Scotland’s first-ever full tribute festival weekend is set to take over Conifox this June. Britney Spears hits live in Edinburgh. Oasis anthems. Queen classics. ABBA, Elton John, Cher and the Spice Girls, all in one place, across one huge weekend.
Introducing ICONIC Festival – a brand new, adults-only music event bringing together the world’s most legendary artists (through world-class tribute acts) for a high-energy, nostalgia-packed festival experience like nothing Scotland has seen before.
Taking place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June at Conifox, next to Edinburgh Airport, ICONIC Festival promises two full days of non-stop live music, singalong moments and feel-good festival vibes, with doors opening at 1.30pm and performances running into the evening.
Saturday’s line-up features tributes performing Britney Spears, ABBA, Oasis, Queen, Elton John, Cher and the Spice Girls, while Sunday brings Take That, Bon Jovi, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, Kings of Leon and Tina Turner-inspired performances to the stage. Each night will close with a live DJ set, keeping the party going until late.
This marks Scotland’s first full-scale tribute festival of its kind, designed as a strictly 18+ event for those looking to relive the biggest hits of their lives in a fun, festival setting.
Conifox previously introduced its first adults-only event with Terror at Conifox Scream Park, a sold-out horror experience which will return later this year for a seven-night reign of Terror. ICONIC Festival builds on that success, offering a completely different kind of adult experience centred around live music, nostalgia and an unforgettable summer festival atmosphere.
James Gammell, owner of Conifox, says the festival is all about creating a shared experience through music people already know and love.“These are the songs that everyone knows – the ones you grew up with, the ones you still turn up in the car, the ones that bring people together instantly. ICONIC Festival is all about celebrating that, in a way that feels big, fun and unforgettable.”
Festivalgoers can expect a lively outdoor setting with delicious street food vendors, festival drinks and Taylor’s of Edinburgh funfair available throughout the day, alongside a packed main stage schedule of back-to-back performances.
With both day tickets and weekend tickets available, organisers are expecting strong demand as word spreads about the unique concept.
From guilty pleasures to all-time classics, ICONIC Festival is set to deliver one of the most talked-about music events of the summer – bringing together generations of hits, one stage, and one unforgettable weekend.
Brits take a nostalgic look back to the 80s on Live Aid’s 40th anniversary
Survey reveals Brits’ most-loved 1980s songs, shows and memories.
Research also reveals average ticket prices for concert-goers have increased by over 500%.
Simple pleasures like ‘being able to call the doctor directly’ and ‘life without social media’ are much-missed.
Research* conducted by Ambassador Cruise Line has stepped back in time encouraging Brits to reflect on their favourite cultural moments from the 80s and reveal what they miss most about the era.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid on 13 July 2025, the affordable quality cruise line – which is staging a six-night Summer of ‘85 Revisited tribute cruise departing Bristol on Sunday# – asked the nation to share their thoughts on the music, TV and memories that defined a generation*.
From Wham! to Woolworths, caravan holidays to cassette tapes, the results paint a vivid picture of a decade that continues to resonate deeply with the Great British public.
From the silver screen to the radio waves, the 1980s delivered an explosion of creativity that people still just can’t get enough of. When asked to name their favourite entertainment from the era, responses from Brits read like a ‘who’s who?’ of zeitgeist-defining pop culture.
Going for a Song
13 July 2025 is set to mimic 13 July 2025 with blue skies and soaring temperatures, but when it comes to the nation’s most beloved 80s track by a British or Irish artist, it’s Christmas all year round with Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ named the UK’s favourite song according to the research.
There was a four-way tie for second place in the 80s Top 10, with ‘In The Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins – famed for playing both the Wembley and Philadelphia Live Aid shows – followed by Queen’s ‘A Kind of Magic’, taken from the Album of the same name after a Live Aid-driven ‘renaissance’; Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ (originally written for Meat Loaf); and Chris de Burgh’s ‘Lady in Red’ taking up the remaining spots.
