There’s something magical about the Jurassic Park toy lines of the past. Whether it’s the unforgettable roar of Kenner’s Red Rex, the battle scars of the Dino Damage figures, or the intricate playsets that let you recreate scenes from the films, these toys are a collector’s dream. But if you’re new to collecting, you might be wondering where to start—and how to avoid some common pitfalls.
Here’s everything you need to know to begin your journey into vintage Jurassic Park toy collecting.
Boxed or Loose? Make Your Choice Wisely
One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to collect toys in the box (MIB, or Mint in Box) or loose (out of the box and often played with). Both have their pros and cons:
Loose toys are often much cheaper and easier to find. If you’re collecting because you love the toys themselves and want to display or pose them, this is the way to go.
Boxed toys hold their value much better, making them a stronger investment. However, this means you should think twice before opening them. The moment you break that seal, the value drops significantly.
A great compromise? Buy a boxed version as an investment and a loose version for display. That way, you can admire the toy in all its glory without sacrificing future value.
Watch Out for Repacked Boxed Toys
If you’re buying a boxed figure or dinosaur, you need to be careful—it might not be as “new” as it looks. Some sellers try to pass off repacked toys as factory-sealed, but there are a few telltale signs:
- Check the Dino Damage piece. Some larger dinosaurs, like the Jurassic Park Triceratops or Young T. rex, have removable Dino Damage panels. If the toy inside the box already has the panel attached, that’s a red flag—it was likely removed and then placed back inside.
- Look at the twist ties. Vintage toys were secured with tight wires around their limbs. If the wires look loose, replaced, or missing, the toy has likely been taken out before.
Always ask for close-up pictures before buying and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
The Thrill (and Risk) of Prototypes
Prototypes are among the rarest and most fascinating Jurassic Park collectibles. These are early versions of toys that were used for testing, often unpainted or in odd colors. Owning one is like holding a piece of toy history—but it’s also an area where fakes run rampant.
Before buying a prototype:
- Ask for verification. A legitimate prototype should have proof it was part of the Kenner, Hasbro, or Mattel design process.
- Be wary of “homemade” prototypes. Some people strip paint from regular figures or repaint them to look like pre-production samples. If a seller can’t provide solid proof of authenticity, walk away.
- Research known prototypes. Many have been documented by collectors, so compare what you’re buying to what’s already out there.
Rarity Doesn’t Always Mean High Value
It’s easy to assume that just because a toy is rare, it must be worth a fortune. But in reality, popularity drives price more than rarity does.
For example, the 1993 Red Rex is a fan-favorite, making it one of the most valuable figures from the original Kenner line. On the other hand, there are plenty of toys and merch that are incredibly hard to find, but because there’s little demand, they don’t fetch high prices.
Now that you know what to look for, where should you start your search?
- eBay (worldwide), Vinted (EU) & other Online Marketplaces – The most obvious place, but also where you need to be the most careful. Check seller ratings, ask for additional photos, and compare prices before buying.
- Facebook Groups & Collector Forums – Many collectors sell within communities, often at better prices than eBay. Plus, you can ask questions and get advice from more experienced collectors.
- Toy Conventions & Vintage Shops – If you prefer seeing a toy in person before buying, conventions and specialty shops are a great option.
- Garage Sales & Flea Markets – Every now and then, someone sells a box of old toys without realizing what they have. If you’re lucky, you might score an amazing deal!
Starting a vintage Jurassic Park toy collection is an adventure—one filled with excitement, nostalgia, and the occasional hard lesson. By being mindful of what to look for and where to find the best deals, you’ll build a collection you’re proud of.
Have any collecting tips of your own? Drop them in the comments!