Woes of Toy Collectors ages 40 and Up

[joebiwan]

Hello All, I have been struggling lately and am wondering if other Toy Collectors who are older or around my age run into similar issues.

My issue is, I am in my early 40s now and being an older guy now, I feel severely out of place and awkward in the toy aisle of stores when I go out figure hunting.

When I was younger in my 20's or 30's I really didn't give a thought to this but as I grow older and find myself still collecting (although MUCH less then I once did) I have been more conscious of this "feeling like the elephant in the room" feeling as time goes by.

Toys R Us isn't as bad since the whole store is toys but other places like Target, Walgreens or Walmart, which have a small aisle or two dedicated for figures, tend to make me really uncomfortable now a days. Especially when there are other people in the aisle (sometimes little kids step in between me and the shelf to look at something that interests them and THAT is REALLY troublesome!)

The worst feeling is when I pop into TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross where they have the toy aisle buried behind the little kids clothes department. I get all sorts of weird accusiatory looks from the parents and employees and I feel like a "creep" as I "lurk" around the area looking for bargains. Its so bad I feel dread going in and out and actually have to force myself to go into the stores (especially when I read online about people finding $5 Walking Dead figures at Ross).

Often times I find nothing at these stores and leave empty handed and feel like I am under suspicion for theft or something. It's all a very weird feeling now.
I still collect Star Wars and there are times when I find figures I would want, at CVS for example, but am too embarrassed at my age to actually bring it to the counter to pay for it so I walk out without it, feeling like I am doing something wrong!?!

I prefer toy shows since the whole community is gathered there for the same purpose and ALL ages are equally represented. I am not a big online buyer either as I prefer the hunt but as time marches forward I may have to defer to online purchases.

Am I just too old now? It is time to stop collecting? Are there others out there around my age or older that share these odd, conflicting feelings?

 

[hoodonit00]

Being in your 40s you should be mature enough not to worry what others think of you. Stop worrying what others think and enjoy the hobby. I'm 46 by the way.

Just to expound on my answer a little bit. Why would someone judge you? For all they know you are shopping for your child or a family members child. Are you sure you're not embarrassed about being in your 40s and collecting toys or collectibles and coming up with a scapegoat to stop collecting?

 

[Predator1221]

Yeah I think it's probably mostly just in your head. If you prefer going out and hunting down your favorite figures IDE keep doing it. Let the rest of society worry about what's "normal".

 

[joebiwan]

I am sure it is all in my head as I have never found myself looking at or judging others in the store when I was working retail all those years ago (I used to work in a huge toy store chain called Child World back in Illinois) and I remember older guys buying toys for themselves all the time and me never giving it a second thought.

It COULD be that I am a little embarrassed about it given my age and I was curious if anyone else is going through or had these conflicts. This is could be some kind of mid-life crisis too....at least I am not going out looking for a younger wife and a flashy sports car right?

I am concentrating mostly on Star Wars now for nostalgia and for the love of all six movies (seven hopefully) and have all but dropped collection most other lines. I don't want to stop collecting all together I know that, I just want to narrow it down to what I am passionate about rather than a passing fancy because something looks amazing or is neat.
I will keep enjoying the hobby for sure since I know that Star Wars VII will be bringing on a slew of new figures.

 

[TheObsoleteMan]

Just get used to shopping online or stick to toy shows. Of course people are going to look at a 40+ year old guy roaming the toy aisles alone like a creepy ****, no offense. I used to do toy runs back in the day, and I always felt like a weirdo, because it is a little weird.

 

[galactiboy]

Being in your 40s you should be mature enough not to worry what others think of you. Stop worrying what others think and enjoy the hobby. I'm 46 by the way.

Just to expound on my answer a little bit. Why would someone judge you? For all they know you are shopping for your child or a family members child. Are you sure you're not embarrassed about being in your 40s and collecting toys or collectibles and coming up with a scapegoat to stop collecting?

