1. Vintage Barbie
It’s time to clean out your closets, check your attic and sort through the garage. Some of your old favorite toys that you haven’t thought about in a long time might play a role in filling your wallet and padding that bank account.
Yep, believe it or not, those toys that you held onto so fondly during your childhood have come full circle, and it’s now their time to take care of you. Here are some of the most valuable toys to dust off and sell…
The one and the only Barbie is an American icon. Before Barbie was introduced, the toy market only had baby dolls, so this curvy, beautiful woman figurine changed the toy landscape and opened the door to little girls dreaming about future careers. Barbie, like many career-drivenhack women, has outlasted the test of time, representing more than 180 different careers, selling more than 350,000 the first year on the market and more than one billion sold to date.
2. My Little Pony
Since her debut back in 1959, she is beloved in the hearts, homes and toy collections worldwide. But it is the original Barbie sporting a black and white zebra printed one-piece bathing suit that is worth thousands to the right collector. A first edition 1959 Barbie that is in excellent condition can sell for as much as $23,000. Pretty awesome considering she probably sold for three bucks.
My Little Pony Collectors don’t horse around when it comes to adding the originals to their valuable collections. Some are worth more than others including Mail Order ponies that are extremely rare. The value varies based on the availability of each pony but check this out.
3. Furby
The beloved My Little Pony line that features colorful bodies, big adorable eyes and special markings on each side was almost left in the stall because it didn’t do enough, according to the head honchos at Hasbro. It took a while to go from an unknown new toy to a phenomenon that is still beloved by children of the 90’s. Although your. My Little Pony doll might be tough to part with; it might be worth hundreds, even thousands. Rapunzel Mail Order Pony can go for as much as $900
After the 1998 fantastic Furby frenzy when everyone and their brother wanted one of the little robotic creatures had ended, Furby’s retained their value. Furbys are furry, big-eyed, cute, but creepy talking toys that were all the rage in the late 1990s. The original price was approximately $35 and now are selling to collectors on eBay and other sites for more than $400 bucks!
4. Lite Brite
If you are lucky enough to have the rarer than rare Springtime Furby or Graduation Furby, the Singing Elvis Furby the odds are they will be worth even more. Furby fanatics can even access a “Furby Value Guide” website to see how much their good old big-eyed friend is worth today including what condition it is in! Missing eyelashes, there’s a value for that! Matted fur? There’s a value for that, too.
Introduced by Hasbro in 1967, this first of its kind light-up picture designer kept kids entertained for hours. Simply a lightbox with small colored plastic pegs, Lite Brites sold for $6.95. Today collectors light up for an original boxed Lite Brite for $250 or more.
5. Pokemon Cards
Kids of the ’60s adored Lite Brite for its colorful artistic simplicity. Today, the Lite Brite brings back memories of a kinder time when families enjoyed being home and playing together. It was a simple but genius concept. Put colorful pegs into a design, like the famous clown on the box, that light up. That’s it! That is why everyone, including and especially collectors love this toy to this day, and some will pay a pretty price for one that is boxed, includes all the pieces and still works.
Why Pokemon, one might ask? Why not! Pokemon is a cartoon turned collectible card game that originated in Japan and became a phenomenon in America. Each one colorful described a different Pokemon cartoon character and explained their unique abilities. Kids loved to collect, trade and share the hundreds of cards that had sentimental meaning to them
6. Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
Today, collectors are paying big bucks to complete their collections, some very rare cards selling for thousands of dollars. Now collectors go on a different type of adventure and buy and sell the cards for fun and money! For example. The first series, Pikachu Illustrator Card, is worth $100,000 to the right buyer.
It was a marketing study for all the time. The company creating these unique for the time doll babies made owning one an experience. No two dolls were the same; they all arrived with a birth certificate that the new parent sent back to the company for an official validation adoption certificate. During the 1980s every little girl wanted a Cabbage Patch Doll complete with a birth certificate.
7. Tamagotchi Pets
It was genius, and the adage of supply and demand took over Christmas 1983. There weren’t enough dolls to go around. That’s all changed today, but collectors of the beloved dolls are seeking out to adopt them differently…on eBay and other secondary market sites. Now, the riots have died down, but the price of some original dolls has increased to thousands of dollars.
