Overview: The 8 Must-Have Hello Kitty Funko Pops for Collectors
As hobbyists drive up prices for rare vinyl figures, certain Funko Pops become grails for fans. Hello Kitty maintains elite status as one of the most collected characters in the world – meaning demand for her Funko Pop depictions continues rising.
For devotees and new buyers alike, we spotlight the 8 Hello Kitty Funko Pops delivering the best value and upside in 2023.
1. Funko Pop! Hello Kitty (Gamer) #26
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2019 GameStop Exclusive
Average Resale Price: $100 to $150
Popularity: High and increasing
This vinyl figure depicts Hello Kitty ready for battle with a headset, controller, and focused gaze. By combining Kitty with a video game theme, Funko crafted a Pop virtually guaranteed to gain value over time.
As quoted by Matt, admin for the Funko Collector Society group:
"Gamer Hello Kitty attracts both Sanrio and gamer fans. Exclusives like this have speculation potential if GameStop sees a resurgence. Short term it‘s a great display piece. Long term it could deliver nice returns for patient collectors."
After launching at $15, average sales prices now hover between $100 to $150. With 31,000+ GameStop locations and over 55 million PowerUp Reward members, this retailer has one of the largest collector networks.
If redesigned stores and new stock offerings reignite interest, exponentially more customers will be exposed to this exclusive Pop. Yet with Funko limiting production, existing figures could accrue value quickly in response to any renewed GameStop hype.
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The Bottom Line: Given the dual appeal and GameStop exclusivity, the #26 Hello Kitty Funko Pop belongs in every serious collector‘s stash.
2. My Melody Sanrio Pop #04
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2013
Average Resale Price: $150
Popularity: High and steady
Debuting alongside Hello Kitty in 1975, My Melody also landed among the first-ever Sanrio Funko Pop releases. As expected, secondary market prices now reflect its elite status.
Per Chris, manager at Pop Hunters shop:
"We get asked constantly if we have #04 My Melody in stock. She has that original nostalgia factor seasoned collectors want. By limiting the LE to 480 units initially, Funko locked in long-term demand."
Mint, in-box listings fetch $150+ consistently. Even loose, out of box figurines trade over $50. As one of the few female rabbits at Sanrio‘s start, My Melody retains a loyal fanbase after almost 50 years. Combine that admiration with early Funko availability, and this Pop should continue appreciating.
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The Bottom Line: This OG melody rabbit deserves her tunes – buy the Funko Pop My Melody to play her victory song.
3. Funko Pop! Tuxedosam #03
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2013
Average Resale Price: $100+ (Mint in box)
Popularity: Moderately increasing
While less renowned than Kitty herself, this dapper penguin ranks among the first Sanrio characters transformed by Funko. Hisearly introduction coupled with a snazzy tuxedo leaves Tuxedosam perched higher on collector priority lists.
Analyzing the market, Emma from Pop Price Guide observes:
"Tuxedosam doesn‘t have cards or stickers listing the limited edition size. But as an original release, there likely weren‘t huge batches made. Between age and lower initial quantities, mint boxes should keep appreciating."
On Pop Price Guide‘s market index, Tuxedosam climbs 7 spots over the past 3 years. Cracking the top 50 speaks to steady, sustained interest from hobbyists.
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The Bottom Line: Tuxed up and ready to multiply money – secure dapper Tuxedosam to class up any collector‘s display.
When Funko decides to bedazzle an iconic character, vinyl waves ripple across collector networks. Case in point – the Diamond Edition Hello Kitty Pop numbered to only 1000 pieces.
Analyzing the 2020 sales data, Jacob from the Vinyl Variant podcast reports:
"We track Funko secondary market pricing closely. Hello Kitty‘s locked position among top properties means any limited glam release will become a fast favorite. The NYCC bidding easily hit $200, and we saw multi-hundred spikes when bundled with other exclusives from the con."
In fact, a matching Loungefly mini-backpack pairing at 2020‘s NYCC auctioned for over $500. As the author of "Forecasting Funko", Jacob‘s predictions carry weight in the collector community.
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The Bottom Line: This diamond Hello Kitty Funko Pop offers collectors a gem that will dazzle for decades – invest now to reap future returns.
5. Funko Pop! Aggretsuko #24
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2019
Average Resale Price: $50
Popularity: Moderately increasing
In 2018, Sanrio introduced Aggretsuko to spice up their sweet cast. As a death metal karaoke-singing red panda, her fiery temperament and 10-inch Funko Pop size provide collector eye-candy.
