In this guide 9 sections
- A quick bit of history that helps you shop
- For young fans: something to love every day
- For teens and newer fans: start a shelf
- For the fan who grew up with Kenner figures
- The centerpiece gift: a signed photograph
- Quick picks by person
- Little touches that make it land
- Questions people ask
- Find the right piece for your Star Wars fan
Star Wars has a way of running through whole families. A grandparent who stood in line for the original film, a parent who spent the 1980s staging Hoth battles with Kenner figures, and a kid who knows every droid by name can all be shopping for, or opening, the same kind of gift. The trick is that each of them wants something different from it.
This guide sorts Star Wars gifts by the person you are buying for rather than by price. Younger fans usually want something to play with or look at every day. Grown collectors often want a specific piece of their own history. And now and then a gift comes along that is simply a centerpiece.
01A quick bit of history that helps you shop
Kenner made the original line of Star Wars action figures, starting in 1978, and kept producing figures through the original trilogy years. Those small figures are what many adult fans picture when they think of their childhood toys. Modern lines and collectibles such as Funko POP figures appeal to a different set of fans, often people who came to the saga through the newer films. Knowing which camp your person sits in is half the work.
02For young fans: something to love every day
Kids tend to latch on to characters rather than eras. If they have a favorite, start there. A Funko POP is an easy, recognizable gift, and the vinyl figures look good on a desk or bedroom shelf.
- Funko POP Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker 10 inch Babu Frik #435 turns the pint-sized droidsmith from The Rise of Skywalker into a big, 10 inch centerpiece. Small character, big presence, which is a fun joke for a kid who loves the newer films.
- Funko POP Escape Pod Landing, Movie Moments #222 recreates a scene rather than a single character, so it has extra presence on a shelf.
Funko figures are mostly display pieces, so they suit a kid who likes to set up a collection. For very young children, check the age guidance on the box.
03For teens and newer fans: start a shelf
Teenagers and adults who discovered the saga through the newer films are often at the point of building a first real display. A Movie Moments piece like Escape Pod Landing gives that shelf an anchor, and a single character POP fills it in around the edges. Browse the full Funko POP collection if you want to mix in characters from other fandoms they love.
This is also a good age to introduce a vintage figure. A loose 1980s Kenner figure next to a modern collectible makes a nice conversation piece about how the toys have changed.
04For the fan who grew up with Kenner figures
For adults who had these toys the first time around, a vintage figure is less a toy and more a time machine. The best gift is usually a specific character they owned, lost, or always wanted. Our Star Wars action figures collection is where those pieces live. Past figures in the archive include the Emperor’s Royal Guard and Wicket W. Warrick from 1983, Dengar and Lando Calrissian from 1980, and Luke Skywalker in Bespin Fatigues from 1980, which gives you a sense of the range that comes through.
How to choose a vintage figure
- Pick the character first. A figure with a personal story behind it beats a “rare” one they have no feelings about.
- Read the listing for accessories. Many original figures came with a small weapon or cape that often went missing over the years, so check what is included with each piece.
- Look at the photos closely. Paint wear, loose joints and fading are normal on toys that were played with decades ago. Decide whether your person wants a display piece or is happy with honest play wear.
- Think about the film. Fans often have a favorite of the original three. A figure from that film lands harder.
If you do not know which figure they would want, the 1980s era page is a good place to browse and jog a few memories. Then ask them a casual question about which toy they remember most.
05The centerpiece gift: a signed photograph
For a milestone birthday, a retirement or the lifelong fan who already has the figures, the framed, autographed Star Wars photograph on our shelf carries the signatures of Alec Guinness, James Earl Jones and David Prowse. Guinness played Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jones gave Darth Vader his voice, and Prowse wore the suit, so the piece brings together names tied to two of the saga’s most important characters.
A gift like this deserves a little homework. Read the full listing, look at every photo, and if you have questions before buying, get in touch. As with everything on the site, all sales are final, so it is worth being sure. You can browse our autographed memorabilia collection as well.
06Quick picks by person
- Young kid who loves the newer films: Funko POP 10 inch Babu Frik.
- Fan who likes recreating scenes: Funko POP Escape Pod Landing, Movie Moments #222.
- Parent who grew up in the 1980s: a vintage Kenner figure of the character they remember.
- Lifelong fan with a milestone coming up: the autographed photograph with Guinness, Jones and Prowse.
- Not sure yet: browse the full Star Wars collection together and let them point.
07Little touches that make it land
Mix old and new
For a family gift, pair a vintage figure for the grown-up with a Funko POP for the kid. It starts a conversation about who saw what first, and it gives both generations something to put on the same shelf.
Give the story with the toy
A handwritten note about why you chose that character, or a memory of watching the films together, turns a small figure into a keepsake. Vintage pieces in particular are about memory, so lean into that.
Protect display pieces
A small clear case or a spot away from direct sunlight helps keep colors from fading. It is a simple add-on that collectors appreciate.
FAQ
Who made the original Star Wars action figures?
Kenner produced the original Star Wars action figure line, beginning in 1978. Those are the figures most adult fans remember from childhood.
Is a vintage figure a good gift for a child?
It can be, especially for an older child who wants to start collecting. For younger kids, a modern piece is usually easier, and you should always check the age guidance for small parts.
What if the figure they want is not available?
Stock changes as pieces sell, so add the character to your Want List. Sold pieces also stay visible in the collection archive.
Can I ask questions about a piece before buying?
Yes. Use the contact page, especially for higher value items like signed memorabilia, since all sales are final.
08Find the right piece for your Star Wars fan
See what is available now, or tell us the figure you are hunting for on the Want List.
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