Tamagotchi Pets were little pocket-sized, battery-operated virtual gadgets designed to keep kids, occupied. They were marketed as a tiny pet from cyberspace that needed constant care. If it weren’t cared for properly, it would die and no longer work. When these little handheld tech toys were introduced back in 1997, it became an overnight sensation that sold more than 82 million pet throughout 2017. As a matter of nostalgia, that equates to 15 Tamagothchis sold every second in North America.
8. Monopoly
Collectors and throwback wannabes of the 90’s seek out these little cyberspace inspired techies to add to their toys of yesteryear collections. Back in 1996, they were priced at a few bucks, but today, an unopened one in the original packaging will sell for $4,000! That’s worth keeping alive.
The board game Monopoly has a long, long history and plays a very important part in American history. At the heart of the game is capitalism, the heart of the American economy. Why oh why do we love to get rich and watch our opponents get poorer? It’s hard to say, but collectors still love everything there is to love and hate about this classic Parker Brother’s winner that still resonates in our hearts and toy boxes of today, especially if you own one of the vintage editions.
9. Star Wars Action Figures
The iconic board game, Monopoly was initially hand-drawn and painted in 1933. It sold for $146,500 at an auction. There have been many versions of the game complete with Monopoly Money, playing cards and famous game pieces. Other vintage versions have also sold for up to $6,000.
Star Wars fans love collectible figurines just about as much as the movie that broke the Hollywood mold back in the 1970s and continues to amaze and entertain collectors of all ages. But it is the merchandising that catapulted the movie into hyperdrive has mesmerized collectors for more than 30 years and will continue in the future. It’s those who own the cherished Star Wars action figures that will continue to share the story that started, ” a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.”
10. Webkinz
Star Wars fans love everything Star Wars. We’re talking toys too. Today a set of the 1977 nine action figures including C3PO, Han Solo, Princess Leah and the rest of the original cast can go for $2,000.
Webkinz were a collection of stuffed animals whose collars included a secret code that when entered onto their website, they came to life. Parents and children alike loved to collect these cute creatures and virtually create a world for them online. Webkinz was released back in 2005, so it hasn’t been that long for them to grow into the height of demand.
11. Beanie Babies
Most of them sold for under $10 each and now, some of the first and most rare that include the tags are worth hundreds of dollars. So the Webkinz era in the collectible world will continue, and little stuffed animals that represent a “simpler time” in many’s memories will hold value in more ways than one.
Soft, colorful Beanie Babies were irresistible collectibles introduced by the Ty Company. Most of them are not worth anything, but some might be worth more than their weight in gold. If you happen to have the first edition, Princess Diana baby, hold on to your toy box! This baby is worth $507,000. Now that’s a toy fit for a princess!
12. Polly Pocket
Even though there are thousands and thousands out there in the big full Beanie Babies collectible world, there is still a value that pulls at the heartstrings of those who remember the fun they had adding to their collections and continue doing so even today.
This miniature pretty in pink doll collection was found in the pockets and toy boxes of little girls everywhere. It was a sensation that took America by storm and now one that doll collectors consider big treasure troves.
13. Vintage Baseball Cards
These cute miniature collections included a little doll named Polly, and a small kit that would fit right into your pocket. Today, original sets are being “pocketed” by collectors for $450 or more.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game! Baseball is as American as Apple Pie and the Red, White, and Blue. Baseball players, especially those of many years past, were honored on a card that became collectible and cherished.
14. Garbage Pail Kids
If your family has some old baseball fans in the house who used to collect baseball cards, maybe it’s time to see if you have the 1952 Topp’s, Mickey Mantle card laying around.. This one very expensive card sold for $525,000 to a collector. Now that’s a home run!
No one will understand the popularity of Garbage Pail Kids except those with a dark side who love potty humor and pushing the limits of good, clean fun. This collectible card collection, called Garbage Pail Kids seemed to be in rebellion to the cuteness of Cabbage Patch Dolls.
15. Moon Shoes
The cards featured disgusting cartoons that kids loved as much as the teachers hated, were banned from many schools. The Adam Bomb card sells today for as much as $4,000.
Back in the day when astronauts were superstars and space travel was in the headlines every day, little kids dreamed of walking on the gravity-free moon.
