Whether you're a mint-in-package collector or you like to take your toys out to put on the shelf, everyone can appreciate well-made, attractive packaging. Here are our top five picks for 2011.
5. Bruce Lee - 70's Casual Edition (Hot Toys)
Hot Toys went for a subdued look with their Bruce Lee (Casual Edition) Sixth-Scale packaging. The front of the box has a picture of the Lee figure done in light blue...really offsetting the dark blue box. And Hot Toys does an excellent job of protecting the figure inside.
4. Priscilla & Rango Set (Hot Toys)
On the other hand, Hot Toys went with a rather large image of Rango and Priscilla - straight from the film - on the front flap of their Priscilla & Rango Set. Or you could just flip it up and check out the toys underneath.
3. Lunartik in a Cup of Tea Series 2 (Matt JOnes)
The Lunartik in a Cup of Tea vinyl is well-presented, with that oval window front. All of the flavors are displayed on back , and - inside - there is an information booklet in the shape of a tea bag.
2. Popbot (Ashley Wood - 3A Toys)
For the artwork on the front alone, the Popbot packaging is a keeper. You could just frame the outer sleeve like it's an Ashley Wood print.
**WINNER**
1. The Black Doll (Edward Gorey - Necessaries Toy Foundation)
NTF consistently produces some of the most outstanding packaging out there. Oftentimes, like with The Black Doll, the packaging outshines the actual toy. You get to see Edward Gorey's artwork on all side of the box, and there is an informative postcard inside.
