How to Start a Funko POP! Collection: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting a Funko POP! collection is a fun way to bring together your favourite characters from films, television series, anime, video games, comics and other areas of popular culture.

However, the huge number of figures, collections, exclusives and special editions available can feel overwhelming at first. Before filling your shelves, it is worth deciding what you want to collect, how much you want to spend and how you will protect your figures.

In this beginner’s guide, you will find practical tips on how to start a Funko POP! collection, protect the boxes and make better purchasing decisions.

Decide What Type of Funko POP! Collection You Want

You do not need to buy every figure you find. Trying to follow too many collections at once can quickly become expensive and may leave you with characters you do not truly care about.

A good starting point is to choose a particular theme. You could collect:

• A franchise such as Harry Potter, Marvel, Disney or Star Wars.
• Characters from one specific film or television series.
• Anime or video game figures.
• Different versions of your favourite character.
• Villains, princesses, superheroes or film icons.
• Exclusive and special-edition figures.
• Only the individual characters you genuinely love.

You do not have to complete an entire line. A personal collection made up of your favourite characters may be more meaningful than a complete set purchased simply out of obligation.

Start With a Small Collection

When you first discover Funko POP! figures, it can be tempting to buy several of them immediately. A better approach is to begin with three to five characters that you consider essential.

This will help you discover which designs you prefer, how much display space you need and how much money you are comfortable spending.

Before buying a figure, ask yourself:

1. Do I genuinely like this character?
2. Does it fit with the rest of my collection?
3. Do I have enough space to display it?
4. Does the price fit my budget?
5. Would I still buy it if it were not a special edition?

Waiting for a few days before purchasing can also help you tell the difference between a figure you truly want and an impulse buy.

Learn About the Main Types of Funko POP! Figures

The standard Funko POP! is the most recognisable format, but there are many different sizes and variations available.

Some of the most common formats include:

• Standard Funko POP!: the classic single-character figure.
• POP! & Buddy: a character accompanied by a pet or smaller figure.
• Super POP!: a larger version of the standard format.
• POP! Rides: characters displayed with vehicles.
• POP! Town: sets containing a character and a building.
• Movie Moments: displays inspired by memorable film scenes.
• Bitty POP!: miniature versions of popular characters.
• Funko POP! Deluxe: more elaborate figures with bases, scenery or larger compositions.

There are also several finishes and special variants:

• Chase: an alternative version of a standard figure.
• Glow in the Dark: features elements that glow in darkness.
• Diamond or Glitter: has a sparkling finish.
• Metallic: uses paint with a metallic appearance.
• Flocked: includes a soft, velvety texture.
• Black Light: uses bright colours designed to react under ultraviolet light.
• Exclusive or Special Edition: originally distributed through a particular retailer, event or market.

An exclusive figure is not automatically better than a standard release. Choose a Funko because you like the character and design, not only because of the sticker on the box.

Should You Keep Funko POP! Figures Inside or Outside the Box?

There is no right or wrong way to display a Funko POP! collection.

Keeping figures inside their boxes protects them from dust and makes them easier to store. It also preserves the original packaging and is often preferred by collectors who want to maintain the product in the best possible condition.

Displaying figures outside the box allows you to appreciate their details and create more imaginative arrangements. You can place them alongside books, films, trading cards or other items related to the character.

You can also combine both approaches by keeping rare or special figures boxed and displaying standard figures outside their packaging.

How to Protect Funko POP! Boxes

For many collectors, the box is an important part of the product. Bent corners, scratched windows and sun damage can affect both its appearance and its potential value.

Use Funko POP! Protectors

Clear plastic protectors help prevent dust, scratches, rubbing and minor impacts. They are particularly useful when figures are displayed inside their original packaging.

For rare or valuable pieces, hard protectors offer a greater level of protection.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Continuous exposure to sunlight can fade the box and affect the paint on the figure. Display your collection away from windows or inside a cabinet that limits direct light.

Avoid Humidity and Extreme Temperatures

Humidity can cause cardboard boxes to bend or warp. Avoid storing figures in damp areas, next to radiators or in places with frequent temperature changes.

Do Not Stack Too Many Boxes

Very tall stacks can put pressure on the boxes at the bottom. Use shelves, dividers or sturdy protectors to distribute the weight properly.

Handle Boxes Carefully

Hold each box by the sides or from underneath. Avoid pressing directly on the plastic window, as it may become dented, scratched or detached.

Set a Budget for Your Collection

One of the best Funko POP! collecting tips is to set a monthly budget.

You can divide your budget between:

• New releases.
• Older figures.
• Exclusive editions.
• Protectors and accessories.
• One more expensive figure you have wanted for a long time.

Do not buy a figure simply because it is described as sold out or limited. Some figures are restocked, reissued or become available through other retailers.

Comparing prices before purchasing will also help you avoid overpaying.

Buy Funko POP! Figures From Trusted Retailers

Older, popular and exclusive figures may be targeted by counterfeit manufacturers. Buying from specialist shops and reputable sellers reduces the risk of receiving a fake product.

Possible warning signs include:

• A price that seems far too low.
• Blurry printing on the box.
• Unusual colours or fonts.
• Poorly cropped images.
• Inaccurate paintwork.
• Misaligned plastic windows.
• Missing production codes or manufacturing information.

Small differences in paint do not always mean that a figure is fake, as manufacturing variations can occur. When in doubt, compare several details with photographs of an authentic product.

Create a Funko POP! Wish List

A wish list will help you decide which figures are genuine priorities.

You can divide your list into three groups:

• Essential figures.
• Figures you would buy at a good price.
• Figures you like but do not need immediately.

This makes it easier to take advantage of promotions without buying products that were never among your main collecting goals.

Keep an Inventory of Your Collection

As your Funko POP! collection grows, it may become difficult to remember which figures you own and how much you paid for them.

You can create a spreadsheet or list containing:

• Character name.
• Funko number.
• Collection or licence.
• Edition or variant.
• Purchase date.
• Price paid.
• Box condition.
• Retailer or seller.

An inventory helps prevent duplicate purchases, track your spending and keep your collection organised.

How to Display a Funko POP! Collection

You do not need an entire room filled with figures to create an attractive display. A small, well-organised shelf can look far better than a large number of boxes arranged without a clear system.

You can organise your Funko POP! figures by:

• Franchise or licence.
• Character.
• Colour.
• Size.
• Films, series, anime or video games.
• Release date.
• Boxed and unboxed figures.

You can also add backgrounds, soft lighting, books, comics, cards or decorative pieces connected to each franchise.

Leave some space between the figures so that each one stands out and the shelves are easier to clean.

Collect the Characters You Truly Love

You do not need the largest, most expensive or most exclusive collection.

The real value of a Funko POP! collection comes from the characters, stories and memories it represents. Choose figures that make you happy, grow your collection gradually and enjoy the process.

At ThionaShop, you can discover Funko POP! figures from films, television series, anime, Disney, video games, superheroes and many other universes. Explore our collections and find the next character for your shelf.