Hrmm...🤔 Are Calico Critters getting WORSE? Comparing VINTAGE, RECENT, NEW Sylvanian Families sets 

it's sad because the younger generation doesn't deserve these low detail sets. My parents never bought me toys, so I am only able to buy them now. A lot of the furniture sets I wanted as a kid have retired. I wish epoch would actually listen.

I totally agree with you on all your points! The quality of the figures themselves is on par or improved, especially in the variety of outfits they wear in the newer figure sets. The 'family life' sets like the travelling white bunny mother and the panda with the blue bike are still great, the accessories in these are really nice. The newest furniture sets and buildings really leave something to be desired. I don't like the coloration on the newer released furniture sets, the pastels (while cute) don't feel realistic and rustic like the older furniture, everything being moulded in one doesn't feel as nice and high quality either. But then a set comes out like the Log Furniture set which is so lovely and really feels like the older furniture sets! It's confusing, almost like there's two ranges and they keep the best and more classic looking stuff to be exclusive to the official SF online shop. They've just recently re-released the old canal boat too which looks gorgeous and is also an exclusive to the official store (at least here in the UK). I'm definitely hoping to see more like these but hopefully not just as exclusives as that tends to put the price up!

I was trying to put my finger on why I'm not drawn to the 'newer' collections like the Town Series etc. and I think it's because they simply look 'cheaper.' I'm not a snob by any means, but I'd rather buy a second hand item from 10 years ago than most of the newer bits.

They really are, I fell in love with the sets from how much detail, it was like another little world for me to build and set up but now its just....I still love the sets of course but I find myself making DIY stuff or buying miniatures from eBay rather then buying the actual sets, its becoming like Barbie and Polly pocket, so much detail and stuff to do with the set but now its just a plastic with little detail, nothing to really imagine with.

I agree some of the sets are getting less and less effort I think the critters have good quality still it’s really sad because that’s why I fell in love with these critters was because of the details and its beginning to slip away ☹️

I totally agree with you. the new playsets just aren't like they used to be. I still like them of course , but in the past couple years they have limited the amount of accessories in each set along with the detail. I also agree with the figures , mainly their clothing. I've found that their clothing has gotten less detailed aswell and they've used cheaper fabric. and they haven't added as many layers to new figures as they used to

I won’t even start!🤦🏾‍♀️😂. I totally agree with your assessment. I think the current buildings really look like toys. The earlier toys could be looked at as collectibles. The critters are awesome from the past to the future.

I was unpleasantly surprised when I saw the furniture that was bundled with the cedar home. It was astonishing how many corners they cut

I miss the times when I didnt have to add stickers to "add detail"

i looked at it this way, if you see the majority of the demographic of people who buy sylvanains/calico critters are way younger now. Therefore thats why i think they avoided adding a lot of detail, small pieces, and more functionality of playing. it is very clear that the newer sets are more "playable" more functional etc.. but that is because of the demographic. (opinion) do i like that though? No, because the reason people are buying sylvanains/calico critters or drawn to them is because of these details and small pieces!

I am glad that I got into Sylvanians before the sets started to being out the cheaper furniture. Recently, I went to see what has been on sale in regard to this, and little has taken my interest.

Nice review! The newer homes over past few years have nice interior details such as moldings on the walls and good floors - that’s one plus over some, but not all, vintage homes and stores which have very plain interiors. Really wish they’d keep up with beautiful furniture instead of the thinner, one color plastic that’s creeping in. As you said, the detail is what makes the strong appeal of the brand! Some of the older food accessories are less detailed (pies from old bakeries) than what we see in more recent years. The figures have thankfully not declined - Husky dogs are one of my favorite families! But I also like the charming, woodland simplicity of the vintage figures (e.g. Slydale foxes and Oakwood squirrels). Really hoping for a return to better furniture products in the future.

I got my first SF starter house in Japan in 1997 (I was seven years old) and have treasured it ever since! It came with a battery operated fireplace, a tiny rotary phone, even a pencil sharpener with a tiny pencil! All the furniture is upholstered and even has dust covers. My son recently turned four and I decided to bring down the dollhouse for him to play and was delighted that he loved it as much as I did. Then I went online to get him his own, and they are just so sad looking... 😞 None of the tiny intricacies and charm of the original sets.

