You might have forgotten some treasures tucked away in closets or boxes, but those old toys and collectibles could surprise you. You could be sitting on items that sell for hundreds or even thousands, depending on rarity and condition.
This article walks through seven specific kinds of childhood collectibles—from trading cards to action figures—that often fetch real money today. Use this as a quick checklist to spot anything worth checking further.
1980s Hot Wheels Redline Cars
You might not expect your old 1980s Hot Wheels to be valuable, but some Redline-era pieces catch collectors’ eyes. Condition, paint variants, and original wheels drive most value differences.
Check guides like the On-Line Redline Guide to identify authentic redline wheels and factory details. If you find mint-condition cars with rare colors or intact redline wheels, consider getting professional grading before selling.
Original Pokémon Base Set Cards
If you kept Base Set cards from 1999, you might be sitting on real value.
First Edition, Shadowless, and glossy holos attract collectors and can fetch strong prices when graded.
Check card condition, edition marks, and print variants before you sell.
Use a reliable price guide like the Pokémon Base Set price listings to compare recent sales.
Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
You probably held these figures as a kid and never imagined they’d fetch high prices now. Original Kenner toys—especially mint figures with rare accessories—become collectible for condition and packaging.
Look for variants like vinyl-caped Jawas or early Boba Fett releases; subtle production differences drive value. Check recent auction results and guides like the list of most valuable vintage Star Wars action figures before selling.
Beanie Babies from the 1990s
You might still have Beanie Babies stashed in a closet that are worth more than you expect. Certain rarities, like early tag errors or limited editions, attract collectors and can fetch solid prices on marketplaces.
Check condition first — intact swing tags and minimal wear matter most. If you want to compare values, look up current listings for specific names like Princess the Bear or other identified rares on collectible guides and market sites.
LEGO Star Wars Sets from Early 2000s
You probably played with or wanted those chunky Star Wars LEGO sets as a kid, and many have ballooned in value since retirement.
Sets released in 2000, including early Ultimate Collector Series pieces, now trade for multiples of their original price — collectors pay attention to condition and box presence.
If you find one in your attic, check set listings on marketplaces like eBay and catalog sites such as BrickEconomy to gauge current worth.
1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys
If you grew up with the cartoon or 1990 movie, you probably owned at least one Playmates TMNT figure.
Certain 1990s figures, playsets, and movie tie-ins can fetch significant prices today when they’re complete and in good condition.
Check listings for original 1990 waves and rare variants to gauge value, and compare sold listings rather than asking prices.
A quick look at dedicated collector guides like The Toy Collectors Guide can help you spot high-demand pieces.
Older Funko Pop Vinyl Figures (First Editions)
If you kept early Funko Pop figures in their boxes, you might be sitting on something collectors want. First editions and early releases from popular franchises often sell for more, especially if they were limited or exclusive.
Check identifiers like original packaging, release year, or chase stickers to verify a first edition. Use price guides and marketplaces to compare values before you sell.
More from Decluttering Mom: