You have days left to finish your Christmas shopping. The kids have listed everything from board games to Barbies to fidget toys. While said gifts are wonderfully awesome, we have a suggestion that will appeal to everyone on your list — young or old, kids or grown-ups: a Little People Collectors Set from Mattel. These cute figurines are not just for toddlers. They come in different themes, characters and more so there’s a different set to gift to collectors and hobbyists.
Navigate below to discover the perfect Little People find for each loved one you’re shopping for this Christmas…
For the Football Fan
Whether your loved one is a fan of the San Francisco 49ers (pictured), Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers — just to name a few — there’s a Little People Collector NFL set ($25 at Creations.Mattel.com) that’s perfect for him or her.
For the Friend Who Loved “Friends”
Tell your friend you’ll always be there for them with this sweet gesture. They’ll get Little People figurines of Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe in this “Friends” collector’s set ($29.99 at Amazon.com). We love the little details. Phoebe is wearing the dress from the episode “when no one was ready,” while Joey is wearing “all the clothes he owns” from the same episode.
For the Barbie Girl (or Boy)
Inspired by the biggest movie of the year, give this to someone who absolutely loved the Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling flick with this Little People Barbie The Movie Collectors Set ($19.84 at Amazon.com). It comes with four figures: Barbie in pink gingham, President Barbie in pink and gold, beach-ready Ken and Gloria in her power suit.
For the Inspired Woman
Raising a strong girl in your life? This special edition set featuring four inspiring American women who made history ($10 at Amazon.com) will only delight and empower her. This collection includes renowned author and poet Dr. Maya Angelou, aviator Amelia Earhart, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and astronaut Sally Ride.
For the ’80s Sitcom Friend
If you give her this, you’re essentially telling her through this gift, “Thank you for being a friend…” as the show’s theme song said. Featuring the four lovable “Golden Girls” from the hit ’80s sitcom, Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche and Rose, this adorable Little People set ($29.99 at Amazon.com) will let your recipient reminisce about episodes past.
For the ’90s Pop Music Lover
We were delighted to discover that Mattel didn’t forget about our favorite ’90s boy band, NSYNC. This NSYNC Little People collection ($30 at Creations.Mattel.com), reminiscent of their “Bye Bye Bye” music video (in addition to the recent “Trolls: Band Together” movie release), will have to do until this boy band decides to do a reunion tour. Fingers crossed!
For the Ninja Turtle Kid (Past or Present)
With 2023’s release of movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” our beloved turtle brothers are back in the spotlight. Whether the person you’re shopping for was a diehard fan from the ’90s or a new fan from this latest installment, this Little People Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collector’s edition will be cherished for years to come.
For “Drag Race” Devotees
If someone on your list understands the phrase, “shantay, you stay,” this Rupaul Little People Collector set ($8 at Amazon.com) is tailor-made for them. Featuring three different looks of Rupaul’s from the set of reality game show “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” this collection celebrates the iconic performer.
What Are Mattel’s Little People?
In case you’re not already familiar, Mattel’s Little People collection refers to a line of small, chunky and colorful toy figures and playsets designed for young children. These toys are known for their simple and child-friendly design, making them safe and engaging for toddlers and preschoolers — once upon a time.
Recently, Mattel has launched various Little People collections that make them totally fun for kids and adults of all ages and interests. While Little People toys are primarily intended for play, some collectors appreciate vintage sets, special themed figures and more that resonate with them for nostalgic reasons.
The History and Design Behind Mattel’s Little People Line
Rich in history like Mattel (the brand behind the iconic Barbie), Little People toys were first introduced by Fisher-Price, a Mattel subsidiary in the 1960s. At the time, they were made of wood. Over the years, they have evolved into the plastic figures and playsets that are popular today.
Little People figures have round bodies, smiling faces and simple features. They are intentionally designed to be easy for small hands to grasp and manipulate. Some figures represents a character or profession, such as a farmer, firefighter, nurse or animal.
Little People figures can be sold separately or come with playsets that have themed environments or scenes. Think: houses, farms, even Elsa’s castle. (Yes, Elsa from the hit Disney movie, “Frozen.”) Some of the playsets might also feature interactive elements, like buttons to press, doors to open, or sounds and music. Various themes feature franchises, like Netflix show “Stranger Things,” Star Trek and the recently released NFL collection!
Kids and parents alike love the Little People collection because they’re great for imaginative play and storytelling. They encourage children to create their own narratives and scenarios, helping with cognitive development, language skills and social interaction.
How to Shop & Save on Mattel’s Little People
You can buy various Mattel Little People Collector’s sets right on Mattel’s site. You can also find the collections on major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. While prices will vary throughout the year based on demand, where you’re shopping and special editions, Mattel’s People Collector’s sets are typically around $25 to $30.
Here are some tips to help you save on these collectibles:
- Shop During Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye on sales events, holiday promotions and clearance sales at toy stores and online retailers. You can often find discounts on collector’s sets during these times. In fact, some of the sets mentioned above are priced between $8 and $20 on Amazon, which is a great deal!
- Use Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for coupons and promo codes that can be applied to your purchase. Start with our Mattel store page here. If you don’t see a relevant deal right now, continue to check back for updates!
- Consider Pre-Owned Sets: Collectors sometimes sell their sets in good condition, either through online marketplaces or toy conventions. Think: eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, even Facebook Marketplace. Pre-owned sets can be significantly cheaper than brand new ones.
- Shop Off-Season: Consider buying collector’s sets during off-season periods, as prices may be lower when demand is lower.
Remember that the availability of discounts and deals may vary depending on the specific collector’s sets you’re interested in and where you choose to shop. Do your research and be patient when searching for just the right Mattel Little People Collector set. Good luck!
The post There’s a Mattel Little People Collection for Everyone on Your Christmas List appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.