5 Must-Have Designer Toys for Your Collection
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

  1. Bearbrick by Medicom Toy
  2. Qee by Toy2R
  3. Dunny by Kidrobot
  4. Labbit by Kidrobot
  5. Vinylmation by Disney

Exploring the fascinating world of designer toys can be an adventure in itself, with pieces that are not just toys, but also works of art. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your collection, you'll find a world of creativity and innovation that's hard to resist. Let's dive into this world and discover five must-have designer toys that should definitely find a space on your shelf.

Bearbrick by Medicom Toy

When it comes to designer toys, it's hard not to mention Bearbrick by Medicom Toy. These bear-shaped figures are a favorite among collectors, with their unique designs and limited-edition releases.

Why Bearbricks are special

  • Bearbricks are more than just toys — they're miniature pieces of art. Each figure is designed with meticulous detail, making them stand out in any collection.
  • These designer toys come in various sizes, ranging from the compact 100% size (7cm tall) to the mammoth 1000% size (70cm tall). Whether you're short on space or looking for a centerpiece for your collection, there's a Bearbrick size for you.
  • The thrill of the chase can be a big part of collecting designer toys, and Bearbricks deliver. With blind box releases, you never know which design you're going to get, adding an element of surprise and excitement.

Noteworthy Bearbrick designs

What sets Bearbricks apart is their sheer variety of designs. They've collaborated with a range of artists, brands, and pop culture icons, meaning there's a Bearbrick for everyone. Some of the most popular designs include:

  1. The Kaws Bearbrick, which features the distinctive artwork of street artist Kaws.
  2. The Star Wars series of Bearbricks, which are a must-have for any fan of the galaxy far, far away.
  3. The Andy Warhol Bearbrick, which brings pop art into the realm of designer toys.

Whether you're a fan of pop culture, fine art, or just love unique designs, Bearbrick by Medicom Toy offers something for everyone. Remember, collecting designer toys is about more than just acquiring items — it's about finding pieces that speak to you and represent your unique taste. Happy collecting!

Qee by Toy2R

Another must-have in the world of designer toys is the Qee by Toy2R. These quirky and innovative toys originated from Hong Kong and have taken the collector's world by storm, thanks to their distinctive aesthetic and versatile design.

What makes Qee unique?

  • Design flexibility: Qee toys are known for their blank canvases, allowing for endless customization. It's not just a toy, it's a medium for self-expression.
  • Variety of characters: From bears to cats to bunnies, Qee offers a variety of character shapes. This gives your collection diversity and makes it visually interesting.
  • Accessible: Despite being designer toys, Qee are relatively affordable, making them a great entry point for new collectors.

Best Qee designs to look out for

While having a blank Qee to customize is a thrill, there are also pre-designed Qees that are absolutely stunning. Let's take a look at a few:

  1. The Tokidoki Qee series, featuring the vibrant and whimsical designs of Italian artist Simone Legno.
  2. The Obey Qee, a collaboration with street artist Shepard Fairey, known for his iconic "Obey" street art campaigns.
  3. The Benny the Dreamer Qee by Okedoki, which is a beautiful representation of the artist's distinctive style.

Qee designer toys are a delightful addition to any collection, blending art, playfulness, and personal expression. As you continue to explore the world of designer toys, remember to enjoy the journey. After all, each toy you add to your collection is a story—an adventure—that you're bringing into your home.

Dunny by Kidrobot

Next on the list of must-have designer toys is the Dunny series by Kidrobot. These are collectible art toys that showcase the creativity of various artists in the form of a cute, bunny-like figure.

The appeal of Dunny

  • Artist collaborations: Dunny figures often feature the work of famous artists. This gives you the chance to own a piece of art from your favorite artist in a fun, affordable format.
  • Unique look: With their distinctive shape—long ears and a round body—Dunny toys are instantly recognizable. They add a dash of whimsical charm to your designer toy collection.
  • Wide range: Dunny toys come in several sizes, from 3 inches all the way up to 20 inches, giving you the flexibility to choose what best suits your display space.

