The Pop Insider Launches The Collectors’ Choice Awards

1 View

A new awards program is hitting the block.

The Pop Insider is debuting its inaugural Collectors’ Choice Awards, a program where both fans and industry insiders pick the hottest licensed merch of the year.

The world of licensed merchandise moves fast — products launch, trends peak, and even the most incredible creations can get lost in the shuffle. We created the Collectors’ Choice Awards to give those standout pieces the lasting recognition they deserve — to make sure they live on not just on collectors’ shelves, but in the spotlight where they belong.”

Marissa Silva, editor-in-chief of The Pop Insider

Nominations for The Collectors’ Choice Awards are available now to manufacturers, retailers, publicists, designers, marketing agents, and more. Finalists will be named at the beginning of the new year in 2026, with fans and a select panel of judges, including industry experts, influencers, and journalists, voting on their favorite finalists in February. Winners will be announced in March.

There are 18 categories open for submission, including:

BEST COLLECTIBLE LINE: A series of pop-culture collectible figures, statues, mystery boxes, plush, or prop replicas.
BEST APPAREL COLLECTION: A collection of officially licensed apparel, including loungewear, T-shirts, outerwear, denim, and more.
BEST HOME GOODS LINE: A line of kitchenware, furniture, artwork, lighting, decor, or large-scale gaming machines.
BEST RETRO REVIVAL: Highlighting the best use of nostalgic IP in merch (IP must be at least 20 years old).
BEST HIGH-END COLLECTIBLE: Premium figures, statues, replicas, and more valued at $300 or more.
BEST TABLETOP GAMING COLLAB: Officially licensed board games, card games, RPG manuals and books, or tabletop accessories.
BEST FANDOM COLLAB: A crossover collection featuring two or more iconic brands.
BEST ACCESSORY LINE: A line of branded jewelry, hats, scarves, belts, bags, or shoes.
BEST BEAUTY COLLAB: A collection of officially licensed skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, personal care, or beauty accessories.
BEST CON EXCLUSIVE: Highlighting products launched and/or exclusively sold at Comic Con: San Diego, New York Comic Con, GenCon, or other U.S.-based conventions.
BEST LIMITED EDITION DROP: Collectibles produced in quantities of 1,000 or fewer.
BEST BRANDED EXPERIENCE: An interactive experience, pop-up, permanent location, or limited activation featuring a brand or IP.
LICENSING PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: A brand with a standout collection of officially licensed products, experiences, and more from a variety of partners.
MERCH MAKER OF THE YEAR: A manufacturer or licensee known for serving fans with creative products featuring multiple pop-culture brands.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR: Highlighting a key fandom merch destination, including online retailers, local specialty stores, and national chains.
THE UNDERDOG AWARD: Highlighting new players in the pop-culture industry and out-of-the-box hits, including brands, companies, products, and executives.
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Recognizing product and event designers bringing fan-favorite brands to the real world.