For the next generation of millennials, the majority of the toys and games will continue to exist inside our smartphones and tablets. However, there was a time, just a few years ago when people brought actual physical toys. Nowadays, it’s pretty common to see children engrossed for hours online playing their favorite games. However, if we dust off our bookshelves and dig out our old storage boxes, we might just find some interesting nuggets of nostalgia and hidden vintage toy treasures.
So if you’re lucky enough to have kept some of these iconic toys from as early as the 1980s, then you might be thrilled that the value of these vintage gems has started to soar. In fact, the demand is so high that some have even racked up thousands of dollars in value. So if you have any of these classic toy models or branded merchandise is hidden in a dusty box in your attic, now might be the prime time to hunt down these treasures.
Happy Meal Value Toys
At one point in time, most people will have been tempted to buy a kid’s happy meal, whether for yourself or for your kids. Since these tasty value meals always came free toy, you might have even kept the toy in a nostalgic shelf in your childhood room. Well, you might be happy to hear that these free toys are now rising fast in value.
The value of the older toys, which were produced in the 1990s, has risen to as much as $100. This might depend on how rare or limited edition the toys were and how many were circulating at the time. Still, you may want to go through your childhood boxes, as one ‘McFurby’ toy managed to sell for a staggering $900 online!
Trendy Rainbow Brite Dolls
During the 1980s, one of the trendiest dolls you could find were the Rainbow Brite Dolls. While some may have preferred the Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, the Rainbow Brite ones seemed to have surpassed the rest. What’s more, they’ve now spiked in value. In fact, the going rate for one of the Rainbow dolls is as much as $100.
If you search on eBay for one of these vintage dolls, the bids have been pretty generous. So, if you have any of these sentimental dolls laying around your attic, then you may want to dust off a layer of nostalgia and open a new eBay account.
Iconic Skip-It Toys
These skipping rope gems were infamous in their day. The skip-it toys actually jumped to fame after a popular advert was screened in schools in Illinois. Soon after, children far and wide jumped at the chance to skip to the store and be the first in line to snatch them up as fast as they could.
Whilst most kids today are far more excited by their iPads than a simple skipping rope, these skip-it gems were hugely popular in their heyday. So if you ever bought one for the going rate of around $12, and kept the original box, it could now earn you a lucrative $120 online.
Magical Lite Brite Toys
During the 1990s, these Lite Brite toys were completely LIT for smaller children and teenagers alike. They came in a host of calming and magical designs and the prized lights were even awarded the prestigious title as one of the top 100 toys of all time in TIME magazine.
The Lite Brite toys were originally released onto the market in 1967 and continued to hold the top spot for over 30 years. If you still have one at home, you might feel a hint of nostalgia. Still, if you can find the urge to sell it online, then you can potentially earn up to a cool $150 online.
String-Pulling Sky Dancer Dolls
As the brainchild of the twin brothers, John, and Anthony Gentile, Sky Dancer dolls were another incredibly popular doll on the market. The brothers actually enlisted the help of an aviation expert to help create a dancer doll that could soar into the sky at the pull of a string. The only snag was that these dolls also made it to the most dangerous toy list.
Whilst the dancer dolls were initially rejected by many toy makers, this didn’t stop the toys from soaring in popularity. Still, it also became popular for many children to shoot them at their siblings, so many of the dancer dolls were recalled due to safety reasons. Nonetheless, this only made their value soar even higher. So now you can potentially earn around $80 if you still have one at home.
Sit ‘N’ Spin for Hours
The Sit ‘N’ Spin really was the gift that kept on giving, both for toddlers and parents alike. Whilst the ingenious spinner would often entertain toddlers for hours, it also meant that they spent most of their afternoon energy spinning, which was perfect for bedtime.
If you bought one of these savvy spinners for around $13 back in the day, then this would have been a worthy investment. Today on eBay, these spinners will go for around $90, so you can sell it to the next generation of spinning toddlers.
Socker Popper Boxing Gloves
Created to let your children blow off a little steam, these Socker Bopper gloves were designed to allow your kids to punch each other in the face for hours. The best part was that they could hit each with these blow-up boxing gloves, without causing as much injury as their fists.
Whilst these inflatable boxing gloves were incredibly popular in their prime, their popularity began to wane once the internet took over. So if you have one of these vintage gems under your bed, then you can sell them for a massive $90 online.
Musical HitClips
Back in the 90s, in the days before iPods, smartphones, YouTube or Spotify, if you really loved a track on the radio, you may have invested in one of these little musical HitClips. The little cartridges were attached to this little device and you could pick and choose between your favorite clips.
