When you need some cool Ghostbusters toys, who you gonna call?
Well, not the Ghostbusters, they’re probably busy. Ghosts don’t exactly take a night off. While they’re preoccupied, we can help you out!
The 80s favorite has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to a recent all-female cast reboot and a third installment of the series was recently released. So, if your child is into busting ghosts, check out the best Ghostbuster toys you can get!
Best Ghostbuster Ecto-1 Toys
PLAYMOBIL Ghostbusters Ecto-1
The PLAYMOBIL Ghostbusters Ecto-1 is a necessity for any Playmobil or Ghostbusters fans!
If you already have the Playmobil Ghostbusters figurines, you will want to purchase a separate Ghostbusters Playmobil to go with your action figures. Here is just one example of that and probably Playmobil’s most popular Ghostbusters playset.
In this kit, your child will get his or her very own Ecto-1! This isn’t some boring toy car – the Ecto-1 has fully functioning lights and siren sounds.
It’s fully loaded in terms of accessories too. This 79-piece kit includes a Winston Zeddmore figure, a Janine Melnitz figure, two proton packs, two proton streams, and a ghost trap. For extra fun, it also has silicone green splatters that stick to most surfaces to give the impression that Slimer just passed through.
All of these accessories fit nicely in the Ecto-1. Your child can pack up the car by lifting up the roof.
Best of all, this toy was a finalist for the 2018 Toy of the Year. You read correctly – of all the toys released in 2018, this was considered one of the best ones. Ready to add to the cart yet?
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Hasbro Ghostbusters Afterlife P.K.E. Shocker
The Hasbro Ghostbusters Afterlife P.K.E. Shocker is inspired by GhostBusters Afterlife.
With this P.K.E. Shocker toy, children can imagine themselves as members of the Ghostbusters team, hunting for spooky ghosts. The P.K.E. shocker is used by the next generation of Ghostbusters to search for signs of ghost activity and to stop spirits in their tracks with stunning shocks.
Connect the P.K.E. Shocker toy to the Proton Pack toy, as well as other Ghostbusters gear, to create the ultimate ghost-busting adventure in your mind. Each item is available for purchase separately. Availability is subject to change.
For more than three decades, the Ghostbusters have been scaring ghosts away from their homes. Now, with toys, roleplay items, and collectibles from Hasbro, the adventures can continue. Best for children over 5 and up.
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Johnny Lightning – Ghostbusters’ Ecto 1A Diecast Car
The Johnny Lightning Ghostbusters’ Ecto 1A Diecast Car is an amazingly detailed diecast replica of the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1.
Do you have a diecast car fanatic in your house? I know I do. If your car collector also loves busting some ghosts, say hello to the latest addition to their collection.
The Ecto-1, which is actually a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, makes an awesome little diecast car. No detail is forgotten, from the communication equipment in the roof rack to the durable little rubber tires.
I particularly like the fun movie facts printed on the packaging. Apparently, the smoking and backfiring of the Ecto-1 in the film weren’t special effects – the car actually did that! They eventually had to build a second Ecto-1.
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Funko POP Rides: Ghostbusters – Ecto-1 Action Figure with Jillian Holtzmann
The Funko POP Rides: Ghostbusters 2016 – Ecto-1 Action Figure with Jillian Holtzmann is the perfect collectible from the 2016 Ghostbusters movie!
Anyone who saw the Ghostbusters 2016 reboot will tell you that Jillian Holtzmann was the biggest scene-stealer in the entire film. Considering she was played by Saturday Night Live favorite Kate McKinnon, it isn’t surprising.
Holtzmann is incredibly detailed, from the tiny proton wand grasped in her hands, to her modernized Ghostbusters jumpsuit, to her jaunty goggles.
The Holtzmann figure does detach from the car. Meanwhile, the car can accommodate any of the Ghostbuster Funko Pop! Ghostbusters.
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Best Ghostbusters Figurines
Hasbro Ghostbusters Plasma Series Peter Venkman Action Figure
The Hasbro Ghostbusters Plasma Series Peter Venkman Action Figure is an action figure with supernaturally good details! We had to tell you about this one even though it is from the same Plasma Series we’ve already mentioned.