Reviewing the recent sales data, Xavier from Pop Academy explains:
"Aggretsuko built a solid fanbase almost instantly thanks to the Netflix show. Turning her into an oversized Funko was clever – the extra height makes her stand out. Average sales sit steadily at $50, giving newcomers an affordable entry point to start collecting Sanrio."
Given her music and anime connections, Aggretsuko appeals to various fandoms beyond just Sanrio lovers. Combined with a jumbo format rare for newer characters, her Funko Pop carries future price appreciation potential.
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The Bottom Line: This extra-large vinyl channels Aggretsuko’s beast mode energy – buy now before the death growls of collectors manifest.
6. Keroppi #02 Sanrio Funko Pop
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2013
Average Resale Price: $150 mint in-box
Popularity: Declining from moderate
As another OG character from 1987, this cheerful frog has bounced around Sanrio rosters for 35+ years. While not the rarest, his early Funko release ensures collectability moving forward.
Analyzing recent sales, Jose a veteran appraiser from Auction Brothers explains:
"Keroppi isn‘t running up prices like other legacy characters, but average valuations show consistency. Collectors acknowledge his legacy. Long term, I expect steadier gains compared to newer Sanrio Funko Pops as existing Keroppi figurines get preserved."
The iconic design ensures Keroppi endures as a fan-favorite. Yet without any new shows, content, or merch driving hype, demand remains table. Still, as an established character with low Funko Pop runs origianlly, buyers should hop on any mint boxes listed.
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The Bottom Line: This OG frog prince awaits his Funko fate – claim Keroppi now before the hype lily pad gets crowded.
7. Hello Kitty 8-Bit 45th Anniversary Pop!
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2019, 5000 pcs limited edition
Average Resale Price: $60-70
Popularity: Moderately increasing
What‘s better than Hello Kitty? Pixelated Hello Kitty surrounded by hearts! Crafted for Kitty‘s 45th birthday, this Funko Pop pixelates her signature outfit and bow. The removable heart accessory and LE status enhance appeal.
According to Jessica, curator of The Vinyl Guide:
"Another home run mashing nostalgia with an iconic contemporary character. Lean into the retro gaming aesthetic gives this mass pop culture appeal. Average pricing in the $60-70 range makes it accessible too. I suspect values rise gradually over the next decade as condition becomes a factor."
For collectors and gamers alike, this Funko Pop delivers accessible investment upside. The multi-fandom draw allows room for steady gains over time.
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The Bottom Line: Players 1 & 2 should select this pixel-powered Funko Pop to round out gaming lineups and secure asset growth.
8. Hello Kitty Liberty #27 Funko Pop
Why It‘s A Top Choice:
Release: 2019 Fall Convention Exclusive
Average Resale Price: $50-75
Popularity: Low, but niche appeal
In a clever crossover, Funko recreated Hello Kitty as the iconic Statue of Liberty. While not atop collector priority lists currently, this patriotic Pop carries strong niche demand.
Surveying fan discussion boards, Sarah from Funko Fairy explains:
"I‘ve seen Liberty Kitty spike conversation between niche collector circles – mainly patriotic memorabilia buyers and touristy ‘I Love NY‘ types. But overall mass-market chatter is lower. Expect values to creep not leap over next 5+ years."
Yet with exclusivity favoring patient sellers, unboxed sales already reach the $50-75 range just a few years later. As time passes and box conditions vary, expect pricing moves upward.
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The Bottom Line: For finest ROI, collectors should stash this freedom-loving cat away in their Funko time capsules.
While these 8 Funkos provide a well-rounded starter set for collectors, hundreds of Sanrio variants exist at various price points.
Here‘s why building a Hello Kitty Funko Pop portfolio makes sense:
Returns: Rare, exclusive edition can rapidly appreciate based on nostalgia and other demand factors
Affordability: Plenty of figural and mini options sell below $50, providing easy entry points
Gifting: Funkos work for all ages and interest groups from gamers to anime fans
Community: Join collector groups locally and online to buy/sell and make connections
From the originally 1974 squad through modern additions like Gudetama and Aggretsuko, Sanrio churns out characters cherished by millions globally. Translate that love into vinyl, and Funko Pops with long-term niche demand emerge.
By understanding key traits driving valuations like exclusivity, limited releases, and character history, collectors can optimize their buys. Use our Hello Kitty Funko Pop picks as a starting point for amassing grails destined for your next convention booth!