Whilst your musical taste might have changed since the 90s, if you ever owned one of these musical HitClips, then we’re sure you’ll be overcome with nostalgia. Although you may have bought these musical clip cartridges for around $5 a pop, the asking price is now around $100!
Whistling Nerf Turbo Screamer Ball
This iconic Nerf football scored high on the wish list for most kids in the 1990s. Dubbed the Nerf Turbo Screamer Ball, this was the coolest way to score a touchdown and impress all the kids in your class.
Back in the day, when kids preferred to play football outside than on the computer screen at home, this was the ball to buy. So since these toys are hard to find nowadays, it’s understandable that some nostalgic bidders will bid up to $100 ago.
A Worthy Kansas Quarter
This Kansas Quarter became infamous in 2005 for all the right reasons. After a hilarious typo was made by the coin maker, the coin accidentally said ‘In God We Rust’ instead of ‘In God We Trust’. Whether this was purely accidental or an inside rusting joke, the coin gathered the attention across the country.
Although the authorities were quick to notice the typo and more coins were inserted into circulation with the right phrase, the iconic coin still managed to cause a stir. So, if you managed to lay your hands on one of these vintage coin gems, then you’ll be able to trade one for a lucrative $100 online!
Glamorous Glitter and Gold Jem Dolls
In the 1980s, following the success of the hit TV show Jem and the Holograms, the main characters were incarnated as dolls. Although the show was short-lived and only aired between 1985 and 1988, it still managed to attract the attention of many happy shoppers.
So if you were a fan and still have some Glitter and Gold Jem Dolls in your childhood play box, then you could be sitting on treasure. If the dolls are in good condition and you still have the original box, then you can sell them for around $200 on eBay.
The Little People Family House From Fisher-Price
The Fisher-Price brand has established itself as one of the most successful and iconic toy makers since the 1930s. The list of fun and educational toys and games are plentiful, and some can be very lucrative, just like the Little People Family House.
This charming family house was originally available in two colors. Interestingly, if you chose the yellow version, it was actually a much better investment. If you search the marketplace on eBay, you can now get more for your buck and collect around $200 for one of these yellow gems.
Bouncy Moon Shoes
Some boots really are made for walking, and others are made for bouncing, like this snazzy moon shoes. Although they may look a little eccentric, they were actually designed to defy gravity and make you feel as though you were really bouncing on the moon.
While we’re sure that even the most graceful of kids might look a little awkward or clumsy trying to walk around in these, we’re sure they provided hours of bouncy fun. So if you have one of these at the back of your closet in the original box, you can earn around $200 for them.
Electronic Diaries
As the ultimate secret keeper, these slick and adorable electronic diaries would have been ahead of their game at the time. Not only were they compactly designed to fit in your pocket, but they also looked pretty special and were equipped with a unique secret code to help prevent anyone from reading the juicy content.
Designed especially to help young girls write down their feelings down, these diaries were a huge hit. If you ever owned one, you might feel a special sense of nostalgia. Still, if you’re able to wipe the original content and sell one of these vintage treasures online, then you can earn around $200 on Amazon.
Deluxe Talkboys
After the release of Home Alone 2, when Kevin McCallister famously used a Deluxe Talkboy as his own electronic diary, these gadgets spiked in popularity. The recording device was designed to cater to the young male market and allowed them to record their feelings in a unique and secret way.
These vintage recording devices were cutting-edge gadgets back in the day. We’re sure if you dusted one of these off and pressed play, you’ll feel a hint of nostalgia at most of your secret old recordings. Still, if you can bring yourself to sell it in good condition on eBay, then you can earn a profitable $130 for your efforts.
Vintage VHS Cassette Tapes
Another set of vintage classics on the list are VHS cassettes. In the 1970s and 80s, almost everyone owned a VHS machine, and the only way to catch all your favorite films was with VHS cassettes. However, with the onset of DVDs and then the rise of the internet and streaming, these cassette gems are virtually obsolete and are now out of production.
Since the last company to manufacture any VHS cassettes have now gone out of business, these cassettes are now considered vintage treasures. However, since they are no longer in production, it actually makes them more valuable. So if you search through the box in your parent’s attic, you might have struck gold and could sell them for around $200 online.
Bop ‘Till You Drop
In the 1990s, if you didn’t bop it to the extreme, then you may have just missed out. As one of the coolest toy gadgets around, the Bop It Extreme 2 gradually evolved into a five levered toy that you could twist, pull or spin for hours.
If you search through your childhood play box and manage to find one of these Bop It Extremes in good condition, then you might just be able to earn up to $212 online for it.
Official Spice Girls Doll Collection
In the 1990s, the Spice Girls were one of the biggest bands on the planet and ‘Girl Power’ was the catchphrase on everyone’s lips. If, like us you were a fan of the fab five, then you may have bought the Spice Girl branded doll collection.
