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Original poster

Adult collecting Sylvanian Families...

80 replies

missbunnyrabbit · 29/07/2020 13:55

Can anyone make me feel better about this, maybe by sharing something they collect that is far too young for them...

I collected Sylvanian Families as a child, loved them so much. Got back into buying vintage ones on Ebay about ten years ago. Basically buying all the ones that I never got as a child. It makes me feel so nostalgic and snuggly. But I also feel guilty at how much money I have spent on them. Definitely over £1000 in my lifetime.

It's also not something I shout about due to the 'childish' nature of Sylvanians. Bit embarrassing!

Does anyone else collect anything a bit weird or too young for them?

OP posts:
Dinosauratemydaffodils · 29/07/2020 14:00

Playmobil. I pass it off as the kids (who have been indoctrinated) but it's mine really.

Iwalkinmyclothing · 29/07/2020 14:03

Can you afford it? Are your dependants suffering financially because you are buying these things? If the answers are 'yes' and 'no' respectively, where is the problem? People spend money on all sorts of things; if someone can justify thousands of pounds a year on makeup because it makes them feel good, you can certainly justify spending on collecting items that make you feel good!

I'm very boring, I don't really collect anything, but I would love to buy back all my childhood books :)

WearyandBleary · 29/07/2020 14:06

Sylvanians are fab - good for you. They are the only toy of my dc that I’ve kept. They are actually on display still in a glass cupboard so that’s a bit mad as well... but they SO CUTE

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dontgobaconmyheart · 29/07/2020 14:09

I think it's very normal OP! Don't lots of adults collect them? At the price point and level of detail in some of the accessories they seem more suited to adults than small children in a way.

I realise it's easy to say but I wouldn't feel embarrassed at all. If you can afford it and enjoy it I just dont see how it differs from spending on any other hobby, or a gym membership or any other thing. 1k on a bike or the gym or any hobby would not be considered much over a lifetime Smile

Sylvanian families are so lovely, I feel very sentimental about them too and often still look at them in toy shops, have a few in the attic etc. Post some pics of your lovely collection OP! Don't hide it away. Enjoy what you enjoy with pride and pleasure. There are much worse things to be doing than that!

ForeverRedSkinhead · 29/07/2020 14:11

I collect nail polish , not really something that's seen as a thing for a younger person , but I do sometimes question the need for the 15 different shades of red I own...

Your hobby is fab though op , I loved sylvanians as a kid and really regret throwing mine away. Could you post some pictures of your collection if you have time?

WinnieLowCo · 29/07/2020 14:14

I don't see why not. I spend money on wire and clay and most of my ''creations'' look like they were done by a 3 year old.

Lately I've been thinking I should buy my inner child a soda stream. I think there is something about looking after your inner child. Being in touch with what she didn't get but is asking for.

verypeckish · 29/07/2020 14:15

Grin I collect toy plastic dinosaurs.

I also still have my Britains floral garden toys - and I'm thinking of expanding that collection having recently seen some on Ebay. Also still have my zoo and farm animals.

My dc's Sylvanians are in the loft, they won't be leaving.

TokyoSushi · 29/07/2020 14:17

I've just spent £80 on a vitange Polly Pocket clock with all the figures. It's in my office and it makes me very happy! I'm 40.

TokyoSushi · 29/07/2020 14:17

**Vintage

blacksax · 29/07/2020 14:18

When you think of all the men who have train sets or have amassed huge collections of toy soldiers, dinky cars, vintage Lego, comics, Star Wars memorabilia etc etc etc, I don't think its unusual at all to collect toys as an adult.

What is unusual is that women don't seem to do it as much as men. I wonder why?

GrannyBags · 29/07/2020 14:23

I have a large collection of Sindy and Barbie dolls. They were all in boxes until mu husband persuaded me to get them out and put them on display. They are now in three large doll houses on the landing. They are not hurting anyone and I don’t spend more than we can afford.
Enjoy your collection op

Afolnerd · 29/07/2020 14:23

There is probably over £10k worth of Lego in our house!
Do what makes you happy, as long as you aren’t going hungry or getting into debt to buy it, why not buy something you love.

Sarahbeans · 29/07/2020 14:23

"Lately I've been thinking I should buy my inner child a soda stream. I think there is something about looking after your inner child. Being in touch with what she didn't get but is asking for."

@WinnieLowCo

We've recently bought ourselves a soda stream and love it. Of course, we're justifying it as our attempt to do our but for the environment and reduce our usage of plastic bottles. But secretly, there's a real nostalgia kick there too.

Go for it! Soda Stream is ace.

krustykittens · 29/07/2020 14:25

I have two dollhouses, OP, and three Billy bookcases filled with ball jointed dolls that I love to paint and dress up. I have always loved beautiful dolls but my parents couldn't afford a peaches and cream Barbie. They would faint if they knew how much I spend on my dolls. It's harmless, OP, so why should you apologise? If you can afford it, then spending money on what makes you happy is money well spent.

GeorgiaGirl52 · 29/07/2020 14:28

I kept all of my son's Thomas the Tank Engine toys. I even bought some long after he had outgrown them. I even continued buying them after he outgrew them.

Devlesko · 29/07/2020 14:29

I was thinking of buying some sylvanian myself Grin I'm Romany and dd had the set when she was little, with hedgehog family. It's still pretty good but could do with a few repairs and lost bits replaced.
It's not going to cost e more than £50 though, and that makes me feel childish tbh. I don't care though, if it's what you like, why not.

Devlesko · 29/07/2020 14:30

Does anyone know if you can get replacements for broken bits? I've looked everywhere.

westisalwaysbest · 29/07/2020 14:30

I remember buying a secret keeper for my dd who was about 3 at the time. I had always, always wanted the swan and didn't ever have it! She was not in the least bit impressed 

@WinnieLowCo
I love the idea of keeping our inner child happy - I hadn't realised that's what I tend towards and you've just nailed it!

DishRanAwayWithTheSpoon · 29/07/2020 14:34

I loved sylvanians as a child. Just waiting till I have enough space in my house to start recollecting as an adult.

Feel like as a child I didnt appreciate all the little details

ineedaholidaynow · 29/07/2020 14:38

One Christmas, DH, I and DC all got Lego as our main Christmas present! Obviously DH and I both knew DC were getting Lego, but unknown to each other we had both bought each other one of the big kits. We didn't really want or need anything, so had both decided unilaterally to get a fun gift! I have never seen so much lego in one go, but it was great fun, definitely a keeping your inner child happy moment.

FudgeBrownie2019 · 29/07/2020 14:40

We all collect Lego and for my last birthday I got the Death Star! I cried with excitement when I opened it.

I love it, and will never stop loving it.

Twizbe · 29/07/2020 14:43

I recently re discovered all the playmobile and Sylvanian families I had as a child. My parents had kept them all!

We've brought a few sets home for our kids but the rest will he kept until they are older.

I had a look on eBay and I'm amazed by how much some of these are worth.

CuckooCuckooClock · 29/07/2020 14:43

I love sylvanians.
My kids occasionally sort through theirs and “get rid” of a few bit and pieces. I have kept all of them. The babies are so cute. I’d buy a full set of all the babies if I could.

Sailfin · 29/07/2020 14:44

I love Sylvanian Families!

I don't have any, but I've got a big dolls house that I love.

strugglingwithlife · 29/07/2020 14:44

I loved Sylvanian families and collected them as a child, I want to get them out of my dad's loft for DD when she's older and buy her more. I've been buying the vintage my little pony's from eBay brand new, re released for the 30th anniversary. I'm putting them away to give to DD when she's 3