Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Dexter Roona
Today we ask the question should you take your Funko Pops out of their boxes, giving you the pros and cons for both options along with some very clever display options!
Should You Take Your Funko Pops Out of Their Boxes?
There is a debate raging in my house and it is the same eternal debate there is among Funko Pop! collectors: to unbox or not to unbox? My son is a One Piece collector and picked up quite a few One Piece Funko Pops for Christmas and he wants to take them out of the box and display them, he wants to show off his 6-“Inch Kaido. I on the other hand have a gazillion Pops and I have kept them all in their boxes.
For many collectors, this question is as much about personal preference as it is about the value and purpose of their collection. Whether you’re a proud “in-box” collector or someone who loves seeing your Pops displayed in all their glory, let’s break down the question Should you take your Pops out of the box and look at the pros and cons of unboxing your Funko Pops.
Why Keeping Funko Pops in Their Boxes Matters
Preserving Value
Funko Pops often hold more value when they remain in their original boxes. This is especially true for convention exclusives, store exclusives, and rare chase variants. For example, a limited-edition Comic-Con exclusive Funko Pop can significantly lose its resale value if removed from its packaging.
The box itself is often part of the collectable’s appeal. It provides information about the Pop, showcases its exclusivity with special stickers, and maintains the figure’s “mint condition” status. For serious collectors, a damaged or missing box can be a dealbreaker.
Protection
The box acts as a shield, protecting your Funko Pop from dust, sunlight, and accidental damage. For collectors who live in areas with high humidity or lots of sunlight, keeping the Pops in their boxes is a practical way to ensure they stay in pristine condition. We would also suggest you keep the boxes out of direct sunlight to avoid the colours from bleaching and for Pops that stand on the valuable side consider locking them away in a darkened room. And Pop protectors are an absolute must!
Why Unboxing Your Funko Pops Can Be Worth It
Aesthetics and Display
Funko Pops were made to be seen! Taking them out of their boxes allows you to appreciate the intricate details and vibrant colours that might otherwise be obscured by plastic window glare.
Unboxed Pops also lend themselves to more dynamic and creative displays. You can group them by theme, arrange them in dioramas, or have them “interact” with one another. For example, pairing Marvel heroes in action-packed stances or recreating iconic scenes from your favourite movies can bring your collection to life.
Enjoyment Over Investment
While preserving value is important to many, others argue that collecting should be about joy, not profit. If you plan to keep your Pops forever and aren’t concerned about resale value, why not unbox them and enjoy them fully? They’re not just collectables; they’re tiny works of art meant to be admired.
Finding the Balance
If you’re torn between unboxing and preserving value, consider a hybrid approach:
- Display with Box: Keep the Funko Pop in its box but display it on a shelf where the artwork and design can be appreciated. This is great if you don’t have too many but you can end up with a wall of Pops, I know 😉
- Partial Unboxing: For special photo shoots or seasonal displays, temporarily unbox your Pops. Just be careful to handle them gently and store the boxes in a safe place to prevent damage. Every year my Christmas-themed Pops come out and play and are often displayed as part of the Christmas decorations and can sometimes even make an appearance in the tree itself.
- Selective Unboxing: Unbox common or less valuable Pops for display while keeping your rare or exclusive figures in mint condition. This is a very sensible approach, some Pops are just never going to go up in value so in this instance just display them, flatten the boxes and store them away in case you want to move them on later.
Creative Funko Display Ideas
Using Funko Boxes as Display Platforms
One of the most creative ways to display Funko Pops is to use the boxes of the pops as platforms for display. The uniform size and sturdy design of Funko Pop boxes make them perfect for stacking or creating tiered displays.
For instance:
- Tiered Shelving: By stacking boxes behind each other, you can create a tiered effect where Pops in the back row are elevated and still visible. This is especially useful for smaller shelves or larger collections.
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- Themed Groupings: Displaying Pops alongside their boxes creates a cohesive theme, especially for exclusives with unique box designs or stickers. Adopting this method also keeps valuable info on each Pop close at hand.
- Creative Stacking: Arrange boxes in creative formations to add visual interest to your display. For example, you can stack them into a pyramid or line them up diagonally for a dynamic look.
This approach allows you to showcase both the Pops and the artistry of their packaging while making the most of limited space.
The Verdict: What Kind of Collector Are You?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your collecting goals and personal preferences:
If you’re building a collection for future value or pride yourself on keeping your figures pristine, keeping them in their boxes is the way to go.
If you collect for the sheer fun of it and love creating immersive displays, unboxing may be the better choice.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy your Funko Pops. Whether in-box or out, these quirky figures are here to bring joy and add a touch of fandom to your life. So, do what feels right for your collection—and have fun with it!
What’s your take? Are you team “in-box” or team “out-of-box”? Let us know in the comments below!
If you are interested in connecting with other Funko Pop and Action Figure collectors then you can come join us on our ActionFigureGeek Reddit Sub! See you there!