I agree with you totally especially when we are talking furniture. I get frustrated with putting all the stickers on too. I do like some of the newer sets especially the Popcorn Cart which I added to my Collection this Christmas. I love and enjoy all your videos 🐾🐼🐾

I swear I missed your videos these past couple days, was like “where is she?” 😂 great video as always! I had the good luck to find the first Sylvanian family dollhouse with its furnitures, a vintage rabbit and an Owl for only $9 at goodwill, and after that I’ve been collecting them 🥰 I do notice that the looks of the buildings are very different, I get that they need to create new stuff but I REALLY love the vintage buildings, families and pieces 🥰

I didn't know they rebranded as Calico Critters, on my country I still find the name as Sylvanian Families. Looking at the vintage sets really are different from the newer ones! I personally really like the modern town sets because I like the fashion themes, but I definitely see the quality difference with the older ones.

Thank you for making this video. I’m thinking about beginning to collect either Calico Critters or Maileg Mouse, for myself, and the kids I still have who are still young, as well as for my grandkids when they come to visit. It’s hard to decide. This video is very helpful.

I've been waiting years for a channel like this! You need to make an Instagram account as well to share pics everytime you get something new!!! 🤩

Thanks for including the pic of the vintage rabit cottage... I had that one as a kid. It was prob the nicest toy I had.

Love your videos! I’m very new to these precious toys/collectibles! Ive been able to snag mostly retro homes and critter families along with some newer as well. Your opinions are spot on. My granddaughters love to play with all of the old and new versions but have pointed out that some critters paws can hold items and some cannot. I wish they kept the paws the same as the older critters as it makes for more realistic play.

I agree! I do agree that from what I have seen in this video, as well as watching your others that some sets are getting less detailed. It actually hurt me to see the piping molded in because I have kitchen items with the regular painted piping and it is just one of my favorite details! So to see it molded in, really just doesn’t feel like calico critters. I do have to say though, I am sure that littler kids would appreciate this new style With bright, and pastel colors. I know that I love pastels! So to see more of those is nice, but they shouldn’t stop making neutral designs either. I can appreciate both. But what I cannot appreciate is that new train, and bunk beds. That to me just feels so cheap. The reason I love calico critters is because They do look old fashioned, and they are so detailed. So to see more and more pieces a single color, with molded in details, and just add on stickers really doesn’t sit well with me. Now of course there will be people who probably like this newer style more, but that is why they should continue designing sets for both styles. I do notice that they are really working on how well a person would play with these toys. Which I appreciate! I think that is an upgrade. But I do not think getting rid of detail, and quality should ever be something considerable. That is my option! I really liked your video! Have a great day!

I feel each style they have made is special in its own way, while the newer ones do lack a certain quality the older sets had I feel its great in its own way, No matter what sylvanian families/ calico critters will always be unique compared to any other toy out there and I'll always love it for that!

I like the modularity idea, but it kinda sucks. I mean, most of the connection looks ridiculous. They should for example made of roof type, a red tile for example, so that when connected, the house has the same roof and not a different structure and colors. But really like the bakery sets, so you can turn your starter home into a bakery with this! They should go into this with more sets, maybe a clinic and a grocery or sth. And PLZ Epoch, don't destroy Sylvanians quality.....

Thanks for this insight. I’ve ordered that beautiful town series kitchen set based on this review and totally agree with you on quality and things being all of one piece of plastic.

I have noticed this too! I am very disappointed with it😞

I have collected the sylvanians since they started and I love them and the storekeepers shop in london is the best. I think the sets are amazing and I adore the older and newer ones from the UK.

Great video

I agree with you some are hits some are misses I hope they don't go down hill also I struggle to find some of the newer sets I've had to get my from amazon Japan I've got some new reviews coming up and the pony sets hairdresser sets

I think they did a great job on the Red roof cozy cottage. The house itself is sturdy and well made, plus you get furniture and a figure. And the price you can't beat. The town houses however, I don't like. I find they have hardly any floor space, and feel way more flimsey.

as a 13 year old who just started collecting this makes me so sad! i always get to the toy lines too late. once i’m old enough to care for them, the only good ones cost a fortune!

I completely agree with you! I also think because children these days are so interested in e cheap plastic vibrant look instead of the vintage realism feel is one of the many reasons epoch is creating thesr

Hi !! New to your channel, stumbled on it quite by accident and I LOVE your videos. You have such a calming voice !! I've started being interested in Calico Critters only recently (dollhouse shopping for my kids and possibly a personal projet) and I love the figures and even though they have a high price tag, I could see why people love them. The modern houses however, wow, left me for a loop, but seeing your comparision now, I get it ! The old ones were a lot more detailed and yes it seems over time things have been definitely been downgraded. I like the new houses in that they are stackable, but it makes it quite awkward when you only purchase one - no roof, barely any walls and limited floorspace and super high price tags, ouch !! Let's not forget, it is plastic after all...if at least it were a nice plastic toy, but they seem quite cheap looking. The raspberry house retails for a pricey $50 ish CAN. That's a lot of money for not much of a house. I wish the quality of the houses matched the dolls, but at the moment they seem quite mismatched. Loved your side by side examples as we can see clear examples of them cutting corners now. Great video, especially for a newbie !!

