What if we tell you that toys may make you rich in the future? While hundreds of toys have little to no value and won’t make you rich, there are a few from our youth (or our parents’ childhood) that can fetch a high price. View these insanely valuable toys, then check your storage for any leftover Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch Dolls.
If You Have One Of These Toys, You Can Retire
Stretch Armstrong: $10,000
Who liked Stretch Armstrong?! Stretch was one of the first toys of his sort when he came out in 1976. He was filled with gel and fashioned with latex rubber, so he could move and bend easily, unlike hard plastic or carved wood. A kid’s delight! Due to their age and the degradation of rubber, older Stretch Armstrong dolls are extremely rare. They used to sell for up to $4,000, but due to tremendous demand, they are now closer to $10,000.
Stretch Armstrong $10,000
Mario Kart 64: $3,000
This enjoyable game for the Nintendo 64 was the second in the Mario Kart series. When you were racing through the chaos to win, did you ever consider it might be worth something one day? Even if the graphics have aged poorly, nostalgia drives the value of old toys. The whole game might sell for $75-$115 used. The actual value is in unopened, unplayed games. Some factory-sealed games go for upwards of $3,000!
Mario Kart 64 $3,000
Lite Brite: $300
Do you remember Lite Brite? As a result of this, I had to create my own artwork using small light bulbs on a black background. Lite Brite was introduced in 1967 and has been produced ever since in a variety of colors and designs. The older ones have all the nostalgia power — and the cash. Original Lite Brites from the late 1960s and early 1970s go for $300.
Lite Brite $300
Pokémon Cards: $1,600-$16,000
I aspire to be the best! Oh, I didn’t see you. That these trading cards were popular in the 2000s with young kids shouldn’t be a surprise. These classic older cards are often so badly damaged that no collector wants them. A rare card, an unopened pack, or a series of cards can fetch thousands of dollars on the secondary market. Almost makes you wish you’d kept your cards in their sleeves!
Pokémon Cards $1,600 To $16,000
Game Boy: $1,500
While gaming gadgets have evolved, an original Game Boy may still be worth a lot of money. A lot of kids had one when they were little, and now that we’re all elderly (and have money! ), it would be good to have one again. Working Game Boys are rare due to aging components and electronics. Rare Game Boys can fetch hundreds of dollars, and a special edition Game Boy can fetch up to $1,500.
Game Boy $1,500
Beanie Babies: $12,000
Every time someone mentions a Beanie Baby, I think of the couple in court combing through a huge pile of them while getting a divorce. We all assumed Beanie Babies were going to pay for college or make us rich, but that bubble burst. However, there is still a nostalgic attraction — and some are valuable! A 1997 first edition Beanie Baby is valued at close to $12,000. Cha-ching!
Beanie Babies $12,000
Hot Wheels: $3,000
Many of the old Hot Wheels cars on this list were destroyed by little hands and destructive conduct. Because there were so many of these cars created, even in their original packaging, they aren’t worth much. But if you have the car in the photo, you’re lucky. The 1969 “Volkswagen Beach Bomb” was a flop, thus few were manufactured. This automobile might now fetch over $100,000 at auction. We’re coming close to cash… Can you believe this isn’t the end?
Hot Wheels $3,000
PEZ Dispenser: $30,000
I hated Pez. Why do I have to labor to eat my candy? No thanks. However, it appears that I am alone in this sentiment, as some original, rare, or limited edition Pez dispensers fetch high prices. A lot, like over $30,000! Since the company began in 1927, some of these are very ancient. Every year, nearly 3 million Pez bricks are devoured.
PEZ Dispenser $30,000
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls: $1,200
Strawberry Shortcake was released about the same time as the She-Ra figures. The original Strawberry Shortcake dolls were produced in 1979 and were instantly popular due to their food-themed names and perfumed dolls! The range expanded to include Sweet Sleeper dolls, Baby dolls, Blow Kiss dolls, International Friends, Party Pleaser dolls, Berrykin dolls, and even Villian dolls!
