New To Collecting Ponies. Advice?

[ladybastilla]

Hello

I started this account back in 2010 because I was interested in Monster High dolls. But I've recently gotten really into MLP: Friendship is Magic and now I want to get some ponies to compliment my love of the show. But there are so many different ways to get them: blind bags, Funko Pops, brushable MLP, MLP POP ponies, plushies, MLP fashions style ponies... And I'm sure I'm missing something, even listing all that. (And I'm not even touching playsets or other types of merch on that list.)

Anyway... I'm going on a big shopping trip for my birthday next weekend and I plan to feature the ponies as part of what I'm hoping to buy. But just going to a bunch of stores and randomly grabbing everything I see seems like a surefire way to end up with a mountain of toys and no way to sort them. I'm pretty sure that's not what I want.

I know I'm getting the MLP: FiM guidebook, the Cutie Mark Crusaders Doodlebook (I *love* coloring / activity books; never grew out of them from childhood. I find them relaxing.) and Styling Strands Fluttershy (also maybe Styling Strands Rarity, but that's not written in stone--long story.) as those are gifts from my boyfriend.

I know there's no right or wrong way to start collecting ponies. But I figure if I go shopping with a plan I'm more likely to buy what I actually want rather than risking buyer's remorse from just buying everything.

Here are a few questions:

1. Do you think it works better to try and collect different characters or various versions of favorite characters? Both?

2. Do you feel that any particular type of pony collectibles are more enjoyable? (Brushables? Mini figures? Funko?)

3. Since it was the cartoon that got me into these G4 ponies (I believe that's the term?) does it stand to reason that I should check out the original cartoon to see if it connects me to G1? I never had the chance to watch it as a kid--there was big time competition for TV cartoon time and I had two brothers.

4. Where do you think playsets fit into collecting pony stuff? Are they as important as the ponies? Are they worth it for a new collector?

5. (This may seem a weird question, but...) What do people DO with the ponies? I mainly owned barbies and action figures growing up. I never really understood the ponies (as stated earlier) so I'm curious what their allure is as toys. (To me they're TV characters at this point.)

6. Where does Equestria Girls fit into the whole pony thing? I saw the first movie and thought it was 'okay'. I've heard the second one is better. I'm kinda torn on these--I collect Monster High and these would fit in... But I'm not sure whether I'd display them with the Monsters or the Ponies? (Again, I realize there's no real definitive answer here.)

7. What do you think is currently the MLP item to have? It doesn't necessarily mean I'll want / need it; I just think it would be fun to know what others are hunting for.

8. If there was one piece of advice someone could have given you when you decided to collect ponies (or even toys in general), what would it have been? That question may make sense or may seem strange. I'm not sure how many kept collecting from childhood vs. returned to this later in life. (I did that with dolls.)

***

Most of these questions are purely opinion based and are likely more discussion based, rather than things with a definitive answer that will work for everyone. But I'm getting very excited about my shopping trip and can't seem to make up my mind what I'm actually after, so I'm hoping hearing others thoughts will help me sort that out. Thanks for your time and have a nice day.

[moonflower]

1. Either/both. I collect all gens and have different collecting rules for each one. My G4 collection is limited to 1 of each character and I only colect brushables. If you want to collect every version of every character prepare for armies of each of the mane 6.
My main collection is G1 and I have no limitations on that.
I also have a Cheerilee army.

2. Personally, I prefer brushables.

3. I think so. G1 had some great baddies.

4.The only playsets I collect are G1. In this case I collect them because they are G1, but they can also be great for displaying loose ponies.

5. I enjoy looking at them. I also like cleaning and restoring old ponies and making them look pretty again.

6. I thought the first film was OK, but I think the actual dolls are hideous.

7. Personally, I was waiting for Diamond Mint and Honey Rays to hit the shops here and I finally found them both yesterday.

8. I was collecting for 4 years before I joined this forum (or socialised with other collectors at all). I should have joined in earlier as pony peeps are the best! It has made collecting even more fun and I have learnt so much.

[prancingstag]

Spoiler

1. Do you think it works better to try and collect different characters or various versions of favorite characters? Both?

