If we take it in simple words designed toys are the toys and other collectibles which are produced or created by the artists or the designers in limited editions.

There are varieties of toys in the market whether it is a soft toy or a plastic one but designed toys are something different and specially designed. These toys are made up of variety of materials for example ABS plastic, vinyl wood, metal, and resin. Those who design these toys have some background as a graphic designer, illustration. These toys basically appeared in early 1990 and today they have gained a lot of popularity in the market and this is why there is huge production of these toys.

Most of these designed toys are produced in China and Japan. Designed toys generally feature some action figures and are made of vinyl. These toys often portray real-life figures particularly artists who perform. Some artists create these toys with the help of synthetic resin material and the process of making resin toys are time consuming. Designed toys made of resin are usually sculpted, cast, and painted by a single artist.

Some examples of designer toys are:

• Qee series: This designed toy was produced in Hong Kong and which has a standard size of 2 inches. There are different design of Qee which has same basic body but the head sculpt are different. Some head sculpts bear, cat, a cartoon character etc. However, the important thing is that each piece is designed by an artist.
• Dunny series: This designed toy was produced by American company Kidrobot which figures the Western counterpart of Qee. Basically Dunny are a series of figures that resemble anthropomorphized rabbits and which are in shape and design of cartoon.
• Urban vinyl: it is a type of designed toy, which features action figures in particular and are usually made of vinyl. Like designed toys in general, it features original designs, small production and are highly adored by collectors especially the adults. These action figures are designed by artists and unlike other toys which are mass produced, Vinyl designed Toys are sold in limited runs. Designed toys are the movement of independent toy manufacturers and artists producing uniquely designed original toys.

Some of the designed toys or collectible item sold on websites, stores, or auctions for as much as $10,000 and this shows the popularity of designed toys. These designed toys featuring different artist are highly collectible, limited, and embraced by art community.