I wrote this book in 2004 and knowing the book would be released in early 2005

I added a percentage to the value of each topper realizing they would go up slightly in value within that year. With that said in my research I have found that the values on wedding cake toppers have escalated much more than I expected on most toppers. Especially the antique and early vintage food product toppers as well as chalkware, bisque, and celluloid. 

Actually I just used the expression ‘early vintage’ because some are not over 100 years old, but I would consider anything made from food product from the 1940s back antique because of their delicate nature.  Most plastic toppers seem to be holding the 2005 book value.  I am not sure what escalated the values so quickly but I have definitely noticed a collecting frenzy. 

In my book I state that I don’t use the values established by on-line auctions (such as eBay).  One good reason is the up and down price differentials of on-line auctions.  One day an antique topper will go for well over two hundred dollars plus and a week later a similar one may be sold in the low one hundred dollar range.  However I have noticed the marketplace (malls, shows, etc.)  is using eBay as a (high end) value meter. 

Because of the rise in the number of collectors (increased popularity), and the decreasing supply, you can expect to see prices on the popular toppers that I mentioned above to be at the very least 20 to 30 per cent higher than the values stated in my book. As an example, if you see a topper valued at $100.00 in my book, you can expect it to be around $130.00 and possibly more in the 2009 marketplace.   Keep in mind that as long as their popularity continues to  soar you can expect to see prices going up more every year. 

I hope this information helps you in valuing a cake topper that you may be thinking about purchasing or giving a value.  Thank you!