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls $1,200
Tamagotchi: $3,000
Tamagotchi pets, like many other goods on this list, are still accessible today, but not exactly the same. Vintage virtual pets from the 1990s can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars on eBay. So they should still work. Originally, Tamagotchi came in over 40 different color variations. The rarest Tamagotchis are the white and red ones that sold for $2,999.
Tamagotchi $3,000
Furby: $900
Furbys were popular in the ‘90s, so it’s no surprise they’re now collectible. I begged my parents for a Furby, which ended up looking like a spooky creature in my closet. My batteries used to last forever, and when they ran out, your Furby slowed down, too – the voice got deeper and the eyes got slower. Apparently, not everyone hates the original Furbys! A Furby in its original box might fetch upwards of $900.
Furby $900
Garbage Pail Kids Cards: $3,600
I don’t know anyone who liked the Garbage Pail Kids enough to save the collecting cards, but everything has a market. They started in 1985 to ‘mock’ the frightening Cabbage Patch Kids with round heads. Even while they don’t have the same mass popularity as the Cabbage Patch Kids, they nonetheless sell for a lot of money. Rareness helps. Garbage Pail Kids cards range from $300 to $3600 per set.
Garbage Pail Kids Cards $3,600
Comic Books: $15,000
Action Comics #1 isn’t the only valuable comic book. The most valued are from the Golden Age (1938–1966). Batman #1, Batman’s debut solo comic, is worth at least $15,000 and has sold for up to $2.2 million. Comics don’t have to be old to be valuable. ASG #667 (Gabriele Dell’Otto Variant) from 1999 is hard to get. The highest sale was for $20,000
Comic Books $15,000
Vintage Super Soaker Gun
Not surprisingly, kids love to run around outside with them, throw them around, and generally mistreat them! Super Soaker was created in 1989 by Lonnie Johnson, an engineer who supposedly enjoyed shooting water at children. Super Soaker, now owned by Hasbro, has earned over a billion dollars in revenue. A vintage super soaker rifle can fetch up to $1,000!
Vintage Super Soaker Gun
Jurassic Park Figures
It’s hard to imagine not knowing about Jurassic Park! It’s no wonder that the toys are still popular after all these years. The original toys have a deep nostalgia factor for all youngsters who grew up with the movie and appreciated Spielberg’s spectacular CGI. There have been previous releases, but nothing compares to the first. The original toy dinosaur collection might fetch up to $1,500 now.
Jurassic Park Figures
Skeletor Action Figure
Skeletor is on this list, and I’m shocked we haven’t seen more like him yet! Skeletor is the main antagonist of the MCU. That one featuring He-Man? Skeletor is He-uncle, Man’s, and the two have an uneasy relationship. With his purple hood over his bone skull, Skeletor is notorious for wanting the powers of Castle Greyskull. In spite of his efforts, he never gets the necessary aid or succeeds. A pristine 1982 Skeletor action figure nowadays sells for approximately $1,500.
Skeletor Action Figure
Transformers
There’s more! Not only do they morph, but they also earn money. Transformers are a phenomenon, and it’s impossible to find a kid who doesn’t adore the franchise. People will pay top price for the original Transformers toys, even if they can buy an Optimus Prime or Bumblebee automobile at a toy store nowadays. In its original packaging, a first edition toy may fetch up to $2,000.
Transformers
Sega Genesis Console
Like the Game Boy, if you had one and loved it, chances are it no longer works. The Sega Genesis was also not a huge hit when it came out, adding to the rarity. I recall spending hours in my room on my Sega, attempting to master the ridiculous casino level. You know. A functional Sega Genesis console in its original packaging might fetch up to $2,000.
Sega Genesis Console
Fisher Price Push Cart Pete
Older toys are valuable – as anyone who has watched American Pickers knows. The Fisher-Price Push Cart Pete is one of those sought-after but hard-to-find toys. The greatest ones are in mint or near-mint condition and sell for a lot. In this case, the paint is undamaged and there are no gouges, scratches, or dents. If you have a mint condition Fisher-Price Push Cart Pete laying around, you could be sitting on $3000.