Everyone needs an action figure of Bill Murray, right? Okay, everyone might not agree with that, but I stand by what I say. Likewise, it’s got to be Ghostbusters. You don’t need an action figure of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.
This action figure is big on the small details, from Murray’s half-smirk to the highly technical proton pack. It stands 6″ tall and comes with a proton pack, and a ghost trap.
It also includes a piece of a bonus Terror Dog action figure. As I’m sure you expected, you can purchase Venkman’s entire ghostbusting gang in these action figures. If you collect all of them, you will have all the Terror Dog pieces and have yourself a terrifying bonus action figure!
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Funko Ghostbusters
The Funko Ghostbusters is a figurine of Dr. Raymond Stantz which will add to any Ghostbusters collection!
Some collectors have pretty extensive POP Funko figurines. It’s not surprising since the vinyl figures are decently sized when all lined up next to each other.
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The Loyal Subjects Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
The Loyal Subjects Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Action Vinyl is a perfect mini replica of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters!
The Ghostbusters movie is full of classic scenes, but there isn’t a more iconic part than when the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man terrorizes the city. The weird fictional mixture of the Michelin Man and the Pillsbury Dough Boy was just absurd enough to become an instant classic.
If your Ghostbusters fan wants their own marshmallow man, albeit significantly smaller, this vinyl is the purchase you need to make. This figure’s arms and legs do move but are limited. It works out, actually, because the figure walks in the same stilted manner as the real Stay Puft man!
This 2″ vinyl figure makes a fun toy for pretend play or makes a perfect addition to any Ghostbusters collection.
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PLAYMOBIL Ghostbusters Collector’s Set Ghostbusters
The PLAYMOBIL Ghostbusters Collector’s Set Ghostbusters is …
If you aren’t familiar, Playmobil is a popular brand from Germany. Playmobil sets are similar to LEGO kits in many ways. Playmobil does target 5 to 12-year-olds though, while LEGO products appeal even to adults.
This Ghostbusters Playmobil set includes figurines of the four Ghostbusters in the classic Playmobil style. The Ghostbusters also have four proton packs with proton wands, one pair of ecto-goggles, one PKE-meter, one ghost trap, and one radio. There’s also an included silicone green slime puddle!
This kit doesn’t include any buildings, vehicles, or other set pieces. Playmobil does have plenty of Ghostbusters sets, sold separately, that you can combine with these Ghostbusters figurines.
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Funko Pop! Town: Ghostbusters – Peter with House
The Funko Pop! Town: Ghostbusters – Peter with House is a unique collector’s item for any fan!
Among Ghostbusters fan, this Funko Pop! set was long-awaited. Before this, the only Funko set to include a building was a Scooby-Doo with a haunted mansion.
Fans were psyched to add the iconic firehouse to their Ghostbusters collections. The Venkman figure is unique too. While there are several Venkman Funko vinyl figures, this is the only one quite like this – namely, with Venkman covered in marshmallow goo after the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man battle.
For the younger fans, the firehouse is a welcome addition to ghostbusting-related pretend play. It’s the perfect size for most Ghostbusters figures to coordinate with. It also looks amazing with any Ecto-1 toy parked next to it!
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PLAYMOBIL Venkman with Helicopter Building Set
The PLAYMOBIL Venkman with Helicopter Building Set is ghostbusting up in the sky!
If you don’t remember Venkman patrolling the sky in a helicopter, it’s because it didn’t happen in the big-screen film. This high-flying adventure happened in The Real Ghostbusters, the animated series based on the Ghostbusters movie. In this cartoon, the hijinks are really taken up a notch or two!
Your child will absolutely love that this helicopter includes a fully-functioning water cannon. This cannon is intended for shooting ghostly enemies right out of the sky, so your child will have a blast shooting down the included ghost baddie.
Venkman is fully armed beyond just the water cannon. He also has his own P.K.E. meter, proton pack, the proton wand, and ghost trap, so he’s ready for any adventure.
If your child isn’t into Venkman and his helicopter, Playmobil’s line also includes Spengler and the cage car, Zeddemore and the aqua scooter, and Stanz with the skybike.
This Playmobil set contains 37 pieces and is recommended for ages 6 years and up. The pieces are small enough to be a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.