The Nation’s Favourite 80s Songs
1
Wham!
Last Christmas
1984
2
Phil Collins
In the Air Tonight
1981
3
Queen
A Kind of Magic
1986
4
Bonnie Tyler
Total Eclipse of the Heart
1983
5
Chris Be Burgh
Lady in Red
1986
6
Band Aid
Do They Know It’s Christmas
1984
7
George Michael
Careless Whisper
1984
8
Pet Shop Boys
West End Girls
1986
9
Dexys Midnight Runners
Come on Eileen
1982
10
Queen & David Bowie
Under Pressure
1981
TV Gold
On the small screen, the antics of everyone’s favourite wheeler dealers in Only Fools and Horses reigned supreme, with long-running perennial staples like Doctor Who and EastEnders following closely behind.
Gender preferences revealed that men leaned toward action and bawdy comedies like The A-Team and Blackadder, while women preferred dramas and music-based shows like EastEnders and Top of the Pops.
The Nation’s Favourite TV Show of the 80s
1
Only Fools and Horses
1981-2003
2
Doctor Who
1963-1989; 2005-present
3
EastEnders
1985-present
4
Blackadder
1983-1989
5
The A-Team
1983-1987
6
Top of the Pops
1964-2006
7
Dad’s Army
1968-1977
8
The Young Ones
1982-1984
9
Grange Hill
1978-2008
10
The Two Ronnies
1971–1987
Firm Film Favourites
The survey found that the magic of 80s movies hasn’t faded one bit over the last 40 years. Brits are still having the time of their lives with Dirty Dancing (1987), dubbing it their favourite film of the decade – with a notable 18% of women giving it top billing.
Action-packed blockbusters and feel-good favourites also made a strong showing, with Top Gun, The Karate Kid, E.T., Back to the Future and Die Hard proving that the 80s were a golden age for unforgettable storytelling, iconic characters and endlessly quotable lines.
The Nation’s Favourite 80s Movies
1
Dirty Dancing
1987
2
The Karate Kid
1984
3
Top Gun
1986
4
Back to the Future
1985
5
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982
6
Die Hard
1988
7
Ghostbusters
1984
8
The Terminator
1984
9
The Goonies
1985
10
Beetlejuice
1988
Live Aid Memories: Who Wants to Live Forever?
With Live Aid celebrating its 40th anniversary, the survey asked the British public which moment from the day that ‘rock and roll changed the world’ they’d most like to experience again. The most common responses included ‘Status Quo opening it with ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’; ‘Phil Collins on Concorde’; Paul McCartney performing ‘Let it Be’; David Bowie singing ‘Heroes’; and last, but not least, ‘Bob Geldof’s sweary rant’.
However, it will come as a surprise to absolutely nobody that Queen’s ‘electrifying’ performance ‘which showed other bands how to play to a live crowd’ topped the poll by a considerable margin. ‘Freddie had the audience in the palm of his hand’ just about sums up the responses, making it clear there’s one band (and more specifically, one moustachioed maestro often cited as the greatest frontman to have ever lived) that people just can’t break free from…
Top Ten Live Aid Moments – Quotes
1
One of the best live displays ever – the Queen performance and Freddie Mercury having 100,000 people in the palm of his hand. Awesome!
2
Status Quo opening it with Rockin’ All Over the World
3
Bob Geldof’s sweary rant
4
The sense of togetherness for my family and friends
5
When Phil Collins performed in the UK then flew to the USA and performed there
6
The enjoyment of all the bands coming together for the good of others
7
Paul McCartney singing Let It Be
8
U2 – Bono was brilliant!
9
David Bowie’s magnificent set and his emotional rendition of ‘Heroes’ – simply amazing
10
The incredible amount of money raised for a good cause
Counting the Cost of Legends Live
With many Live Aid performers still touring today, Ambassador compared their ticket prices from the 1980s to the 2020s, and the results are staggering.
