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12 Things You Bought in the ‘90s That Are Now Worth Thousands

If you grew up in the ’90s, you might be surprised to learn that some of the things you bought back then could be worth a lot more today. Nostalgia is strong, and collectors often pay top dollar for items that remind them of their childhood.

Many everyday items from the ’90s have gained value over the years, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. Whether you’ve held onto old toys, gadgets, or collectibles, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you might own.

Nintendo Pokémon Game Boy cartridges

Image Credit: eBay.

If you kept your old Pokémon Game Boy cartridges, you might be sitting on something valuable. Some original Pokémon games, especially first editions, can fetch over $200 today.

The condition matters a lot. Mint or unopened cartridges are worth much more than ones you’ve played a lot. Rarer versions or limited releases might even be worth thousands. It’s worth checking out the market to see what your specific games could be worth. For more on this, see Game Boy collection values.

Harry Potter first edition book

Image Credit: eBay.

If you own a first edition of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, it could be worth a lot. Some copies have sold for around £28,500 or more.

The key is having a true first printing, not just a first edition. Only about 500 copies of the original British first printing were made.

You can check specific details to confirm if yours is valuable. For more information, visit this guide on first edition Harry Potter books.

Black Diamond Lion King VHS

Walt Disney Masterpiece The Lion King VHS tape, Simba held by Rafiki on Pride Rock, Mufasa, Sarabi, Scar, savanna in background
Image credit: This&ThatHis&Hers/eBay.

If you grew up in the ’90s, you might remember the Black Diamond editions of Disney VHS tapes. The Lion King Black Diamond VHS is one of the more collected ones today.

While many common Disney tapes are only worth a few dollars, certain rare Black Diamond editions can be worth hundreds or even thousands. You’ll want to check your tape’s condition and packaging to see if it holds value. For more details on this, you can visit this guide on Disney VHS tapes worth a fortune today.

Original Furby toy

Close-up of a vintage Furby toy with eyes closed, bathed in soft rainbow light across its furry brown and white face
Image Credit: Vickie Intili/Pexels.

If you have an original Furby from 1998, it could be worth a good amount today. Depending on its condition, these toys sell for anywhere between $200 to $1,000.

Furbys in their original packaging or rare editions, like the Millennium Edition, can fetch even higher prices. Taking care of yours might pay off if you decide to sell it later.

Learn more about the value of original Furbys from this guide to the rarest Furbies.

Nike Air Jordans (1990s releases)

Pair of worn white and red Nike Air Jordan 13 sneakers, black soles, displayed with original black Jordan box, hardwood background
Image credit:
UnitedShoesOfAmerica/eBay.

If you bought Nike Air Jordans in the 1990s, you might have a valuable pair. Models like the Air Jordan V, designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1990, are highly sought after today.

You can find some original Jordans selling for thousands, especially rare editions. Collectors love the connection to Michael Jordan’s legacy and the 90s style.

Holding onto your Jordans could pay off if you keep them in good condition. Learn more about their history and value here.

Lisa Frank school supplies

Colorful Lisa Frank activity set, rainbow packaging, illustrated animals, markers, coloring sheets, playing cards, vintage 90s stationery
Image credit: KEEPSAKE Emporium/eBay.

If you grew up in the ‘90s, you probably had some Lisa Frank school supplies. You might remember the bright folders and notebooks covered with colorful animals and rainbows.

These items were everywhere, and they made schoolwork a bit more fun. Today, some Lisa Frank products can be worth thousands, especially rare folders and binders you kept in good condition. You can find examples of these supplies on sites like eBay and read about why collectors love them.

Levi’s Silvertab jeans

Image Credit: Ebay.

If you bought Levi’s Silvertab jeans in the ’90s, you might have a hidden treasure. These jeans were known for their baggy fit and unique style that stood out back then.

Today, certain Silvertab pairs can sell for hundreds of dollars, especially rare cuts or sizes. You can check listings like these Levi’s Silvertab jeans on eBay to see current prices.

Keep an eye on condition and size, as those factors affect value. They’re a cool piece of ’90s fashion history you might still wear or sell.

JNCO jeans

Person in JNCO jeans and burgundy jacket riding skateboard with orange wheels inside graffiti-covered skatepark or underpass
Image Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels.

If you had a pair of JNCO jeans in the ‘90s, you might be sitting on a small treasure. These wide-legged jeans were everywhere back then, especially for skaters and fans of bold style.

Now, vintage JNCO jeans can sell for thousands. You can find rare styles on sites like eBay where collectors are willing to pay a premium for the real deal. Keep an eye out if you still have your old pair!

More details on their value can be found in this vintage JNCO jeans resale guide.

Chanel 90s handbags

Black quilted leather Chanel handbag, gold chain strap, embossed CC logo, black leather tassel, displayed on cream fabric
Image credit: dklc20/eBay.

If you bought a Chanel handbag in the 90s, you might have a hidden treasure. Bags like the Classic Flap and Camera bag from that era are highly sought after today.

These vintage pieces often come with unique serial number designs that help verify their authenticity. Even bags in less-than-perfect condition can be worth thousands.

Keeping your Chanel bag well cared for could mean it’s a valuable part of your collection now. Learn more about such bags on the Sotheby’s guide to vintage Chanel bags.

McDonald’s Happy Meal 90s toys

Four vintage McDonald's Happy Meal toys, sealed in plastic, colorful characters including Ronald McDonald and Grimace, on white background
Image credit: faith054/eBay.

If you still have your McDonald’s Happy Meal toys from the ’90s, you might be sitting on a small treasure. Some of these toys, especially those unopened, can fetch good money today.

Toys like the Magic Snack Maker or limited edition characters are popular among collectors. You can find examples and more info on valuable McDonald’s toys here.

Even if you have a big collection, it’s worth checking which ones are rare. It’s fun to see how these simple toys became collectible items.

Barbie collectible dolls

Vintage Barbie doll in black and white striped swimsuit on stand, original 1960s packaging with illustrated fashion outfits in background
Image credit: Oak Leaf Comics & Collectibles/eBay.

If you kept Barbie dolls from the ’90s, you might have some valuable pieces. Sets like the Barbie Loves Elvis from 1997 can fetch up to $85 today.

Limited editions and holiday Barbies from that era have become especially popular with collectors.

Checking your dolls against lists of valuable Barbies can help you see if yours is worth more than you thought. For more details, you can explore collections of valuable Barbie dolls.

Polly Pocket vintage sets

Polly Pocket playsets opened on a black surface, five mini dolls lying in front, colorful accessories and furniture, outdoor background
Image credit: vintageasmumma/eBay.

If you kept your Polly Pocket sets from the ’90s, they might be worth more than you think. These tiny playsets are known for their durability and detailed design, making them popular among collectors today.

Some rare sets can sell for thousands, especially if they are in good condition. Checking online listings can give you an idea of what your old toys might be worth.

You might want to hold onto any accessories too; even small pieces like tiny dolls can add value to your collection. For more details, see these valuable Polly Pocket toys from the ’90s.

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