an 18.3% loss for art. Between 2015 and 2025, the handbag sector rose by 85%.
In terms of fashion as a collectable investment, it’s worth mentioning trainers as well, which may appeal to younger investors and have performed strongly in recent years.
There is a big community around trainers, which has turned certain pieces of footwear into highly valuable assets. Many of these high-value shoes are associated with celebrities or are only available in certain markets.
Even shoes that had no limited-edition releases have appreciated in value since their release such as the original Nike Air Jordan I from 1985, which originally retailed in the US for $65 and can now achieve valuations of $45,000 per pair.
4. First-edition books
First-edition books can be worth a lot of money, depending on their condition and significance.
For example, a first-edition Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, which was originally released in 1997, sold for £36,000 in November 2024.
Meanwhile, first editions of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, released in 1937, can also be sold at a high price, with one achieving a value of £43,000 at an auction in August 2025.
If you’re thinking about purchasing some modern books and novels, opting for the first-edition release could end up being a worthwhile investment opportunity.
5. Fine wines
As the saying goes, fine wines age well, That applies to both quality and price.
Collecting fine wines can be quite expensive initially as bottles need to be stored properly and safely for them to maintain their quality.
But, they can turn into valuable collectables for the future, as they can either be sold for profit or opened for pleasure.
One of only 40 bottles of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti was sold for $812,500 (just over £600,000) on 30 March 2026, breaking the previous world record for most expensive wine sold at auction.
6. Vinyl records
Spotify or Apple Music might be your go-to in the car or on your commute to work, but vinyl records are making a comeback. It means if you keep your old vinyl records (in good condition) you could be sitting on thousands of pounds.
Original copies of The Beatles' White Album are worth thousands. Albums that are in great condition, with the original Apple logo and low serial numbers, are worth checking.
Meanwhile, exclusive vinyl songs and artwork are proving popular among Taylor Swift and Beyonce fans, creating a new generation of record collectors.
Read more on the vinyl records that could fetch you up to £10,000.
Why invest in collectables?
By adding collectables to your investment portfolio of funds and shares, you are adding another layer of diversification.
They help diversify your portfolio because they are not subject to interest rate changes, inflation, or other factors in the same way that other assets are.
The low level of correlation between the value of collectables and the broader stock market means they may be resilient during difficult periods. So, as long as the value of your collectable keeps up with inflation, you could find they generate a healthy return for you.
Of course, the biggest drawback of investing in collectables is that they are far less liquid than easily-sold assets like shares or bonds. On top of that, there is also no guarantee that your collectable will actually become more desirable over time and increase in value.
That makes it even more important to do your due diligence and make sure you’re investing in an item that is sufficiently rare and has an appeal that will persist over years.
How to choose collectable investments
If you’re interested in adding a collectable to your portfolio, it is a good idea to invest in something that you are personally interested in. That way you can mix your personal passion and knowledge with the ambition to make a solid return on your investment.
Maximilien Aguttes at French auction house Aguttes, told MoneyWeek: “I think you need to start your collection with collectables or specialities you actually like, and be able to identify rare and beautiful items, low prices and forecast increasing demand. If you don't start with passion or deep expertise, you will probably lose money.”
He added: “We always say that you must buy what you will like in your living room, this is the first ROI [return on investment] you will get for sure.”
You can buy and sell collectables at traditional auction houses, and also a range of online marketplaces.
According to Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank, the rise of online marketplaces has significantly altered the luxury landscape.
He said: “For established sectors, like art, it has aided transparency and given new buyers confidence to enter the market. At the same time, online has encouraged the expansion of the definition of luxury collectables to include NFTs, rare sneakers, and Pokémon cards.
“Social media has amplified these trends, fuelling demand but also intensifying competition for investment.”