The comparison shows just how far the music industry has come – and how the era-defining acts of the 80s are still as relevant and popular today as they were 40 years ago, even if a ticket to see them play live has soared in price!
1980s Ticket Prices:
Queen (1986 – Wembley) – £25
U2 (1987 – Joshua Tree Tour) – £15
Genesis (1986 – Invisible Touch Tour) – £15-£20
Madonna (1987 – Who’s That Girl Tour) – £15
Paul McCartney (1989/90 – The Paul McCartney World Tour) – £20
Phil Collins (1985 – No Jacket Required Tour) – £15
Dire Straits (1985 – Brothers in Arms Tour) – £16
Duran Duran (1984 – Sing Blue Silver Tour) – £12
The Rolling Stones (1982 – Tattoo You Tour) – £18
Simple Minds (1985 – Once Upon A Time Tour) – £12
2020s Ticket Prices:
Queen + Adam Lambert (2023 – The Rhapsody Tour) – £100+ – 300% increase
U2 (2023 – The Sphere Tour) – £120 – 700% increase
Genesis (2022 – The Last Domino? Tour) – £80+ 355% increase
Madonna (2023 – Celebration Tour) – £150+ – 900% increase
Paul McCartney (2024 – Got Back Tour) – £110 – 450% increase
Phil Collins (2023 – Not Dead Yet Tour) – £85+ – 467% increase
Dire Straits (2023 – Mark Knopfler Tour) – £100 – 525% increase
Duran Duran (2023 – Future Past Tour) – £75 – 525% increase
The Rolling Stones (2022 – No Filter Tour) – £130 – 622% increase
Simple Minds (2022 – 40 years Of Hits) – £70 – 483% increase
(Prices based on average tickets with two time periods compared to find mean percentage increases)
Get Back! (to where we once belonged…)
Last, but by no means least, when asked what aspects of 1980’s life they’d most like to bring back to today, Brits overwhelmingly longed for the simplicity and personal connections we enjoyed ‘back in the day’.
The most missed element of daily life was the ability to call the doctor directly to book an appointment, cited by 37% of respondents. This was closely followed by a desire to return to a time of greater respect for elders (34%) and life without the pressures of social media (33%). Nostalgia for the high street was also strong, with 29% wishing for the return of staples like Woolworths.
The survey also revealed a deep affection for holidays in the 1980s, which many respondents described as “simple,” “cheaper,” and “more family-focussed.”
Caravan parks, Butlins, and classic UK beach breaks were frequently mentioned, evoking memories of a slower pace and stronger sense of togetherness.
One respondent recalled “less faff in airports, less pressure to ‘go places’,” while another opined, “We loved caravan holidays. We actually spoke to each other.”.
Running for six weeks, this latest menu provides nostalgic feelings to transport you back to a simpler time.
The menu will run in both of the capital’s Six by Nico locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street from 16 December 2024 to 26 January 2025 – with bookings starting at £44 per person
Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience in Edinburgh known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has unveiled its latest six-course concept, transporting guests back to the good old days with déjà vu food that serves a taste of forgotten flavours with every bite.
Taking inspiration from CEO and Founder Nico Simeone’s childhood favourites and his families festive traditions, the latest concept menu is full of creative twists on old school classic flavours that will never fade.
The latest menu will run at Six by Nico’s city centre locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street, for six weeks from 16th December 2024 to 26th January 2025, using timeless tastes to help guests forget about being an adult for a while.
For £44, guests will be able to experience the old school flavours of Nostalgia, with a matching wine pairing from £30 per person or cocktail pairing from £40 per person. Start the experience with the snack selection for only £10 per person.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, commented: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories.
“Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments from an era spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.
“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”
With Christmas just around the corner and concerns about the cost of living and affordability of the festive season being a worry for many, the rituals associated with Christmas can still provide psychological comfort and joy, says the British Psychological Society.
