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Hrmm...🤔 Are Calico Critters getting WORSE? Comparing VINTAGE, RECENT, NEW Sylvanian Families sets
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- Опубликовано: 8 дек 2021
- Welcome back! So this is a different kind of video... today I'm comparing old versus new Sylvanian Families / Calico Critters buildings, sets, and figures. Has the quality and level of detail changed?
I'll let you be the judge, but here I present some pretty compelling evidence that, yes, in general we're seeing a decline in detail and (in some cases) quality.
To be fair, Sylvanian Families has put out THOUSANDS of sets, and there will be many that fall out of this general pattern. For example, we see an older oven and some baby rockers from long ago which are very simple, and we see examples of super-fine detail and quality in brand new sets like the Town Series oven. But, overall, I've noticed a gradual departure from the super-amazing "wow factor" level of detail (and sheer volume of bit and pieces per set) here in the last few years. Of particular note are the new Baby Theme Park and Family Vacation series sets, they really aren't up to snuff in my opinion.
But I want to know YOUR opinion! Am I being to harsh? Too critical for a kids' toy? Do you agree/disagree with the move toward playability, modularity, and characters? Do you think the brand even considers what appeals to adult collectors vs children? Let me know!
Thanks for watching, see you next time!
MUSIC CREDIT: Russian Dance by Joey Pecoraro, RUclips Audio
it's sad because the younger generation doesn't deserve these low detail sets. My parents never bought me toys, so I am only able to buy them now. A lot of the furniture sets I wanted as a kid have retired. I wish epoch would actually listen.
I agree! My niece just became intrigued with Sylvanian‘s - I was so excited I shipped her out a bunch of sets I had in the closet. Some were older with a lot of detail, some newer. I was thinking, that’s a shame, she’s just now getting into Sylvanians and I hope she will be able to appreciate them in the same way I do, and not be turned off by some of the newer sets. But Epoch is a smart company, I do think they will continue putting out high detail sets in the future, even if it is alongside some of the cheaper ones.
I am sorry to give you this message a year late but , I am part of the younger generation I love my critters. But they break easily, other than that I don’t really notice much
I was trying to put my finger on why I'm not drawn to the 'newer' collections like the Town Series etc. and I think it's because they simply look 'cheaper.' I'm not a snob by any means, but I'd rather buy a second hand item from 10 years ago than most of the newer bits.
I totally agree with you on all your points! The quality of the figures themselves is on par or improved, especially in the variety of outfits they wear in the newer figure sets. The 'family life' sets like the travelling white bunny mother and the panda with the blue bike are still great, the accessories in these are really nice. The newest furniture sets and buildings really leave something to be desired. I don't like the coloration on the newer released furniture sets, the pastels (while cute) don't feel realistic and rustic like the older furniture, everything being moulded in one doesn't feel as nice and high quality either. But then a set comes out like the Log Furniture set which is so lovely and really feels like the older furniture sets! It's confusing, almost like there's two ranges and they keep the best and more classic looking stuff to be exclusive to the official SF online shop. They've just recently re-released the old canal boat too which looks gorgeous and is also an exclusive to the official store (at least here in the UK). I'm definitely hoping to see more like these but hopefully not just as exclusives as that tends to put the price up!
That’s a great point, I agree! It is like they have two tracks going, one with these amazing intricate sets like that new white Christmas set, or the popcorn cart with the sheep, I mean those are amazing, and then at the same time they put out these kind of disappointing sets. It seems like the USA is getting the short end of the stick in that regard, with the cool ones coming out in Japan and the more basic ones here in the USA, I wonder if that’s the result of some market research they did, but it sure is puzzling! But I’m so grateful they have such a long history with so many sets I have yet to collect, so even if the quality does taper off it will still be fun collecting the old stuff, as well as the awesome ones that they do put out from time to time. 🧐❤️
@@AdventuresinCritterland It definitely feels like Japan always get the best of the best, I think we're quite lucky in the UK as most of it seems to get released here eventually, though the timing for it is very sporadic and some never appears for reasons unknown! I agree that were very lucky to have had so much put out before now that there always seems to be something else vintage to add to the wishlist!
