From Labubus to Beanie Babies, the second-hand toy market is thriving - and Brits could be sitting on a goldmine worth thousands of pounds, says antiques guru Dan Hatfield. The money-making specialist, often seen sharing his wisdom on daytime telly, reckons there's about £3,000 worth of unused items lying around the average person's home - with toys accounting for roughly £300 of this. He has shared precisely what savvy sellers and buyers should keep an eye out for to maximise their unwanted toys' value, stating: "We've seen a monumental resurgence in demand for plush toys. As a society, we're all about nostalgia, and these items really ignite that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with it. "Being transported back to your childhood can equate to big money. Think 90s Beanie Babies and early TY releases. Jellycat originals that are rare or retired can often fetch several thousand pounds. "Original Care Bears also regularly reach the several hundred mark. Condition and provenance are key and original tags can easily double a toy's value. Limited edition or store-exclusive plush toys, particularly those released in small numbers, are climbing fastest in value." Dan's advice on what to watch out for coincides with the launch of Compare the Market's new Sergei cricket toy, as part of their main sponsorship of The Hundred. There's a chance to nab one of 1,000 exclusive toys through a prize draw on Compare the Market's app. Limited editions, discontinued lines or viral TikTok crazes can all play a massive role in whether your tenner toy could skyrocket to £200 overnight, says Dan. He explained: "In the resale world, plush toys might look soft but the market behind them can be razor sharp. It's not just about what's cute. It's about scarcity, nostalgia and timing. "The savvy reseller isn't just chasing trends; they're reading the psychology of collectors and striking when the demand's hot but the supply's cooling." As new toys like Labubu hit the scene, Dan reckons brands with timeless franchises such as Pokémon, Disney or Star Wars are your safest bets. He added: "Labubu is an exciting new player, but whether it stands the test of time will depend on how the brand evolves and what it offers in the coming years." The best way to suss out if your toys are hot property or not is by keeping tabs on social media, online forums and community buzz. He advised: "If you see fans talking about long waiting lists, early sell-outs, or aftermarket price spikes, that's a strong sign to buy in before the boom. The key is keeping your ear to the ground. You want to be a trendsetter, not a trend follower." Brits are unknowingly sitting on a goldmine, with the average household holding onto toys worth a whopping £3,000. Research involving 2,000 adults found that more than three-quarters (76%) of Britons have a stash of toys at home, with the average person possessing 16 toys. Cuddly toys are the most popular item, found in 72% of homes, followed by building sets (59%) and cards (49%). In fact, almost a third (32%) of people have made some extra cash by selling their old toys, raking in an average of £125.92. One lucky seller even managed to pocket a cool £395.71 for their second-hand item. Dan added: "Compare the Market is one of Britain's best-loved brands. The meerkats have become part of our cultural fabric, with adverts adored across the country. When a brand connects that deeply, its merchandise often becomes collectible. Just look at the Tetley Tea Folk or the PG Tips monkeys, which now sell for far more than they originally cost. "This new meerkat plush is especially exciting because it celebrates Compare the Market's sponsorship of The Hundred and their exclusive giveaway of 1,000 toys on their app. Limited-edition toys tied to major cultural, or sporting events often gain value over time. I'm expecting big things from this little guy." Kristin Sonfield, director of brand and partnerships at Compare the Market, which conducted the study, stated: "Our polling shows the second-hand market in Britain is booming. There are so many places people can sell their unwanted items to make themselves a few extra quid. And with history which dates back more than 15 years, we know a thing or two about plush toys. "Sergei looks like an absolute pro with his cricket pads and bat, so we know he will hit this for six. He's the 20th Meerkat toy we've created at Compare the Market and we are looking forward to seeing fans around the country take part in the toy giveaway. To make sure you don't miss out on a chance to win the Sergei cricket toy, you'll need to enter the prize draw before it closes on September 5 2025." DAN HATFIELD'S TOP THREE TOYS TO LOOK OUT FOR