One of the big reasons why Bobbleheads are so popular is that they are wonderful little objects to collect! And once you get started, it’s something you can get into very easily indeed. Bobblehead collectors from around the world enjoy a healthy and fun pastime – and some even make a little money here and there when they decide to sell off their collections. In this guide, we’re going to go through a few things you need to know about collecting Bobbleheads. Whether you are doing it just for fun or perhaps even want to start investing in Bobbleheads, everything you need to know is right here. Let’s get started right away.
A brief history
For those of you that are new to the Bobblehead scene, here’s a potted history. Bobbleheads have been around in some form or another since the 1700s. They have been mentioned in literature from almost 200 years ago, and first made a transition into sports in the early 2900s, thanks to Major League Baseball. Bobblehead makers would create designs based on some of the top players of the time, and it’s a tradition that still goes on today. And where you used to have to buy y Bobbleheads of other people – famous or otherwise – these days, companies like ours can create bespoke, personalized Bobbleheads for the individual. The industry has come a long way over the years, as has the materials used. For example, the first Bobbleheads were entirely ceramic, whereas these days we use polymer clay and create our designs by hand.
Why collect Bobbleheads?
While most people are happy to buy a Bobblehead as a one-off, those that do often love them so much that they start to develop more of an interest. And once you scratch beneath the surface of the Bobblehead world, there is a lot of interesting things to consider. You can get Bobbleheads of your favorite movie characters, sports stars and even politicians. And some Bobbleheads are exceptionally valuable, and if you find an old Bobblehead in great condition, you could actually be sitting on a fortune.
What makes Bobbleheads collectable?
There are plenty of reasons why Bobbleheads appeal to people. The reality is that they are collectable for anyone, no matter what you can afford to spend, even if you are on a limited budget. Collecting Bobbleheads is a little like collecting Baseball cards, and they make great displays, as well as being fun toys to play with. And given that many Bobbleheads gain value over time, you can see why so many people are keen to treat them as a way of investing their money. Ultimately, the interesting design and amazing look make Bobbleheads a popular choice amongst everyone from sports fans through to antique collectors.
Where do I look for Bobbleheads?
As designers and creators of personalized Bobbleheads, we can create stunning replicas of people’s faces from a simple photo and our customers often hand them over as a fun gift to loved ones and friends. So, unless you end up becoming famous, our Bobbleheads are a good starting point for your collection, but won’t necessarily make you money in the future! But if you intend to grow your collection, there are a few places to start looking. Online auction sites like eBay are a good place, to begin with, but you should also check out thrift stores and yard sales in your local area. You often find that sports teams and movie promoters hand out Bobbleheads at special events, such as stadium giveaways. And finally, you can pick up Bobbleheads of famous people, characters and sports stars at most retail outlets that sell toys.
What do I need to look for when buying a Bobblehead?
As with anything in life, it all depends on what you want from your Bobblehead. A standard doll is great for kids — and adults – alike, and can be a great little toy to play with. However, once you start a serious collection, make sure you are looking closely at what you buy. New Bobbleheads won’t present too much of a problem because they are unused. But it is important to check for any damage on vintage Bobbleheads and give them a lot more scrutiny. An old Bobblehead could be anything from 30-60 years old – perhaps even more if you are lucky to come across one from the 1800s – and you will want them in perfect condition if you want to protect your investment.
How should I buy Bobbleheads?
When you are a serious collector, it’s important to understand what you are buying. Some Bobbleheads can be incredibly expensive, and paying so much money for one can be a big risk. You will need to do plenty of research on the Bobblehead in question, and find out how many were made, consider whether it was made for a specific reason, and also whether it is in good condition. As a rule, however, the vast majority of Bobbleheads can be purchased for a few dollars. It’s always worth investigating your purchase closely after you have bought it, though, as you may well have unearthed a lusted after model! Ultimately, though, the best – and most rewarding – way of buying Bobbleheads is to buy for yourself or a loved one for enjoyment. Build up your collection over time, and who knows where it might take you in the future?
What are the best Bobbleheads to buy?
Finally, there are a few different types of Bobbleheads that fetch the greatest value. Vintage baseball is where it all started, of course, and just like Baseball trading cards, the rarer dolls sell for incredibly high prices if they are in good condition. There are lots of sought-after limited edition Bobbleheads available, too. These dolls are usually created in batches of 100 or less – which makes them very exclusive. However, if you want real exclusivity, one of our famous personalized Bobbleheads will be 100 percent unique to you. And that’s the kind of one-of-a-kind gift or present that you can only expect from a Likenessme Bobblehead – why not get in touch and give one a try?