Both points I was thinking... don't worry, and honestly people buy toys for their own kids all the time. I was just buying some eletctronic parrot for a 5 year olds birthday party, I had no fear that I was being judged for it. And who gives a **** even if I wanted it for myself.

Anyway, we should be more concerned of what people think when we spend $200 on a single figure

 

[Stryker2011]

Here's a tip that could help: carry a piece of paper with a list of what you are looking for, and wander around in the toy aisles like your wife sent you out to get the cookie crunchers something. I used to do this when I was in my late twenties, and felt odd looking for toys for myself. You'd be surprised how people are even willing to help you find stuff, cause they just figure your another clueless dad sent on another errand by the ball-buster at home.

 

[j97e1]

Here's a tip that could help: DON'T carry any piece of paper. Use your money to buy toys, make origami, cut it into little pieces of confetti, use it as wallpaper, or put it in a vault.
Don't give a rodent's behind about what anyone thinks, unless they are the ones paying your bills, feeding, and clothing you.

 

[hoodonit00]

Here's a tip that could help: DON'T carry any piece of paper. Use your money to buy toys, make origami, cut it into little pieces of confetti, use it as wallpaper, or put it in a vault.
Don't give a rodent's behind about what anyone thinks, unless they are the ones paying your bills, feeding, and clothing you.

I like your style.

 

[Stryker2011]

Here's a tip that could help: DON'T carry any piece of paper. Use your money to buy toys, make origami, cut it into little pieces of confetti, use it as wallpaper, or put it in a vault.
Don't give a rodent's behind about what anyone thinks, unless they are the ones paying your bills, feeding, and clothing you.

I completely agree with you, but obviously the OP is at a different point in their life, and I was given him an alternative idea.

 

[j97e1]

I completely agree with you, but obviously the OP is at a different point in their life, and I was given him an alternative idea.

I know you meant well. My comment was not directed at you, it's just my style, I never really care about what others think of my hobby, nor what I choose to do with money. I also find it amusing when people post threads on various forums, asking others what should they buy...But that's me....
If someone is bothered by an opinion, then of course, your advice is an excellent one.

 

[devilof76]

I get all sorts of weird accusiatory looks from the parents and employees

**** 'em. Especially these ones...

Of course people are going to look at a 40+ year old guy roaming the toy aisles alone like a creepy ****, no offense.

...**** them with a school of rabid pirhana.

 

[karamazov80]

Just get used to shopping online or stick to toy shows. Of course people are going to look at a 40+ year old guy roaming the toy aisles alone like a creepy ****, no offense. I used to do toy runs back in the day, and I always felt like a weirdo, because it is a little weird.

 

[devilof76]

 

[Lejuan]

I was at the playground the other day. This little girl couldn't reach the flying fox. Her adults were 30 metres away. My first thought was to help her up. My second thought was to not do that 'cause nobody lays a hand on a kid these days. My third thought was I was going to do the ****** human thing and ask her if she wanted a lift up so she could go for a ****** ride. So I did. And nothing happened except a little girl had some fun.

 

[potato]

i though it's more weird for 20-30's walking into the kids section compared to 40's who's probably buying stuff for their kids.

 

[thecapn]

I have the same problem nowadays, but I agree that most people usually think I'm a confused Dad rather than a creepoid. I really think it's all in how you present yourself. If you don't act ashamed and/or sneaky, people won't think you're being that guy. It is sad that society's come to that point, but it has. I'm glad that when I'm in toy aisles now I'm really just browsing, since I don't think I've bought a retail toy in probably 10 years.

 

[Underworld54]

I'm 40 and I don't care what people think, I'll buy what I want. It's not like you'll ever see the same people in the stores every time.

 

[Deckard]

Everyone is just assuming you're shopping for your kids. It's not remotely strange.

 

[Underworld54]

We should all strive to be like the new Jeopardy champion. During the Q&A Alex asked him about his hobby and he proudly stated he has collected action figures since he was a kid and has an entire room filled with them. He looked to be 40ish...so yeah, embrace your collecting men.