For over a decade, Funko Pops were the crown jewel of nerd collections. From convention exclusives to glitter variants, collectors proudly stacked shelves, built display walls, and hunted down limited releases. The rush of grabbing a grail figure was unmatched.

But in 2025, the Pop bubble isn’t just shrinking—it’s bursting. Prices are sliding, shelves at Target and Hot Topic are overflowing, and Funko’s strategy of producing endless variations of the same characters has left even diehard fans with burnout.

Speaking as collectors who built a 1,000+ piece collection over ten years, we’ve seen firsthand how the Funko hype train derailed. And as we (and many others) start downsizing, the big question is: what’s replacing Funko Pops in the collectible world?

How Funko Popped Too Far

At its peak, Funko had something for everyone. Whether you loved Marvel, anime, The Office, or even obscure cult classics, there was a Pop for you. That inclusivity fueled the craze—but also created its downfall.

  • Overproduction: Funko began mass-producing characters in endless waves. Do we really need 12 versions of Deadpool dressed as random food items? Or ten slightly different Luke Skywalkers?
  • Unnecessary variants: Diamond editions, glow-in-the-dark editions, metallic editions—the novelty wore off as collectors realized the differences were minimal.
  • Market saturation: Pops went from exclusive convention finds to clearance bins at Walmart. When everything is collectible, nothing feels rare.

The result? Value collapse. Pop Price Guide, one of the main tracking sites, updates based on the last ten sales of a figure. As collectors flood eBay with unwanted Pops, prices keep dipping. That grail you bought for $200 five years ago may barely break $50 today.

Our Personal Funko Downsizing Story

After years of building our collection, my husband and I hit the wall. We had entire bookshelves packed, unopened boxes stacked in closets, and new releases arriving monthly. At first, we tried to downsize slowly—listing one Pop at a time on eBay and collector groups. But the effort didn’t match the return.

After weeks of seeing figures sell for half (or less) of their former values, my husband made the decision: sell the bulk of the collection in one go to a collectible store. Was it for top dollar? No. But it cleared space, cut the stress, and acknowledged the reality of today’s market.

And we’re not alone. All over forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads, collectors are saying the same thing: “I’m done. I can’t keep up.”

The Collectible Void: What’s Rising As Pops Decline?

So what’s filling the collectible gap as Funko slows? Here are the areas catching fire:

1. Labubu & Pop Mart’s Art Toys

If there’s one brand dominating the conversation right now, it’s Labubu. Designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart, Labubu figures are quirky, whimsical, and—most importantly—scarce compared to Funko Pops. Each Labubu drop sells out fast, with collectors around the world scrambling to grab limited blind boxes, online exclusives, and collabs.

  • Why it’s hot: Where Funko diluted the thrill of collecting, Labubu thrives on scarcity and design uniqueness.
  • Collector appeal: They aren’t mass-produced to the same level, which keeps values stable or climbing.
  • Community buzz: Labubu groups on social media are exploding, with fans showing off hauls and trading rare editions.

Labubu represents what Funko used to be—a collectible that feels special.

2. LEGO Sets

LEGO has never really gone out of style, but lately it’s booming with both kids and adult collectors. With licensed themes like Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and even Friends and The Office, LEGO hits the same fandom sweet spot Pops once did—only with higher quality and resale value.

  • Why it’s hot: Sets retire quickly, meaning scarcity drives long-term demand.
  • Collector appeal: Building the set is half the fun; displaying it is the other half.

3. Trading Cards (Pokémon, Magic, Sports)

Cards are making a comeback. Pokémon in particular has exploded thanks to anniversary celebrations, rare pulls, and nostalgia. Unlike Pops, card collecting offers the thrill of the hunt with every booster pack.

  • Why it’s hot: Competitive play + nostalgia = longevity.
  • Collector appeal: Cards are easier to store, grade, and trade.

4. Premium Figures & Statues

Collectors tired of plastic bobbleheads are moving toward NECA, McFarlane, Hot Toys, and Sideshow Collectibles.These are higher quality, detailed, and limited production compared to Pops.

  • Why it’s hot: You get what you pay for—artistry and scarcity.
  • Collector appeal: More satisfying long-term investment.

5. Blind Boxes & Mini Figures

Companies like Kidrobot, Tokidoki, and Pop Mart’s other lines are capitalizing on the collectible itch with mystery minis and vinyl figures. While not as saturated as Pops, they hit the same dopamine rush of surprise.

  • Why it’s hot: Each unboxing feels unique.
  • Collector appeal: Smaller, cuter, and more niche.

6. Digital Collectibles (NFTs & Apps)

Not everyone’s favorite, but digital collectibles like VeVe NFTs have found an audience. Marvel and DC have both experimented with app-based exclusives.

  • Why it’s hot: Zero shelf space required.
  • Collector appeal: The “future” of fandom collectibles (though the jury’s still out).

How to Offload Your Funko Pops

If you’re sitting on hundreds—or thousands—of Pops and don’t know what to do, here are the main routes:

1. Sell Individually (High Effort, Potentially Higher Return)

  • Platforms: eBay, Whatnot, Facebook Marketplace, hobby forums.
  • Best for: Rare exclusives and grails still holding value.
  • Downside: Time-consuming, shipping heavy, and prices fluctuate.

2. Bulk Sell to Stores (Fast, Lower Return)

  • Options: Local collectible shops, comic book stores, toy resellers.
  • Best for: Collectors who want space back fast and don’t care about maximizing profit.
  • Downside: Expect pennies on the dollar for commons.

3. Sell in Lots (Moderate Effort)

  • Bundle pops by theme (Marvel lot, Star Wars lot, Anime lot).
  • Great for: Moving mid-tier Pops at once.
  • Downside: Buyers may lowball since they’re purchasing in bulk.

4. Trade Pops for Other Collectibles

  • Swap groups and forums allow trades for figures, LEGO, or cards.
  • Good option if you still want to stay in the hobby but pivot collections.

5. Donate or Gift Them

  • Schools, libraries, and charity auctions often welcome Funko donations.
  • Best for: Pops that won’t sell or aren’t worth the hassle.

What We’ve Learned From the Pop Collapse

The Funko Pop story is a cautionary tale of what happens when a brand floods its own market. For years, Pops were seen as the affordable, accessible way to express fandom. But overproduction and endless variants killed scarcity—and without scarcity, collectibility dies.

Meanwhile, Labubu and other emerging collectibles are thriving precisely because they limit production and emphasize creativity. The joy of collecting has returned, but just shifted toward new brands.

If you’re downsizing like we are, it’s okay to let go. Pops can still bring joy (and look great on shelves), but they don’t need to take over your home. The shift away from Funko doesn’t mean the end of collecting—it just means fandom is moving on to the next big thing.

Final Thoughts: Collecting Is About Joy, Not Hype

Whether you’re selling your Pops, keeping your grails, or moving on to Labubu, LEGO, statues, or cards, remember this: collecting is supposed to be fun.

Funko Pops might be slowing down, but that doesn’t mean fandom collectibles are dying. It just means collectors are re-evaluating what feels worth their money, time, and space.

As for us, we’ll always look back fondly on the Funko era. But with shelves cleared and space reclaimed, it feels good to look ahead. After all, fandom never stops—it just evolves.