20 Childhood Collectibles That Are Surprisingly Valuable Today
Your childhood treasures might now be worth a fortune. Discover 20 collectibles that could give you a small fortune.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
Once-forgotten games, toys, and antiques may become treasure troves due to nostalgia. Collectors are now very interested in several childhood favorites. This listicle examines 20 objects whose value has increased dramatically, demonstrating that toys from the past can have surprising value in the present.
1. Pokémon Cards
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Rare Pokémon cards, especially first editions like Charizard, are fetching tens of thousands of dollars. Cards graded in mint condition are particularly coveted by collectors. Auctions have seen record-breaking sales for these beloved trading cards.
2. Beanie Babies
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Some Beanie Babies, like “Princess the Bear” or “Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant,” are worth thousands today. While many are worthless, the rare ones can fetch a premium from nostalgic fans—their value hinges on condition and unique tag errors.
3. Original Nintendo (NES) Games
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Sealed copies of classic NES games, like The Legend of Zelda or Super Mario Bros., can sell for thousands. Games in mint condition and factory packaging are highly desirable. Collectors are willing to pay top dollars for nostalgia in its original form.
4. Vintage LEGO Sets
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Discontinued LEGO sets, like the Star Wars Millennium Falcon (2007), have become valuable collector’s items. Complete sets with instructions and boxes can sell for thousands on secondary markets. LEGO’s enduring popularity ensures demand remains high.
5. Hot Wheels Cars
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Rare Hot Wheels vehicles, especially those from the 1960s and 1970s, can bring high sums. The “Pink Rear-Loading Beach Bomb” is one of the most expensive, retailing for more than $100,000. Condition and rarity have a considerable impact on their value.
6. Magic: The Gathering Cards
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Early cards from Magic: The Gathering, especially Black Lotus, have skyrocketed in value. Pristine cards from the game’s Alpha and Beta sets can sell for six figures. Collectors consider them as investments and gaming artifacts.
7. Polly Pocket Playsets
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Original Polly Pocket compacts from the 1990s are highly collectible. Sets in good condition with all accessories intact can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Their charm and nostalgic appeal have made them a favorite among collectors.
8. Garbage Pail Kids Cards
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These quirky trading cards, parodying the wholesome Cabbage Patch Kids, have become collector’s items. Rare cards from the 1980s, like Adam Bomb, are especially valuable. Sets in pristine condition command top dollar in today’s market.
9. Furby Toys
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Furbies from the late 1990s, especially special-edition versions, have become sought-after collectibles. Rare models like the Kid Cuisine or Millennial Edition can sell for hundreds. Nostalgia drives the demand for these once-creepy toys.
10. Vintage Barbie Dolls
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The original 1959 Barbie and other 1950s and 1960s Barbie dolls are valued at thousands of dollars. Rare and limited-edition clothing also adds to their worth.
11. Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards
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Rare Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, like the Blue-Eyes White Dragon first edition, have soared in value. Competitive players and nostalgic collectors alike prize these cards.
12. Tamagotchi
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First-generation Tamagotchis from the 1990s are now collectible and valuable. Sealed or mint-condition devices can fetch hundreds on auction sites. The digital pet phenomenon remains a nostalgic icon for many.
13. Pogs and Slammers
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Although Pogs seemed like a short-lived craze, rare sets and slammers have retained value. Limited-edition designs and branded collections are especially sought after. Condition and completeness make all the difference.
14. Transformers Action Figures
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Original Transformers toys from the 1980s, particularly Optimus Prime and Megatron, can command high prices. Collectors covet toys with their original packaging and accessories, and the franchise’s enduring popularity ensures ongoing demand.
15. Star Wars Action Figures
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Kenner’s original Star Wars action figures, such as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, are highly collectible. Sealed figures from the 1970s and 80s can sell for thousands.
16. Game Boy Consoles
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Vintage Game Boy systems, particularly special-edition models, are coveted by retro gaming enthusiasts. Systems in their original packaging and good condition can fetch hundreds. Limited-edition versions, like the Pokémon-themed Game Boy Color, are especially valuable.
17. My Little Pony Toys
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Vintage My Little Pony figures from the 1980s have gained a dedicated collector base. Rare models, like certain international exclusives, can sell for hundreds. Their pastel colors and unique designs make them nostalgic favorites.
18. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Figures
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Action figures from the Masters of the Universe line, like He-Man or Skeletor, have become hot collectibles. Figures still in their packaging can command significant sums.
19. PEZ Dispensers
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Rare PEZ dispensers, like the 1950s Santa Claus or the “Astronaut B” dispenser, are coveted by collectors. The more obscure and unique the design, the higher the value.
20. Baseball Cards
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Classic baseball cards, especially rookie cards of legendary players like Mickey Mantle, are among the most valuable collectibles. Cards in mint condition with minimal wear fetch premium prices. Vintage sets remain a cornerstone of collectible markets.