From decorating the tree, to attending a carol service or listening to Christmas songs, the activities and milestones we associate with the festive period can help lift spirits and provide solace when times are tough.
“Christmas comes once a year, but it comes every year – that becomes a ritual in itself”, says chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang, in considering the psychological factors behind the rituals that can help bring the feel-good factor at Christmas.
“We know Christmas can be a difficult and challenging time for people for many reasons, but for others, Christmas can evoke warmth and joy like no other time of year.”
Familiarity and nostalgia brings comfort
Nostalgia and looking back at something with affection can generate feelings of warmth and comfort.
“In uncertain times, like the cost of living crisis, people seek something they can predict or feel in control over – for example if we know a film has a happy ending or because we’ve done something before and we know we enjoy it”, says Dr Tang.
Psychological evidence has shown that people engaging in nostalgic emotion[i] report higher levels of feeling that they belong, and a higher continuity between their past and present, even describing their lives as more meaningful. This also correlated with higher levels of self-reported self-esteem and positive mood.
Christmas offers an element of hope and magic
Christmas films are effective at capturing an element of hope and magic with their storytelling, and watching them can often bring positive emotion to the surface.
“These feelings may also connect us with an experience we have loved in the past, or trigger exciting thoughts of what is to come”, says Dr Tang.
“Sentiment enables us to focus on feelings rather than thoughts, and in a world that is often dominated with rationale and reason, it is healthy to have the opportunity to sit for a moment with our feelings.”
Christmas gives us permission to feel child-like
From switching on the Christmas tree lights to the glee of unwrapping presents, Christmas can unlock childlike feelings and give us permission to have fun and celebrate, just as we might have when we were young. For some, permission to start their Christmas rituals begins with external events:
“Where some people ask if November 6 is too early to put up the Christmas decorations, others will mark the start of the festive season by seeing the John Lewis ad on TV, almost as if it gives them permission to begin our celebrations”, says Dr Tang.
“The funny thing about human nature here is that we are seeking permission at all. These ‘rules’ are so ingrained into our upbringing, and while perhaps we can choose to mark our seasons by external events, we also need to remember that we are living our lives for ourselves not for the judgment of others.”
We see the people we love
Psychologists say relationships with others are as important to human existence as food and water.[ii] “At Christmas we get to see the people we care about. If we have been feeling lonely, we may also feel “skin hungry”, but know we will have an opportunity to give and receive a hug”, says Dr Tang.
We practice the “love language” of gifting
Gifts are a way of expressing and receiving love. However the cost of living crisis can make this expression of love fraught rather than feel-good.
“Giving and receiving gifts is a ritual that can bring joy, but it’s important to do so within your own means, and those of your loved ones. Perhaps set a limit on the amount everyone will spend, make presents or think of a different contribution you could make, like making a dish for a Christmas meal, or create something to entertain”, suggest Dr Tang.
“The act of being able to do something to make a difference to others is a huge contributing factor to wellbeing.”
A LOCAL Edinburgh bagpiper has been moving care home residents to tears with nostalgic melodies.
The musical visit from piper, Matt McKelvie, was organised by dedicated care home staff at Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa in Loanhead after putting up a notice on social media.
Playing traditional Scottish melodies such as ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘Highland Cathedral’, the young Edinburgh piper is now returning for his second gig.
Matt McKelvie said: “I saw that Pine Villa was looking for a musician on social media and thought playing the bagpipes for care home residents sounded great.
“As things are getting back to normal and people start to socialise more, I think events like these are so important, as they brighten up residents’ days and they get to enjoy something a bit different from their usual routine.
“It was a lovely event, everyone really enjoyed themselves! Residents were dancing away and laughing, it was great.
“One of the residents used to be a minister for the Church of Scotland, so he asked me to play ‘Amazing Grace’ for him. It was truly heart-warming seeing his face light up when he heard the song.”
