Bobbleheads - A Guide to Collecting Bobbleheads

Although they may seem like a new phenomenon, bobbleheads have actually been around for more than a century. Over the years, the creations have changed significantly, using different materials and representing different figures. Nevertheless, the basic design of the bobblehead has remained the same: on oversized head attached to the body by a spring, which allows the head to "bobble" when tapped.

Starting in the '50s, bobbleheads began representing sport figures. Baseball was in fact one of the earliest sports to use the collectibles as a promotional tool. Players such as Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays have been immortalized in bobblehead form--the originals of which are extremely rare and expensive. By the '60s, a variety of celebrities from other industries also appeared in bobblehead form. One of the most famous collections showcases all four of the Beatles.

By the '90s bobbleheads saw a resurgence in great part thanks to the cost-effective process of using plastic to mold them. Nowadays, everything from sports figures to movie stars and politicians can be found in this diminutive format. They have become a regularly used form of promotional marketing and continue to be a popular collectible for many.

For individuals looking to expand their bobblehead collections, eBay offers immediate access to other collectors worldwide. From rare pieces to commemorative items or limited edition releases, listings on eBay are continuously updated. Collectors may even find mini-bobbleheads a more recent variation on the original toy.