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Hasbro Ghostbusters Plasma Series Winston Zeddemore Toy
The Plasma Series Winston Zeddemore Toy is a 6 inch tall action figure with a proton pack neutrona wand and ghost trap accessories.
Winston is another of the Plasma Series you see in this list that your Ghostbusters collector will need to make his set complete. It is a fully poseable and stable figure that will withstand all ghost battles and falls off of kitchen tables.
The joints in this series move fluidly and hold the positions of the limbs well.
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Funko Pop! Movie Moment: Banquet Room Ghostbusters
The Funk0 Pop! Movie Moment: Banquet Room Ghostbusters is an awesome and detailed depiction of the Slimer’s bust from the movie.
Funko Pop! has always been known for its single vinyl figures, but the company has begun to branch out with its Movie Moments collection. In these pieces, Funk Pop! vinyl figures are used to depict famous movie scenes.
This collectible represents the Slimer bust in the ballroom. In this scene, Venkman and Spengler work together to capture Slimer and put him in the ghost trap.
The details here are superb. From the double proton streams to the bursts of light and energy exploding from the ghost trap to Venkman being slimed, no detail was left forgotten.
These figurines are molded to the base, so you cannot separate them. Unfortunately, that means this vinyl figure is more collectible than playable, but if your child is a pre-teen or teen, they might prefer that.
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TUBBZ Ghostbusters Egon Spengler Collectible Rubber Duck Figurine
The TUBBZ Ghostbusters Egon Spengler Collectible Ruber Duck Figurine is a quirky and cute gift for your favorite Ghostbuster fan!
The great thing about a fan-favorite movie enduring over decades? People have plenty of time to get creative with their fandom, like a Ghostbuster rubber duck!
TUBBZ is a company made for its “cosplaying ducks.” Simply put, it’s a collection of rubber ducks made to look like famous characters – and it’s amazing.
While most purchases of this little duck have probably landed on collectors’ shelves, this figurine is could be a fun toy for your child. Please don’t take your TUBBZ to the bath though. It’s not that type of rubber duck!
This TUBBZ series includes the other Ghostbusters as well: Peter Venkman, Winston Zeddmore, and Ray Stanz. This is a perfect addition to any Ghostbusters (or rubber ducky!) collection.
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Funko Supercute Plush: Ghostbusters Toy Slimer
The Funko Supercute Plush: Ghostbusters Slimer is a cute plush of the classic green ghost.
Slimer, the ever-hungry green ghost of Ghostbusters, becomes adorable and cuddly with this Funk plush. While the film version of this ghost can be downright disgusting, there is nothing smelly or untoward about this soft plush.
He’s featured with a wide-open mouth and a tongue hanging lazily out. This Slimer is ready to eat, eat, eat! If he can’t get any snacks though, he’s content with tagging along with and keeping your child company!
This is a perfect small gift or even stocking stuffer for your favorite little Ghostbuster!
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Ghostbusters 6″ Patty Tolan Figure
The Ghostbusters 6″ Patty Tolan Figure is a detailed action figure for fans of the 2016 Ghostbusters!
Not all Ghostbusters fans are looking for Venkman and his male colleagues. Girls all over the world find themselves inspired by the female Ghostbusting squad, including Patty Tolan.
In the 2016 Ghostbusters movie, Patty Tolan is played by SNL star Leslie Jones. Tolan (and Jones) are forever immortalized in this 6″ Ghostbusters action figure.
The details are outstanding, from her uniform to her proton pack and wand. The arms and legs are posable and make this action figure ready to track down some ghosts!
This set includes the other lady Ghostbusters, all in their detailed action figure glory: Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, and Jillian Holtzmann.
Patty’s figure includes one piece of Rowan the Destroyer. Rowan was the big baddie defeated at the end of the film. Each Ghostbuster’s action figure includes a different piece of the ghost. When you collect all of the Ghostbusters, you can put together Rowan for one final battle!
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Best Ghostbusters Gadgets
Ghostbusters: P.K.E. Meter
The Ghostbusters: P.K.E. Meter (RP Minis) is a must-have for any mini Ghostbuster!