At 8 years old, Matt started private lessons at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming at Redford Barracks.
His early passion for music was ignited by his grandfather who used to be a drum major for ‘The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ and has been a leading role model and inspiration.
The young bagpiper added: “The best part for me was the way I made the residents feel, seeing them enjoy my playing truly makes me happy.
“I mainly have been playing at weddings and funerals, but after visiting Pine Villa, I am hoping that will change soon and I can play at a broader variety of events and celebrations.
Originally a hobby Matt is seeking to play full-time after he completes his higher education at Glasgow National Piping Centre.
Denise Williams, manager at Pine Villa, said: “Our residents had an amazing time listening to Matt and it was a delight to see them enjoying themselves and are looking forward to having him play again.”
Operating 11 care homes across Edinburgh Borders and west of Scotland, Mansfield care is designed to provide bespoke care to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.
Specialising in unique small, friendly residential / nursing care homes, staff work under an ethos that is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.
The highly trained staff ensure a commitment and continuity of care to each resident with a dedicated home manager and wellbeing coordinator to plan activities according to resident’s wishes.
Brits’ favourite ways to spend time with their Grandparents
– Nostalgic conversations are the nation’s favourite way to spend time with their grandparents
– Research reveals top 10 activities include baking, gardening, and playing board games
– Psychotherapist, Andre Radmall, explains why it’s so important for grandchildren to spend time with their grandparents.
Reminiscing about the past (32%) is the nation’s favourite activity to do with their grandparents, new research has revealed.
The study was conducted by Gala Bingo, the nation’s favourite bingo site, to launch its new Paddle Pals TV advert, which celebrates the bond we have with our grandparents.
Playing card games (31%), looking through old photographs (30%) and baking (30%) were some of the other ways in which we cherish time with Grandma and Grandad.
Men and women tend to have different favourites, however, as while talking about history is the favourite grandparent pastime for men, baking takes the top spot for women. Almost two in five (38%) women say baking is their favourite thing to do with their grandparents, compared to just 21% of men. Yet men and women equally enjoy spending time planting and pruning in the garden (26%) with their elders.
Interestingly, age plays a part in which activities are most enjoyed. Cooking alongside their grandparents is a popular activity for both the 25-34 (41%) and the 35-44 (33%) age groups. For the younger generation (18-24), taking the dog for a walk with their grandparents topped the list at 31%.
Overall, the nation’s top 10 favourite activities to do with their grandparents are:
Talking about the past – 32%
Playing cards – 31%
Going through old photos – 30%
Baking – 30%
Cooking – 28%
Playing board games – 28%
Gardening – 26%
Walking – 23%
Going to the park – 23%
Doing puzzles, crosswords, word games –20%
Dog walking (15%), taking a trip to the beach (15%) and puzzling over jigsaws (19%) were among the other wholesome activities that were mentioned but didn’t quite make the top 10.
Sporty activities such as swimming (4%) and bowling (3%) were some of the least popular endeavours.
There is also variation across the UK. Playing board games with the grandparents is the preferred activity for people in Bristol and Edinburgh (both 37%) whereas taking a stroll around a park is the favourite thing to do for those in Liverpool (31%) and Sheffield (33%).
Psychotherapist and author Andre Radmall said: “The relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is immensely important. Spending time with each other provides innumerable benefits for both.
“Grandchildren can learn from the experience of grandparents, passing on their wisdom through to adulthood which can be a rewarding and meaningful experience for grandchildren.”
Karina Adrian, head of brand marketing at Gala Bingo, said: “It’s really great to see the nations appreciation and love we share for our grandparents.
“There are so many shared experiences between a grandparent and their grandchild, with this research reflecting just how much of a positive impact the bonds with our grandparents can have on us as adults.
“We hope this research has inspired people to spend some quality time with their grandparents this week and reminisce on good times spent with them.”