In the short term, I think it's fine to collect up as many variants as you want, if you're only going to be in to the line for a year or so, you can sell them off to other collectors as your interest wanes. In the long term I think it's much better to keep diversifying the herd. Especially with G4 brushables, the base pony is quite boring when you don't like the character. They can change hair, add paint and accessories, but overall there's only one pose and the main appeal is the look of the pony, and a small herd with variety will be more exciting than a large herd made up of only four characters looking slightly different. Having a little army of a pony you're passionate about can be a fun addition to the herd though, and sometimes the variants of a well-loved pony can keep your interest ticking over until the next OC.

2. Do you feel that any particular type of pony collectibles are more enjoyable? (Brushables? Mini figures? Funko?)

Mini figures and POP serve those with limited space/money, and fashion styles serve those who love big ponies with big hair for the styling element. I think the widest appeal lies in the brushables and the Funkos. Brushables for those who like ponies as playable, styling toys, and Funkos for those who are very invested in the FiM show and want dead-on accuracy without worrying too much about functionality.

3. Since it was the cartoon that got me into these G4 ponies (I believe that's the term?) does it stand to reason that I should check out the original cartoon to see if it connects me to G1? I never had the chance to watch it as a kid--there was big time competition for TV cartoon time and I had two brothers.

The G1 cartoon I find very enjoyable, but it's not for everyone. If you really enjoyed the first two episodes of FiM and other 80s kids media appeals to you, give it a shot. I'd recommend the first special (Rescue at Midnight Castle) to almost anyone just because it has ponies fighting back against a giant magical centaur version of satan, what's not to love?

4. Where do you think playsets fit into collecting pony stuff? Are they as important as the ponies? Are they worth it for a new collector?

Playsets can be fun additions, but there would be no use for them without the ponies, so I think ponies are more important. A lot of people don't have the space or money for the extra plastic, and if you don't want play or dynamic display, they're pretty useless. G4 playsets 2013 and before, I'd say a general no as to worth... There are all of two castles and the rest is all accessory packs or vehicles like cars and train sets. No rooms for ponies to sit inside, barely a building faceplate here or there. Now is actually the best time to be in G4 if you love playsets, as we've recently gotten the POP sweet shoppe and the upcoming Canterlot Castle is very detailed. I might be biased because I adore the G1 playsets like the Show Stable, Dream Castle and Paradise Estate, which are huuuge set pieces, highly detailed and with actual roofs and walls for ponies to exist within. Now that's a play set!

5. (This may seem a weird question, but...) What do people DO with the ponies? I mainly owned barbies and action figures growing up. I never really understood the ponies (as stated earlier) so I'm curious what their allure is as toys. (To me they're TV characters at this point.)

Personally I love playing with my ponies. I like to carry them about the house and pose them wherever I'm sitting. I make up personalities for them and put them into families and friendships and partnerships, and then make up adventures involving various members of the herd. I also like to add cute accessories like ribbons, barrettes, hats, shoes, saddles, etc. Sometimes you need to relax, lie on the couch, grab a pegasus and make them jump and trot around the cushions and fly from seat to seat. They're simple little creatures, but I always liked animals best, when I was younger I had stuffed animals and Barbie horses as the prizes of my toybox.

6. Where does Equestria Girls fit into the whole pony thing? I saw the first movie and thought it was 'okay'. I've heard the second one is better. I'm kinda torn on these--I collect Monster High and these would fit in... But I'm not sure whether I'd display them with the Monsters or the Ponies? (Again, I realize there's no real definitive answer here.)

It's just like MH and EAH. MLP FiM was out first for a few years, and then a side line was introduced as EQG, and one of the cast went through a magic mirror and had adventures in the new universe to connect the two audiences. Sooo, as to whether you'd display them together or separate, it's your choice. Both are branded MLP and come from Hasbro, the same as both M/EA are branded "High" and come from Mattel. Would you put MH Fright-Mares with the MH or the MLP shelves?

7. What do you think is currently the MLP item to have? It doesn't necessarily mean I'll want / need it; I just think it would be fun to know what others are hunting for.

Right now we're in transition between the old Rainbow Power line and the new Cutie Mark Magic line. Some of the later RP releases are getting spotty releases and are harder to find, and desirable because they contain new characters/versions/rereleases that everyone's been looking forward to. Fashion Style Applejack and Daisy Dreams, Rainbow Neon brushable Holly Dash, Rainbow Shimmer (snowglobe) ponies of the four princesses are probably the most sought after at this point. Also within the new Cutie Mark Magic line are new characters and as they haven't hit everywhere yet they're still flying off the shelves - CMM brushables Sweetie Drops and Skywishes, Charm Wings Honey Rays, and Water Cuties (snowglobe) ponies especially Diamond Mint.

