In 2025, the collectibles market saw strong performance in physical items, particularly trading cards, toys, and sports memorabilia, while digital collectibles (NFTs) experienced a market cool-down. Trends were driven by cultural moments, nostalgia, and a growing interest in alternative investments.

Top Trending Collectible Categories and Items

Trading Cards (Sports and Gaming)

The overall trading card market grew significantly, with both new releases and vintage staples in high demand.

• Pokémon remained a dominant force, with new sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Destined Rivals generating massive interest.
• Sports cards were fueled by breakout rookie athletes like Jayden Daniels and Nick Kurtz, and record-setting seasons from stars like Shohei Ohtani and Alex Ovechkin.
• Magic: The Gathering also saw a surge in popularity, especially due to its Final Fantasy crossover set.

Toys and Figurines

• Designer toys experienced a cultural phenomenon, with POP MART’s Labubu figures seeing a 2,600% increase in searches on eBay.
• Ultra-soft Jellycat plush toys and glow-in-the-dark Smiski figures also saw strong sales and interest.
• Nostalgia for brands like LEGO Star Wars and vintage Star Wars toys drove consistent demand.

Pop Culture Memorabilia

• Major film and streaming releases sparked demand for related collectibles; for example, the Superman film in July caused searches to spike by over 2,300x per hour.
• Manga and anime titles such as Solo Leveling and Apothecary Diaries saw significant search spikes, with over one million manga listings available daily on platforms like eBay.

Antiques and Luxury Items

• High-value items like rare U.S. coins, vintage watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe), and mid-century modern furniture remained popular alternative investments.
• Rare coins, in particular, saw significant gains, with some top-tier examples outpacing gold’s impressive rally.

Key Insights

• Nostalgia and Culture: Nostalgia for childhood items and major cultural moments (films, sports achievements, viral trends) were primary drivers of market activity in 2025.
• Physical vs. Digital: The physical collectibles market grew steadily, while the digital collectibles (NFT) market cooled down, experiencing a drop in sales volume compared to previous years.
• Authenticity and Technology: The industry continued to integrate technology for authentication and online marketplaces, with augmented reality (AR) used to display digital assets and blockchain used to verify physical items’ provenance, helping to build buyer confidence.