Whether your favorite Spice Girl was Baby, Posh, Scary, Sporty or Ginger, if you bought the entire set then you will have made a worthy investment. That’s because twenty years later, these dolls have soared in value and you can potentially earn around $225 online for each doll.
Boy Scouts Medals
If you ever thought that all effort, hard work, time and energy poured into earning your Boy Scout’s medals and badges will never be useful in life, then think again. In fact, because fewer people are opting to join the scouts, the demand online for these classic medals have sky-rocketed.
Many of the nostalgic bidders online may just want relive their adventurous youths or fancy a trip down memory lane. Whatever the reason, if you still have your classic Boy Scout memorabilia laying in storage, then you could be in for a nice surprise and earn up to $240 for some pieces.
Classic G.I Joe Action Figures
When the G.I Joe Breaker Action Figures first hit the shelves, back in 1982, kids far and wide ventured out to the stores to get one before they went out of stock. While these action figures were literally flying off the shelves, they only cost $2 at the time, which was a bargain even in the 80s.
The G.I Joe franchise seems to have captured the hearts of millions and it even featured in two films which starred The Rock, so it’s showing little sign of slowing down. Still, if you were one of the first to buy one of these collectible action figurines, and it’s in good condition, then you can trade it online for around $250.
A Classic 2001 Model iPod
Although for most of us, it seems like the iPod was released only a few years ago, the 2001 model is now considered a vintage classic. Isn’t technology is moving so fast! At the time, the iPod was considered cutting edge, or even revolutionary. Now it’s viewed as a collectible antique.
So in 2001, if you were ahead of your friends in and were one of the first to own an iPod, then it was actually a worthy investment. Now people will pay up to $250 for this artifact. You may just want to delete some of your cheesy teenage hits though.
A Rare Michael Jackson 80’s Doll
In the 1980s, most would have agreed that Michael Jackson was the undisputed King of Pop. He was one of the biggest superstars on the planet until 2009 and left a musical legacy that will last generations.
So if you were a dedicated fan and managed to buy this rare Superstar of the 80’s Michael Jackson doll, then you may have struck gold. The doll has now become a collectible gem, so if you find it in your attic, you can earn up to $300 online for it.
Barbie Gold
Since the 1950s, Barbie has made a name for itself as one of the most popular dolls in the world, and the Barbie franchise is a big business. So, if you ever owned a Barbie, then you might have collected a bunched of seasoned accessories, like this Barbie Golden Dream Motor Home.
Whilst you may have bought the motor home for around $45 at the time, this has now become a collectible classic and you can sell it online for as much as $325 on eBay!
Tickle Me Elmo Nostalgia
We just can’t look at this adorable Elmo toy without bursting into a huge smile and feeling the scent of nostalgia. During the 1990s these endearing Tickle Me Elmo Extremes were all the rage. In fact, people almost lost their minds trying to hunt down one of these creatures and were willing to pay huge prices.
If you were lucky enough to track one of these loveable creatures, then you might have enjoyed hours of laughter. You might still be laughing now, as you can auction one of these gems on eBay for as much as $350.
Vintage Themed Lunch Boxes
A few years ago, most children would carry a tin-lunch box to school. Most children would take pride in their choice, and pick lunch boxes with their favorite designs, themes, bands, superheroes, or cartoon characters.
So if you manage to dig out your classic themed lunch box from your childhood play box, then you might be in for a money-spinning surprise. Depending on the design or theme, some of the classic favorites like Snoopy, The Beatles, or Superman can now earn up to $400 online.
View-Master Binoculars
Back in 1939, when these View-Master binocular-type devices were released onto the market, they were considered ahead of their time. Whilst they didn’t have the luxury of smartphones, people would use these binoculars to view photos, mainly of popular tourist attractions from around the world.
The View-Masters were commonly used on Disneyland rides, although they have been swiftly replaced by cameras and smartphones in recent years. However, since they are now vintage treasures, you can earn up to $430 if you trade them online.
Collectible Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
Created by Muriel Fahrion, these Wonderful World of Strawberry Shortcake cartoon was first in 1979. The show featured a strawberry-haired protagonist and her pals and became a huge cartoon hit. Naturally, the show inspired spin-offs, movies, toys and plenty of merchandise.
So if you managed to collect one of these vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls and still have the original packaging, then you can earn a small fortune. The prices online can even reach $550.
Classic Typewriters
Before the advent of computers and laptops, typewriters were the trendiest keyboards around. Now that typewriters are considered vintage antiques, they have attracted a niche following. In fact, there’s plenty of nostalgic type-writer lovers who are willing to spend their bucks on these classic gems.
