A place for the local Norwood Community

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IS IT REALLY WORTH SAVING McDONALD'S GIVEAWAYS?
by Colleen Moulding
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We've all seen stories in the press of seemingly ordinary toys
or children's ornaments fetching astronomic prices and wondered
if we too, should be stashing away these precious pieces of
plastic instead of letting them slide down the back of the
sofa. Well the answer is, yes, we probably should.

To be of interest to a collector though, the item needs to be
in mint condition, in the original packaging, including any
unused meal boxes or any other promotional material that you
can lay your hands on. And collect the whole set.

Exceptional prices are for rare items of course, but it is
surprising how quickly these limited term promotional items
become collectable. Already being collected are character
bubble bath figures, Disney memorabilia, anything to do with
the Coca-Cola Company and original linked to tv show toys such
as Thunderbirds and Star Wars - do not confuse with nineties
versions - although these too, in their time will become
collectable.

Browse the dealers stalls at a few toy fairs and you'll soon
learn to spot the collecting trends. Talk to the stall holders,
they are usually a friendly bunch with a love of their wares
and happy to give advice to new collectors.

Most of all don't forget the golden rule of collecting - to
collect something because you love it anyway - then it's value
is just a lovely bonus! Happy hunting!

© Colleen Moulding 1999

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Colleen Moulding is a freelance writer living in the south of
England. She is also the owner/editor of All That Women
Want.com http://www.allthatwomenwant.com a magazine, web guide
and resource for women everywhere.