8. If there was one piece of advice someone could have given you when you decided to collect ponies (or even toys in general), what would it have been? That question may make sense or may seem strange. I'm not sure how many kept collecting from childhood vs. returned to this later in life. (I did that with dolls.)

Only collect what you like. Don't feel pressured to collect everything or to be completionist - just stick to what really excites you and feels like you can't do without. Don't buy as an investment because anything mass-produced will be worthless as soon as the craze dies or most of the enthuasists move on. And if you don't want something that you have, move it on as soon as possible! Toy collecting causes enough clutter, don't allow useless stuff to just sit around your house. One person's trash is another person's treasure, and one person's perception of treasure causes them to part with their money...

[zombienixon]

FiM got me started buying the toys, too. I remember when I first started watching I told myself I wouldn't buy the toys.  I either underestimated how cute the ponies were or my compulsion to throw money at things I find cute.

1. I do a little of both. I'll buy pretty much anything Pinkie Pie or Celestia, and Twilight to a somewhat lesser extent.  I'm not really a completionist, so I mostly just buy whatever I like.

2. I think we all have a favorite kind of toy. I used to like blind bags most, since they were small and were fairly faithful to how they appeared in the show, but now I'd say my favorite are the Fashion Styles because it's adorable when ponies wear clothes.

3. I think the G1 and G3 cartoons are worth a watch.  They're different kinds of shows compared to FiM, to be sure.  G1 is more of an adventure series, and gets pretty weird, and fast. It's mostly made up of two part and four part ten minute episodes featuring a villain that they have to stop. It can get pretty dark for a kids show. 

G3 is basically pink glitter sparkle princess tea party ribbon flower dresses.  It's cutesy and sweet, but that's about it. They both got me into wanting the toys, especially G3.

4. There's only one or two playsets I want currently.  I think that they are a great way to be creative about how you display your ponies, but it takes money and a lot of space.

5. I never had them as a kid, either. Actually, I don't think I played with any kind of girl's toy, not even my sister's Barbie Corvette. My toys were mostly cars, and a train set. I guess they'd be played with like action figures, except with more brushing.

Mine mostly just sit on a shelf. Sometimes with the EqG dolls, I'll have them in a certain pose. And I have one of my Pinkie dolls riding one of my Fashion style Pinkies. I do have a few that I've styled to look like they do in the show, but it was really time consuming to figure out how to do it right.

6. It's kind of like a spinoff to me.  I honestly never thought I would ever want a doll, but the Rainbow Rocks ones and the Equestria Girls Collection ones are much better than the original waves. The molds look nicer, the outfits are way better, and they don't have peg feet.

7. Right now, Holly Dash is really sought after, along with the Rainbow Power Fashion Style Applejack and the Neon Rainbow Power brushables. I think the new Fashion Style Sunset Shimmer is pretty popular here, too. Since you're in Canada, you actually stand a shot at getting all of these, they aren't sold in the US.

8. I'd have only two things to say: 1- Wait for clearance sales 2- Get lots of shelves.

[Rhubarbpie]

I started collecting ponies because of the FiM series too!  I watched the show and saw a couple of the mane 6 ponies on clearence. I had to get the main 6 characters but struggled to find Pinkie Pie as a single.  I eventually found her as in a playset with Sweetie Belle so I bought that one. But I couldn't leave the cutie mark crusaders alone and had to find Applebloom and Scootaloo!! And I had to get Cheerilee. Then I needed a princess or 2 to rule over the ponies...........and it grew    Then my fella bought some older gen ponies on a car boot sale and I thought, well I'll sell them on.......never did, those ponies are still in my collection which now number over 800!!!!

In answer to your questions

1. Do you think it works better to try and collect different characters or various versions of favorite characters? Both?

