We all have that one box in the attic or basement, filled with childhood memories and dusty old toys. As kids, these toys were our prized possessions, but as we grew up, they were relegated to storage bins, forgotten but not entirely lost. What if I told you that these nostalgic mementos could potentially be worth a lot of money today?
The world of antique and vintage toys is booming, and those old action figures, dolls, and board games could be worth far more than their original price. Let’s explore 13 of my old toys that I saved, which are now worth a pretty penny.
1. Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
Star Wars has a massive fan base and the value of original action figures from the 1970s and 80s has skyrocketed. For instance, I had a Boba Fett figure in nearly mint condition, and it recently fetched me a price of over $2,000! These figures, especially in good condition and original packaging, can be sold for a handsome amount. The key is to make sure you’re dealing with a knowledgeable and reliable buyer, and online platforms like eBay are a great place to start.
2. Original Barbie Dolls
The iconic Barbie doll has been a part of countless childhoods since it was first introduced in 1959. Early editions, particularly those from the 1960s, are now highly desirable among collectors. I had a Barbie in her original black and white swimsuit, still in the box, which sold for over $1,000. Remember, the value lies not just in the doll but also in the condition of the packaging, so don’t toss those boxes!
3. PEZ Dispensers
Who would have thought that these candy dispensers could be worth something? I had a vintage Mickey Mouse PEZ dispenser that netted me $200. Limited edition and character-based PEZ dispensers are particularly sought-after. If you have a few lying around, it might be worth checking their value.
4. G.I. Joe Action Figures
G.I. Joe figures from the 1980s and 90s, especially those still in their original packaging, can sell for big money today. I had a Snake Eyes figure from 1982 that recently fetched around $500. Remember, rarity and condition are key factors when it comes to determining their value.
5. First Edition Pokémon Cards
These cards were all the rage during the 90s. I had a first edition holographic Charizard that recently sold for a whopping $55,000! The value of these cards varies greatly depending on the character, rarity, and condition, so it’s worth doing some research if you have some stashed away.
6. LEGO Sets
Certain LEGO sets, especially those that are discontinued or related to popular franchises like Star Wars, can be worth quite a bit. I had a sealed Star Wars Millennium Falcon set from 2007 which recently sold for over $5,000. If you have any unopened LEGO sets lying around, it might be worth checking their value.
7. Transformer Toys
Original Transformer toys from the 1980s are highly sought after by collectors. I had an Optimus Prime figure that recently sold for over $2,000. Like many other toys on this list, their value greatly depends on their condition and whether they’re still in their original packaging.
8. Hot Wheels Cars
Hot Wheels have been popular with kids for decades. I had a 1969 Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb that recently sold for a staggering $100,000! While not all Hot Wheels cars are worth this much, certain rare models can bring in a significant amount.
9. Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
These dolls were a huge hit in the 1980s. I had a 1985 James Dudley doll that recently sold for over $3,000. As with other collectible dolls, the value of Cabbage Patch Kids dolls depends on their condition and whether they’re still in their original packaging.
10. Original Furby
The Furby craze swept the nation in the late 1990s. I had a first edition Furby that recently sold for over $500. The value of these toys can vary greatly, so it’s worth checking if you have one stashed away.
11. Vintage Teddy Bears
Vintage teddy bears, especially those made by well-known manufacturers like Steiff, can be worth a lot. I had a 1904 Steiff bear that recently sold for over $10,000. The value of these bears depends on their condition, age, and rarity.
12. Original My Little Pony Figures
My Little Pony figures from the 1980s can fetch a pretty penny. I had a “Blossom” figure that recently sold for over $800. As with other toys on this list, their value greatly depends on their condition and whether they’re still in their original packaging.
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
These action figures were wildly popular in the 1980s and 90s. I had a Shredder figure from 1988 that recently sold for over $1,000. If you have any TMNT figures lying around, it might be worth checking their value.
In conclusion, the toys of our childhood might be worth more than just sentimental value. If you have any of these lying around, take a trip down memory lane and who knows, you might just hit the jackpot!
