20 Classic Toys from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s That Are Worth a Fortune Now

Some of the most valuable collectibles today aren’t rare coins or fine art—they’re the toys we played with, chewed on, and probably lost under the couch decades ago. From action figures to video games, certain classic toys from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are now selling for thousands of dollars. If you ever regret throwing away your childhood treasures, this list might sting a little.

1. First-Edition Pokémon Cards (1999)

Erik Mclean on Wikimedia Commons

Some Pokémon cards from 1999 are now worth a fortune, especially the holographic first editions. A mint-condition Charizard has sold for over $400,000, while others go for $5,000 to $50,000. Even common cards in great shape can sell for a few hundred dollars. Check your old binder—you might be sitting on a goldmine!

2. Star Wars Action Figures (1977–1985)

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Original Star Wars toys, especially the first releases of Darth Vader and Boba Fett, are highly valuable. A rare Boba Fett prototype sold for $150,000, but most figures in mint condition range from $500 to $10,000. Even loose figures with accessories can bring in serious cash. Keeping them in the box actually paid off!  

3. Beanie Babies (1990s)

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While most Beanie Babies are worthless, rare ones like the Princess Diana Bear can fetch $5,000 to $25,000. A first-edition Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant has been listed for over $5,000. Condition and tag errors can make a huge difference in price. If you hoarded them in the ’90s, it’s time to check their value!

4. Hot Wheels Redlines (1968–1977)

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Early Hot Wheels with red-stripe tires, called “Redlines,” are highly collectible. Some rare models, like the 1969 “Volkswagen Beach Bomb,” have sold for $100,000+, but the most valuable ones range from $500 to $5,000. Even common Redlines in great condition can sell for a few hundred dollars. Time to dig through your old toy box!  

5. American Girl Dolls (1986–1990s)

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First-edition American Girl dolls, like Samantha and Molly, are now collector’s items. Dolls with original outfits and accessories can sell for $1,000 to $5,000. If your doll is in rough shape, it won’t be worth as much. Who knew childhood tea parties were such a good investment?

6. G.I. Joe Figures (1980s)

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Vintage G.I. Joe figures, especially early releases, are worth big bucks. A 1982 Snake Eyes with “straight arms” has sold for over $20,000; others typically go for $500 to $3,000. Even used figures with original accessories can sell for hundreds. It turns out that playing war with them wasn’t the best financial move!

7. Transformers G1 Toys (1984–1987)

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First-generation Transformers toys, especially Optimus Prime and Megatron, can sell for thousands. A sealed Optimus Prime has fetched $50,000, while loose figures usually sell for $500 to $5,000. Having all the original parts boosts the value. Autobots, roll out… to the auction house!

8. Teddy Ruxpin (1985)

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This talking teddy bear was an ‘80s favorite, and collectors still want it today. A boxed, working Teddy Ruxpin can sell for $500 to $1,000. If yours has missing parts or a creepy malfunction, expect a lower price. Let’s hope the batteries haven’t corroded!

9. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Games (1980s–1990s)

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Some NES games, especially sealed ones, are worth a fortune. A rare Super Mario Bros. copy once sold for $2 million, while other valuable games went for $1,000 to $10,000. Even loose copies of rare titles like Stadium Events can sell for thousands. Maybe blowing into the cartridges actually helped!

10. My Little Pony (1980s)

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First-generation My Little Pony toys, especially rare foreign releases, are worth big bucks. Some ponies, like Greek Minty, have sold for over $1,500. Condition and original accessories matter a lot. If yours still has silky, untangled hair, you’re in luck!  

11. Lite-Brite (1970s–1980s)

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A complete vintage Lite-Brite set can sell for $300 to $500. The box, peg sheets, and working lightbox increase its value. If yours is missing half the pegs, don’t expect much. Nostalgia is expensive, but incomplete sets? Not so much.

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

Filmation on Wikimedia Commons

He-Man toys from the ‘80s are highly sought after, with rare figures like the “Wonder Bread He-Man” selling for $10,000+. Standard figures in great condition typically range from $200 to $1,500. Loose figures without weapons or accessories are worth less. By the power of Grayskull, your old toy might be a goldmine!

13. Barbie Dolls (1970s–1990s)

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Certain Barbies, especially early or limited-edition models, can sell for thousands. A 1959 first-edition Barbie sold for $27,450, while some rare ‘90s Barbies went for $500 to $2,000. Condition is everything—if she got a DIY haircut, she’s not worth much. Maybe Barbie really does have it all!

14. Game Boy (1989)

Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons

An original Game Boy in good condition can sell for $500 to $1,500. Rare editions and sealed units fetch even higher prices. Scratches, missing battery covers, and dead pixels bring the value down. Who knew pocket-sized fun would become so valuable?

15. Furby (1998)

Vickie Intili on Pexels

First-generation Furbies, especially limited editions, can sell for $500 to $1,000. Working models with original packaging are the most valuable. If yours still randomly wakes up at night, it might be haunted—but at least it’s worth something!

16. LEGO Sets (1970)

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Unopened LEGO sets from the past few decades have skyrocketed in value. Classic Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Technic sets can sell for thousands. The rarest, like the 2007 Millennium Falcon, can hit five figures. If you never opened yours, you might be sitting on a goldmine.

17. Pez Dispensers (1970)

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Some rare Pez dispensers, especially from the ’50s and ’60s, are highly collectible. The 1982 “Astronaut B” Pez dispenser has sold for over $32,000. Even some lesser-known Pez designs can sell for a few hundred dollars. Who knew candy holders could be so valuable?

18. Tickle Me Elmo (1996)

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The 1996 Christmas craze that caused near riots is now a collector’s item. Unopened, first-edition Tickle Me Elmo dolls can sell for up to $500. Some rare variants go for even more. If you still have one in the box, you’re laughing all the way to the bank.

19. Easy-Bake Oven (1970)

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This tiny oven made questionable baked goods using a light bulb, and now it’s a collector’s favorite. Rare, unopened versions from the ’60s and ’70s can sell for thousands. Even newer vintage models can fetch good prices. Who knew baking underwhelming cakes as a kid would pay off?

20. Tamagotchis (1996)

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These digital pets caused heartbreak in the ‘90s when they died from neglect, but now they’re valuable. Rare first-generation Tamagotchis, especially in mint condition, can sell for thousands. Even later editions have a nostalgic market. If yours is still alive, that’s a miracle.

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• Toys
• Collectibles
• retro
• nostalgia