I collect both.  I try and collect as many different characters as I can, especially new characters which have never seen a release before (for example Diamond Mint Snow globe style pony).  That said, I will also collect the characters which have had a previous release if they have something different about them (new leg paint work, different tinsel in their hair and so on).  I also have "armies" where you collect a specific character. Mine is Pinkie Pie and if I can only afford one pony and there is not a new character in store, I will buy a Pinkie Pie in that line.

2. Do you feel that any particular type of pony collectibles are more enjoyable? (Brushables? Mini figures? Funko?)

Personally I prefer my ponies to have hair I can brush. I do collect the mini figures but I am not mad on them, I just pick a couple up here and there.

3. Since it was the cartoon that got me into these G4 ponies (I believe that's the term?) does it stand to reason that I should check out the original cartoon to see if it connects me to G1? I never had the chance to watch it as a kid--there was big time competition for TV cartoon time and I had two brothers.


That's entirely up to you. I have watched some of the G1 cartoons and they are OK, but since I never really watched them as a child, I don't really get that blast of nostalgia that other collectors do, even though I collect G1 ponies.

4. Where do you think playsets fit into collecting pony stuff? Are they as important as the ponies? Are they worth it for a new collector?

The playsets can be important.  If you are solely focusing on G4 at this point, the older release sets (Fluttershy's Tree, Cheerilee's Nursery and AJ's Barn) could be worth investing in if you can find one for a fairly decent price, even more so if kept MIB.  The castles are fairly common, however this means you can pick them up quite cheaply, because the set buildings are rather open plan, they are good for displaying your collection.

5. (This may seem a weird question, but...) What do people DO with the ponies? I mainly owned barbies and action figures growing up. I never really understood the ponies (as stated earlier) so I'm curious what their allure is as toys. (To me they're TV characters at this point.)

I display my ponies on shelves.  I will occasionally take them off for a photo shoot session, usually something seasonal like Christmas or the summer. 

6. Where does Equestria Girls fit into the whole pony thing? I saw the first movie and thought it was 'okay'. I've heard the second one is better. I'm kinda torn on these--I collect Monster High and these would fit in... But I'm not sure whether I'd display them with the Monsters or the Ponies? (Again, I realize there's no real definitive answer here.)

Personally I love the Equestria Girls.  Mine are on the top shelf because they don't fit with the ponies physically!!  It is up to you where you display them, TBH they'd look at home which  ever shelf you put them on  

7. What do you think is currently the MLP item to have? It doesn't necessarily mean I'll want / need it; I just think it would be fun to know what others are hunting for.

I think the pony of the moment is Diamond Mint (snowglobe), Holly Dash and the new Cutie mark magic ponies with the leg symbols - particularly Sky wishes and Sweetie drop.

8. If there was one piece of advice someone could have given you when you decided to collect ponies (or even toys in general), what would it have been? That question may make sense or may seem strange. I'm not sure how many kept collecting from childhood vs. returned to this later in life. (I did that with dolls.)

Budget wisely, its easy to go mad when you are starting to collect, but remember you need to eat and pay rent as well  . 

[Sunset]

Welcome to MLP!

Well, I am an Eighties baby.  My childhood ponies were G1 so my answers will be from that perspective.

1.  Everyone has their own collecting preferences.  Some people collect only 1 of each character and some people collect armies of a specific character.  I personally don't do armies but I'm willing to have more than one version if they are different enough.  For example, with G4, I will often have a playful sized, a fashion sized, and a buildabear version of the same character.  This is actually only a concern that has cropped up since the later part of G3.  Before then, there was generally only one version of a given pony, but there were massive amounts of different ponies.  Not like now where there is a core line of characters that are always on the shelves with only occasionally new characters.

2.  I think you will find for us old fuddy-duddies the brushables are the heart of mlp.  It has been on of the defining features of mlp from the very beginning.  The fun is in getting to do up their hair.

3.  In your case, since it's the show that connects you to the characters, I would say at least give it a try.  At minimum, you need to see the very first My Little Pony special later dubbed Rescue at Midnight castle.  You may be surprised how much of G4 was based on just that one special.  It is also the best quality in terms of animation.  When you watch any of the g1 cartoons, you just have to remember that these were made 30 years ago and are about par for the course for their time.  It features an ever changing roster of ponies because Hasbro had a different sales plan then than they do now.

4.  They are great for displaying if you have the space. Determine which one/s you want and wait for a sale or a coupon to cut on cost.  But the ponies themselves almost always rank before a playset.