16. 1938 Action Comics
Back in the 1950s when traveling to the moon was on the horizon, Moon Shoes, toys you attached to your shoes so you could bounce around were all the rage.. Today, a pair of Moon Shoes go for an out of this world, $200 bucks.
Kids of the 30’s treasured their comic books that took them on adventures with their favorite superheroes like Superman. This first-ever comic book is referred to as the beginning of the superhero genre that we still enjoy today.
17. Hot Wheels Cars
Who wants to be a millionaire? You can if you own a June 1938 Action Comic book featuring for the first time, everyone’s hero, Superman! The comic book sold for $.99 in 1938 and now is worth $3.2 million if you dare to part with it.
Hot Wheels is a tradition, almost a rite of passage for little boys and girls alike and is still popular today, but it’s the first model that collectors are racing to. Hot Wheels collectible cars have gone down in history as one of the most popular toys. There were introduced in 19 and are still in every child’s toy box.
18. The Viewmaster
Some of the originals including the 1968 Cheetah Base Python and the 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger which is valued at thousands of dollars but it’s the 1969 pink VW beach wagon that is the leader of the pack. It sold for a turbocharged $74,000.
Some consider it a preview to virtual reality, some an educational toy, others an entertaining toy. It was introduced at the World’s Fair and was an instant hit.
19. American Girl Dolls
But one thing is for sure. It is part of American popular culture. Back in 1939, everyone loved the Viewmaster, binoculars looking toy that kids could view different slide shows through. Today a vintage Viewmaster and slides are worth hundreds of dollars.
American Dolls celebrate the beauty, intelligence, creativity, and diversity of girls throughout the world. Young girls couldn’t wait until a doll was introduced that “looked just like me.” American Girl Dolls hit the scene and after a while is discontinued. This makes them very valuable to collectors.
20. The Original Harry Potter Book
Dolls like Kirsten Larson, Samantha Parkington, Felicity Merriman and Kanani Akina are a few friends who are worth a pretty penny to collectors… up to $5,000 each.
Toys and dolls aren’t the only thing that is worth big bucks to collectors. Books, especially originals signed by the author, increase in value every day.
21. G.I. Joe
Before the amusement park, before the movie, even before the Harry Potter ultra wizard universe that hit readers by storm, there was the first, the original book that started it all. The original Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is worth $6,500, and if it is signed by the author, J.K. Rowing, it is worth a wicked $15,000 to a muggle collector.
The ultimate war hero celebrated our servicemen, many who paid the ultimate price, so America paid tribute to all servicemen serving our country with an action figure. G.I. Joe was an instant hit. This popular action figure was introduced by Hasbro in 1964 during a time when our soldiers needed more support than ever.
22. The Easy-Bake Oven
In 2003, when our soldiers needed more support than ever, the prototype of the original action figure sold for $200,000 during a special auction.
This clever culinary idea for the time was inspired by street vendors that warmed their fare with heat omitted from lamps. Kenner Toy Company transformed the idea into an entertaining toy of sorts that has gone down in history as one of the most popular toys.
23. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
Children slid pans through a slot into a heating chamber of their Easy Bake Oven and watched through a tiny window as their recipes baked right before their eyes. After it cooled, they could enjoy the baked goods of their very easy labor. Yes, the Easy-Bake Oven was targeted to girls back in 1963, but today, when cooking is cool for both boys and girls, you can still snag a vintage Easy-Bake Oven for a mere $300.
McDonald’s Golden Arches are an icon of American fast food, and so are the colorful boxes filled with tasty food and a carefully packaged toy, called a Happy Meal. McDonald’s is known for the Big Mac, Ronald McDonald, and some of the best fast food out there. But it’s their Happy Meal toys that are going for big Mcbucks.
24. Toy Story Collection
They might be free, but if you have an oldie but goodie they are very valuable. Some Happy Meal toys sell for more than $100. One that goes for even more is the McFurby toy collection. They can sell for as much as $900 to collectors.
“You’ve got a friend in me” are the lyrics from the classic movie, Toy Story where some of America’s favorite toys come to life, celebrate friendship and go on fantastic adventures together.
25. Pez Dispensers
Toy Story is a movie that has taken on a life of its own and created celebrities out of toys!. The prices for Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and all the gang have gone straight to “infinity and beyond!” These collectibles have sold for more than $500 each!
