Gen X collectors drive growth in Singapore collectibles scene: survey

This makes Gen X the second-highest spending demographic, trailing only 26–30-year-olds.

Collectors aged 41–50 are spending big on toys, figurines, and trading cards, so much so that 40% of them report spending over $1,000 a year on their hobby, according to a new poll by Carousell.

This makes Gen X the second-highest spending demographic, trailing only 26–30-year-olds, of whom 56% spend more than $1,000 annually.

The findings challenged the stereotype that collectible culture is dominated by younger “kidults.” Instead, Singapore’s Gen X is not only deeply engaged in the collectibles scene but also helping shape its direction and value.

Carousell’s poll revealed that 42% of collectors are aged 41 and above, with the 41–50 age group comprising nearly 30% of all collectors—the largest single age segment in the survey.

Their passion is longstanding: 76% of collectors aged 41+ have been at it for over five years, showing strong loyalty to the hobby. But interest is still growing, with 14% saying they only started collecting within the past year.

Gen X collectors aren't just browsing casually either. Nearly half browse for collectibles weekly, and 47% actively organise and catalogue their collections.

One in five even uses spreadsheets or digital tools to track purchases and values. While 50% shop through Carousell, many still enjoy traditional formats—33% buy in physical stores, and 19% attend conventions or trade events.

Amongst older collectors, LEGO and traditional items like coins and notes topped the list. These preferences bridge nostalgic appeal with modern trends, alongside widely searched items such as Labubu, Mofusand, Crybaby, Pokémon, and Jellycat plush toys—many of which have seen spikes in Carousell search rankings between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025.