Now that it’s become more difficult to source classic typewriters in stores, it has become more popular to buy second-hand typewriters. So if you dust- off one of your old type-writers and go online, you might be able to rack up to as much as $560.
Super Soaker Water Guns
Throughout the 90s and 2000s, super soaker water guns were the epitome of summer entertainment for most children. Over time, these powerful water guns evolved and many of the advanced models came with a whole host of technical features to help kids soak each other to the max.
However, if you managed to preserve one of the original and more modest super soaker models, then you might be in for a lucrative surprise. Some of the most popular classic models like the Monster XL and the original, the Super Soaker 50 can earn you up to $600 online.
Toy Story Character Figures
In the 1990s, one of the most popular cartoon classics to hit our screens was Toy Story. The iconic movie franchise inspired a whole generation of fans, and most couldn’t wait to buy the merchandise. So if you ever bought an official Woody or Buzz Toy, or even the other characters, then you might have struck movie gold.
In fact, one of the supporting characters, like Stinky Pete who appeared in Toy Story 3 then this toy could earn you up to $700. The reason is less of these characters were produced, making them more collectible and more valuable. So you might want to stock up on the rest of the characters, while the price is still low.
Nintendo 64 Computer Games
When the Nintendo 64 was first released, it was the games console on most people’s wish-lists. While the games were the height of technology and offered exciting features and endless entertainment, most of them came with hefty price-tags, like Mario Kart 64.
So if you managed to somehow buy one of these prized Mario Kart 64 games and kept it sealed in the box, you could now earn up to $750 online. If you still own another cult classic game, Harvest Moon 64, you could even earn a lucrative $900.
Official Ghostbusters Fight Feature Action Figure
If you loved the Ghostbusters movie franchise and you ever treated yourself to an official Ghostbuster action toy, then you’re in luck. Now thirty years after the movie was released, these action dolls can be traded for up to $900!
The Ghostbuster franchise is still going strong, with the last one released in 2016. So there’s still time to get in on the action and collect more of these dolls for the future.
Jurassic Park Merchandise
When Jurassic Park first roared onto our screens, it was a blockbusting success. The movie franchise also inspired plenty of merchandise, from action figure dolls to mugs, t-shirts, and hats.
The most recent movie reboot was in 2015 and it only fueled the success of the Jurassic Park franchise. Since this merchandise is still seen as a collector’s dream, if you bought any the Carnotaurus, Gallimimus or T-Rex dolls from as early as 1993, then you could earn up to $900 online!
Furby Toys
While they may have looked adorable, these electronic Furby toys also boasted their own unique language. So while many parents may have rolled their eyes at their gibberish sounds, they were a huge hit and most kids in the 1990s couldn’t wait to snatch them from the shelves.
So if you have one of these adorable furry creatures collection dust in a box in the attic, then you might want to search for it. They could earn you a small fortune and up to $900 online!
Magical My Little Pony Dolls
If you grew up in the 1980s, then you’ll know just how magical My Little Ponies were. For most young girls, they were one of the popular dolls around. Whilst they came in a whole host of colorful and magical designs, over 150 million little ponies sold throughout the US during the 80s.
The My Little Pony brand is still a massive hit with young kids today. Still, if you managed to keep any vintage ponies from the 80s in their original boxes, then you could collect up to $900.
Castlevania Video Game, NES
In the 1990s, Castlevania was a hugely successful Dracula-inspired video game. If you owned this popular game and remember playing it on your Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), then you might feel a hint of nostalgia right now.
This game was also available on the 1994 SEGA Genesis console. However, if you still have the NES Castlevania game and kept it in mint condition, then you might be in for a treat. The game is as valuable as $950 now.
G.I Joe Battle Tank Toy
If you were around in the 1980s, then you’ll remember that the G.I Joe branded action figures were a huge craze. Fans who couldn’t wait to get in on the army action would invest in a whole host of accessories and branded merchandise, like this G.I Joe Motorized Battle Tank.
If you were one of these G.I Joe action fans, and you owned this battle tank, then you could be rewarded for your fandom. This particular tank can earn you up to $1,000 in rewards.
Ninja Turtle Action Figures
In the 1980s, everyone’s favorite pizza-eating rodents were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Named after four Italian artists, these cartoon heroes had plenty of branded merchandise and their theme song was one of the catchiest tunes of all time.
So if you ever owned one of these original Ninja Turtle cartoon figurines, then you might want to dust off your collection. One of these Ninja Turtles can collect up to a lucrative $1,000 online.