Nostalgia and Pez Dispensers go hand in hand, literally and can be considered the ultimate collector’s sweet dream. Pez Dispensers are cute and clever candy dispensers that have been around for years and years and are loved by collectors.
26. Dear Diary
Some Pez worth nothing but the candy the give out, but others are worth their weight in a lot of gold.. One Pez Dispenser known as Astronaut B, introduced at the 1982 World’s Fair, sold on eBay for $32,000!
The electronic diary provided kids a place to store their thoughts away from the prying eyes of adults. Tiger Electronics released Dear Diary in the 1990s which became an instant hit. Dear Diary could only be opened with a secret code.
27. Lionel’s Pennsylvania Set
The handheld device made kids feel so much cooler than using a notebook. These electronic secret keepers going for a couple hundred in some cases
Lionel’s nostalgic electric train sets evoke a bygone era and are now made with 21st-century technology, but if you find an original set – it could be worth hundreds. These sets date back to 1934, with history being very kind to the value of these items.
28. Jurassic Park Action Figures
Let’s hope he kept all these pieces. These train sets can rack up a huge $250,000! That’s enough to buy a house in some states – so get going and see what you can find.
Jurassic Park was a toy collector’s dream. As well as toys, there were merchandise, hats, t-shirts, mugs, and action figures. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film had a lot of merchandise to prove it.
29. Boba Fett Action Figure
If you found on to the original ’90s action figures and kept them in good condition, they can be worth thousands of dollars each these days. T-Rex is one of the most sought after this one is listed at $2,800.
This vintage Star Wars merchandise will command some of the highest prices in the galaxy. A crazy rare Boba Fett Star Wars action figure is currently on sale for $365,000 plus tax. There are only 3 of these Boba Fett action figure prototypes known to exist out in the world.
30. Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns
Bounty hunter Boba Fett is among the most popular action figure from the films, with mint-condition, in-box versions being sold for as much as $32,000.
This toy water gun operates using manually pressurized air to shoot water at your friends, mom, dad, neighbor, etc. It was the joy of many little kids, especially during summertime, much to the annoyance of many parents. Its popularity generated more than $1 billion in total sales.
31. Stamps
Models like this one from the 1990s start around $129 and can go for as much as $500.
A select number of rare stamps from the ’90s get traded for (relatively) high prices among collectors. A 1997 sheet of Bugs Bunny stamps, for instance, sold for $90 in May 2016. A set of 1992 Junior Duck Stamps recently sold for a whopping $995.
32. Skip-It
According to eBay, an uninverted Jenny Error Stamp Sheet sold for $83,000! There are fun stories of other collections – one couple bought a nice-looking stamp for 10 cents and resold it years later for $200!
It was the infamous 1990s Skip-It commercial filmed at Ravinia elementary school in Highland Park, Illinois that helped make this toy a success. The advertisement played during children’s programming. Kids had to have it when they saw that apparatus swinging around other kids’ ankles.
33. Nintendo Game Boy
Skip-Its are still available for sale, but definitely lost a bit of its cool factor with children today (iPads are the new hip thing). However, collectors might buy your old Skip-It for $120 on eBay. It might have to be in the original packaging, however!
Some say the Game Boy is the granddaddy of handheld video games. These portable games were released back in 1989 and featured hours and hours of personal entertainment fun.
34. Atari 2600 Games
The Game Boy can be considered as one of the most popular toys of the 1990s. Vintage Game Boys that are in tip-top shape are cashing in the big among collectors. Some are selling for an impressive $1,500 on auction sites like eBay.
Space Invaders was one of the games played on the Atari 2600 that now is considered a dinosaur in the gaming industry but collectors love it. Way back before the popularity of X Box and all the online games of today’s digital world, there was Atari 2600 that led the way.
35. Eternia Playset
The most valuable one is Air Raid that has sold for as much as $13,500 out of the box, but if it is unused and still in the box, it can go for an incredible $33,000! Game on! Game, way, way on!
Many people will remember He-Man – the popular comic book character who was made a television star in the 1980s. Once he became the go-to show, naturally kids wanted merchandise.
Described by one eBay seller as the “Holy Grail” of Masters of the Universe toys, this battleground where your He-Man and Skeletor action figures might have fought now fetches about $1,600.