Doctor Who and Pokémon boxes are now competing for top dollar alongside rare luxury goods, as empty packaging from beloved franchises commands hefty prices on eBay. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for authentic original boxes, even when there’s nothing inside, especially for high-ticket items like Rolexes or Hermes handbags.

Sellers are cashing in by tracking down the original packaging, which often boosts resale values. The trend extends beyond collectibles; even everyday gadgets like Dyson vacuums and Nintendo Switches benefit from pristine boxes at auction.

Influencers and video creators are using these empty boxes for decor and social media staging, turning them into props in their posts to signal success and aspirational living. Some sellers on platforms like Vinted report high demand from influencers looking to bulk up their sets with luxury packaging.

However, counterfeiters are also exploiting the market by reusing authentic boxes to sell fake goods, creating a shadow side to this lucrative trade in empty hopes and dreams.