Pogs Pieces
Pogs often came free with Haleakala Dairy products and were modest round cardboard pieces that were usually branded with characters and themes. As it turns it, Pogs might just be the most valuable investment you ever made.
If you managed to collect an entire set of branded Pogs, then you could earn up to $100 for your efforts. Still, some of these collections are more profitable than others, as the holographic Jurassic Park set can go for up to $1 million online. Talk about money for free!
Sega Genesis Console
In the 1990s, if you were lucky enough to own a Sega Genesis, then you would have surely impressed all the kids in your class. The Sega was actually one of the first video games consoles around, so it’s easy to see why it’s so sentimental for some, and will always hold a special place in gaming history.
We can’t mention this console without giving a special shout out to Sonic the Hedgehog, as this was one of the most popular games in the 1990s. So if you still own this game, then you might be thrilled to hear that there are collectors willing to pay up to $1,000 for it online.
Syphon Filter 3 911 Edition (PlayStation)
This is one of the rarest games that belong to the PlayStation from the early 2000s. Its initial release date was September 25, 2001 – just two weeks after 9/11. Because of the attack, the distribution was restricted, and only several copies went for sale.
Today, you can get up to $1,250 for a copy of the game. The reason it was restricted is that it features an American flag getting burnt in the game. This, rightly, was deemed inappropriate and its sales suffered. Do you have a copy lying around?
Nintendo NES
If you didn’t have a Sega console growing up, then perhaps you were more prone to Nintendo gadgets.
The rivalry between these two companies divided kids in the playground for years, with these players enjoying Mario games and Zelda. Today, these NES devices can go for $1,300 online if still in good condition with worthy games included. Tetris, anyone?
Game Boy
Before mobiles and tablets took over the gaming industry, Nintendo’s Game Boy was one of the first handheld gaming devices. From 1989, you would be hard pressed to go to a kid’s house that didn’t have one of these.
Today, the original Game Boy is worth more than $1,500 on eBay. If you have the gold-plated and diamond-encrusted special edition (which we’re sure you don’t), you could collect $25,000.
Power Rangers
In the 1990s, every kid had their favorite Power Ranger. In 1994, there was around $350 million worth of toys and merchandise sold to families across the US. By 1998, the franchise was still going strong and the toys back then are worth a mighty amount today.
A Power Rangers Lost Galaxy Deluxe Gold Galaxy Megazord toy sold on eBay for $1,400! Unfortunately, the 2017 reboot failed to attract the same attention.
Yu-Gi-Oh Cards
Yu-Gi-Oh was never as popular as its rival, Pokemon, but it still left a deep hole in pop culture. First-editions of “Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon booster boxes” has reportedly sold for $1,450 on eBay.
This doesn’t count as much compared to other card-based games, but it’s not a bad result if you briefly engaged in the fad. Do you have any Yu-Gi-Oh cards lying around at home?
Vintage Cereal Boxes
Remember when cereal boxes were the PINNACLE of breakfast each morning? It almost didn’t matter what you were eating, as long as your favorite celebrity was endorsing it. Well, it appears people are willing to cash in on the nostalgia.
A vintage box of Wheaties with Michael Jordan from 1991 sold for $1,500 online! We don’t recommend eating what’s inside. Alongside celebrities, people will also bid for cartoon characters from favorite shows in the 1990s.
Skeletor Action Figure
This figurine will bring you quite the profit if you still have it in its original box. The Masters of the Universe franchise was in full force in the 1980s, and everyone had a He-Man toy.
That’s why it’s surprising that it’s the chief nemesis, Skeletor, that garners the most value. He’s worth quite the pretty penny today at a whopping $1,600. If you have one still in condition, you might want to hold on to it – these will only rise in value.
Teddy Ruxpin
This teddy from 1985 was a dream for parents who could press play on pre-recorded messages sung from the bear. Each night, children would fall asleep to the words of a bear while the parents could blissfully relax in the other room away from their children.
These things were taken off the shelves in 1987 but not before they gained a cult following. Even though they were brought back in 2017, it’s the original collection that can bring in the big bucks.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
One Hundred Years of Solitude was first published in English way back in 1970. Today, it is considered one of the most important and impactful pieces of literature from Latin America.
If you’re lucky enough to have a first edition copy, you might want to check the dust jacket. Due to an initial misprint, there is an exclamation point where a period should be. Even though this was amended in later editions, the original typo can get you thousands!
Polly Pocket
These little collectibles were favorite in the 1980s and 1990s among young girls everywhere. Kids could purchase different themes – such as princess, mermaid, or more – and set them on display.
