14 Old-School Toys That Are Worth a Fortune Today
That dusty box of childhood toys in your attic might be hiding some serious cash value.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Nostalgia is not only priceless. You can also profit from it. Many retro toys from the ’70s to the ’90s have skyrocketed in value. Here are 14 antique toys that you might have lying around that could get you a lot of money.
1. Original Furby (1998)
Amanda on Flickr
What was once a cute, slightly creepy interactive pet is now a collector’s dream. Early editions in unopened boxes can sell for over $1,000.
2. First-Edition Pokémon Cards (1999)
Steven Cordes on Unsplash
Pokémon fever never died, and first-edition cards, especially holographic ones, are now worth thousands. A mint-condition Charizard can fetch over $300,000 at auction.
3. Cabbage Patch Kids (1980s)
fishhawk on Flickr
These wildly popular dolls caused shopping riots back in the day, and rare versions are still highly sought after. Special editions or dolls with birth certificates from the early ‘80s can sell for several thousand dollars.
4. Hot Wheels Redline Cars (1960s-1970s)
JeromeG111 on Flickr
If your childhood Hot Wheels collection includes “Redline” cars (those with red stripes on the tires), they could be gold. Rare models, like the 1969 “Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb,” have sold for over $100,000.
5. Beanie Babies (1990s)
Dominique Godbout on Flickr
The Beanie Baby craze may have faded, but certain rare ones, like the Princess Diana Bear, Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant, and Claude the Crab, are still worth serious cash.
6. GI Joe Action Figures (1980s-1990s)
Brecht Bug on Flickr
Early GI Joe figures, especially those still in their original packaging, can be worth big money. A 1982 Snake Eyes figure in mint condition has sold for over $20,000.
7. Teddy Ruxpin (1985)
brina_head on Flickr
The talking bear that entertained kids in the ‘80s is now a valuable collectible. A working, boxed Teddy Ruxpin can fetch upwards of $500, and rare versions go for even more.
8. Lite-Brite (1970s-1980s)
thomas ambridge on Wikimedia Commons
This classic toy, which let kids create glowing artwork in the past, is surprisingly valuable today. Vintage sets in unopened condition can sell for $200 to $500.
9. Star Wars Action Figures (1977-1980s)
Wally Gobetz on Flickr
Original Star Wars toys are some of the most valuable collectibles out there. A 1978 Luke Skywalker figure with a double-telescoping lightsaber once sold for $25,000.
10. Polly Pocket (1989-1990s)
Aimee Ray on Flickr
Tiny dolls and tiny houses mean big money. Early Polly Pocket sets, especially the complete ones, are worth a fortune. Rare sets, like the “Magical Mansion,” have sold for thousands.
11. My Little Pony (1980s-1990s)
Hina Ichigo on Flickr
Certain vintage ponies, especially those from the first generation (G1), are now collector’s items. Ponies in mint condition, particularly rare colors or international releases, can sell for over $1,000.
12. Super Soakers (1990s)
Adrian Liem on Flickr
Those giant water guns weren’t just summer fun—they’re now collector’s pieces. Early models like the Super Soaker 50 or Monster XL can sell for several hundred dollars, especially if they’re still in the box.
13. Barbie Dolls (1959-1990s)
Sandra Gabriel on Unsplash
Vintage Barbies, especially the early ones, can fetch insane amounts. A 1959 first-edition Barbie in pristine condition can sell for over $25,000.
14. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures (1980s-1990s)
~ tOkKa on Flickr
The original TMNT action figures are hot collectibles, with rare versions selling for thousands. If you have a 1988 “Scratch the Cat” figure in its package, you could be sitting on $5,000 or more.