I haven't played with any of these since I was a kid. Imagine my surprise that they now have tails.
They really are, I fell in love with the sets from how much detail, it was like another little world for me to build and set up but now its just....I still love the sets of course but I find myself making DIY stuff or buying miniatures from eBay rather then buying the actual sets, its becoming like Barbie and Polly pocket, so much detail and stuff to do with the set but now its just a plastic with little detail, nothing to really imagine with.
Yes exactly!! I'm still seeing some good ones come out (mainly Japanese sets) and I'm still very pleased with the actual critters, but yes many of the newer playsets are super disappointing! 😢
I agree some of the sets are getting less and less effort I think the critters have good quality still it’s really sad because that’s why I fell in love with these critters was because of the details and its beginning to slip away ☹️
I totally agree with you. the new playsets just aren't like they used to be. I still like them of course , but in the past couple years they have limited the amount of accessories in each set along with the detail.
I also agree with the figures , mainly their clothing. I've found that their clothing has gotten less detailed aswell and they've used cheaper fabric. and they haven't added as many layers to new figures as they used to
I won’t even start!🤦🏾♀️😂. I totally agree with your assessment. I think the current buildings really look like toys. The earlier toys could be looked at as collectibles. The critters are awesome from the past to the future.
Lol I kinda spit out my Diet Coke when your comment popped up! 🤣 I agree! And I think I struck a nerve with this video, I’ve never gotten so many lengthy comments lol, I guess I’m not the only one who’s noticed a shift! 😜
You opened Pandora’s box!!😂🤣😂
I was unpleasantly surprised when I saw the furniture that was bundled with the cedar home. It was astonishing how many corners they cut
Yes!! I think it was still a really good deal, for $30 at Walmart, but yes the furniture was disappointing. On Sylvanian storekeepers there are a whole slew of new super cheap-looking furniture / Easy Buy sets shown. These are not available as calico critter items (yet?), but it shows what’s coming off the line. Not what we know and love. I really hope this is like an experiment, and after getting a bunch of negative feedback they will reverse course! I am also hopeful that this won’t affect everything they put out, because they are still putting out super detailed stuff along side the cheap stuff.
I am glad that I got into Sylvanians before the sets started to being out the cheaper furniture. Recently, I went to see what has been on sale in regard to this, and little has taken my interest.
I miss the times when I didnt have to add stickers to "add detail"
Lol yes! I also hate that about Lego, because I can’t ever seem to put the stickers on well and then they are stuck like that forever! I’ve started photocopying my sticker sheets on glossy paper, so if I mess up I have back up, it has come in handy before. But regardless, stickers just look cheap, I much prefer a printed or painted on designs.
I got my first SF starter house in Japan in 1997 (I was seven years old) and have treasured it ever since! It came with a battery operated fireplace, a tiny rotary phone, even a pencil sharpener with a tiny pencil! All the furniture is upholstered and even has dust covers. My son recently turned four and I decided to bring down the dollhouse for him to play and was delighted that he loved it as much as I did. Then I went online to get him his own, and they are just so sad looking... 😞 None of the tiny intricacies and charm of the original sets.
I love this! And I share your grief, I fell in love with Sylvanians as a child and was mesmerized by the detail and realism. It was so different from the bright pink plasticky toys of the 80s/90s, but recently they seem to be edging that way, while retaining just enough of an edge to still be a better than competitors. But I will say, the critters themselves are BETTER than the older ones, and I am seeing some cool sets coming out of Japan. I’m also glad they have such a long history with so many releases, so I can keep adding cool ones secondhand!
Nice review! The newer homes over past few years have nice interior details such as moldings on the walls and good floors - that’s one plus over some, but not all, vintage homes and stores which have very plain interiors. Really wish they’d keep up with beautiful furniture instead of the thinner, one color plastic that’s creeping in. As you said, the detail is what makes the strong appeal of the brand! Some of the older food accessories are less detailed (pies from old bakeries) than what we see in more recent years. The figures have thankfully not declined - Husky dogs are one of my favorite families! But I also like the charming, woodland simplicity of the vintage figures (e.g. Slydale foxes and Oakwood squirrels). Really hoping for a return to better furniture products in the future.