Good news for hoarders: if you held on to the entire sets for all these years you could be in for a financial treat. Just a Sparkle Surprise Polly Pocket set could be worth $500 today. It’s the bigger sets, however, that are worth thousands.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Well of Souls
You’ll be hard pressed to find someone who grew up in the 1980s who wasn’t a fan of Indiana Jones. He captured the hearts and minds of millions of kids around the world who played with their merchandise at home.
Today, one particular toy could make you a fortune. The Raiders of the Lost Ark Well of Souls was released two years after the film and is now worth around $2,000. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! There’s a new film on the way, and you can buy a new toy.
Transformers Action Figures
These once-niche toys from the 1980s have reentered the mainstream culture ever since the revival of the franchise from film director Michael Bay. With approximately 58 films made since the early 2000s, toy owners are enjoying a jump in value for the original toys.
Transformers are still sold today – in places as accessible as Target or Walmart – but it’s the originals that are worth the thousands. Your vintage Optimus Prime can be bought today for $2,000!
Playmobil
It’s only been a few years since these 1990s toys have entered the cult culture for some adults. It appears that investing in these little playable models was a wise thing to do – they can sell for more than $2,000 today!
Of course, you can sell any of them online, but it’s the entire collections in their original packaging that will garner the most attention (and money!) from fanatics.
LEGO Trains
It’s pretty amazing how LEGO has survived in the 70 years since it first entered our homes. Well into the 21st-century people are still enjoying their new sets and films.
You might want to see if your parents or grandparents still have their train sets – they’re worth literally thousands today! Keep an eye out for the High-Speed City Express Trains from 1985 and the Diesel Freight Trains, which are the most valuable.
Cabbage Patch Kids
Whoever says that having children isn’t an excellent financial investment? These soft, round-faced sculpted baby dolls entered US markets in 1978 and were hugely popular at the time.
You didn’t just ‘buy’ one. You welcomed one into your family. If you held on to yours, you might be able to be rewarded for it. A James Dudley 1985 Cabbage Patch doll might go for $3,000 on eBay.
Eternia Playset
Many people will remember He-Man – the favorite comic book character who was made a television star in the 1980s. Once he became the go-to show, naturally kids wanted merchandise.
The Eternia playset was part of the He-Man universe and can with a few additional characters that children could play with after they watched their show. Today, this set could be worth $3,000!
Tamagotchis
Parents hated Tamagotchis due to the constant care and attention they required at practically all times. Invariably, children got bored with the adult responsibilities after a few days, and so it was up to them to keep it alive.
Weirdly, these things have made a comeback from their time in the 1990s, even being cared for by Katy Perry. An unopened Tamagotchi can go for $3,000 on eBay!
Fisher-Price’s Push Cart Pete
If you happen to have a mint-condition copy of the 1936 model, then you’re in luck! This ‘Push Car Pete’ is considered a classic Fisher-Price model and can go for upward of $3,000 today!
These models captured imaginations for years and are still popular today, even though interest among the masses has wained a bit. Make sure to check all your cupboards and attics for these treasures!
Musical Instruments
Ok, your dream of becoming an international rockstar didn’t work out. That’s fine, at least you bought a trendy cool instrument from it. Well, if you’re like most of us who left their guitar in its case collecting dust, you might be in luck!
One lucky failed musician sold his Gibson guitar for more than $3,000, more than double the original price! eBay accepts many old instruments which might increase in value over time.
Garbage Pail Kids
Perhaps one of the most significant ROIs in our list is this collection of Garbage Pail Kids. Selling for just 25 cents at the time, they can be swapped for thousands in today’s money.
They first became popular in the 1980s and featured small characters with… let’s just say… ‘abnormalities on fate’. The injured characters were banned in schools for being too violent and were deemed a ‘distraction’.
Legos
According to The Telegraph, investing in Lego is a safer bet than investing in gold! Since 2000, the value of gold has increased by 4.1%, whereas Lego has increased value by a whopping 12%.
The building toys have found new popularity in recent years, so you might want to check your attics! Apparently, Lego Star Wars sets are the most popular, with a First Edition Millennium Falcon now worth $4,000!
Megatron Gun
Transformers merchandise has proved to be valuable for years after their purchase. Let’s just look at this Megatron gun! Despite the original price being $20, it is now worth a massive $4,000!
Of course, it is even more valuable in its box untouched. But back in the day when people were less delicate, they were probably outside playing with this instead of keeping it in the box.
Boba Fett Action Figure
Who doesn’t like Star Wars? The franchise entered pop culture in 1977 and has shown no signs of slowing down with new films, television shows, and comic books being made today.
Real fans will know that this Boba Fett action figure was initially deemed ‘unsafe’ and was never released to broad audiences. They were kept hidden for 40 years and have recently been made available to the public. If you get your hands on one of these toys (or bought one from before they were banned!), they will rack up $5,000 in valuation.
