Opinions on Unboxing Mint ponies (CONTROVERSIAL I KNOW LOL.)

[Sweetling]

So, i posted in my show and tell thread about how i managed to get myself The 25th anniversary snow el Pegasus and she is MIB (She is also hard to find and very sought after)
She is a pony that will stay in my collection forever as i have wanted her since childhood and for some reason i have the really big urge to remove her from the packaging and my boyfriend was like well you're never going to get rid of her so why not enjoy her fully...
i really want to take her out and style her hair and display her nicely on my shelves in my gaming room and enjoy her in her full glory and not through a plastic window. I was SO SO lucky enough to get her in mint condition in her box and i am just so conflicted because you can barely even find her without a box and it's even harder to find her in box

PLEASE HELP






What are your thoughts?​

 

[Septima Windsong]

Wow, it's indeed a tough one If I would have a very rare MIB pony, I would keep her MIB even if I knew I won't ever sell her. I also have some not rare MIBs and prefer to keep them this way because there's something special for me in new ponies that haven't been opened, especially if they're G3. But, if you really want to open her, style her hair and display with other ponies, I see nothing wrong with it! It's your pony now and you're free to do as you want Also, if you want, you can place her back in box after styling. There are a lot of options and they're completely up to you!

 

[Sweetling]

Honestly, like I was searching to the ends of the earth to find her I didn’t care what condition she came to me in I just knew I wanted her and I feel so lucky to receive her in such an amazing way.

If I do remove her it’ll be a very delicate removal so the box is safe also.

I planned on having her character card facing forward with her infront of it on my display if I did unbox her… decisions decisions

 

[Septima Windsong]

Keeping a box is always a good idea if you have space, and especially if the pony is rare. if they're in good condition, they look nice on the display, too.

 

[StormMaeker]

It’s your pony, do what you like with it.
I keep the boxes because displaying MIB takes up space and space isn’t something I have but the boxes are stored away.
Flattening the boxes is a good idea if it’s possible as well. Also, you never know if you need to put them back in for whatever reason such as storage, moving or just jazzing up the display again.

When you start thinking stuff like “but there’s only a certain amount of MIB [whoever] in the world now, I would be diminishing the numbers by opening”, it makes you feel as if you’re wrong by doing so. Enjoy the pony how you wish because it’s your collection.

I like to think how I would be best enjoying the pony when I was a kid and I would take them all out the boxes! I try to enjoy them as I did when I as little. Also, I like pony photography so of course they need to be out their boxes.

Some people like MIB, some like OOB. MIB is great for displaying like they’re in a toy shop but some people’s collections have them all free so it doesn’t matter too much

Recently my best friend showed me a post. In short, it said if you don’t open and use things then nobody will ever know that the thing was loved

 

[Sweetling]

It’s your pony, do what you like with it.
I keep the boxes because displaying MIB takes up space and space isn’t something I have but the boxes are stored away.
Flattening the boxes is a good idea if it’s possible as well. Also, you never know if you need to put them back in for whatever reason such as storage, moving or just jazzing up the display again.

When you start thinking stuff like “but there’s only a certain amount of MIB [whoever] in the world now, I would be diminishing the numbers by opening”, it makes you feel as if you’re wrong by doing so. Enjoy the pony how you wish because it’s your collection.

I like to think how I would be best enjoying the pony when I was a kid and I would take them all out the boxes! I try to enjoy them as I did when I as little. Also, I like pony photography so of course they need to be out their boxes.

Some people like MIB, some like OOB. MIB is great for displaying like they’re in a toy shop but some people’s collections have them all free so it doesn’t matter too much

Recently my best friend showed me a post. In short, it said if you don’t open and use things then nobody will ever know that the thing was loved

Aw my gosh that quote.

That made me feel so much better, i do intend on displaying her with the box.

