How to Start a Funko Pop Collection: A Beginner's Guide from Toylantis

How to Start a Funko Pop Collection: A Beginner's Guide from Toylantis

How to Start a Funko Pop Collection: A Beginner's Guide from Toylantis

By Kyle, Founder of Toylantis Collectibles | Southcoast, Massachusetts

So you've seen them everywhere — on shelves, in stores, all over social media. Those big-headed, wide-eyed vinyl figures that turn your favorite characters into adorable collectibles. You want to start collecting Funko Pops, but you don't know where to begin. Don't worry — we've got you covered.

At Toylantis, we've been in the collectibles game for over six years. Here's everything you need to know to start your Funko Pop collection the right way.

What Exactly Is a Funko Pop?

Funko Pops are officially licensed vinyl figures made by Funko, one of the world's largest pop culture collectibles companies. They stand approximately 3.75 inches tall and feature a distinctive stylized design — oversized heads, small bodies, and black button eyes. What makes them special is the sheer variety: Funko has licenses with hundreds of entertainment brands including Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, anime, video games, sports, and much more.

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

The biggest mistake new collectors make is trying to collect everything. With thousands of Funko Pops available, that's a fast track to an overwhelming collection.

Instead, start with what you love. Ask yourself:

  • What movies or TV shows are you passionate about? Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Disney are among the most popular themes.
  • What games do you play? Funko has extensive gaming licenses including Pokemon, Call of Duty, and more.
  • What sports teams do you follow? NFL, NBA, MLB, and more are all represented.
  • What anime do you watch? One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto — all available.

Picking a niche keeps your collection focused, meaningful, and much easier to display.

Step 2: Understand the Different Types of Funko Pops

Not all Funko Pops are created equal. Here's a quick breakdown:

Standard Pops — The most common. Available everywhere, typically priced $10–$20.

Exclusive Pops — Made specifically for certain retailers (Hot Topic, Target, Walmart, etc.) or events like SDCC (San Diego Comic-Con). These are harder to find and often more valuable.

Chase Variants — A rare version of a standard Pop, usually with a slight visual difference. Typically 1 in 6 boxes. Collectors love the thrill of finding a Chase.

Glow in the Dark, Flocked, Metallic, and Chrome Pops — Special finishes that make certain figures more unique and collectible.

Bitty Pops — Smaller versions at about 1 inch tall, sold in 4-packs.

Step 3: Decide: In Box or Out of Box?

This is one of the most personal decisions in collecting. Here's the honest breakdown:

In Box (MIB — Mint In Box): Most serious collectors keep their Pops in the original box. The box art is part of the product, and keeping it sealed or in a protector preserves the value significantly. This is especially important for exclusives and Chase variants.

Out of Box: Some collectors display their Pops without boxes because they prefer the look on shelves. This is totally valid — but be aware it typically reduces resale value.

Our recommendation: Keep them in box if you care about value. Display them out of box if they bring you more joy that way. There's no wrong answer.

Step 4: Protect Your Investment

This is where a lot of new collectors drop the ball. You just spent good money on your Pops — don't let them get crushed, dented, or sun-faded.

Soft Protectors are flexible plastic sleeves that fit around a standard Funko Pop box, protecting against minor scratches and dust. At Toylantis, we actually include a free soft protector with every standard 4" Funko Pop order — because we believe every collector deserves to keep their investment safe.

For collectors who want even more protection, we carry the PopShield Armor Hard Protector with Magnetic Lid by 7BAP — a rigid hard case with a magnetic lid that gives your Pops museum-quality protection. Starting at just $14.99, it's one of the best upgrades a serious Funko collector can make. The magnetic lid makes it easy to display while keeping your Pop completely enclosed and protected from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.

We also carry PopShield Soft Protectors in bulk packs from 7BAP — perfect for protecting your entire collection at an affordable price, starting at just $2.00 each.

Step 5: Start Small and Shop Smart

You don't need to buy everything at once. Here's how to build your collection without breaking the bank:

  • Start with your top 5 favorites from your chosen niche
  • Watch for sales — we regularly mark down Pops at Toylantis
  • Check our $10 & Under section for deals on popular figures
  • Pre-order upcoming releases to lock in your favorites before they sell out

Step 6: Display Your Collection with Pride

Half the fun of collecting is showing it off. A few tips:

  • IKEA KALLAX shelves are a collector favorite — perfect sizing for Pop boxes
  • LED lighting behind your shelves makes your collection glow
  • Keep out of direct sunlight — UV exposure fades box art over time
  • Dust regularly — even in protectors, dust builds up

Ready to Start?

Browse our full Funko collection at Toylantis — from standard releases to exclusives, Funko Sodas, Bitty Pops, and more. And don't forget to pick up your protectors while you're here. Your collection deserves it.

Shop Funko Pops at Toylantis → [toylantiscollectibles.com/collections/all-funko-pops]

Shop PopShield Protectors by 7BAP → [toylantiscollectibles.com/collections/protectors-accessories]

Kyle is the founder of Toylantis Collectibles, a collector-owned and operated online store based in the Southcoast of Massachusetts. He has been collecting since childhood and started Toylantis in 2019 to share his passion with fellow collectors.

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