The joys of vintage toys
Even as a little girl, Honey Machuca had been a collector. Stationery, stickers, toys, chocolate wrappers, bottle caps—she collected them all.
“I was naturally drawn to the joy of collecting. The excitement of finding unique pieces and the satisfaction of preserving them became something I really enjoyed,” she said.
Today, the financial advisor, musician (her band is called Jaycie and Honey), and animal lover (she has two dogs and six rescued cats!) from Parañaque collects retro toys and vintage items.
She had pieces left over from her younger years—like Romeo, Rainbow Brite’s red Sprite friend; a white Popple named Puffball; a Polly Pocket compact with the little people already missing; some Lewis Galoob babies—and in 2007, she started adding to them.
“As a sentimental and nostalgic person, I started this hobby as a way to reconnect with my childhood favorites…There’s something super magical about reconnecting with stuff from the ‘80s and ‘90s for me. It brings back so many good memories of being a kid. It was such a carefree time in our lives! I see each toy from my collection as a link to a simpler, magical past,” she told Lifestyle.
She loves what she calls the OGs—the Care Bears (“They are timeless and their original plush designs are so soft and full of heart—pun intended!”), Rainbow Brite (“Rainbow Brite has this magical, vibrant aesthetic that feels like a slice of the ’80s you can hold in your hands”), Strawberry Shortcake (“Strawberry Shortcake dolls smell as sweet as the memories of being a little girl—super bango!”), and My Little Pony (“Who can resist the charm of the first generation of My Little Pony figures with their pastel colors and simple yet enchanting designs?”).
Newer versions of these toys are available on the market, and some lines have been revived recently, but, Machuca said, “First releases are always the cutest! They have a charm that later editions just can’t replicate.”
She’s also a fan of Lisa Frank, Cabbage Patch Kids, Glo Friends, and more.
Little pieces of history
“I’ve always been fascinated by the nostalgic energy that comes from vintage toys specifically from the ’80s and ’90s… They’re bright and colorful, or pastel and dainty, magical and sparkly! Just looking at them sparks little bursts of joy in my heart. For me, collecting them is like preserving little pieces of history, at least from our generation.”
Her search has also expanded to brands and items that had not been available in the Philippines when she was growing up. She likes “discovering rare pieces that tell a story.”
Finding older toys in good condition can be challenging. “They often show up in odd, unexpected places. It also means that prices for certain toys are often high.” Machuca usually buys her toys from eBay, Etsy, and local sellers online. Before the pandemic, she also liked going to local thrift stores and surplus shops.
“The thrill of the hunt is incredibly satisfying and rewarding…super exciting! Finding that elusive item or stumbling across something unexpected at thrift stores or even online feels like uncovering treasure or hitting the jackpot,” said Machuca.
She recalls one such time at a surplus shop in Quezon City where she found a Rainbow Brite doll. “I got her for P75. She was so dirty! This prompted me to clean her up and hunt for her dress. The hunting process is so exciting!”
That doll remains one of her all-time favorite finds. Other favorites from her collection are the Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins Kenner Figures from 1983 and 1985 (“I am in love with this line! Despite being small, they are very detailed”); GloWorm (“Its face would light up when you press its belly”) and Glo Friends by Playskool from 1984; Lewis Galoob So Small Babies from 1989 (“I always found their detail and delicate design to be very charming!”); and Tonka Keypers, animal figures that had secret compartments for little treasures (“They fit right into the trend of ’80s toys that were cute but also interactive”).
Machuca’s collection has grown so much that it can no longer fit in her room. Larger pieces are in storage, while smaller ones are on display, in cases and on shelves. “The tiny ones I put in tackle boxes, like Caboodles. It helps keep everything tidy and easy to admire. Also, I can showcase my favorites while still protecting the collection as a whole.”
This is important to Machuca. “The items are rare, so I want to make sure that my toys are protected and appreciated.”
Preserving memories
She airs out her display cases and dusts pieces that are out in the open. “I try to avoid direct sunlight exposure by keeping window curtains closed during that time of the day. For cleaning, I only use gentle methods, like soft cloths and mild solutions, to avoid harming the paint or details. It’s all about preserving those memories and keeping them as pristine as possible.”
The search continues for this collector. “I’m still on the hunt for Cozy Heart, the Care Bear cousin who’s a penguin—he’s the only piece missing from that series, so he’s become an elusive treasure. I’m also chasing after those rare My Little Pony Friends from Friendship is Magic—those are especially tricky to come by. And, I’d love to find a complete set of Rainbow Brite figures across all the editions, and I’m not forgetting about the Sweet Secrets, Moon Dreamers, and Snugglebums either. Oh, and Keypers! There’s just something about those little gems that I am drawn to! All these pieces have a special spot on my dream wish list.”
For Machuca, a bonus of this passion is the community of collectors she has gotten to know. “Sharing stories, trading, and learning together enhance the whole experience.”
She shares her love for vintage toys and photography on her Retro Rainbow Chaser (@retrorainbowchaser) Instagram account. She also has a Carousell account for selling duplicates.
“What I love most about showcasing pieces from my collection online is the opportunity to connect with other collectors and creatives who share my passion. I also enjoy bringing my own unique perspective into the photography process, using creativity to tell stories and bring these cherished pieces to life,” she said.
Her tips for those who want to start collecting? Research, take your time, set a budget, and enjoy the journey. “It takes patience, persistence, and an intense passion for things from the past that make your heart skip a beat.”
Do you have a collection that you want to be featured? Tell us about it at ppastor@inquirer.com.ph.