The P.K.E. Meter is a classic tool of the Ghostbusters. With this device, also known as the Aurascope, helped the Ghostbusters detect psycho-kinetic energy. To the rest of us, that meant that the meter went off when a ghost was around.
If your child wants to bust some ghosts, he’s going to have to find some first! Arm him with this P.K.E. meter so he can track them all down.
The mini P.K.E meter replica gives off lights and sounds, just like its movie counterpart. It also includes a fun sticker activity book for your kid to work on when the ghosts are all taken care of.
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Dr.Collector Ghostbusters Employee Welcome Kit
The Dr. Collector Ghostbusters Employee Welcome Kit is a unique kit full of Ghostbusters’ memorabilia.
At some point, the Ghostbusters crew will have to retire. Who will be their successors? With this fun welcome kit, you and your child will become the latest recruits!
Inside this unassuming box is everything a new Ghostbuster needs to succeed. This includes a “ROOKIE” name patch for the jumpsuit, a protocol manual, and an ectoplasm container. It also has other fun details like Ghostbuster invoices and a certificate of “anti-paranormal proficiency.”
The manufacturer’s recommended age for this product is 14 years and up. Since this kit is geared towards teens, this is a great way to sneak in some bonding time with your son or daughter.
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Ghostbusters BOOMco. Sidearm Proton Blaster
The Ghostbusters BOOMco. Sidearm Proton Blaster is a cool Ghostbusters-licensed dart shooter!
Ghostbusters can’t always carry those proton packs around. Your kid might be interested in a more portable and lightweight option and I can’t blame them!
This proton blaster gun is designed to mimic NERF-style guns. It includes 5 plastic darts that can all be loaded simultaneously.
It’s recommended for ages 6 years and up. It’s super easy to use. Kids have no trouble loading the darts or pulling back the trigger. Oh, and it shoots far. We’re talking darts flying up to 70 feet, so you might want to keep this gun indoors to prevent long-distance chases.
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Rubie’s Ghostbusters Movie Safety Flashlight Kit
The Rubie’s Ghostbusters Movie Safety Flashlight Kit is a fun toy and a great Halloween safety tool.
In the films, the Ghostbusters aren’t contacted via signal like Batman. They prefer the traditional phone call. However, that doesn’t mean the No Ghost logo doesn’t make an excellent light signal.
With a press of a button, your child can flash the Ghostbusters signal anywhere. With the signal sent, they can hurry to get their Ghostbuster figures in action and ready to fight the paranormal.
The flashlight comes with glow-in-the-dark stickers featuring the “No Ghosts” symbol.
This flashlight also makes a great addition to a Ghostbusters Halloween costume. Your Ghostbuster’s path will be illuminated and they’ll be safe as they trick-or-treat.
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Mojo Ghostbusters Slime 16-Inch Backpack
The Mojo Ghostbusters Slime 16-Inch Backpack is the best school accessory for little Ghostbusters!
As it turns out, Ghostbusters-style proton packs are frowned upon in most schools. If your child would like a backpack that still is all about that Ghostbusting life, grab them this bag. It may not be a proton pack, but it can come close.
This roomy 16-inch backpack is great for everyday use at school. It can fit several books and notebooks with ease. It has several pockets (including hidden ones!) for smaller loose objects to keep them secure.
The shoulder straps are thickly padded for your child’s comfort. It’s made of durable and strong material so it will survive an entire school year.
Oh, did I mention the best part? That one fun green slime printed on the bag? Oh yeah, it glows in the dark!
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Best Ghostbusters Costumes
Rubie’s Ghostbusters Costume
The Rubie’s Ghostbusters Costume is the way to transform your kid into a real Ghostbuster!
Whether your child gets dressed up to trick-or-treat or not, they can use this year-round. If you have a Ghostbusters fan in your house, they’ll want this Ghostbusters costume from Rubie’s come October!
This officially-licensed costume includes the iconic jumpsuit featuring the “No Ghosts” logo and an inflatable proton pack backpack. Hint: a ghost trap would make for an awesome candy bag.
Remember, dress-up isn’t just for Halloween! This Ghostbusters costume will fit right in next to the usual firefighter and princess dress-up clothes. After all, a Ghostbuster never knows when a ghost will pop up and need to be taken care of!
