18 Iconic Toys from the ’90s That Are Worth a Fortune Now
Some of the toys we played with (or ignored) in the ‘90s are now worth serious cash—if only we had kept them in the box!
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
The ‘90s gave us some of the most memorable toys of all time, but little did we know that some would become highly valuable collectibles. From rare action figures to beloved electronic pets, certain toys have skyrocketed in price over the years. If you still have any of these 18 iconic ‘90s toys, you might be sitting on a small fortune.
1. Tamagotchi
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These tiny digital pets were the ultimate ‘90s obsession, and rare ones can now fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Special edition Tamagotchis are the most valuable, like the first-generation models or Japan-exclusive versions. A sealed, unopened original Tamagotchi can sell for up to $3,000. Who knew that keeping a pixelated pet alive could be so profitable?
2. Pokémon Cards (1st Edition Holographics)
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If you held onto your 1st Edition Pokémon cards, especially holographic ones like Charizard, you’re in luck. A 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard in mint condition can sell for over $400,000. Even lesser-known holographic cards from the first few sets are worth hundreds or thousands. It’s time to check that old binder collecting dust!
3. Beanie Babies
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While not every Beanie Baby is valuable, rare ones like Princess Diana Bear, Valentino, and Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant can sell for thousands. The key factors are condition, tags, and rare production errors. Some ultra-rare Beanie Babies have sold for over $10,000. Who would’ve guessed that a tiny stuffed bear could be worth a used car?
4. Furby
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These creepy yet lovable robotic pets were a must-have in the late ‘90s. While the regular versions are common, special editions like the Millennium Edition or Kid Cuisine Furby can sell for $1,000+ if unopened. Some ultra-rare prototypes have gone for even more. If yours still randomly wakes up and talks, maybe it’s haunted and valuable.
5. Hot Wheels (Treasure Hunt Series)
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Hot Wheels have always been popular, but the rare Treasure Hunt and Super Treasure Hunt editions are worth big bucks. Limited-edition models from the ‘90s can go for $3,000+, depending on rarity and condition. A 1995 Volkswagen Beach Bomb prototype once sold for $72,000! It’s time to check that old box of toy cars in the attic.
6. Game Boy (Original and Special Editions)
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The original Game Boy is already a nostalgic icon, but special edition versions can be worth thousands. A sealed first-edition Game Boy can sell for over $5,000, while limited-edition versions (like Pokémon or Zelda-themed ones) can go even higher. Even used but well-preserved Game Boy consoles still fetch solid prices. Maybe it’s time to dig out your old Tetris cartridge.
7. Polly Pocket (Vintage Sets)
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Before Polly Pocket was redesigned, the original tiny clamshell sets were all the rage. Complete vintage sets, especially rare ones like Bluebird’s 1989 Compact Collection, can sell for over $1,500. Some ultra-rare versions in perfect condition have fetched $5,000+. If you still have one with all the tiny pieces, you’re sitting on a gold mine.
8. G.I. Joe Action Figures (Factory Sealed)
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The ‘90s saw a boom in G.I. Joe figures, and collectors will pay a fortune for rare models. Certain sealed figures, like 1994’s “Manimals” or 1993’s “Steel Brigade,” can sell for $3,000+. The rarer the figure, the higher the price. If you kept yours in the box, you made a wise investment (even if you didn’t know it at the time).
9. Barbie (Holiday and Limited Editions)
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While most Barbies aren’t worth much, certain special editions like Holiday Barbies from the early ‘90s can sell for thousands. The Pink Splendor Barbie, released in 1996 for $900, now sells for $10,000+. Rare, unopened dolls in mint condition can bring in a small fortune. Maybe your childhood dream house was actually an investment portfolio.
10. Super Soakers (First Editions)
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Super Soakers were a backyard staple, but the earliest models, like the Super Soaker 50 and Monster XL, are now collector’s items. A mint-condition Super Soaker 50 can fetch up to $500-$1,000. If you have a sealed first-edition model, you might be sitting on $2,000+. Who knew summer fun could turn into serious cash?
11. My Little Pony (First-Generation Ponies)
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The ‘90s versions of My Little Pony are highly collectible, especially rare or limited-edition ponies. The “Princess Pristina” or “Rapunzel Pony” can sell for over $2,000 in mint condition. Certain international releases, like the Argentina-exclusive ponies, are even more valuable. It’s time to check that old toy chest!
12. Power Rangers Megazords (Complete Sets)
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If you had a Power Rangers Megazord toy and managed to keep all the pieces, you’re in luck. The 1993 Deluxe Megazord set regularly sells for $500-$1,500, with rarer versions fetching even more. A sealed set can go for $3,000+. It looks like childhood battles against imaginary villains finally paid off.
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Vintage Action Figures)
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Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures from the early ‘90s are serious collectibles now. Sealed figures, especially rare ones like Scratch the Cat or Hot Spot, can go for $5,000+. Even loose figures in good condition sell for hundreds. Cowabunga, dude—these toys are worth more than pizza money now.
14. LEGO Sets (Retired Special Editions)
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Certain ‘90s LEGO sets, especially themes like Star Wars, Pirates, or Castle are worth thousands. The 1999 LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon can sell for $3,000+ in good condition. Retired sets with all the pieces and original packaging bring in even more. If you still have your old sets, they might be worth more than your actual furniture.
15. Bop It (Original Models)
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The original Bop It was a party favorite, but rare variations, like the Bop It Extreme 2, can be worth over $300-$500. If you have a first-run Bop It still in its box, some collectors will pay up to $1,000. Even used ones can fetch surprising amounts. Who knew that yelling “Twist it! Pull it!” could be so profitable?
16. Skip-It (Rare Versions)
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The Skip-It may have left us with bruised ankles, but some rare versions now bring in solid cash. Special edition Skip-Its, like those with counter displays from the early ‘90s, can sell for $300-$700. Unopened ones are even more valuable. If you find one in the attic, don’t skip over it—sell it!
17. Talkboy (Home Alone Edition)
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Made famous by Home Alone 2, the Talkboy became a must-have gadget for kids in the ‘90s. A sealed original Talkboy can now fetch $500-$1,500. Even used ones in working condition can go for $200-$400. If you kept yours, you might have a Hollywood-level payday waiting.
18. Street Sharks (Action Figures)
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Street Sharks were a short-lived but beloved toy line in the mid-‘90s. Certain rare figures, like Ripster or Hammerhead, can sell for over $1,000. A complete, unopened set is worth even more. Looks like these crime-fighting sharks are still making waves in the collector’s market.