Second-hand toy market grows by 14%

The second-hand toy market has grown by 14% in value, reaching 378 million euros according to the 2025 barometer from Ecomaison and Circana. This increase reflects a rising interest in buying and reselling toys, especially among French consumers.

French consumers turn to reselling platforms

More French consumers are now considering reselling toys, particularly on platforms like Vinted and Leboncoin. These platforms allow users to list items for sale, often with detailed descriptions and photos to attract potential buyers.

Popular brands dominate the market

Major brands such as Lego, Hot Wheels, Pokémon, and Barbie dominate the second-hand market due to their popularity among collectors. These brands have a large following, and their products are often sought after for their collectibility and nostalgic value.

High demand for Lego on eBay

According to reports, there were more than 425 searches per minute for Lego on eBay between January and October 2025. This high level of interest indicates a strong demand for Lego products, which are often resold in good condition.

Rising prices for rare toys

Some toys can see significant price increases over time, especially when a reference is no longer produced and becomes harder to find. Certain references saw price increases of up to 100% between 2022 and 2024, driven by scarcity and demand.

Online activity peaks before Christmas

With less than two months until Christmas, online listings and searches on platforms such as eBay, Leboncoin, and Vinted are already active. This early activity suggests that consumers are preparing for the holiday season by looking for toys to buy or sell.

Condition and packaging matter

Experts note that nearly everything can be resold, provided the toy is in good condition and the packaging is intact. These factors are crucial in determining the value of a toy in the second-hand market.

Collectible appeal drives sales

The appeal of collectibles is a significant factor in the resale of new toys. According to Franck Mathais from Joué Club, among children, this phenomenon is concentrated on cards, which serve both as a game and a social status symbol.

Popular collectibles on eBay

In 2025, among the ten most sought-after collectibles on eBay are Pokémon cards (1st), Lego Star Wars (2nd), and Hot Wheels products (4th). These items have strong and enduring appeal among collectors of all ages.

Figurines gain popularity

According to a study conducted in spring 2026 by eBay with Ifop, figurines are particularly popular among new generations: 37% of those under 35 have already collected them, just behind trading cards and collectibles (44%).

Collecting is common in France

According to the same survey, 77% of French people have collected something at some point in their lives. This widespread interest in collecting contributes to the growth of the second-hand toy market.

Rarity boosts resale value

The number of references produced also plays a role in the success of a resale. When a reference is no longer produced and becomes harder to find, the second-hand market plays a key role in its value change.

Significant price increases

According to Alexandre Boissenot, there is no need to go back to the 1960s or 1970s to make some profitable trades. Between 2022 and 2024, the average selling price of certain references increased by 100% for the Funko Pop B-Rabbit from 8 Mile, by 55% for the Lego Star Wars Cloud City, and so on.

Parents and children consider future value

At the time of autumn sorting, children or parents may hesitate to immediately resell. According to Franck Mathais, one might tell a child to keep their cards, as they will be worth money later.

Toys as investments

However, can a new toy become a safe investment for individuals? Alexandre Boissenot warns that the term "safe investment" should be used with caution. However, some toys do maintain a strong level of interest on the second-hand market over time.

Enduring popularity of certain toys

This is seen with established franchises as well as more recent phenomena such as Labubu, Jellycat, or Sonny Angel. The popularity of toys can be maintained or even strengthened over time, depending on their rarity and the interest they generate among buyers.