Beanie Babies
Who doesn’t remember the Beanie Baby craze? Before Pokemon, before Tamagotchi, there were these adorable animals that kids would collect and keep on display. Each one had their own personalities and character traits, causing headaches for parents everywhere.
Although you can sell almost any of your Beanie Babies, there’s one that holds the prize for the most valuable. There have only been 2,000 Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Babies called Peanut created – meaning you can sell it for $5,000!
Pound Puppies
In the 1980s, Pound Puppies were all the rage. In fact, in three years, the company that made them generated $300 million in sales! It turned into a successful TV show that ran for two years.
Today, these Pound Puppies are worth a pretty penny. If you happen to have one in the original packaging, you can rack up around $5,000 in profits! What are you waiting for? No need to “paws” and think about it!
American Girl Dolls
Many parents probably hated being forced to enter the American Girl store due to the excessive amount of collectible items from its catalog.
The famous doll from the 1950s, Molly McIntire, is especially valuable due to how rare its initial production was. A mint condition doll can be sold today for around $5,000 – do you have one?
Vinyl Caped Jawa
One of these toys. If still in good condition, could get you $5,000 today on eBay! Please note that the cape MUST be made of vinyl – this is what makes it so valuable!
After 1978, the vinyl material was changed to the cloth. And while having a toy from 1979 might be valuable, it’s the toys from before the switch where you’ll make your real fortune.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
No one could have predicted in 1997 just how big the Harry Potter franchise would become. With many reprints, movies, spin-offs, stage plays, and amusement parks, the 1st edition books are only rising in value.
If you were one of the early readers in the 1990s who bought the books at the start, you might have $6,500 sitting on your bookshelf. Did you ever read about the wizarding world? You might be in for a treat!
Thundercats Thunderwings Lion-O Action Figure
These dolls were everywhere in the 1980s due to the popular cartoon series between 1985-1988. Kids everywhere were running to pick up their toys and playing in the garden.
Today, some of these toys can rack up to $7,000 if they are still in their original packaging. Make sure you explore your cupboards at home and see if there is one again in the box – you might just be able to buy yourself a vacation!
Vintage Care Bear Dolls
These cuts and cuddly toys each have different patterns on their bellies, making them unique to each owner. In the 1980s, you’d be hard-pressed to see a child’s room without these sprawled around the shelves.
Let’s hope you have a few of them left around! They can collect a value of approximately $7,500. Each! Time to check out the storage cupboards…
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records appear to be enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years. What was once the only way to enjoy music at home is now just one-way people are exploring new music tastes. You can thank your dad for collecting them in the 1960s!
Today, some vintage albums can rack up $10,000! There are many reasons for this, but fans of old music consider old vinyl records to be like first edition books. Somewhere, a VHS is jealous.
Magic: The Gathering Cards
Magic cards first started gaining popularity in the mid-1990s, and the game still has 12 million active players in the world today.
The value of each card depends on their rarity, and “Power 9” cards remain the most valuable. According to eBay sales, many people are willing to spend big to collect the items, with Alpha editions of the Black Lotus card going for $13,500.
Mego Elastic Batman
Everyone loves a comic book toy. And when you consider that everyone in the 1980s loved Elastic Man, it makes sense to sell him as a Batman. Well, look no further!
The Batman Mego Elastic doll was released in 1979 and was a constant hit throughout the 1980s. Today, you can sell it for $15,000! Holy smokes, Batman!
Beano Comics
Any first editions of BEANO comics are pretty rare to find these days, but if you do, you’re in for a treat! Some of the comics from 1938 can collect up to $17,000 if they’re still in good condition.
Today, BEANO is still going strong today, with comics, TV shows, merchandise, and clothing all still selling out. It’s never too late to start investing!
Where The Wild Things Are
Hang on before you rush to sell your child’s favorite book! Although most aren’t worth a whopping $25,000 today, there are a few who can claim that prize.
A special 1963 first edition (and signed!) copy of Where The Wild Things Are can get you thousands. Do you happen to have a copy with Maurice Sendak’s autograph? Today, books are still favorite. As of 2013, the album sold 20 million copies.
Luke Skywalker Action Figure
It’s not just any old Skywalker doll that can earn you thousands. There is a special limited edition 1978 figurine that will have fans scrambling all over the world!
In a 2015 auction at Sotheby’s, a version of the toy sold for a whopping $25,000. It was previously owned by Tomoaki Nagao, the creator of the Japanese clothing line, The Bathing Ape. Do you like Star Wars and its action figures?
