10 Popular Toys from the Past That Are Now Collector’s Items

Classic toys from the past, like original Barbies and Pokémon cards, have become valuable collector’s items worth thousands today.

Sophia Zapanta
April 2, 2025
4 min read

10 Popular Toys from the Past That Are Now Collector’s Items — Holger.Ellgaard on Wikimedia Commons

Many childhood toys that once cost just a few dollars are now worth serious money. Items like first-edition Barbie dolls, rare Hot Wheels cars, and vintage video games have skyrocketed in value among collectors. If you’ve got an old toy box gathering dust, you might be sitting on a hidden fortune.

1. First-Edition Barbie Dolls (1959)

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The original Barbie, released in 1959, wore a black-and-white striped swimsuit and had blonde or brunette ponytail hair. Today, a mint-condition first-edition Barbie can sell for over $25,000. Even later vintage Barbies from the ’60s and ’70s are worth thousands. If you ever find one in grandma’s attic, don’t let it go cheap!

2. Hot Wheels Redline Cars (1968-1977)

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Early Hot Wheels Redline cars—named for the red stripe on their tires—are some of the most valuable die-cast cars today. Rare models like the 1969 Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb can fetch over $100,000. Even common Redline cars in good condition can be worth hundreds. It’s time to check that old toy box!

3. Star Wars Action Figures (1977-1985)

Steven Miller on Wikimedia Commons

The original Kenner Star Wars figures from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s are now serious collector’s items. A mint-condition 1978 Luke Skywalker with a double-telescoping lightsaber has sold for over $25,000. Even loose figures like Boba Fett or Darth Vader can be worth hundreds. May the valuable toys be with you!

4. G.I. Joe Action Figures (1964-1980s)

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The original 12-inch G.I. Joe dolls from the ‘60s and ‘70s are now worth big bucks, especially if they have their original packaging. The “Atomic Man” version from the ’70s can go for over $1,000. Even the smaller 3.75-inch figures from the ’80s have become highly collectible. Not bad for a childhood hero!

5. Pokémon Cards (1999-2000s)

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The 1999 First Edition Charizard Holographic card is one of the most valuable Pokémon cards ever, selling for over $400,000 in top condition. Even common early Pokémon cards can be worth a surprising amount. If you’ve got an old binder full of cards, you might be sitting on a goldmine.

6. Cabbage Patch Kids (1980s)

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These dolls caused absolute chaos in stores in the 1980s, with parents fighting over them. While common ones aren’t worth much, rare first-generation dolls with soft faces and original birth certificates can sell for $1,000 or more. The crazier the hair and outfit, the more valuable they tend to be!

7. Teddy Ruxpin (1985)

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Teddy Ruxpin was the talking bear that played cassette tapes inside his belly—basically a robot storyteller before Alexa was cool. If you have a working first-edition Teddy Ruxpin in the box, it could be worth $500-$1,000. Bonus points if you still have the original cassette tapes!

8. Nintendo NES Console & Games (1985-1990s)

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The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and its classic games, like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, are now valuable collector’s items. A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. once sold for $2,000,000! Even used consoles in good condition can sell for hundreds. Retro gaming is here to stay!

9. Beanie Babies (1990s)

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While most Beanie Babies are worth little, some rare ones with errors or limited production runs can fetch thousands. Princess Diana Bear, Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant, and Valentino Bear are some of the most valuable. If yours still has a mint-condition tag, it could be worth a small fortune!

10. Masters of the Universe (He-Man) Figures (1980s)

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The original He-Man and Skeletor figures from the ’80s are now sought-after by collectors. A mint-condition He-Man action figure in its original packaging can sell for $2,000 or more. Even battle-worn figures without accessories still have value. By the power of Grayskull, they’re worth real money!