Buying guide for star wars toys
Star Wars toys are more popular now than ever. The Star Wars franchise continues to provide a variety of toys for the youngest of fans, up to the diehard collector. You can find everything from masks and voice changers to lightsabers and nightlights.
At BestReviews, we work to provide you with the in-depth reviews you need to make an informed buying decision. We’ve provided a shopping guide to help you decide which Star Wars toy features are important to you, and to help you compare and contrast your options before buying. When you’re ready to shop, be sure to take a look at our top five Star Wars toys.
Considerations before buying Star Wars toys
Purpose of the toy
Collectors may be looking for a different kind of toy than someone who wants an action figure for a three-year-old. Almost any Star Wars toy can become a collector’s piece if cared for and stored properly. However, there are some toys that are specifically designed with collectors in mind. These toys usually have more accurate details, and are meant for display only.
Recommended age
For safety reasons, we always recommend purchasing toys with the correct age range of your child. Choking hazards, sharp edges, or difficulty of operation are all reasons a toy may not be appropriate for young children.
Did you know?
Action figures of rare characters, like Blue Snaggletooth and Yak Face, are highly valuable because not many were made or sold in the United States.
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Types of Star Wars toys
Star Wars toys come in all shapes and sizes, and we cannot include every type of Star Wars toy available in this shopping guide. Instead, we’ll describe the general types of toys, and to whom they might appeal.
Electronic and remote control toys
The futuristic nature of Star Wars naturally lends itself to electronic and remote control toys. Astromech droids that make sounds, light up, and interact with users can be found in all sizes. Remote control toys usually feature a droid or vehicle with various features, like fighting noises or interactive responses.
Models
Spaceship and speeder models of different sizes can be found in sets, or as individual pieces. Many come with display stands, making them easy to add to a collection. Accuracy and detail are often of great importance with these toys, as they do make good collector pieces. However, they are also a great addition to any child’s play set.
Construction sets
Lego has an entire line devoted to Star Wars. These sets range in size from a small single fighter to large ships, vehicles, or characters that may be two or three feet high or wide. Construction sets are popular amongst collectors, as their value tends to increase with time.
"There are Star Wars toys that seek to make the science seen in the movies a reality for children. They include science kits and robots that can be programmed using coding skills."
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Pretend play toys
Lightsabers, costumes, and masks make role playing look and feel real. They are made in both children and adult sizes. Quality may vary, so if you can, look and feel the product before purchasing. Lightsabers can be purchased individually or as a pack. There are some that are designed to be interchangeable so as to allow the user to adapt the configuration.
Action figures
These popular toys depict various characters from all of the Star Wars movies. The size and detail of these toys vary, from small, chunky figures for children under the age of three, to three-foot tall stormtroopers. Accessories may include helmets, clothing, and weapons. Some may also come with a vehicle or spaceship. When looking at action figures, keep in mind the age of the person for whom the toy is intended. Action figures may include small accessories that can be swallowed by young children.
Toys and much more
Star Wars inspires toys in every category, from plush dolls and inventor kits to lunch boxes and walkie talkies. Chances are if you have a type of toy you want, you’ll be able to find a Star Wars version of it.
FAQ
Q. What kind of Star Wars toys are the most collectible?
A. A toy is only valuable as long as there is someone willing to pay for it. Star Wars has such a large following that there are many people who consider themselves collectors. Toys that are available for a limited time, are no longer manufactured, or have a limited number made, are generally more valuable than those that are manufactured for years and readily available. Star Wars toys made when the original movies came out in the 1970s are much more valuable than those made today. However, there are some, like some construction sets, that have already become collectibles because of the limited number made.
Q. How durable are toy lightsabers? Can they withstand rough play?
A. Toys are only toys and are not meant for realistic fighting. Many lightsabers are designed to extend and retract in telescoping sections, which makes them visually like the lightsabers from the Star Wars movies. However, it also makes them susceptible to breaking if they are roughly used. Most are meant only as a costume piece. You should heed manufacturer guidelines and warnings about the intended use of toys.
Q. Can Star Wars construction sets be played with, or are they only for display after completion?
A. It depends on what you want. Some sets can be played with once they are completed. However, you should keep the instructions, so you can put pieces back in place if they fall off. A few large construction sets are so big they really are only for display once completed.
