1. Dolls
Far from the stereotype that collectors are nerds who are wasting their time amassing a load of rubbish, collectibles have been one of the few markets to hold their value through the recession. We hunted down some hot collectors' items in a variety of different fields.
You might think that dolls are just toys but they’re big business in collecting circles with three main categories; antique dolls produced before 1930, vintage dolls run up to the 1980s and modern dolls go from the 80s onward.
Where to start: Although there are a huge number of dolls for sale on eBay and through specialist internet shops, there are also collectors’ fairs, shops, clubs and magazines aimed at doll collectors.
What affects the price: As with all toys, dolls that are in their original packaging, complete with their accessories, will attract a higher price.
Keep your eyes peeled for: She may have only cost $3 when she first went on sale in 1959 but a 1965 Midnight Red Barbie sold for £9,000 at auction.