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Rubie’s Ghostbusters Movie Costume
The Rubie’s Ghostbusters Movie Child Costume is for fans of the latest Ghostbusters reboot!
Who says girls can’t bust ghosts? The 2016 Ghostbusters reboot featured female Ghostbusters and little girls everywhere rejoiced at the representation.
If your daughter prefers to dress up in the updated Ghostbusters jumpsuit like Melissa McCartney, she’ll be thrilled with this Rubie’s Ghostbusters costume. Though this costume is unisex so if your son is a fan of the new look, this is an option for him too!
The proton pack is printed on the back of the jumpsuit and an inflatable proton wand is attached there as well. In a flash, your child is ready to catch Slimer, Gozer, and every other ghost!
You could even add some cool spy gear to make it seem fancier and to give more accessories to play pretend with.
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Rubie’s Ghostbusters Inflatable Backpack
The Rubie’s Ghostbusters Inflatable Backpack is a light-weight and play-friendly proton pack.
I’d imagine that, in real life, the Ghostbusters’ heavy-duty proton packs would be a major strain on the back. Those things have to weigh a ton, right?
You don’t want to be dealing with a kid weighed down by a heavy proton pack. This light-as-air backpack is lightweight and just as detailed as any other proton pack replica!
There are two parts to inflate: the pack itself and the wand. They attach with a strap and Velcro. The plastic is on the thinner side, so try to not overinflate.
Once it is blown up, it will last. Customers reported backpacks still being inflated a month later! Though, when not in use, it can be deflated and stored easily.
Customer reviews expressed some confusion, so to be clear: this product is only the backpack. The jumpsuit is sold separately.
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Lan Stang Custom Personalized Ghostbusters Name Tag
The Lan Stang Custom Personalized Ghostbusters Name Tag is a way to personalize the fun for your Ghostbuster!
We all recognize the red and black name tag. It’s featured prominently on the front of every Ghostbusters jumpsuit in the movie. There, in red type, is every character’s last name.
If your child is planning on being a true Ghostbuster, he or she will be needing a name tag of their own. After all, Venkman and his crew will need to identify your kid!
This product listing includes a custom job, where the seller will embroider your child’s name onto an iron-on patch. It guarantees to be the closest to the real thing that you will find. If you prefer a Velcro patch to an iron-on, they also offer that.
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Best Ghostbusters Games
Ghostbusters The Board Game
Ghostbusters the Board Game is your new favorite family activity!
Does your family’s game night have enough ghostly specters? I’m going to guess not, so it’s time to bring in the Ghostbusters. This game will bring your family game night back to life with the help of some decidedly dead ghosts.
This adventure board game entrusts your family to bust ghosts while trying to seal the gates to the Spirit World. Each player is assigned a Ghostbuster with his own special tasks and abilities. Together, if all can cooperate, you can close the gates forever.
Thanks to the customizable gameplay and plentiful scenarios, this is a new game every time you play, so be sure to add it to your family’s regular game rotation!
Each game takes about 60 minutes to complete. It’s intended for 1 to 4 players, ages 15 and up. If you and your family are more into the Ghostbusters sequel, check out the board game based on that film!
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Mattel Games UNO Ghostbusters Edition
The Mattel Games UNO Ghostbusters Edition integrates a favorite movie with the classic card game!
UNO has long been a family favorite card game. It’s simple enough for younger players but is fast-paced and fun for everyone. Plus, it’s a fun way to review colors and numbers with elementary schoolers.
Take your UNO game up a notch with some paranormal heroes. Every card features a high-quality photo of a character or a scene of the 2016 Ghostbusters movie. Your game is more fun when Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, Jillian Holtzmann, and Patty Tolan come along.
This game includes 4 extra customizable cards so your family can create your own rules or actions. Draw 10, anyone?
This game is intended for ages 7 and up. You can play with 2 to 10 players at once.
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Best Ghostbusters Book
Ghostbusters Little Golden Book
The Ghostbusters Little Golden Book is a cute bedtime story featuring the favorite Ghostbusting heroes!
While Ghostbusters might be your kid’s favorite film, it makes for a fun children’s book too! If you have a little one too young to enjoy the films, introduce them to the ghostly universe with this Little Golden Book features a Ghostbusters tale!