Yes! The furniture really is my main gripe. I think you are right on the houses and certain items actually being more detailed. It seems like the best sets right now are coming out of Japan and the UK, the ones here in the USA - except the families and collector figures of course - are more basic and I haven’t seen anything new in the CC Village line for a while. I did read that they have “exciting stuff” planned for 2022, so that has me hopeful! ❤️
I agree with you totally especially when we are talking furniture. I get frustrated with putting all the stickers on too. I do like some of the newer sets especially the Popcorn Cart which I added to my Collection this Christmas. I love and enjoy all your videos 🐾🐼🐾
i looked at it this way, if you see the majority of the demographic of people who buy sylvanains/calico critters are way younger now. Therefore thats why i think they avoided adding a lot of detail, small pieces, and more functionality of playing. it is very clear that the newer sets are more "playable" more functional etc.. but that is because of the demographic. (opinion) do i like that though? No, because the reason people are buying sylvanains/calico critters or drawn to them is because of these details and small pieces!
That’s a really smart point, I hadn’t considered the demographic changing! You are right. makes sense. I’m sure a big company like epoch thinks these things through and does research. But I also don’t like it, it’s kind of a shot in the foot because even if they don’t cater to collectors, parents remember Sylvanian‘s as a high-quality brand when they buy them for their kids, if they see the modern ones are kind of “meh” they may not continue buying them. But thankfully they are still putting out SOME really amazing sets, and there are tons of older ones to be collected.
I didn't know they rebranded as Calico Critters, on my country I still find the name as Sylvanian Families. Looking at the vintage sets really are different from the newer ones! I personally really like the modern town sets because I like the fashion themes, but I definitely see the quality difference with the older ones.
Yes, the quality difference is noticeable, but I also like the details in the Town sets, and LOVE LOVE the fashion/clothing in that line. BTW the "Calico Critter" brand is only used in the USA, because the Sylvanian Families name was already trademarked. The name in other countries hasn't changed, it is still Sylvanian Families. However, they just decided to use all the Sylvanian doll names (like "Freya") in the USA, instead of the Calico Critter names (like "Belle"). So that's good! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for making this video. I’m thinking about beginning to collect either Calico Critters or Maileg Mouse, for myself, and the kids I still have who are still young, as well as for my grandkids when they come to visit.
It’s hard to decide. This video is very helpful.
I swear I missed your videos these past couple days, was like “where is she?” 😂 great video as always!
I had the good luck to find the first Sylvanian family dollhouse with its furnitures, a vintage rabbit and an Owl for only $9 at goodwill, and after that I’ve been collecting them 🥰 I do notice that the looks of the buildings are very different, I get that they need to create new stuff but I REALLY love the vintage buildings, families and pieces 🥰
Oh WOW that's a steal!! That would be 20 times more on eBay, not including the owl; huge find and a GREAT way to kickstart a collection! I so much love the older sets, and there are TONS I don't have, so even if I don't like some of the newer ones I'll be able to happily collect the older ones for a long time! ❤️
@@AdventuresinCritterland yes! It’s a lifetime toy line, I’m sure gonna keep my critters forever 😂 We’re moving to a new house in a couple weeks and I’m gonna finally have a corner to set my houses and critters up, can’t wait to see everything together!! And for sure I keep going to the thrift stores around Lansing, Michigan to look for critters, exciting to find stuff for a great price!
I just discovered a whole new world, had no idea they started to be produced in the early 80's omg that's amazing!!! now it gives a new feeling for this new hobbie of mine
I agree! I do agree that from what I have seen in this video, as well as watching your others that some sets are getting less detailed. It actually hurt me to see the piping molded in because I have kitchen items with the regular painted piping and it is just one of my favorite details! So to see it molded in, really just doesn’t feel like calico critters. I do have to say though, I am sure that littler kids would appreciate this new style With bright, and pastel colors. I know that I love pastels! So to see more of those is nice, but they shouldn’t stop making neutral designs either. I can appreciate both. But what I cannot appreciate is that new train, and bunk beds. That to me just feels so cheap. The reason I love calico critters is because They do look old fashioned, and they are so detailed. So to see more and more pieces a single color, with molded in details, and just add on stickers really doesn’t sit well with me. Now of course there will be people who probably like this newer style more, but that is why they should continue designing sets for both styles. I do notice that they are really working on how well a person would play with these toys. Which I appreciate! I think that is an upgrade. But I do not think getting rid of detail, and quality should ever be something considerable. That is my option! I really liked your video! Have a great day!
