Adults are increasingly spending their disposable income on childhood toys and nostalgic items, from Barbie dolls to gel pens and tiaras, as a way to reclaim autonomy and reconnect with positive emotions, according to Metro readers and Reddit users.
Barbie dolls and horse figurines
Record producer Will Twynham, 31, bought a boxed 1987 "California Dream" Barbie doll for £70, which came with a rare blue flexidisc featuring a solo track by Brian Wilson. "I had to have it," he told Metro. Reader Carla Watkins, 40, collects Barbie, Ever After High, Monster High, and Disney dolls, mostly thrifted for under £5 each, and also spends up to £70 on horse figurines. "Whimsy and joy are non-negotiables for me," she said.
Gel pens and stationery
Ann Marie, 56, has been buying gel pens for over 30 years, spending hundreds of pounds since 1993. She purchases pens at least once or twice a month and owns five pen baskets, six pen pots, and five large baskets for her collection. Her most expensive fountain pen cost £50.
Tiaras and fancy dress
Senior lifestyle reporter Courtney Pochin bought a tiara for £20 after seeing one on TikTok. She wears it around the house to cheer herself up and once wore it to a Bridgerton-themed event. Deputy TV editor Tom Percival spent £250 on a Kylo Ren costume for a Halloween party, which he wore to a Star Wars night at a Manchester nightclub, winning best costume. "No regrets," he said.
Why adults buy childhood toys
Dr. Steven Mahan-Taylor, Clinical Director at London Bridge Therapy, explained that buying longed-for childhood items represents freedom, autonomy, and comfort. "As adults, having the financial freedom to buy something we've always wanted can feel incredibly liberating," he told Metro. Nostalgia also plays a role, as people seek the emotions attached to memories rather than the objects themselves.
Reddit users share their purchases
On Reddit, users shared their own "adult money" buys. @TheBourbonTurtle bought a flamethrower, while @OliverTwist123 realized they could have birthday cake anytime. @Loud-Assumption566 purchased two replica swords, and @Life_Inside2304 bought a Costco kiddie pool for relaxing with cocktails. @cherrycocktail20 enjoys chocolate milk, and @KarateKid1984 bought a GI JOE Aircraft Carrier.
