We all have those items from our childhood that we look back on with a sense of nostalgia. For some of us, these items may have also been valuable collectibles that we didn’t quite realize were worth anything at the time. Whether it’s a special edition toy, a comic book, or a rare trading card, these items have a unique way of transporting us back to our younger years. This blog post is a walk down memory lane, exploring 11 collectibles that I wish I’d kept from my childhood, not only for their sentimental value but also for their potential monetary value today.
1. First Edition Harry Potter Books
Back in the late 90s, the Harry Potter series began to take the world by storm. Little did we know that the first-edition copies of these books would become incredibly valuable. A first edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” can fetch up to $55,000 at auction today.
If you were one of those kids who got their hands on a first-edition copy, and managed to keep it in good condition, you’re sitting on a little fortune. The value of these books is not just in their monetary worth, but in the magical world they introduced to us, making our childhoods that much more enchanting.
2. Original Star Wars Action Figures
Many of us grew up watching the Star Wars movies and playing with the action figures. Unbeknownst to us, these toys could be worth a lot today. An original 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure, still in its packaging, sold for $25,000 in 2015.
So if you were a Star Wars fan and had the foresight to keep your toys in their original packaging, you could be looking at a nice payday. But even if you didn’t, these toys represent a piece of pop culture history, a testament to the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise.
3. Pokémon Cards
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Pokémon cards were the thing to collect. We all had our favorites and traded them with friends. But did you know that some of these cards are worth a fortune today? A first edition Charizard card, for example, can sell for over $200,000.
If you were an avid Pokémon card collector and still have your collection, it might be worth getting it appraised. Even if you don’t plan on selling, it’s a tangible reminder of the Pokémon craze that swept the globe, making our childhoods all the more exciting.
4. Beanie Babies
In the 90s, Beanie Babies were all the rage. These cute, stuffed animals were not just toys, they were collectibles. Some of the rare ones, like the Princess Diana Bear, can sell for up to $10,000.
If you collected Beanie Babies as a child and managed to keep them in mint condition, you could be sitting on a goldmine. But even if they’re not worth thousands, they’re a charming reminder of a 90s childhood.
5. Original Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls have been a staple of many a childhood since their introduction in 1959. The original Barbie dolls are now worth a pretty penny – an original 1959 Barbie, in mint condition, can fetch up to $27,450.
If you were a Barbie fan and kept your dolls in good condition, you might want to consider getting them appraised. Even if you don’t sell, they’re a beautiful piece of toy history and a reminder of endless hours of imaginative play.
6. Vintage Comic Books
Comic books have always been popular collectibles, but some of the vintage ones can be worth a lot of money. A mint condition copy of “Action Comics #1”, the first appearance of Superman, sold for a whopping $3.2 million in 2014.
If you collected comic books as a kid, it might be worth revisiting your collection. Even if they’re not worth millions, they’re a testament to the enduring appeal of superheroes and the power of storytelling.
7. First Generation iPod
When the iPod first came out in 2001, it was a game-changer. Now, a first-generation iPod in its original packaging can be worth up to $20,000.
If you were an early adopter of the iPod, and managed to keep it in good condition, it could be worth a lot. But more than its monetary value, it’s a symbol of the digital revolution that changed the way we listen to music.
8. Vintage LEGO Sets
LEGO has been a part of many childhoods, and some of the vintage sets can be quite valuable today. A mint condition, unopened “Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon” set can fetch up to $4,500.
If you were a LEGO enthusiast and have some of these older sets, they might be worth more than you think. But even if they’re not, they’re a testament to the creativity and imagination that LEGO inspires.
9. 80s Video Games
Video games from the 80s, like the original “Super Mario Bros.” for the NES, can be worth a lot of money today. A sealed copy of the game recently sold for $660,000.
If you were a gamer in your youth and held onto some of these classics, they could be worth a small fortune. But even if they’re not, they’re a fun reminder of the early days of video gaming.
10. Original Transformers Toys
The Transformers toys of the 80s are highly sought after by collectors today. An original Optimus Prime, still in its packaging, can sell for up to $12,000.
If you were a fan of Transformers and kept your toys in good condition, they could be worth quite a bit. But even if they’re not, they’re a cool piece of 80s pop culture.
11. Vintage Lunchboxes
Lunchboxes with popular TV and movie themes were a staple of many a childhood. Some of these vintage lunchboxes can be quite valuable today – a 1963 Jetsons lunchbox sold for $1,650 in 2003.
If you carried your lunch to school in one of these cool containers, it might be worth more than you think. But even if it’s not, it’s a fun reminder of school days and childhood lunches.
