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Just for fun, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most expensive toys in the world, with some being worth millions!
10. Barbie by Stefano Canturi
Current estimated value or price paid: £237,020
Year of release: 2010
Number in existence: 1
This unique doll was designed by Stefano Canturi, the Australian jewellery designer, after toy manufacturer Mattel commissioned him to create the most expensive Barbie in the world. The costliest element is the doll’s real diamond collar necklace, featuring a centrepiece £235,451 pink diamond.
Canturi also gave her a makeover including lavish eyelashes, makeup and hair, new shoes and a strapless black evening dress. It took six months to complete his bespoke Barbie, which sold for £237,020 at auction.
9. Gold rocking horse
Current estimated value or price paid: £470,900
Year of release: 2006
Number in existence: 2
Japanese jewellery designer Ginza Tanaka created a gold rocking horse as a gift marking the birth of Prince Hisahito of Japan in 2006. Made from 24K solid gold, it was sold for £470,900 in 2012. Speculation suggested the horse was bought by Jay-Z and Beyonce for their daughter, Blue Ivy.
There are believed to be two gold horses in existence today, although this has never been confirmed.
8. Gold Monopoly game
Current estimated value or price paid: £1.5 million
Year of release: 1988
Number in existence: 1
American jeweller and artist Sidney Mobell created a unique version of board game Monopoly in 1988, with the player pieces made from solid 18K gold and a 23K gold-plated board. The dice’s numbers comprise 42 diamond studs, while the design also features sapphires and rubies.
Now housed in the Smithsonian Museum in the US, it was designed to celebrate the World Monopoly Tournament 1988 in London. Commissioned by Monopoly creator Parker Brothers, the game took a year to be hand-crafted and holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive game of Monopoly in history.
7. Steiff Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear
Current estimated value or price paid: £1.6 million
Year of release: 2000
Number in existence: 1
German soft toy company Steiff created the unique Steiff Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear, wearing an authentic coat made by the high fashion brand, in 2000.
It sold for £1.6 million at Christie’s charity auction in Monaco to Korean collector Jesse Kim, who gave it to a teddy bear museum on Jeju Island, where the public can take a look at the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s most expensive teddy bear.
6. The Masterpiece Cube Rubik’s Cube
Current estimated value or price paid: £1.9 million
Year of release: 1995
Number in existence: 1
Made of 18K gold and valued at £1.9 million, the Masterpiece Cube Rubik’s Cube was crafted in 1995 by diamond cutter Fred Cueller to commemorate the toy’s 15th anniversary.
The unique Cube is decorated with more than 185 carats in gemstones including emeralds, amethysts and rubies. Today, it travels around the world with the Beyond Rubik’s Cube touring exhibition.
5. Shimansky Soccer Ball
Current estimated value or price paid: £1.9 million
Year of release: 2010
Number in existence: 1
The one-of-a-kind football was made to celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup by South African jeweller Yair Shimansky. Studded with 2,640 black and 6,620 white brilliant cut diamonds and weighing a total of 3,500 carats, it took three months to make.
During the World Cup, replica Shimansky soccer balls were displayed at the jeweller’s stores. When the tournament ended, each replica was sold at auction in aid of South African charities.
4. Madame Alexander Eloise dolls
Current estimated value or price paid: £3.9 million
Year of release: 2000
Number in existence: 1
The classic Chad Valley Eloise dolls were inspired by Hilary Knight’s illustrations in the ‘Eloise’ books written by American author Kay Thompson.
In 2000, a set of five luxury Madame Alexander Eloise dolls were created for a charity auction. They sold for £3.9 million, thanks to their designer clothing and jewellery including an Oscar de la Renta coat, Christian Dior clothes adorned with Swarovski crystals and accessories by Katherine Baumann. There was even an accompanying little dog wearing a matching outfit!
The dolls’ whereabouts are unknown today.
3. L’Oiseleur doll
Current estimated value or price paid: £4.9 million
Year of release: 2006
Number in existence: 1
L’Oiseleur, meaning The Bird Trainer, is the most expensive doll in the world, valued at £4.9 million. The unique moving mechanical device was released in 2006 by French automaton maker Christian Bailly. Standing at 4ft tall and boasting 2,340 polished steel parts, it took 12 craftsmen more than 15,000 hours to assemble.
Bailly sold more than 100 19th century automatons from his collection to fund the project. L’Oiseleur is believed to be housed in Bailly’s workshop after being exhibited.
2. Gold Lamborghini Aventador model car
Current estimated value or price paid: £5.8 million
Year of release: 2011
Number in existence: 1
German former mechanical engineer Robert Gülpen started making miniature cars in the late 1990s, creating his Gold Lamborghini Aventador in 2011 for the sole purpose of making the world’s most expensive model car.
It cost around £2 million to make, as the body, bonnet and doors were fashioned from carbon covered in solid gold, with contrasting silver, platinum and gemstone trims. After it was sold, Gülpen donated £510,000 of his earnings to charity.
1. Astolat Dollhouse Castle
Current estimated value or price paid: £6.6 million
Year of release: 1987
Number in existence: 1
Topping the list of the world’s most expensive toys is the Astolat Dollhouse Castle, with a £6.6 million price tag. The museum-quality dollhouse was created by Elaine Diehl, a master miniaturist, between 1974 and 1987 after being inspired by Alfred Tennyson's poem about the Lady of Astolat.
Diehl fashioned 29 rooms and open areas, containing around 10,000 pieces of furniture and accessories. Displayed at her museum shop until 1996, when she retired, the dollhouse was sold to collector Lois Freeman for £6.6 million and moved to Nassau County Museum of Art in New York.
Future collectors’ items
Numerous toys could potentially be collectors’ items of the future, such as action figures from popular franchises like Star Wars; vintage LEGO sets; retro video consoles and games; comic books; board games; Barbie dolls; and sports toys and memorabilia.
While Christmas is a time of giving, this doesn’t mean families should get into debt to buy the latest toys, as it’s not the price tag that matters, but the enjoyment the gifts give to recipients.
Children’s toy storage
Toy storage is important, no matter what their value, as it helps to keep your home organised and prevents tripping hazards in living spaces. It also keeps toys in good condition, not only to play with, but also to retain their value, especially if they are collectibles.
Under bed storage boxes make the ideal space-saving solution, as they keep toys organised and out of sight. If you use clear plastic storage boxes you can see what’s inside without having to rummage – how convenient is that?