I have literally fulfilled a childhood dream by getting her so i think i am going to get her out and get to experience the enjoyment of styling her mane and tail nice and curly because UNDER MY ROOF SHE WILL DEFINITELY BE SHOWN SHE IS LOVED

Also i need to give my inner child what she wants. I should feel lucky i have the box at all as i know a lot of them are sold loose without one.. so it genuinely doesn't matter if she is in or out of it. I know for a fact if 7 year old me managed to get her when she was first released i would've instantly torn her out of that packaging instantly and played with her without a care in the world. I don't think i want to display anything in box because i like my collection to look personal and less like a... storefront type collection? (NO OFFENCE TO ANYONE THAT LOVES MIB ITEMS YOU DO YOU )

 

[StormMaeker]

All of my ponies are out of their boxes, every single one. When I look back now to when I was little I wish I kept the boxes, especially the back cards but I do not have them. Little kid me just didn’t understand the concept of keeping boxes unless it’s a playset with assembling pieces… Every new pony I get they’re all without boxes (apart from Basic Fun ponies) so it’s like how I had them when I was a kid.

Last year I finally got Star Catcher I with the blue wings. I wanted her ever since I was little and she was out her box

 

[Sweetling]

All of my ponies are out of their boxes, every single one. When I look back now to when I was little I wish I kept the boxes, especially the back cards but I do not have them. Little kid me just didn’t understand the concept of keeping boxes unless it’s a playset with assembling pieces… Every new pony I get they’re all without boxes (apart from Basic Fun ponies) so it’s like how I had them when I was a kid.

Last year I finally got Star Catcher I with the blue wings. I wanted her ever since I was little and she was out her box

Is this the starcatcher that came with the VHS of dancing in the clouds?

I'm so jealous! This was actually my first ever pony i received as a child! I was sick with chicken pox and my mother bought her for me with the vhs and when i say i PLAYED THE HECK OUT OF THAT VHS. I. PLAYED. THE. HECK. OUT. OF. THAT. VHS. i would also like her NIB as well and that is probably the only one that will remain in box because of the sentimental value (i will probably buy a loose version of her too as its easy to find)

 

[StormMaeker]

Is this the starcatcher that came with the VHS of dancing in the clouds?

I'm so jealous! This was actually my first ever pony i received as a child! I was sick with chicken pox and my mother bought her for me with the vhs and when i say i PLAYED THE HECK OUT OF THAT VHS. I. PLAYED. THE. HECK. OUT. OF. THAT. VHS. i would also like her NIB as well and that is probably the only one that will remain in box because of the sentimental value (i will probably buy a loose version of her too as its easy to find)

That’s the one! Little kid me always saw that box at Sainsbury’s when I was little but I was never allowed it.
I saw Dancing in the Clouds as an extra on the end of one of my DVDs instead (weird because when I Google which one it says it was an extra on the end of the US Very Minty Christmas and I’m in the UK, always have been )

 

[Sweetling]

That’s the one! Little kid me always saw that box at Sainsbury’s when I was little but I was never allowed it.
I saw Dancing in the Clouds as an extra on the end of one of my DVDs instead (weird because when I Google which one it says it was an extra on the end of the US Very Minty Christmas and I’m in the UK, always have been )

I'm so happy you got to make your inner child happy! The power of having adult money

I'm UK based also and i'm pretty sure i saw it first in a local Woolworths (back when that was a thing) This was back in 2004 when it was first released and i was 4 years old so it's a very vague memory hahaha. I never knew it was an extra on others either! i thought it was only available on the VHS

 

[Septima Windsong]

All of my ponies are out of their boxes, every single one. When I look back now to when I was little I wish I kept the boxes, especially the back cards but I do not have them. Little kid me just didn’t understand the concept of keeping boxes unless it’s a playset with assembling pieces… Every new pony I get they’re all without boxes (apart from Basic Fun ponies) so it’s like how I had them when I was a kid.

Last year I finally got Star Catcher I with the blue wings. I wanted her ever since I was little and she was out her box

When I was little, I wanted a My Little Pony for a really long time. When my aunt gave me my first NIB G3 Rainbow Dash, I was so happy that I took out the pony and kept not only the box, but even the elastic band which kept her acsessory in place Then I also have been taking out all the ponies from the boxes, but always kept boxes in case I need them.