Notable Dunny designs

There's a wide array of Dunny designs out there, but a few stand out as being particularly noteworthy:

  1. The Basquiat Dunny series, which brings the legendary Jean-Michel Basquiat's art into the three-dimensional realm.
  2. The Andy Warhol Dunny series, offering a pop-art punch to your collection with its vibrant colors and iconic imagery.
  3. The Junko Mizuno Dunny, a surreal and vibrant design from the acclaimed Japanese artist.

Adding a Dunny—or several—to your designer toy collection not only provides aesthetic appeal but also a tangible connection to the world of contemporary art. These pieces embody the spirit of creativity and individuality that makes designer toy collecting such a fascinating hobby.

Labbit by Kidrobot

Another designer toy series that's worth considering is the Labbit by Kidrobot. These charming little creatures, with their signature 'stache and laid-back attitude, are a delightful addition to any designer toy collection.

Why Labbit?

  • Quirky Design: With a cigarette or a straw perpetually dangling from its mouth, the Labbit is all about personality. It's a toy that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's part of its charm.
  • Variety: Labbits come in all sorts of variations—from the classic white Labbit to the superhero-inspired Marvel Labbits. There's a Labbit for every taste!
  • Size Options: Like the Dunny, Labbits come in different sizes ranging from 1.5 inches to 24 inches. You can choose one that fits your collection and space perfectly.

Noteworthy Labbits

While all Labbits have their own charm, some stand out for their unique design or concept. Here are a few that have caught the attention of designer toy collectors:

  1. The Stache Labbit, which features an oversized moustache that gives the Labbit an undeniable old-world charm.
  2. The Frank Kozik Labbits, designed by the artist who originally created the Labbit. These pieces truly capture the spirit of the Labbit.
  3. The Marvel Labbits, which combine the quirky charm of the Labbit with the iconic characters from the Marvel universe. If you're a fan of both designer toys and superheroes, these are a must-have!

Whether you're looking for something light-hearted to brighten up your space, or a unique piece that reflects your personality, Labbits are a great choice. They embody the fun, playful aspect of designer toy collecting, and there's always a new design waiting to surprise you.

Vinylmation by Disney

When we talk about designer toys, we cannot overlook the irresistible magic of Disney. Vinylmation by Disney brings together the whimsical charm of Disney characters and the cutting-edge aesthetic of contemporary design. Let's dive into why Vinylmation should be on your radar.

What Makes Vinylmation Special?

  • Disney Magic: If you have a soft spot for Disney, Vinylmation will have you hooked. It features your favorite Disney characters in a unique, abstract style.
  • Collectible Appeal: Vinylmation releases are often limited edition, which gives them a high collectible value. It’s not just a designer toy, it's a piece of Disney history!
  • Artistic Flair: Each Vinylmation is a canvas for artists and designers. You'll find bold colors, intricate patterns, and a diverse range of artistic styles that make each toy a work of art.

Notable Vinylmation Series

While all Vinylmation are special, there are a few series that stand out. Here are some top picks:

  1. The Mickey Mouse series, which reimagines the iconic character in a multitude of designs and styles.
  2. Star Wars Vinylmation, a treat for both Star Wars fans and designer toy collectors. These toys reimagine beloved Star Wars characters in the unique Vinylmation style.
  3. The Park Series, which takes inspiration from various Disney Parks worldwide. This series is a wonderful way to bring a piece of the Disney magic into your home.

If you love Disney and have a taste for designer toys, Vinylmation by Disney is the perfect blend of both worlds. It's a delightful way to enjoy the magic of Disney in a new and exciting format.

If you're passionate about designer toys and want to turn your hobby into a successful brand, consider checking out the workshop 'Create Your Brand Inside & Out' by Karen Oldhoven. This workshop will teach you how to establish a strong brand identity, making your designer toy collection truly stand out in the market.