Fisher Price Push Cart Pete
Pound Puppies
That photo rips my heart! Recall Pound Puppies? Pound Puppies were so famous in the 1980s that had their own animated TV special. Then came two more TV programs and a movie about these cute lonely puppies looking for a home. Pound Puppies sold approximately $300 million in sales during a 5-year span in the 1990s, reaching 35 countries. That’s not cheap for a plush dog. A first-edition Pound Puppy may fetch $5,000 if it’s still in its box.
Pound Puppies
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Actions Figures
Do you remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? The boys began in the mid-1980s and really took off in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lots of action toys and comic books have been developed about the pizza-loving crime-fighting turtles raised by a rat sensei. It’s no surprise that the original action figures sell for so much, given their age and use. One action figure can get $600 in mint condition with the original packaging. But a rare one can get up to $5,000!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Actions Figures
Vinyl Caped Jawa
And now Star Wars. In a galaxy far, far away, many of us grew up on that foundation, so it’s no surprise that the toys are popular. But this one will be a surprise. This vinyl-clad Jawa will set you back $15,000! No, that’s not a typo — 15 G! The cape was too ‘cheap’, so they converted to cloth. You’re in luck if you have the original record!
Vinyl Caped Jawa
Happy Meal Toys
As a kid, nothing beats getting a Happy Meal and seeing what toy came with it. I recall ripping open the package to find a new toy, even if it was forgotten hours later. Some of them, like the Beanie Baby and Disney figures from the early 2000s, have become collectors. Older Happy Meal toys have fetched upwards of $300!
Happy Meal Toys
G.I. Joe Circa 1964
G.I. Joe is a 1960s action figure line owned by Hasbro. Originally, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps were featured, but most people only recall the Army line or the action soldier depicted above. It’s also the most expensive. A mint-condition, unopened 1964 G.I. Joe may get $10,000.
G.I. Joe Circa 1964
Barbie Dolls
Who didn’t have a Barbie growing up? As a result of his promotion, my half-brother went into a Toys R Us (I’m dating myself here) and requested for every Barbie they had. I had a nice Christmas. Many of the older, original Barbies are collectible, but not all of them. Keep an eye out for an original doll with the packaging, since they can get over $23,000 at auction.
Barbie Dolls
Luke Skywalker Action Figure
Another Star Wars! Let’s just talk about how awful this action figure is. I had no idea it was Luke or Mark Hamill in real life. Hamill has played Luke from the first films and is a Star Wars legend. But… what’s up with that guy’s hair? Why does his face resemble He-Man? Did no one see the figure emerge?! Despite its… dubious representation, this is a character many kids know. If it’s in mint condition with the original packaging, it’ll fetch upwards of $25,000 on the open market.
Luke Skywalker Action Figure
Original Monopoly Board
In their defense, it was designed to be strategic, not entertaining. ‘The Landlord’s Game’ was first published by Parker Brothers in 1935. The Landlords Game was designed to educate economics, taxation, and capitalism… not pleasant. A 1935 board with complete pieces is a lucky find. One recently fetched almost $146,000 at auction. You could easily buy Park Place with that much cash.
Original Monopoly Board
TrailBlazer Train Set
People love trains for reasons I’ll never understand. But model train fans grasp it, and they’re willing to pay a premium. Stop what you’re doing and go pull out your old train sets from the attic, cellar, or garage. Seriously, an 1834 Standard Gauge replica of this train system could sell for $250,000. Yes, you read that correctly – $250,000!
TrailBlazer Train Set
Cabbage Patch Dolls
Hey, we just discussed those! The Garbage Pail Kids were inspired by Cabbage Patch Dolls, hence the original is on the list. These odd, squat dolls were extremely popular in the 1980s, and there are very few in immaculate condition, which is why they are so expensive now. Now is the moment to display any of these dolls in their original box. A family in Maryland has over 5,000 dolls, and they’re selling them all for $360,000!
Cabbage Patch Dolls
Talkboy
After seeing Kevin McCallister utilize his Talkboy in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, we all wanted one. It was amazing. It’s actually a cassette tape recorder with variable playback speed, designed for the film. Tiger made a retail version of the prop. In the early 1990s, if you still have one from your parents, they can sell for up to $170-200. Not bad for an electronic toy from a sequel flick!