Great assessment! I agree! I'm also fine with them putting out sets geared at certain markets (like they do with the Easy Buy figures, or having more play functions), but yes for something like a furniture set, it just seems like a huge let-down to get big chunks of plastic with cop-outs on the details we've come to expect (like the piping). By doing so they're risking competing with lower quality brands, a VERY crowded space, rather than standing apart as highly distinctive. I really think it's a bad move, they might get short term gains but they'll lose repeat customers, unless they put out enough highly intricate sets to compensate for it. It is very hopeful seeing some amazing sets coming out of Japan in 2021, and those incredible limited edition sets for the 35th anniversary, plus I'm VERY happy with the critters overall, so fingers crossed I guess! 🤞Maybe they'll watch this video and talk it over LOL!
Thanks for including the pic of the vintage rabit cottage... I had that one as a kid. It was prob the nicest toy I had.
Yes, that same house got me obsessed with Sylvanians when I was a kid. It was my sister’s, and long gone now. I hope to replace it someday. 🥰
@@AdventuresinCritterland I wish you luck!
Love your videos! I’m very new to these precious toys/collectibles! Ive been able to snag mostly retro homes and critter families along with some newer as well. Your opinions are spot on. My granddaughters love to play with all of the old and new versions but have pointed out that some critters paws can hold items and some cannot. I wish they kept the paws the same as the older critters as it makes for more realistic play.
I think the paws are changed because children like to put of and on clothes.
I feel each style they have made is special in its own way, while the newer ones do lack a certain quality the older sets had I feel its great in its own way, No matter what sylvanian families/ calico critters will always be unique compared to any other toy out there and I'll always love it for that!
I have collected the sylvanians since they started and I love them and the storekeepers shop in london is the best. I think the sets are amazing and I adore the older and newer ones from the UK.
Love that shopppp ❤❤❤
Thanks for this insight. I’ve ordered that beautiful town series kitchen set based on this review and totally agree with you on quality and things being all of one piece of plastic.
Yes that new Town kitchenette is AMAZING, especially compared to other kitchens they are putting out, so it's good to see the high quality in some areas still. Thanks for watching!! ❤️
I have noticed this too! I am very disappointed with it😞
I like the modularity idea, but it kinda sucks. I mean, most of the connection looks ridiculous. They should for example made of roof type, a red tile for example, so that when connected, the house has the same roof and not a different structure and colors. But really like the bakery sets, so you can turn your starter home into a bakery with this! They should go into this with more sets, maybe a clinic and a grocery or sth. And PLZ Epoch, don't destroy Sylvanians quality.....
I agree- I do like the idea of modularity, but sometimes it doesn’t look consistent stacking certain sets.
as a 13 year old who just started collecting this makes me so sad! i always get to the toy lines too late. once i’m old enough to care for them, the only good ones cost a fortune!
No worries, you will have PLENTY to collect even if some of the newer sets are “meh”, with a 35 year history of stuff. eBay and other sites are always bursting with critter sets, many in great condition. And the critters themselves seem to be getting better! It’s always a great time to begin a Sylvanian collection!!
@@AdventuresinCritterland thank you for the reassurance! i’ll try secondhand.
I completely agree with you! I also think because children these days are so interested in e cheap plastic vibrant look instead of the vintage realism feel is one of the many reasons epoch is creating thesr
The toy store I work at sells calicos and I like to treat myself to the blind bags every paycheck 😝, but I noticed the eyes aren’t always centered in the sockets and one of the rabbits even has a hole in her face. It doesn’t bother me so much but it’s just something I’ve noticed.
Oh wow, that's not cool at all!! I haven't seen defects like those yet on any of mine, but I'll keep an eye out, maybe I just haven't noticed it! 😮
The sets sometimes are less detailed than old ones.. but i recently purchased the Mr. Lion’s Winter Sleigh set, and I thought the sleigh and toys were beautifully detailed.
