Children have a habit of ripping off the gift wrapping and tearing the box of new toy apart, but if they were instead to carefully removed the toy, retain the box, and sell it years later, they would be considerably better off.

“Ninety-nine per cent of toys don’t come in their original boxes which is a pity given the consequent loss of resale value,” says Dennis Kafkis, owner of Lobos Collectables in Thornbury, Melbourne.

Instead of tearing apart the box your gifts come in this Christmas, consider packing it away somewhere safe.Credit: iStock

Kafkis started collecting toys as a child in the 1970s, with his store, which opened 16 years ago, specialising in vintage toys from the 1970s through to the 1990s.

“Most of my clients are collectors in their late 40s through to their 60s. There’s certainly the nostalgic factor for the toys, but they’re also looking for the original packaging,” says Kafkis, picking up a Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight figure from 1983.

“Without its box, you would pay $125. But with the original box, you are looking to pay close to $900.” GI Joe’s, as well as Masters of the Universe figures from the 1980s will, according to Kafkis, “always be more attractive to collectors if in their original package.”

Collectable toys, such as this Luke Skywalker figurine, can be worth far more with their original boxesCredit: iStock

Few children have the foresight to retain the original toy boxes and even adults throw out the packaging for household objects. At the Smith Street Bazaar in Fitzroy, most household items are displayed in glass cabinets without their original boxes.

There are a few exceptions such as a set of Bodum tea glasses from the 1970s, with a pair including their spoons selling for a modest price of $45 for the two in the one box. Pricier are the Alessi trays designed by Carmello Cappello, circa 1972, with its original box. Retailing for $495, the signed and numbered tray attracts those with a love of designer history as much as the completeness of its set.

“Collectors of Alessi are keen to have the original packaging. It’s an important part of its provenance,” says Eryca Green, who owns the store with Eddy Opmanis. Even a bottle stop by Zack has more appeal in a box selling for $90 rather than for $70 if it was on its own.