In a word - yes.

The toy store I work at sells calicos and I like to treat myself to the blind bags every paycheck 😝, but I noticed the eyes aren’t always centered in the sockets and one of the rabbits even has a hole in her face. It doesn’t bother me so much but it’s just something I’ve noticed.

The sets sometimes are less detailed than old ones.. but i recently purchased the Mr. Lion’s Winter Sleigh set, and I thought the sleigh and toys were beautifully detailed.

if you could choose just one.. would you collect houses OR critters???

Thank you for letting us know quality is still coming from Japan.

Interesting video. Thanks for that. Related to the quality point, do you have any information about the used materials? I know the figures are made from PVC but I can’t find any information if they use all that nasty toxic stuff like phthalate plasticizers like most of the PVC toys have.

ok so i had a few things in 2016-17 then because personal reasons i stopped buying them this year i fell back in love with it and i want to start collecting again so i smarted looking for a few things and there is a difference things look cheaper even though their not i want them to work on detail

oh my god. wonderland!!!

I feel like alot of the new sets are more Kawaii, which I didn't think they could make them more Kawaii lol

One thing I miss is the hand molds where they were able to hold items I just think it would be so cute if they could hold their cups, pens, food ect. But other than that they are wonderful. One thing I wanted to say is Your comparison made me think of of how people compare American girl doll to any other 18” doll line, American girl Quality is just amazing! The same with Calico critters compared to other brands calico critters just have the best quality!

The 2016 cake shop is one of my dream sets because it’s just so cute!! And I also want the doughnut shop set because the food looks adorable lol 😆 I just love cute things!!!

This video is already about 3 years old, but just watched it and I agree. I collect all, old and new, it is some kind of sport to have it all. I also have a lot out of other countries: Japan, UK, France and Spain. I live in the Netherlands. I know why they changed in Brighter colors. Just to sale more! The kids like this, and off course, there are more children to sell to, than there are collectors. Money, money, money.... I love the older ones more. But the mall to, you cann buy him sheap now, secondhand. I like your video's.

Also ordered the popcorn cart 👍🏻😊

They're running out of money. The brand already got bought out because it's dying. They are trying to limit resources to save a dying toy brand that people still oove but cant afford the extra detail

I know Little Critters has been around since 1985 but as someone who's disabled with autism lost my mom to cancer 2 weeks ago she loved my channel abdl lifestyle ddlg lifestyle honey bee Acres or little woodsies is a little cheaper

There is a new house you would love its called the courtyard house they took the old courtyard restruant and re did it and ded bed bathroom and a kitchen island!

I thought most of the people liked those new sets, but reading the comments I know most of the people prefer old Sylvanians because they have more details and furniture.

There sets are really nice. Good detailed. Good quality plastic. Good verity. They're good. ... But they're not "SULVANIAN" good.

I want to paint and renovate my red roof dollhouse, but I'm scared to because of how much money I could sell it for after I leave highschool

どっちが人気なんでしょうね？ ちなみに、あなたはどの人形が好き⁇

First time collector here. Do I keep them within the boxes or take them out?

Wow some of the newer stuff looks like lil woodeeze not calico critters:( that sucks

I just discovered your channel. I too, am wondering why the furniture is lacking natural colors. And why the newer calico critter stuff is a bunch of pastel ugly colors.

How many years have you been collecting?

I’m confused, they can create like detailed anniversary stuff and reproductions. But then DONT have good quality on the regular stuff? Like why not just use that quality you used for the anniversary sets and reproductions???😅. And it also bothers me that those anniversary sets with a lot of detail are like sooo much more expensive than regular sets. even tho back when it was all good quality they were the same price as the horrible quality new ones?

Calico critter calico critters the pieces are getting plastic and plastic key

What I really, really hate is what they did to the animal's hands, they used to have hands that could hold things, now they can't. It seem logic that with so many tiny accessories the hands should be able to hold them, but no, they thought that was not necessary; does anyone have the CEO's phone number?

I'm not an avid collector, but I started buying sets around 2015 and even in that short time I've noticed some shifts in quality. At the same time there's still a good amount of nice newer stuff, but it does worry me a little.