Eating fish and chips at the beach is Brits’ top memory from childhood holidays
Paddling in the sea, amusement arcades and caravan stays also make the top five
Gen Z (18-24s) is the most nostalgic for caravan holidays
As staycations boom and Brits rediscover the joys of a holiday on home soil, the nation’s favourite childhood memories of UK breaks have been revealed.
The study, conducted by Park Leisure, the luxury holiday park operator, asked 2,000 adults for their best memories of domestic holidays and eating fish and chips at the beach took the top spot. More than half (52%) of Brits said a seaside trip to a chippy was a happy memory from their youth.
Many Brits remember coastal trips fondly, as paddling in the sea (47%) and exploring rock pools (29%) also rank highly. Other beach activities, such as going crabbing (16%) or having a ride on a donkey (14%), also brought back good memories.
For lots of families, childhood holidays often involved staying in a caravan, and almost two in five (39%) Brits are nostalgic for this style of vacation.
Interestingly, out of all the age groups, Gen Z (18-24-year-olds) rank caravan holidays the highest amongst their childhood memories (third favourite), showing how their appeal remains as great as ever.
The nation’s top 10 favourite memories of holidays in the UK are:
1. Eating fish and chips at the beach – 52%
2. Paddling in the sea – 47%
3. Going for walks – 44%
4. Playing in amusement arcades at the seaside – 41%
5. Staying in a caravan – 39%
6. Picnics – 32%
7. Exploring rock pools – 29%
8. Playing games with family and friends – 26%
9. Making new friends – 20%
10. Barbeques – 17%
Favourite holiday memories vary across the UK, with people in some cities recalling times where they learnt new skills.
More than one in seven (15%) Mancunians learnt to ride a bike while on a UK break, slightly more than Londoners (13%), while people in Cardiff (19%) and Sheffield (16%) remember being taught how to fly a kite.
Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “Many of us look back on childhood holidays with great affection, and it’s been lovely reflecting on all these happy memories.
“It was great to see that every generation had similar favourites, which shows that traditional holiday activities, like rock pooling, walking and picnics, are still going strong!
“Many people will have explored new corners of the UK over the last year or so, and hopefully families will now continue to holiday on our own shores, so the next generations can enjoy similar memories in the future.”
Bottles of fresh air from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are being marketed as the perfect gift for homesick Britons living overseas this Christmas.
Relocation website My Baggage is offering fresh air bottled from the four home nations for £25 each and claim the bottles are already being snapped up by families with loved ones living abroad – in a bid to remind them of home and possibly tempt them back to our shores.
The company is also offering special limited edition bottles featuring air captured on the London Underground and air from the inside of a busy Norfolk fish and chip shop.
Each 500ml of air comes with a cork stopper so the owners can open for a moment, take a breath and quickly close again, allowing many weeks or even months of use.
My Baggage is also willing to fulfil special customer requests by bottling air from any UK location, and have already fulfilled an order of air from the misty summit of Snowdonia for a homesick Welshman living down under.
The company, which helps thousands of Britons to relocate to other countries each year, claims their bottled air offers Brits living overseas the chance to reconnect with home by purchasing authentic UK air to remind them of home.
They decided to launch their bottled air range following research which linked our sense of smell to emotional memories.
They said that while many UK residents hanker after a new exciting life in another country relocating leaves some pining for home.
The hope is that a bottle of air from one of our home nations will ease homesickness and make settling into a new country that much easier.
But they also said they were seeing orders for the bottles as Christmas gifts from parents keen to tempt their sons and daughters back to the UK.
A spokesman said: “Many Brits have a dream of moving abroad and the exciting thing about our work at My Baggage is that we help make those dreams come true.
“But we know from our customer feedback that a small but significant number of Britons who move abroad do experience homesickness.
“We wanted to help them reconnect with home and we know from published research that our sense of smell is very evocative when it comes to emotions.
