If you were a child of the 70s, 80s, or 90s, chances are you had a toy chest or closet filled with games, dolls, and action figures that were the envy of your friends. Little did you know that some of these playthings would one day be worth a small fortune.
Today’s market for vintage toys is booming, with collectors and enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar for nostalgic items. In this post, we’ll explore 11 childhood toys that you might have owned, which could now fetch a pretty penny.
1. Original Star Wars Action Figures
Back in the late 70s and early 80s, the Star Wars franchise was just taking off and the line of action figures from Kenner became a massive hit. If you were lucky enough to have these and kept them in good condition, you could be sitting on a gold mine.
An example is the 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure. If you have one with the original telescoping lightsaber, this figure could fetch up to $25,000 at auction. However, even the more common figures, such as Chewbacca or Princess Leia, if kept in their original packaging, could be worth hundreds.
2. PEZ Dispensers
PEZ dispensers, those whimsical candy holders that feature characters from popular culture, were once a staple in kid’s birthday party goody bags. Today, rare and vintage PEZ dispensers are highly sought after by collectors.
For instance, a 1982 World’s Fair Astronaut B PEZ dispenser was sold for $32,000 in 2006, making it one of the most expensive PEZ dispensers ever sold. Even more common dispensers from the 70s and 80s, if kept in good condition, can fetch anywhere from $20 to $100.
3. First Edition Harry Potter Books
If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, chances are you were swept up in the Harry Potter craze. If you happened to buy a first-edition copy of any of the books in the series, you might be sitting on a bit of a fortune.
For example, a first-edition copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” sold at auction for $90,000 in 2019. Even less valuable editions, such as a first-edition “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” can still fetch a few hundred dollars if kept in good condition.
4. LEGO Sets
LEGO has been a beloved toy for generations, but certain sets have significantly increased in value over the years.
The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon, for instance, originally retailed for around $500 and is now worth upwards of $4,000. Other valuable sets include the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower sets. If you have a set that’s still in its original packaging, it could be worth even more.
5. Game Boy Color
If you grew up in the 90s, you’ll remember the Game Boy Color. This handheld gaming console was a must-have for any kid on the go.
Today, if you have a Game Boy Color in good condition, especially if it’s in a rare color or limited edition, it could be worth a few hundred dollars. A pristine, boxed Pokémon edition Game Boy Color recently sold on eBay for $1,025.
6. Furby
The Furby was the must-have toy of Christmas 1998. This furry, talking creature was on every child’s wish list.
While most Furbies aren’t worth much today, there are a few exceptions. A limited edition Tiger Electronics Furby in the original box sold for $800 on eBay. Even out of the box, a Furby in good condition can fetch around $50-$60.
7. Pokémon Cards
Pokémon cards were a massive craze in the late 90s and early 2000s, and some of these cards have significantly appreciated in value.
A first edition holographic Charizard, one of the most coveted cards, sold for a record-breaking $369,000 in an eBay auction. Even non-holographic first edition cards can be worth a few hundred dollars, depending on the Pokémon.
8. American Girl Dolls
American Girl Dolls, with their detailed backgrounds and expansive accessory sets, were a staple in many 90s kids’ toy collections.
Some of the original dolls, such as Molly or Samantha, can fetch high prices if they’re still in good condition and have all their accessories. For example, a Molly McIntire doll recently sold on eBay for $1,200.
9. Hot Wheels Cars
Hot Wheels have been a favorite among kids since the 60s, but certain models are now worth a lot of money.
One of the rarest Hot Wheels, the 1969 Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb, is worth an estimated $100,000. Even less rare models can still fetch a decent price if they’re in good condition and have their original packaging.
10. Transformers Action Figures
Transformers, robots that could morph into vehicles, were a hit in the 80s. Today, these action figures can be worth quite a bit.
A mint-condition Optimus Prime, for example, can fetch up to $2,000. Even more common Transformers, if they’re in good condition and have their original packaging, can be worth a few hundred dollars.
11. Beanie Babies
In the 90s, Beanie Babies were more than just stuffed animals — they were an investment. Some of these plush toys are now worth a significant amount of money.
The most valuable Beanie Baby, a first edition Princess Diana Bear, sold for $500,000. Even less rare Beanie Babies, like the first edition Peanut the Elephant, can still be worth a few hundred dollars.