Oh yes, that is a gorgeous set. There are many like that coming out which are as detailed and high-quality as ever! That particular Christmas set is a re-imagined older sleigh set, I am very pleased they are re-releasing a lot of sets and buildings recently, switching out some pieces and colors, but retaining the overall feel. My main gripe is with the brand new items, the overall lack of detail and quantity of parts. However, this is not true of many new sets coming out of Japan (and a few in the USA) which are just breathtaking, like White Christmas and the panda bike. 😍😊😍
Hi !! New to your channel, stumbled on it quite by accident and I LOVE your videos. You have such a calming voice !! I've started being interested in Calico Critters only recently (dollhouse shopping for my kids and possibly a personal projet) and I love the figures and even though they have a high price tag, I could see why people love them. The modern houses however, wow, left me for a loop, but seeing your comparision now, I get it ! The old ones were a lot more detailed and yes it seems over time things have been definitely been downgraded. I like the new houses in that they are stackable, but it makes it quite awkward when you only purchase one - no roof, barely any walls and limited floorspace and super high price tags, ouch !! Let's not forget, it is plastic after all...if at least it were a nice plastic toy, but they seem quite cheap looking. The raspberry house retails for a pricey $50 ish CAN. That's a lot of money for not much of a house. I wish the quality of the houses matched the dolls, but at the moment they seem quite mismatched. Loved your side by side examples as we can see clear examples of them cutting corners now. Great video, especially for a newbie !!
Thank you!! Apologies for my late reply, I recently filtered my comments by response status and found it! Thank you for your lovely comment, I agree wholeheartedly, and I'm so thankful they haven't downgraded the dolls. There are several newer buildings I passed on for these reasons. I hope they plan to course-correct; they could continue asking high prices if they return to the quality and detail that hooked so many fans in the first place.
@@AdventuresinCritterlandI am shopping around for a wooden dollhouse (for me this time, hihi) and am thinking of upgradding my daughter's (wooden) dollhouse with some paint and wallpaper. It is more durable and I can customize it and have fun with it; vs. paying a similar price for plastic and it not being so custom if you know what I mean. I LOVE your village of houses and am dreaming of perhaps acquiring a few dollhouses over the next years and creating unique homes for the critters; I've ordered some vintage ones online out of the UK mainly (ouch $$ CAD is not strong appaently, haha), but totally adorable!! I just received the Marguerite Rabbit Family today!! I used to have a lot of live critters (from rats, to mice, to guinea pigs) and they've sadly passed away with the years and now with the kids taking up so much time, well let's just say it'll be easier caring for dolls, for the time being!! Ha!! Also, so glad to find an adult here on YT! My mom made me give away my toys as I grew up and shamed me for enjoying ''kid'' stuff and so I love how you love your critters and celebrate that. Made me feel so much better about my own passions and sparked something within me again, so thank you!
@@HarrietFitzgerald580 thank you for sharing, that’s so exciting! I think wooden houses are a perfect fit for Sylvanians, in fact decades ago in Japan they released the “memory time” real wood cabin with wood furniture, it is now hard to find but it goes well with the woodland theme. I’ve seen a lot of really crafty critter lovers on RUclips with all kinds of creative structures, and some that make their own! I can’t wait to hear more about your set up as it develops! ❤️
but what I could notice is that they are trying to be more like acessible to people, like in Brazil they are pretty expensive, but there's collections that are not much! SO maybe they are doing the high priced collections with more detailed desings and the more affordable ones with less details and the plastic looks!
I think they did a great job on the Red roof cozy cottage. The house itself is sturdy and well made, plus you get furniture and a figure. And the price you can't beat. The town houses however, I don't like. I find they have hardly any floor space, and feel way more flimsey.
Oh yes, the cozy cottage is a great value. You get so much inside, plus a critter, and I love the shutters, railings, and nice big ladder. And the modularity doesn’t bother me with this house because the rooms are still plenty big (my only slight annoyance is that you can’t open the front door if it is stacked on top of the raspberry home). I also agree on the town buildings, there are some features I love about the series (like the lavish outfits and intricate details of some accessories) but the rooms are comically small, and I think they look a little plasticky compared to the red roof homes. 😬❤️
I feel like alot of the new sets are more Kawaii, which I didn't think they could make them more Kawaii lol
Thank you for letting us know quality is still coming from Japan.