In this little book, your child can follow along as the Ghostbusters chase and capture Slimer and Gozer with his terror dogs. In the movie, these villains were portrayed as mildly scary, in kids’ terms. However, the illustrations in this book are cute and whimsical. Even the Terror Dogs aren’t very terrifying. That means this book is fine for some bedtime reading!
This is a book adaption of the movie, meaning it is the exact same plot. Some customers were disappointed and had been expecting an original story, so be aware if that’s what you are looking for as well.
There’s also a Little Golden Book Ghostbusters story with the all-female cast!
This is a great book for a 4-year-old! It’s even a great book for a 5-year-old.
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Comparing Ghostbusters Toys
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
Buying Criteria for Ghostbusters Toys
Age Range
Because of the nature of Ghostbusters toys, they are best for kiddos ages 3 years and up. This is since a majority of Ghostbusters toys available are action figures or Playmobil sets that include small pieces, otherwise known as choking hazards.
If you have a toddler with a major Ghostbusters obsession, some options are available, such as a plush toy or a board book. I recommend a Slimer plush because, well, Slimer is the best!
There is also a lot of Ghostbusters merchandise intended for older children. If you look above, the Ghostbusters Employee Welcome Kit is geared more towards teenagers, as is the board game.
Before purchasing any Ghostbusters toy, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s recommended age range. This way you avoid buying anything inappropriate for your kid’s age.
Movie Year
When buying Ghostbusters toys for your child, be sure to check in with them in regards to which Ghostbusters film they prefer.
Some children might be all about the original 80s movie, while others have to have the 2016 reboot or nothing.
Both films have their respective toy selections, so you have plenty of options and can’t go wrong.
Characters
After establishing which Ghostbusters your child loves, then do some digging to discover their favorite character. Peter Venkman or Abby Yates are the popular choices because they are the closest to the main character.
Still, you can’t just assume you have a Venkman fan on your hands. Without asking, you may never find out that your kid is super into Egon Spengler, Ph.D.
Your kid may like all the characters. This is both a blessing a curse. It makes shopping easier, but it means you can probably expect to be purchasing the complete sets of characters in the future. After all, your child can’t have just one Ghostbuster – they need them all!
Fun Factor
With the fun factor, ask yourself: is this toy fun? It seems like an obvious question. After all, aren’t all toys fun?
Yes and no. You need to zero in on what’s fun for your child, not all the other children. Does your kid love to play with action figures? Or would they be happier with a book? There’s also board games and video games – is that your child’s thing?
The good news is that every toy featured on this list has been selected for being particularly fun, so now you just have to personalize your choice to your son or daughter.
FAQs About Ghostbusters Toys
What’s the age range for Ghostbusters toys?
Ghostbusters toys are best for children aged 3 years and older. The movies, and its subsequent toys, aren’t very baby or toddler-friendly.
Because of the nature of the Ghostbusters films and stories, most Ghostbusters merchandise is toys like action figures or collectible items.
If your child is over 3 years old, there is no limit from there! Everyone loves the classic movie, even adults. Plenty of adults have collections of Ghostbusters memorabilia.
When considering a toy, first check the manufacturer’s recommended age range. Then, go with your child’s personal preferences!
What are the benefits of playing with Ghostbusters toys?
Ghostbusters toys cover several different types of toys and, luckily, there are benefits to all toys. Yes, every single toy that ever existed has a benefit, even if it’s just to waste some time!
There are plenty of Ghostbusters action figures out there. Action figures are amazing for imaginative and pretend play, as kids tend to create expansive scenarios in their world-building. Action heroes also help kids learn the differences between wrong and right, between bad and good.
One wonderful benefit for children who watch Ghostbusters? It helps them feel powerful against so-called paranormal baddies. When your child is so good at operating a proton pack and a ghost trap, how can they be afraid of what goes bump in the night?
Playmobil is a big name in the Ghostbusters toy world. They have an entire line of Ghostbusters playsets featuring various characters and settings. Playmobil, like LEGO, involves building and creating scenes.
Toys like Playmobil and LEGO sets help to encourage creativity, build STEM skills, and develop strong problem-solving abilities. Plus, they can be a great family activity. Family members can join together to build these highly-detailed sets and then play with the final creation.