Star Wars Kenner Obi-Wan Kenobi Action Figure
After Luke, Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of the more famous characters in the Star Wars franchise. It’s no surprise that the original Alec Guinness dolls from the 1970s can collect a pretty penny.
The Double Telescoping Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure can sell for upwards of $30,000. Seriously. It’s an insane amount of money – do you have one?
Pez
The very first PEZ was made in 1927 in Austria. It was designed by people whose sole aim was to create a candy dispenser with sanitation in mind. According to sources: “the name is an abbreviation for the German word for peppermint.
You can put any character on top of their heads, making them incredibly accessible and relevant for generations. Today, the original toys can be sold for more than $32,000!
Atari 2600 games
If you have any of the old Atari 2600 games lying around at home, you might be unknowingly sitting on a goldmine. One of its most valuable products is the Air Raid – even used versions can get you almost $14,000!
However, like most things on this list, most of their value can be made when they are in their original packaging. Gamers didn’t know how much they were worth until about 2007. Do you have any?
Spider-Man Comic Books
Given the rise in popularity for superhero films, it’s no surprise that their original source material would also increase. Some of the oldest editions of ‘Spider-Man’ comics can go for tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the storyline.
Spider-Man’s first appearance was in Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy #15 before spinning off into his own comic. This particular comic can get as much as $1.1 million!
Stamps
For everyone who used to make fun of you and your stamp collection – it looks like you will have the last laugh! Some marks, if kept unused and in good condition, can sell for thousands of dollars.
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!
Pokémon Cards
If you ever want to buy a new house, you might want to consider selling your Pokemon cards! Parents everywhere can rejoice to know that their countless efforts to ‘catch them all’ can finally pay off some 20 years later.
These cards became so popular that they were banned in schools due to competition and theft among young students. By March 2018, Pokemon sold more than 25.7 billion tickets!
Hot Wheels
Perhaps one of the most significant ROIs on our list! Today, some of these little cars are worth more than actual human vehicles. That is literally mental. One car, the 1969 pink rear-loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb Hot Wheels car sold for an astounding $125,000.
Before you go searching for it in your attic, keep in mind that it’s the only one ever made of the toy. Some of the more popular toys can go for $20,000 – so keep an eye out!
Monopoly
There are few homes in the world today that don’t have at least one version of Monopoly. Created in 1933, it has become the world’s most popular board game with 250 million boxes sold across the globe.
Somewhere in existence is The Landlord Game – an early version of Monopoly that was hand-drawn by Elizabeth Magie. This is rumored to be valued at almost $150,000.
G.I. Joe
These toy soldiers first entered stores in 1964, and their original price depended on the model purchased. Fifty years later, and these toys have garnered extraordinary value. The Missile Command Center sold for $17,500 at an auction, while other action figures have sold for $10,000.
It’s the first prototype. However, that has the most value – at a whopping $200,000. Today, the G.I. Joe character is still favorite and even has a film franchise starring Channing Tatum and The Rock.
Lionel’s Pennsylvania “Trail Blazer” Train Set
These sets date all the way back to 1934, with history being very kind to the value of these items. You may have seen your father – or even your grandfather! – play with these when you were growing up.
Let’s hope he kept all these pieces. These train sets can rack up a massive $250,000! That’s enough to buy a house in some states – so get going and see what you can find.
Barbie
This particular Barbie was created by designer Stefano Canturi, and sold for a whopping $302,500! All proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Barbie was created in 1959 and has survived for 60 years due to its ability to innovate and change with the times. Today, Barbie dolls are sold in a wide variety of skin colors and body shapes to reflect a different time. Did you ever have one?
Baseball Cards
Before Pokemon cards, millions of Americans collected Baseball cards. It appears their value is only rising in time with some going for as high as $2.8 million! The rarest card ever made was the Honus Wagner Sweet Caporal collection – only 200 were built between 1909 and 1911.
If you manage to track one of these down, you’ll have to mortgage your house to buy it. Alternatively, if you have one in storage somewhere, it might just change your life!
1938 Action Comics
Given the revival of superheroes and their rising popularity – could it be anything else? Action Comics is the original name for D.C Comics, the company behind heroes like Superman and Batman.
The original 1938 first edition is scarce – only 50 issues were ever printed. What makes this issue particularly unique is that it marks the very first appearance of Superman. It is the most valuable comic book in existence.
Easy-Bake Oven
In the 1960s, almost every kid in town was yearning for an Easy-Bake Oven. They were based on the real-life kitchens adored by 1960s housewives in the era representing the American Dream.
A vintage set of this vintage item can be sold for $4,000 today, which is similar to the actual price of a real oven. The toys are so popular that they earned a place in the National Toy Hall of Fame.