Collecting is no longer a niche pursuit: in 2026 it is one of the strongest consumer trends in the world. Labubu figures that sell out in minutes, Pokémon cards that appreciate in value, discontinued LEGO sets, model-making, Funko, limited-edition sneakers and regional releases. The problem is always the same: the good stuff runs out fast and many European, American or Chinese stores don't ship outside their own country. Whether you live in Latin America, the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia, this guide tells you what's flying off the shelves, which store to buy it from, how to make sure it's genuine and how to get the stock before it's gone.
Which collectibles are taking over in 2026
- Labubu and art toys: the Pop Mart figures are the phenomenon of the moment. They launch in series and sell out instantly. We explain how to buy a genuine Labubu at the official price from China.
- Trading cards (Pokémon, One Piece, Magic): a booming market, with editions that appreciate in value. Europe and Japan hold the best releases; on Fnac you'll find official expansions and booster packs.
- LEGO and discontinued sets: retired sets become collector's items and rise in price. On LEGO and European stores (France and Germany) there's stock that doesn't exist in other markets.
- Model-making and scale cars: high-end 1:18 kits and replicas, in high demand and of high value.
- Funko Pop and figures: region-exclusive editions on Funko that are only sold in certain countries.
- Limited-edition sneakers and streetwear: drops from Nike and other brands that sell out in minutes and are resold at double.
- Vinyl records, illustrated books and retro gaming: European and Japanese editions highly sought after by collectors around the world.
Where to buy it based on what you're after
China is the source of the Pop Mart art toys (Labubu) at the official price, with no resale markup. France is the European destination par excellence for toys, LEGO and model-making. The United States, with our Tax Free warehouse, stands out for exclusive Funko editions, cards and cheaper premium collectibles. And Japan via Europe for anime cards and figures. A collector in the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia uses a locker to hunt down exactly the editions that aren't released in their own country.
How to tell whether a collectible is genuine
The collecting boom brought counterfeits along with it. To avoid getting caught out:
- Buy from the official store or authorized distributors (such as Pop Mart, LEGO or Funko), not from dubious resellers.
- Be wary of prices that are too low: if a sold-out figure shows up "in stock" at half price, be suspicious.
- Check the packaging and the codes: official series carry numbering and seals.
- Use a locker in the country of origin to buy directly from the official website the moment the series drops, which is the safest way to get the original.
Collecting as an investment
Many collectibles appreciate in value: retired LEGO sets, first-edition cards, art toys from sold-out series or limited-release sneakers can multiply in price. The key is to buy the original at the official price (not the resale one) and keep it in good condition. That's why it matters so much to be there on day one and to protect the shipment well.
See how it works in one minute:
How to secure the stock before it sells out
With your locker in the country where the product launches, you buy like a local the moment it goes on sale and we forward the item to your home. The key for a collector buying from abroad is to have the locker ready before the launch: when a series drops and sells out in minutes, there's no time to create accounts or look for addresses. And if the store won't accept your card or limits the purchase to residents, with the Buy for me service we get it for you.
If you collect several pieces or buy from different stores, package consolidation combines them into a single shipment and better protects fragile items. Before you buy, calculate the shipping to your country with the quoter. For valuable collectibles, declare the contents correctly: that way the package travels insured and protected the whole way.
Create my locker now and never miss out on the edition you want again.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a genuine Labubu from abroad?
At its source, China, through Pop Mart and at the official price. With a locker in our warehouse in China you buy the moment the series drops and we forward it to your country, without paying the resale markup.
How do I get discontinued LEGO sets?
Europe, especially France and Germany, keeps stock of retired sets on LEGO and local stores. With your European locker you buy and receive it at your home.
Can I buy collectibles that don't ship to my country?
Yes. You use the address of your locker in the country of origin, the store delivers there and MDE forwards the item to your home, whether you're in Latin America, the US, the UK or Australia.
How do I know whether a collectible is genuine?
By buying from the official store or authorized distributors, being wary of prices that are too low and using a locker to buy directly from the official website the moment the series drops.
How do I protect fragile collectibles during shipping?
By declaring the contents properly and using consolidation, which lets us repack and better protect delicate items in a single shipment.
