Traditionally, in my family November 1st marks the beginning of the holiday ‘no buy zone’. While you are free to holiday shop for others, you are forbidden from purchasing anything for yourself.
To prevent myself from spiraling into the depths of retail withdrawal, I put together this list of my top 5 most wanted toys. Hoping to find some of these under my tree come Christmas morning.
#5 Jurassic World Snap Squad 4-Pack
I’ve seen these critters pop up on Instagram, and they are just too endearing to pass up. Cutest form of pre-historic terror that I have ever seen, and the variety in appearance in the 4-pack opens up a ton of fun, photographic potential. These guys would make great stocking stuffers. Provided they don’t chomp their way out of the stocking before Christmas.
#4 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Deluxe Link Nendoroid
I missed out on the original release of this figure, so I went ahead and pre-ordered the re-release instead of waiting for Santa to bring it (sorry Santa, I’m just not taking any chances this time around).
I am a huge Legend of Zelda fan, and can’t wait to take shots of this Link as he sets out on new adventures. Nendoroids have excellent articulation and come with numerous accessories making them perfect repeat subjects for toy photography.
Ps – Santa, I also pre-ordered the Princess Zelda Nendoroid, so no need to worry about that one either. Thanks.
#3 The Droid Factory playset
I didn’t grab this while visiting Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and I’ve been kicking myself ever since. The set looks a bit bland, but it includes one of the unsung heroes of Star Wars, Gonk. You can never have enough Gonk droids in your life, which is why this set is #3 on my list.
Ps- Dear Disney, it is a HUGE missed opportunity that you haven’t produced a Gonk droid battery pack. I mean, who wouldn’t love charging their devices from a power droid!?!?!
#2 The Mandalorian – 6″ Black Series
I don’t own many Black Series figures, but The Mandalorian is tugging at my heartstrings, especially now that the show has aired on Disney+. I realize we are well into the November, no-buy-zone, but I’m still actively searching high and low for this figure in stores. Kind of ironic to be hunting for a bounty hunter, but I am on the job.
James Garcia has been posting incredible images of this figure on Instagram, making me infinitely jealous.
#1 Borderlands 3 Blind Box Mini Figures
As a huge fan of Borderlands 3, I’m desperate for some toys of the game’s protagonists. Mega Construx has Borderlands 3 sets coming out in Q2, 2020 but I can’t wait that long. To tie me over, I wouldn’t mind a few of these Borderlands 3 blind box minifigures. Claptrap, Bandit, Zane, & Fl4k are my top picks of the litter, but I would love to get my hands on all of them at some point to create my own, vault-hunting scenes.
BONUS ITEM
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker Mystery Minis
Ok, so I’m not quite done with my list. This may be heresy to the toy community, but I’ve never been a fan of Funko’s uber-popular POP series. I am, however, a sucker for their Mystery Minis line and these Rise of Skywalker minis are no exception. I’m kidding myself thinking I’ll only pick up a few from this series.
Though they don’t feature any articulation, aside from an annoying, bobble-head, but this bunch still looks like a blast to photograph. My top picks being D-O, Kylo and his Knights of Ren.
Well, that’s a wrap for my toy wishlist. I’ve been good all year, Santa, I swear!
Happy Holidays, everyone. Thanks for reading, and please let us know what toys are on the top of your wishlist this year.
Here’s hoping you get something from your list, Alan (beside the one you already bought yourself)! I’m seeing a real chibi/cuteness theme running through these toys!
Thanks, Adam – and Happy Holidays to you. I’m a sucker for cutesy toys. Which is why I have the Mandalorian on my list š
Alan – I’m glad you pre-ordered the Legend of Zelda – what a cute figure! Ive often seen this pop up on Captain Dangerous’s feed and I’m always pleased to see him. He is so adorable! Now I will be able to see him on adventures on your feed too! I hope you get a few more of these toys from “Santa”. š
Thanks, Shelly. I swore off buying Nendoroids after a bad experience (I’m looking at you Stormtrooper & Darth Vader). That’s why I didn’t pick up Link when he was originally available. I eventually regretted that decision, but it was too late – the figure was sold out everywhere. Thankfully, Good Smile Company is doing a re-issue this January, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one finally. Happy Holidays!
This was a fun read. I also want a few of these and reading this has just convinced me to go preorder a Link too! While doing that I managed to spot a half price mario nendoroid so that’s more money spent. Thanks Alan!
Awesome! Where did you pre-order from? Best Buy in the US had a great deal on the Guardian Nendoroid, even better when you use the 25% off coupon. I was tempted to get a second, but held off. For now at least. Let me know if you are interested in the deal though, and I can pass along the info. Now, to go grab a Han Solo Nendo from BigBadToyStore which is currently 20% off! Hooray for the Holidays! Ho ho ho!
I canāt believe my family hasnāt instituted a āNo Buy Zoneā! I grumble about folks getting things for themselves, but have never formalized a plan… I love it! Oh, and your list is vastly different than mine… our gift to each other this year is a LEGO room. (Which, of course, means cleaning out said room which means cleaning out another space for everything else to go… vicious cycle…). ?
Ah yes Nendoroid Link! I only have Toon Link, but BOTW Link may find his way to my shelf at some point…Zelda too. Gotta have that Master Sword…XD
This was a really fun article. I enjoyed it!