Yes! Lots of amazing sets are coming out of Japan now.
The 2016 cake shop is one of my dream sets because it’s just so cute!! And I also want the doughnut shop set because the food looks adorable lol 😆 I just love cute things!!!
One thing I miss is the hand molds where they were able to hold items I just think it would be so cute if they could hold their cups, pens, food ect. But other than that they are wonderful. One thing I wanted to say is Your comparison made me think of of how people compare American girl doll to any other 18” doll line, American girl Quality is just amazing! The same with Calico critters compared to other brands calico critters just have the best quality!
Oh yes, American Girl dolls are out of this world, truly amazing, even the accessories and clothes. I also would love for critters to have cupped hands, or at least for some of the accessories to be designed to be held (like in the new Japanese Starter Home, the knife and fork have little circles so they can be held - but that does take away from the realism).
@@AdventuresinCritterland yes it would be amazing
ok so i had a few things in 2016-17 then because personal reasons i stopped buying them this year i fell back in love with it and i want to start collecting again so i smarted looking for a few things and there is a difference things look cheaper even though their not i want them to work on detail
I agree!! Thanks for watching! ❤️
I agree with you some are hits some are misses I hope they don't go down hill also I struggle to find some of the newer sets I've had to get my from amazon Japan I've got some new reviews coming up and the pony sets hairdresser sets
I think Japan (and maybe UK?) has a much better selection of finely detailed / collectible sets, compared to the USA. Perhaps in the US there are fewer collectors, so they they focus more on sets that appeal to children/parents. I have been curious about the hairdressing sets, I look forward to your reviews!! ❤️
This video is already about 3 years old, but just watched it and I agree.
I collect all, old and new, it is some kind of sport to have it all.
I also have a lot out of other countries: Japan, UK, France and Spain.
I live in the Netherlands.
I know why they changed in Brighter colors. Just to sale more!
The kids like this, and off course, there are more children to sell to, than there are collectors.
Money, money, money....
I love the older ones more. But the mall to, you cann buy him sheap now, secondhand.
I like your video's.
if you could choose just one.. would you collect houses OR critters???
Oh boy that’s really tough! I would say critters, because there are so many different ones and they are all so unique. There are kind of a limited number of houses. But if you asked me that a years ago, I might have said houses, I was more into buildings and accessories vs dolls. ❤️
Interesting video. Thanks for that. Related to the quality point, do you have any information about the used materials? I know the figures are made from PVC but I can’t find any information if they use all that nasty toxic stuff like phthalate plasticizers like most of the PVC toys have.
Thanks for watching! I don’t know for sure about phlhalate; I will say they don’t go out of their way to advertise eco-friendly materials so it’s unlikely they exceed legal standards. However, they distribute to many countries, so they I’d assume they meet the non-toxicity standards of the strictest country they sell to (unless they have separate production processes for the same sets). Their biggest markets are Japan, UK, USA/Canada, and South Korea, then it seems Australia, South/Central America, Singapore, and other Asian countries to a lesser degree (I could be wrong about the order there), and I also know they release certain sets exclusively to certain countries, so the standards could vary by set. But I will see if I can find out, great question!
I know Little Critters has been around since 1985 but as someone who's disabled with autism lost my mom to cancer 2 weeks ago she loved my channel abdl lifestyle ddlg lifestyle honey bee Acres or little woodsies is a little cheaper
In a word - yes.
I thought most of the people liked those new sets, but reading the comments I know most of the people prefer old Sylvanians because they have more details and furniture.
I want to paint and renovate my red roof dollhouse, but I'm scared to because of how much money I could sell it for after I leave highschool
They're running out of money. The brand already got bought out because it's dying. They are trying to limit resources to save a dying toy brand that people still oove but cant afford the extra detail
どっちが人気なんでしょうね?