 

[peepersponies]

I say if it's your pony and you want to open it then you should open it!! It's understandable that some people cringe when they see MIB collectibles being "devalued" by removing them from the box, but the truth is that she will me MORE valuable to you out of box, and she's your pony now!

 

[StormMaeker]

Personally, I feel you can create a better bond and connection with an OOB pony because you can actually interact with the pony itself. I forgot to add that to my earlier post

 

[Sweetling]

When I was little, I wanted a My Little Pony for a really long time. When my aunt gave me my first NIB G3 Rainbow Dash, I was so happy that I took out the pony and kept not only the box, but even the elastic band which kept her acsessory in place Then I also have been taking out all the ponies from the boxes, but always kept boxes in case I need them.

I love the fact that little you had the collector instinct hahahaha. g3 Rainbow dash was one of my favorites too! (such a diva)

I say if it's your pony and you want to open it then you should open it!! It's understandable that some people cringe when they see MIB collectibles being "devalued" by removing them from the box, but the truth is that she will me MORE valuable to you out of box, and she's your pony now!

Oh absolutely, with everyone's encouragement i'm definitely taking her out now because i see more value in enjoying her than keeping her pristine inside of a box for all of eternity. i can live with taking her out and keeping the box in good condition too!

Personally, I feel you can create a better bond and connection with an OOB pony because you can actually interact with the pony itself. I forgot to add that to my earlier post

Exactly! i feel the same way. I like to form an emotional attachment with things because it's just something that makes me feel closer to my collections and gives me more enjoyment out of them. Not to mention i can get better pictures of her this way too

 

[Flitter]

I see the appeal of having ponies MiB but something that I noticed going to PFF convention and a local doll/toy show last year, not so much with G3 MLP necessarily but definitely with nearly every G1 in package and many dolls, is that they all had marks or damage inside the packaging. I think plastic toys often fare best condition-wise being exposed to non-humid open air, away from uv. The cheap plastic or paper packaging isn’t meant to last and yellows, breaks down, or rubs on the pony, not necessarily protecting it. I think the pony plastic itself can off-gas and leak plasticizer and it’s best to have them not contained for this process. If there are any tie-downs like rubber bands those break down especially fast and can stain or damage the pony and leave imprints.
Even as far as protection, one of my more recent purchases of a G4 in package came smelling of smoke, and I was surprised at how much the smell had seeped through the packaging and it took a scrub down and weeks to air out the pony.
The only pony I ever kept mib and never opened was my SDCC Derpy, because the packaging was so cute. I notice a lot of mib collectors, who aren’t collecting for resale, often collect multiples, one opened and one in box, and sometimes even a 3rd so they have one open for play and one for display

 

[Neelah]

The true value is in what will make you happy - most of us aren't collecting in order to someday sell at a profit, we're collecting because we love ponies! And if you'll love her more OOB then by all means! For me what it comes down to is these are toys, they are meant to be played with! One of my favorite "flaws" on a pony is when someone's initials are on the bottom of the hooves, you just know that pony was loved
That's why I like used books too, it's like a shared experience even though you don't know who had it before you

 

[Lil Alley Cat]

While I don’t open them as much now, I used to open them all the time (unless super rare that would cost in the hundreds). I fully support a your reason for deboxing/decarding. Ponies are meant to be enjoyed and yes, played with, so whatever that looks like to you is valid.

Not sure if my signature still works, but it used to say “Singlehandedly increasing the value of your MiB/MOC collection by opening mine!”

 

[Sweetling]

I see the appeal of having ponies MiB but something that I noticed going to PFF convention and a local doll/toy show last year, not so much with G3 MLP necessarily but definitely with nearly every G1 in package and many dolls, is that they all had marks or damage inside the packaging. I think plastic toys often fare best condition-wise being exposed to non-humid open air, away from uv. The cheap plastic or paper packaging isn’t meant to last and yellows, breaks down, or rubs on the pony, not necessarily protecting it. I think the pony plastic itself can off-gas and leak plasticizer and it’s best to have them not contained for this process. If there are any tie-downs like rubber bands those break down especially fast and can stain or damage the pony and leave imprints.
Even as far as protection, one of my more recent purchases of a G4 in package came smelling of smoke, and I was surprised at how much the smell had seeped through the packaging and it took a scrub down and weeks to air out the pony.
The only pony I ever kept mib and never opened was my SDCC Derpy, because the packaging was so cute. I notice a lot of mib collectors, who aren’t collecting for resale, often collect multiples, one opened and one in box, and sometimes even a 3rd so they have one open for play and one for display

Wow! I honestly never even considered how keeping it in the box can potentially do harm as well, thank you for bringing that to my attention!