When did Ghostbusters toys become popular?
With a few exceptions, it’s extremely likely your child wasn’t around for the first Ghostbusters wave. Maybe you weren’t either! The original movie, starring Bill Murray, came out in 1984.
Ghostbusters is one of those movies that are just ingrained in our cultural paradigm. I mean, is it even possible to have a Halloween playlist without having the Ghostbusters theme song included? And everyone can answer the question, “Who are you gonna call?”
In 1984, after the movie gained its initial popularity, the merchandise hit shelves. There were the expected action figures and proton packs and ghost traps. There were also some unexpected gems, like a toy where Slimer the ghost explodes out of a toilet.
In 1986, an animated Ghostbusters television show, entitled The Real Ghostbusters, hit the small screen and a whole new batch of toys was churned out. Thanks to a new parade of ghostly antagonists, the toy collections became nearly endless.
After the critical flop of the 1989 sequel Ghostbusters II and the end of the animated show in 1991, the toys saw a drop in popularity. Understandably, it was replaced by the latest and greatest blockbuster movies that followed.
In 2016 though, the world’s love affair with the Ghostbusters was reignited for a new generation. That year, a reboot was released featuring an all-female cast. It starred Melissa McCartney, Kristin Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.
While it wasn’t well-received, the film brought attention back to busting ghosts. Now, a third installment, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, has arrived, so we can expect a whole new generation of Ghostbusters fans.
What type of Ghostbusters toys are there?
On a search for Ghostbusters toys, you’ll mostly encounter action figures and collectibles. The original Ghostbusters fans, who grew up with the movie, are adults now and have Ghostbusters collections. Because of this, a lot of products are geared towards this demographic.
Still, this doesn’t discount children! As any parent knows, children love action figures. They are just right for pretend play, after all.
A lot of so-called collectibles are also toys first. For example, the Johnny Lightning Ecto-1 diecast car does look great in a Ghostbusters collection, but it is first and foremost a toy! Certainly, a toy that can be appreciated by any young diecast car enthusiast!
Of course, there are also Ghostbusters toys that are targeted just for children. Playmobil sets, including the Ghostbusters ones, are intended for kids aged 6 to 12. The P.K.E. Meter, the first entry on this list, is a fun collectible for adult fans, but it’s really intended to be used in play!
Where can I buy Ghostbusters toys?
Ghostbusters toys aren’t common in brick and mortar stores right now. This is because it’s been a few years (four, actually) since a Ghostbusters film graced the big screen.
Still, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is slated to be released in 2022. I predict then that Ghostbusters toys will again fill shelves at toy stores and toy sections everywhere.
Until then, if you’re on the hunt for some ghostbusting toys, you’ll have to stick to the Internet. Online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, currently feature sizable collections of Ghostbusters toys. If you want something more unique or even vintage, head over to Etsy.
Were you a Ghostbusters fan when you were younger? You can always give your parent’s attic a thorough search as well! Maybe you have a Slimer or proton pack hidden away somewhere.
Final Word
Overall, one Ghostbusters toy stands out over the rest. So, when there’s something strange in your neighborhood, which of these toys should you call?
The best Ghostbusters toy is the Playmobil Ecto-1 playset. It’s the complete package! It has the Ecto-1 with lights and sounds. It includes two Ghostbusters figures, but you can always purchase additional characters.
The accessories are top-notch – I mean, look at those proton streams! Your child gets to slime everything with silicone slime stickers. If all that isn’t enough for you, for a bit more money, you can get an updated version of the set that includes more Ghostbusters and app connection compatibility.
This Playmobil playset has everything a Ghostbusters fan could want and it’s so much fun too!
This Ecto-1 set is a great base to add to if your child is a big fan. For instance, Playmobil’s line features a firehouse set that includes a garage for the Ecto-1. You can check out all the Playmobil Ghostbusters products here!
Since the 80s, the Ghostbusters have been keeping us safe from paranormal baddies and getting that catchy theme song stuck in our head every Halloween. I ain’t afraid of no ghost! Through the decades, we haven’t given up on our collective love for Ghostbusters toys and collectibles. If your child has been bitten by the ghostbusting bug, be sure to find them their new favorite toy from this list!