Talkboy
First Edition Of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
Potterheads may have a wealth on bookshelves or in crates. First editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone are insanely expensive. A 1997 UK hardcover first edition with “Joanne Rowling” instead of J.K. Rowling costs between $40,000 and $55,000. The US edition is named Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and has the copyright line “1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 8 9/9 0/0 01 02” on the copyright page. A rare one can be worth up to $6,500.
First Edition Of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
Retired American Girl Dolls
This one differs by the doll. American Girl dolls are still created, however, some are “retired,” meaning they are no longer made. Like Samantha, a few of them have been withdrawn and reintroduced, making them difficult to recognize. Dolls from the Pleasant Company (before Mattel bought them) and original “white body” dolls are worth more. Like any other toy, the condition of the doll influences its worth. Some of the dolls might fetch thousands of dollars if they come with various clothes and accessories.
Retired American Girl Dolls
Atari Video Game Cartridges
If you still have some old Atari 2600 game cartridges in storage, you may be sitting on some expensive things. Some games are worth more than the system itself! Some games are worth a few hundred bucks, but some are worth thousands. If you have the incredibly rare Air Raid, you may get up to $5,000 for the cartridge, or over $30,000 for the box.
Atari Video Game Cartridges
Boba Fett Action Figure
Star Wars bounty hunter can fetch a hefty sum at auction. Boba Fett debuted as an action figure in the initial wave of Empire Strikes Back toys. For a character who had only four lines in the film, his action figure is worth around $5,000. But there’s a better version of this toy. A never-released prototype actually shot a little plastic rocket. Kenner recalled the rocket-firing backpack prototype due to choking concerns. If you own one, you’ll be pleased to learn that the last one sold for $185,850.
Boba Fett Action Figure
First Edition Of Where The Wild Things Are
The children’s book classic Where the Wild Things Are has been reissued. Originally released in 1963, the book has been in print since then. After Sendak’s death in 2012, there was revived demand for children’s books, especially first editions 2012 saw a $25,000 first edition signed by Sendak. Prior to this sale, other first edition editions in exceptional condition fetched $10,000 or more
First Edition Of Where The Wild Things Are
Teddy Ruxpin
Didn’t you have a favorite story-telling bear? Teddy Ruxpin started acquiring value long after you got tired of testing the talking teddy bear with other cassette recordings (it was amusing for a while). Modern remakes are available, but nothing compares to the original. Some say so! Originals can cost up to $400.
Teddy Ruxpin
Magic The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary
Magic: The Gathering was the first trading card game, launched in 1993. It still has roughly 35 million players. But the deck isn’t always the same. There are common cards and rare cards, and the uncommon ones can be quite valuable. Many valuable MTG cards sell for approximately $100, although a handful is extremely rare. The most expensive MTG cards, such as Black Lotus and Ancestral Recall from the Alpha set with a black border, may sell for $20,000-$35,000 (USD). You have the Magic touch if you have any of the most valuable cards.
Magic The Gathering Card Collections Prices Vary
Action Comics No. 1
Action Comics #1 is a relatively rare comic book, as most comic book collectors are aware of. So, it was 1938 when Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster invented Superman in their comic book. To add to the rarity, fewer than 100 copies are believed to be remaining. Copying is expensive, with low-grade copies fetching $300,000. It sold for $3.2 million in 2014.
Action Comics No. 1
Masters Of The Universe The Towers Of Eternia Playset
This was Mattel’s largest Masters of the Universe toy ever, and the price reflected that. They didn’t sell well because our parents were reluctant to pay so much for plastic. Combined with tiny pieces easily misplaced, this huge set is difficult to discover completely. This playset can sell for several hundred dollars without the box. But expect to pay roughly $3,000 for one in its original box and sealed.
Masters Of The Universe The Towers Of Eternia Playset
Funko Pops
It’s no surprise that Funko Pop figurines are so popular. But these 3.75-inch plastic toys are worth a lot more. The value of these toys varies depending on rarity, character, and whether or not it was exclusive. For example, the holographic Darth Maul Funko Pop was limited to 480 pieces and sold for $3,020 at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con. But the glow-in-the-dark Alex DeLarge Clockwork Orange Funko is worth a cool $13,000.
