Who says toys are only for children? From collectible figurines, die-cast scale models and LEGO sets to board games, plushies and retro games, grown-ups are making room for toys and collectibles in their lives. What was once dismissed as “childish” is now a way for grown-ups to unwind, indulge in nostalgia and express their personalities. The common thread is simple — buying something purely because it makes them happy.“I think we spend so much of our time buying things because they are useful that it feels nice to occasionally buy something just because we like it. I collect small figurines and plushies, and they remind me of the shows and games I grew up watching,” says Siri Rao, a Bengaluru-based artist.Back to being a kidNostalgia is a big part of the kidulting trend. Characters, games and toys once confined to childhood are now finding their way back onto adult shopping lists. Pokémon, Barbie, Disney characters, Hot Wheels, superheroes, anime and other pop-culture properties have become collectibles, décor and fashion statements.The purchases are not necessarily limited to expensive collectibles. Keychains, plush toys, stickers, blind boxes, miniature cars, character mugs and themed stationery offer an easy way to indulge without making a major investment.
I don’t necessarily think of it as buying toys. It is something I do after work to relax. There is a sense of achievement in completing a set or finding a character I have been looking for
Chethan KM, tech professional
A form of self-expressionFor many adults, kidult shopping is less about recreating childhood and more about incorporating playful elements into their everyday life. This is particularly visible in collectibles and fandom merchandise, where shoppers often buy products linked to films, television shows, anime, gaming and comics. Limited-edition releases and blind-box collectibles also add an element of surprise, making the shopping experience itself part of the appeal.
Earlier, people were more conscious about whether something looked too childish. Now, there is more freedom to mix playful products with an adult lifestyle. Someone can have a serious job and still have a shelf full of miniature cars at home From childhood favourites to adult indulgencesThe kidult shopping basket is now a mix of nostalgia and novelty. For some, it is about revisiting childhood favourites; for others, it is about discovering new hobbies and fandoms as adults. The result is a shopping landscape where toys are bought as much for adult desks, shelves, gaming rooms and personal collections as for children’s playrooms. Perhaps that is the biggest shift in kidulting: growing up no longer means giving up the things that made you happy as a child. Popular kidult buys
Jeswin George, photographer
- Anime and superhero merchandise
- Gaming consoles and accessories
- Character-themed stationery
- Puzzles and adult colouring sets
- Nostalgia-inspired fashion and accessories