I’ve noticed a lot of g3’s with yellowing before too and box damage, the one I have got the box is in great condition but to be honest I’m not the best person at making sure my collection is stored in the best conditions (sometimes the rooms in mine and my partners home can be quite humid so I think I am best removing her from her box so I don’t run the risk!)

 

[Sweetling]

The true value is in what will make you happy - most of us aren't collecting in order to someday sell at a profit, we're collecting because we love ponies! And if you'll love her more OOB then by all means! For me what it comes down to is these are toys, they are meant to be played with! One of my favorite "flaws" on a pony is when someone's initials are on the bottom of the hooves, you just know that pony was loved
That's why I like used books too, it's like a shared experience even though you don't know who had it before you

Definitely! My collection will definitely never be sold as i don't see a reason to. i will appreciate them throughout my entire life and the value of my collection is something i've never really considered because it's the joy it brings to me that matters most, not how much money i can make from it!

I also find the experience of finally getting the super rare pony you've been looking for since forever extremely rewarding... so i don't see why i should leave her in box, she's never experienced love since leaving the factory so i'm definitely going to give it to her now! Plus i've worked so hard to locate her so i may as well reward myself by getting the satisfaction of opening her so my inner child can gush over her pretty mane, glitter and colors!

While I don’t open them as much now, I used to open them all the time (unless super rare that would cost in the hundreds). I fully support a your reason for deboxing/decarding. Ponies are meant to be enjoyed and yes, played with, so whatever that looks like to you is valid.

Not sure if my signature still works, but it used to say “Singlehandedly increasing the value of your MiB/MOC collection by opening mine!”

I'm so terrible i've had my eye on a few Baby Dancing Butterflies still in the plastic mailing bag and in mint condition (which i believe to be rare and expensive i'm not 100% sure but from what i've seen she seems like a pricey one) and even if i did manage to get her i honestly think i'd take her out of the bag purely so i can appreciate the enjoyment of getting a brand new squeaky clean pony in all of her glory (even if it makes some people cringe so bad) LOL.

 

[Lil Alley Cat]

I see the appeal of having ponies MiB but something that I noticed going to PFF convention and a local doll/toy show last year, not so much with G3 MLP necessarily but definitely with nearly every G1 in package and many dolls, is that they all had marks or damage inside the packaging. I think plastic toys often fare best condition-wise being exposed to non-humid open air, away from uv. The cheap plastic or paper packaging isn’t meant to last and yellows, breaks down, or rubs on the pony, not necessarily protecting it. I think the pony plastic itself can off-gas and leak plasticizer and it’s best to have them not contained for this process. If there are any tie-downs like rubber bands those break down especially fast and can stain or damage the pony and leave imprints.
Even as far as protection, one of my more recent purchases of a G4 in package came smelling of smoke, and I was surprised at how much the smell had seeped through the packaging and it took a scrub down and weeks to air out the pony.
The only pony I ever kept mib and never opened was my SDCC Derpy, because the packaging was so cute. I notice a lot of mib collectors, who aren’t collecting for resale, often collect multiples, one opened and one in box, and sometimes even a 3rd so they have one open for play and one for display

I haven’t had that happen to my collection , fortunately. The ponies I’ve kept MOC/MIB are still like the day I got them, including G1s I bought 15-20 years ago. Even my G3 Diveine Shines look good. I think this is due too me keeping them in a light controlled room wiith central air that keeps humidity at a more reasonable level.

I have only seen yellowing of the bubble on a couple of my MOC Lil Litters, but that process had already started when I acquired them 10+ years ago. I wonder if it’s something that once activated can’t be stopped, but can potentially be prevented.