‘Kidults’ spend hundreds monthly on toys they never had as children

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing over favorite childhood toys or memories? A new survey has revealed four in five Americans look up their childhood favorites for the nostalgia.

The poll of 2,000 American Gen Zers and millennials found that, if given the opportunity, 67% would try to buy a replica of something from their childhood, and 76% feel a sense of nostalgia in the process.

This comes as two in three (65%) adults realize they can now buy things for themselves that their parents would never let them have or couldn’t buy for them as a kid.

Of those who have made this realization, 54% either “often” or “always” buy the things they could never have as children, including video games (51%), clothes (51%), and snack foods (50%). Four in 10 (41%) will even splurge on expensive toys.

Commissioned by MGA’s Miniverse and conducted by OnePoll, the study found 59% of people consider themselves “kidults” — adults who hold onto their childhood spirit via consumer products like video games, toys, books, movies, fashion and so on.

A Playmobil toy stands next to a miniature car. — A recent poll of 2,000 Americans shows that 54% often splurge on items they were denied as children.

These self-identified “kidults” believe they’ve earned the title by embracing feelings of nostalgia: frequently rewatching movies and shows from their childhood (59%), watching cartoons (54%), or by remembering specific products from their childhood (49%).

This power of nostalgia goes so far, 38% even have toys and collectibles on display in their home or at work, and 68% have made or strengthened a relationship because of the toys or collectibles they display.

84% of these toy collectors have held onto toys from their childhood, for an average of 16 years. Among them, the most popular types of toys to hold onto included collectibles (63%), stuffed animals (61%), dolls (40%), and doll accessories (40%).

A graphic showing a kitchen with a teddy bear and miniature drinks reads: "Congrats! You're a 'kidult.'" — People who identify with nostalgia for their childhood desires are called “kidults,” 59% of whom say that they love revisiting movies from their youth.

A graphic lists the reasons why kidults prefer miniature items. — Holding onto the toys and entertainment of childhood helps kidults stay in touch with a sense of youthfulness and play, which they describe as “liberating.”

But there is an interest in new innovations, too. As adults today, 85% said they’ve purchased either childhood toys or exact replicas of their childhood toys.

When asked what motivates them to embrace being a “kidult”, respondents said they felt a sense of nostalgia (63%), entertainment (62%) and youthfulness (50%).

“Embracing nostalgia is a big part of being a ‘kidult,’” said Isaac Larian at MGA Entertainment. “That feeling gives us the ability to hold onto the imagination and creativity we often associate with childhood. In many ways, holding onto toys and collectibles from our past is both liberating and entertaining, and miniature versions of them makes this experience more accessible.”

Results also found that when Americans have some extra money available to them, 54% will splurge on toys and collectibles. They’re also more likely to spend on clothing (56%), hobby interests (43%), or video games (42%).

A graphic reads: "46% said they prefer small or miniature items in general, compared to full size." — The average toy collector will spend up to $158 a month on toys and collectibles.

In any given month, the average toy collector is willing to spend $158 on toys and collectibles.

One-fourth (28%) also named miniaturized foods/household items as the top type of toy they purchase today for themselves.

In fact, 46% said they have a preference for small or miniature items in general, compared to full size. When asked why they prefer miniature things versus larger items, 56% mentioned miniatures being cuter, 48% said they are easier to take with them, and 46% said they are entertaining.

70% also said they would gift an adult friend with a toy or collectible.

A graphic reads: 70% said they would gift an adult friend with a toy or collectible. — Kidults also display a preference for miniature collectibles, which they explain by the cuteness and convenience of smaller objects.

“Holding on to old toys or buying new ones that remind you of the ones you had as a kid is something to be celebrated,” continued Larian. “We encourage people to have mini toys on display as a constant reminder of being a kid at heart. It’s a perfect way to create unique connections with friends and show off our personal interests and personalities.”

TOP 10 SIGNS YOU’RE A “KIDULT”