“By allowing recipients to take a deep breath of the air from their home country we’re hoping to ease homesickness and help them settle into their new life, wherever that may be.
“At the moment the majority of orders are coming from parents and loved ones of Brits who have moved abroad. A bottle of fresh air from home is the perfect gift for a family member who is living overseas – and it might even entice them back home.
“The smells Britons miss might surprise some. Orders for the fish and chip shop air have been strong while the London Underground air is one of our best sellers and seems to be popular with ex-commuters who perhaps want to remind themselves of what they’re missing.”
My Baggage have created a special product page on their website where visitors can find out all about the air. Please visit: https://www.mybaggage.com/shipping/air/
Investing in THESE Toys Can Make You a Millionaire
Hot Wheels have the most monthly searches at 894,500, with the most valuable car said to be worth £134,000.
Trading Cards have sold for the highest amount, with a Honus Wagner 1909 card being sold for £2.9m.
Disney VHS Tapes have the least amount of monthly searches and have sold on eBay for £11,000.
Over the past 6 months, we’ve all had a lot of extra time on our hands and have been using that time to clear out all the nooks and crannies in our homes that have been untouched for years.
These clear outs have filled our hearts with nostalgia, as we go through old photo albums, clothes that no longer fit and childhood toys.
Although toys might not seem likely contenders for items to invest in, if you are able to come across the right ones and keep them in perfect condition, you may have hit the jackpot!
The experts at OnBuy’s Toy Department decided to look into some of the most valuable toys and games that could earn you a fortune.
ITEM
NUMBER OF MONTHLY SEARCHES
HIGHEST RECORDED AMOUNT SOLD FOR ($/£)
Comic Book
284,200
$3.2m / £2.4m
Trading Cards
20,800
$3.8m / £2.9m
Toy Cars (Hot Wheels)
894,500
$175k / £134k
Dolls (Barbie)
675,000
$303k / £231k
Beanie Babies
153,800
$600k / £458k
Board Games
560,900
$147k / £112k
Disney VHS Tapes
6,500
$15k / £11k
The Highlights
With a monthly search of 20,800, the highest amount recorded for the purchase of a Trading Card is said to be £2.9m ($3.8m) for a Honus Wagner 1909 card.
Other specific Trading Cards of value include Magic: The Gathering Alpha Black Lotus card, Yu-Gi-Oh Black Luster Soldier card and a Pokémon Holographic First Edition Charizard.
Having the fourth most monthly searches with 284,200, Comic Books are big in the investing game too.
In 2014, a first edition of Action Comics from 1938 sold on Ebay for just over £2.4m when the bidder had only put it up for 99 cents (76p). Other comics of similar value include Detective Comics, Amazing Fantasy and Marvel.
With 153,800 monthly searches, the most expensive sold bundle of Beanie Babies in the world, that went for £458,000 ($600,000), was a large Wallace, two regular sized Wallace’s, Cashew and Huggy.
Other valuable Beanie Babies include Rainbow, Valentino, Princess the Bear, Bubbles and Piccadilly Attic.
Having the second most monthly searches at 675,000, the most expensive Barbie doll ever sold was the Stefani Canturi doll, which went for £231,000 in 2010 due to the necklace the doll sported having been designed by Stefano Canturi and featured emerald-cut pink diamonds.
Other dolls worth value include Original Barbie (1959), Marie Antoinette Barbie and Pink Jubilee Barbie.
Hot Wheels cars have the highest number of monthly searches standing at 894,500 and one of the rarer finds is said to be worth £134,000 the 1969 pink, rear-loading Beach Bomb.
Currently standing at 560,900 monthly searches, the original Monopoly game made in 1933 was sold at an auction for £112,000.
Lastly with the least amount of monthly searches, the most successful Disney VHS tape was sold on eBay for £11,478 ($15,000) – it was the Beauty and the Beast Black Diamond.