5.  Funny enough, I loved ponies/animals as a child and really wasn't into dolls. I was totally horse crazy and loved anything horsey, especially if it was a unicorn.  As a child, I played with them the same way any child plays with their toys.  I came up with stories, did their hair, and set up dioramas.  As an adult, I think of my collecting as being just like someone who collects stamps or baseball cards or coins.  Only ponies look a lot prettier than those things and I can still do their hair and set up dioramas.    I will add a couple of pictures here.

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6.  I'm really not into EG.  As I said, I love ponies because they are ponies.  I'm not into dolls.  EG is a side line that Hasbro started just a couple of years ago, riding on the coat tails of MH, trying to capture that slightly older demographic.

7.  Several people have already mentioned the Rainbow power Fashion Style Applejack and FS Daisy Dreams, and Holly dash.  These three ladies, for some mysterious reason were skipped in the US.  They have shown up in Canada and a few other select countries.  But they are going to be highly sought after since US people can't just get them in the store.  If you come across one of these girls, I would advise getting them.  If you don't want them yourself, you can use them to trade.  There is also the snow globe ponies which seem to be popular.  Celestia and Luna had only a short run in the US and Cadance and Twilight seem to be having an extremely limited release here in the US. 

8.  Only collect what you want.  When buying new ponies from the store, try to wait for sales or coupons.  Be aware that ponies arent going to make you rich.  There are some ponies who may be worth more if it turns out that they were limited or hard to get for some reason but most ponies won't hold more than retail.  This is most especially true of G4 were there are 50 different versions of the mane 6 and princesses.

Oh!  One more thing.  If you are going to get the playful brushable sized mane 6, don't bother buying them singly.  Hasbro loves throwing them into packs and play sets.  You can't buy a princess pony without having one of the mane 6 included.  Believe me, you are going to end up with 2 of each and 10 of Pinkie without even trying.

[hathorcat]

Welcome to collecting MLP! If I am honest, I think you have to find your own way into collecting. So many people collect so many different things and so many different ways. You need to find the type of pony that you most like, that makes you smile the most and go with that.

Have fun!

[ladybastilla]

Thank you all for the advice and thoughts you have shared. Now I have some names to look for to help others, some insight on how others view this hobby, and some interesting thoughts to consider.

I completely get what you're saying though, Hathorcat. I'm just one of those Twilight-esque people who try to organize and plan -everything- ... Even when it may not really be possible. 

I'm much closer to having a plan about what I want to do next weekend than I was, though. So this thread has been very helpful.

[hathorcat]

It makes sense to get what you like and be organised Have you tried perusing Dream Valley (the main stay of all pony collectors ) and making yourself a list of the ponies you would most like to find and add to your collection? Thats a great starting point.

[Sunset]

It makes sense to get what you like and be organised Have you tried perusing Dream Valley (the main stay of all pony collectors ) and making yourself a list of the ponies you would most like to find and add to your collection? Thats a great starting point.

I would also add Strawberry reef as the go to place for G3 and G4.

[Leave a Whisper]

1.  Collect what you like, you can never go wrong with that

2. that depends on you, I say a mixture of both

3. If you want to then go for it, nothing wrong with checking out their roots, whether you like it or not depends on your taste in cartoons. My Little Pony is a Fantasy/Adventure, while My Little Pony Tales is a slice of life show. I can't comment on the G3 cartoon as I've never seen it, G 3.5 seems to be made for the younger crowd, i.e. Blues Clues, Barney, Dora, so you likely won't enjoy it as much, considering your not the target age

4. do you normally collect playsets? they're pretty cool but take up space, so that depends on how much room you have and if you enjoy them anyways

5. To some of us, they are fond childhood memories, some people like to take them and create customs, or restore them. some do photo stories, some just have them sit on the shelves, some let younger relatives play with them

6. I don't know and I don't care to know, to me they aren't MLP or are a bizzare fanfic/spin-off as they are not ponies but whatever floats your boat. I say it'd be easier to display them with your other dolls.

7. See question one, there's no one item for everyone,

8.  see where you have/can make space, buy what you love, watch out for good deals. really no different then collecting other things and have fun. also, dream valley, strawberry reef and ponyland press are great for id'ing ponies and figuring out which ones you'd like to own