Funko Pops
Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $675
After all, Jem and her friends were edgy, stylish, and knew how to rock! The Holograms have become one of the most popular toys on shelves despite Barbie’s unstoppable fashion doll supremacy. That show was also a hit in America. With the ‘80s coming back in style, Jem has too. A live-action Jem and the Holograms movie came out a few years ago. That, plus nostalgia, has helped resurrect the value of vintage Jem toys. Keep your dolls for years and you might be looking at hundreds of dollars. On eBay, dolls currently sell for $200-700.
Funko Pops
Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls And Accessories
Rainbow Brite and her colorful pals gave joy to the universe. But now it appears she and her pals may be bringing you plenty of cash. However, the original Mattel toys from the early 1980s are worth a fortune. Original Rainbow Brite and Color Kids dolls can fetch $300-$1000. Starlight the horse in the box is rare.
Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls And Accessories
‘She-Ra’ 1980s Toy
I’m sure you’ve seen one before! They made Princess of Power figures as well as the original Masters of the Universe figures. Since one was so popular, they had to continue it. While not as spectacular as the He-Man series, the She-Ra toys were unique on their own own. They manufactured She-Ra figurines, but also the rest of the gang, such Scratchin’ Sound Catra, and versions of She-Ra, like Bubble Power She-Ra.
‘She Ra’ 1980s Toy
Digimon Digital Monsters And Trading Cards
With all the similarities to Pokémon, it’s no surprise this was a popular series. In Digimon, a group of teens embarks on an adventure, but they are sent to a mysterious Digital realm where they are paired with a powerful creature known as a Digimon. If you prefer cards, we have a lovely hint for you… The Veedramon is the greatest and rarest card. It’s a Secret Rarity card that’s hard to come by for a reason.
Digimon Digital Monsters And Trading Cards
Lego Train Sets
Good luck getting a good deal on one! For such small plastic components, Lego sets are expensive to begin with, so when an item becomes rare, it isn’t usually something you can make with other random Lego pieces. In other words, buying the vintage set (if you can find one) is usually cheaper than buying the pieces separately. These Lego Train kits were a hit.
Lego Train Sets
1980s G.I. Joe Snake Eyes
Snake Eyes is a memorable G.I. Joe action figure. He was a popular member of the original G.I. Joe Team, especially with Storm Shadow and Scarlett. The Snake-Eyes Version 2 action figure is one of the priciest, valued at $2,100. Not bad for old plastic! And why is he hiding? Due to a work-related accident.
1980s G.I. Joe Snake Eyes
Wun-Dar He-Man
This one is a gem! This action figure was based on a fabled rare and mysterious Mattel figure that even Mattel can’t pin down. As a result of this, Mattel decided to create a new figure based on this one, calling him Wun-Dar. So? He was a Club Eternia exclusive, and many collectors don’t have him.
Wun Dar He Man
Vintage Colorforms: $250 – $400
Colorforms, eh? The first Colorforms set came with 350 vividly colored pieces in a spiral-bound book in 1951. The parts might be arranged by the kids. It was the perfect creative outlet because you could make a single figure or perhaps a series! Finding an original set with no missing pieces isn’t easy. Why are they so expensive?
Vintage Colorforms $250 – $400
Playmobil
Any parent knows how much kids like Playmobil! Even adults without children can recall playing with them as a youngster, and they are clearly nostalgic items from our childhood. And they’re willing to spend a lot of money to recapture some of their youth. For example, the 1995 Playmobil Victorian Dollhouse sold for $1000, while the Knight’s Castle sold for $200+ previously. Very good!
Playmobil
Vintage Lunchboxes
Toys were based on popular cartoons and celebrities, but so were lunchboxes! Popular metal cartoon lunchboxes came with a matching Thermos bottle. For example, King Seeley’s 1968 “Yellow Submarine” lunchbox is valued at up to $1,300. Thermos alone costs $350! Of course, a complete collection is desirable and most collectors aim for it. Pre-1950 to post-1980 lunch boxes are most prevalent.
Vintage Lunchboxes