ちなみに、あなたはどの人形が好き⁇
私は水車小屋ベーカリーがもっと好きです。私のお気に入りの人形はビーバーかスカンクです!私のビデオを見てくれてありがとう!
@@AdventuresinCritterland
へぇ、そいなんですか!
毎日、みてるよ〜
How many years have you been collecting?
I'd say I officially became a "collector" (buying them for ME instead of my kids) around 2017, but I was kind of a "closet" collector for a year or two before that. When I would set up the sets with our kids, I felt this overwhelming nostalgia, I used to LOVE Sylvanians as a child! ❤️
There is a new house you would love its called the courtyard house they took the old courtyard restruant and re did it and ded bed bathroom and a kitchen island!
Oooh I will check that out!! Thank you!❤️
oh my god. wonderland!!!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
I only started getting some houses and have decided I will not pay so much for so little. I’m building my own now. The houses are super cheap and flimsy What really annoys me, the houses are not interchangeable… Why isn’t there consistency in the pieces?
I just discovered your channel. I too, am wondering why the furniture is lacking natural colors. And why the newer calico critter stuff is a bunch of pastel ugly colors.
It’s a real shame, the classic woodland colors were so beautiful and appealed to both kids and adults. And all the attention to detail made the sets so engaging. I bet they did a focus group and younger kids preferred the new colors, IDK, and there’s an effort to cut costs. But lately they have released several extremely gorgeous sets, but these are either recolors of older items or unattainably expensive. So it seems they are now putting out good stuff for collectors and cheaper stuff for kids; personally don’t want a $200 Lauderee collaboration or a bunch of plasticky amusement park rides. It would be nice if they could meet in the middle again, it would please both groups and really differentiate them from all the cheap toys. But I will say I’ve been very happy with the critters! And WELCOME to Critterland, thank you for watching!
Also ordered the popcorn cart 👍🏻😊
Yay! I LOVE IT so much, I hope you enjoy!
First time collector here.
Do I keep them within the boxes or take them out?
Personally I take them out, but I keep the box and put the critters in plastic bags. The value is higher in the future if the box is unopened, so if you buy to resell, I would keep them sealed. If you enjoy setting up and playing with them, I say take them out! Just keep them clean, keep the parts together. It will still be valuable in the future (the little bit of lost value from opening it isn’t really lost because you got to enjoy it)! ❤️
Wow some of the newer stuff looks like lil woodeeze not calico critters:( that sucks
There sets are really nice. Good detailed. Good quality plastic. Good verity. They're good.
...
But they're not "SULVANIAN" good.
I’m confused, they can create like detailed anniversary stuff and reproductions. But then DONT have good quality on the regular stuff? Like why not just use that quality you used for the anniversary sets and reproductions???😅.
And it also bothers me that those anniversary sets with a lot of detail are like sooo much more expensive than regular sets. even tho back when it was all good quality they were the same price as the horrible quality new ones?
Calico critter calico critters the pieces are getting plastic and plastic key
What I really, really hate is what they did to the animal's hands, they used to have hands that could hold things, now they can't. It seem logic that with so many tiny accessories the hands should be able to hold them, but no, they thought that was not necessary; does anyone have the CEO's phone number?
YES!! WHY did they do that, it really is maddening. There’s virtually no difference I’d imagine in cost or anything, but what a huge difference it makes playwise. The couple grip-handed ones I have are so fun to give forks, pencils, wine glasses, books, etc… I’ll never understand that move! 😜
I'm not an avid collector, but I started buying sets around 2015 and even in that short time I've noticed some shifts in quality. At the same time there's still a good amount of nice newer stuff, but it does worry me a little.
Yes it does seem like a change was made recently, like in in the last 3-5 years, but yes there still are some good ones, I just hate to think it's the beginning of a trend. If so I think they'll course correct (I hope) because sales will suffer, there's just too much competition with cheaper competitors, the quality is what makes us pay the higher prices.
I've been waiting years for a channel like this! You need to make an Instagram account as well to share pics everytime you get something new!!! 🤩
Thank you!! I’d love to do that; I’m just not familiar with Instagram and a bit intimidated, but I’m sure it’s not that complicated and my teenager could help me get acquainted! 😉❤️