In 1993 Jurassic Park not only brought dinosaurs back to life on the big screen but also ignited a craze for merchandise, especially toys. While relishing in the nostalgia, let’s journey back to 1993 and explore the original prices of Jurassic Park toys, and delve into how inflation has shaped the landscape of toy prices today.
Jurassic Park Toys: A Glimpse into the Past
This 1993 toy ad from the Jurassic Toys archives showcases an array of captivating Jurassic Park toys, ranging from action figures to dinosaurs. The prices, listed in Belgian Francs, evoke memories of excitement and anticipation.
Inflation: Unveiling the Impact
Fast forward to today, the prices listed in the 1993 toy ad seem modest in comparison to today’s standards. This stark difference is largely attributed to inflation. Inflation, simply put, is the gradual increase in prices of goods and services over time. As the purchasing power of money diminishes, consumers need more money to buy the same items they could afford earlier.
To better understand this impact, let’s convert the 1993 prices from Belgian Francs to today’s Euro (EUR) and United States Dollar (USD), taking into account inflation over the years.
The additional columns show the adjusted prices with added inflation (assuming an average annual inflation rate of around 2.5% over the years from 1993 to 2023):
| Toy | 1993 Price (BEF) | Converted to EUR | Converted to USD | Adjusted Price (Inflation Added) EUR | Adjusted Price (Inflation Added) USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bush Devil Tracker | 559 | ~14 EUR | ~17 USD | ~25 EUR | ~30 USD |
| Byggis Dino World | 499 | ~12 EUR | ~14 USD | ~21 EUR | ~24 USD |
| Capture Copter | 819 | ~20 EUR | ~23 USD | ~31 EUR | ~36 USD |
| Dakin stuffed Dilophosaurus | 899 | ~22 EUR | ~26 USD | ~34 EUR | ~40 USD |
| Electronic Dilophosaurus | 419 | ~10 EUR | ~12 USD | ~17 EUR | ~20 USD |
| Electronic Tyrannosaurus Rex | 1319 | ~33 EUR | ~39 USD | ~56 EUR | ~66 USD |
| Jungle Explorer | 769 | ~19 EUR | ~23 USD | ~30 EUR | ~36 USD |
| Jurassic Park board game | 715 | ~18 EUR | ~21 USD | ~28 EUR | ~33 USD |
| Robert Muldoon | 229 | ~6 EUR | ~7 USD | ~10 EUR | ~12 USD |
| Stegosaurus | 659 | ~16 EUR | ~19 USD | ~27 EUR | ~32 USD |
| Triceratops | 749 | ~19 EUR | ~22 USD | ~30 EUR | ~35 USD |
Please remember that the calculated adjusted prices with added inflation are based on a rough estimate and are meant to showcase the impact of inflation over time. Actual inflation rates can vary, and economic conditions may influence the rate of inflation.
The Inflation Perspective
Inflation is a natural economic phenomenon driven by a variety of factors, including changes in demand, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in currency values. While it might seem disheartening to see the impact of inflation on our beloved Jurassic Park toys, it’s important to note that inflation is a necessary component of a growing economy. Central banks and policymakers carefully manage inflation to strike a balance between maintaining economic stability and allowing for growth.
As we reminisce about the joy these Jurassic Park toys brought us in 1993, the impact of inflation reminds us of the dynamic nature of our world. While prices may have changed, the memories and the thrill of adventure these toys ignited remain timeless, connecting generations and fostering a love for the Jurassic Park films.
What are your thoughts on today’s Mattel prices compared to the Kenner prices (taking inflation into account)? Let us know in the comments below!
As a Canadian I feel Mattel is dropping the ball. Not with their creation – but with their distribution.
We still only have series 1 of Hammond collection in store and it’s still full price while USA has exclusive after exclusive with reasonable target prices and clearance with full stock.
…. Amazon had JW Hammond collection stuff but at 35 plus for human figures?? …. Nah… not with it anymore. Not fun either. I miss the full stock isle Kenner days. When it was fun. Not when you had to hunt
I agree, Canadian distribution has been horrible from the start. Lots of figures I’ve missed out on or had to order from the US. Shouldn’t be an issue when Kenner and Hasbro was able to evenly distribute toys without issue. I also agree on the prices getting ridiculous. The 93 Classic Rex was $100, $20 for smaller sized dinos, $50-$60 for the medium sized dinos, etc. It’s pretty pricey for the quality we get.