How to Collect Disney Toys

Go to your local library, bookstore or search online for "Hake's Price Guide to Character Toys." You will want the most recent edition if possible but any edition will help you determine what items have higher values.

Join an online forum or local collector's club. You can find these at places such as eBay's Disneyana Forum or through club postings at Craigslist or in your local newspaper. Use forums and clubs to ask questions about what to look for and where to look for great items and great prices. These resources may also be useful for finding specific, hard-to-find items or selling pieces that you no longer wish to keep.

Shop at estate sales, garage sales and resale stores such as Goodwill or Discovery stores. These are places where people will donate or liquidate what they no longer have a use for. Often people don't realize the value of the items or simply must liquidate items quickly for estate closing reasons. A good eye can find great treasures.

Search online auctions and ad posting sites such as eBay and Craigslist. Use your Hake's Price Guide to help you determine a fair price when bidding or negotiating a purchase.

Establish a budget for any item you will purchase. If you really want something to complete a collection, you may be willing to spend what the price guide determines to be its value. If you are hoping to see an appreciation of your collection pieces, you will want to try to buy it for as little as possible, say 40% of its stated book value whenever possible.