20 Toys You Wish You Had Held on To
From iconic action figures to nostalgic plush toys, these 20 childhood treasures have become valuable collector's items that adults now wish they'd kept for both sentimental and financial reasons.
- Alyana Aguja
- 6 min read
The greatest regret of many adults lies in remembering their childhood, knowing now that the toys they have traded, tossed, or outgrown are now gold. From rare action figures to vintage board games, a nostalgic plush toy has made them valuable collector’s items for years. Whether for sentimental value or monetary worth, holding these gems might have been their most intelligent decision ever.
1. Barbie Dolls
Los Angeles Times from Wikimedia Commons
Barbie has gone through decades, but vintage Barbies can be hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially from the 50s and 60s. Their iconic outfits, accessories, and nostalgia make them a prized possession for collectors. Many adults regret giving away these timeless figures, not knowing their future value.
2. Action Figures (Star Wars)
Steven Miller from Wikimedia Commons
Those old Star Wars action figures were everywhere in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Mint-conditioned original figures like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader can bring incredible prices, especially if they are still in their original packaging. Adults often wish they had kept those toys in such pristine condition.
3. Hot Wheels Cars
BenedictLiang from Wikimedia Commons
Hot Wheels are much more than playthings; they are miniature slices of automotive history. Collectible cars from the ’60s and ’70s, especially the rarest editions, can sell for a pretty penny. Many adults have wished that they had never traded away their childhood collections.
4. LEGO Sets
Noah Wulf from Wikimedia Commons
LEGO has always been part of childhood, but original sets can be very valuable, especially from the early years. Collectors are in high demand for some classic space or castle themes. Those memories of building intricate structures can make you wish you’d hung on to those bricks.
5. Teddy Bears (Vintage Steiff)
Unknown author from Wikimedia Commons
Steiff teddy bears are the gold standard of cuddly companions. Produced since 1902, particular vintage Steiff bears, especially those with a “Button in Ear” label, are incredibly valuable. If you still have one, consider yourself lucky; most wish they’d kept theirs.
6. GI Joe Action Figures
Unknown from Wikimedia Commons
These classic soldiers of the 1980s won the hearts of so many young collectors. An original GI Joe figure in perfect condition can fetch an equally hefty sum on the collector market. Adults who had them often wish they had saved them for their grandchildren’s collecting pleasure.
7. Cabbage Patch Kids
Bernard Gotfryd from Wikipedia
When these doll-like creatures first emerged in the 80s, they started a global craze. Rare, early edition Cabbage Patch Kids can be worth hundreds of dollars, especially with unique features or clothing. As time passes, many adults look back fondly and wish they’d held on to their original collection.
8. Nerf Blasters
Marco Hazard from Wikimedia Commons
The birth of foam darts marked Nerf as the undisputed king of fun; vintage models can fetch good money nowadays, particularly with first-generation releases. These were the toys of action and fantasy for many action-loving people who would soon regret letting their favorite blasters go.
9. Rubik’s Cube
Booyabazooka from Wikimedia Commons
This mind-bending puzzle became a craze in the 80s and remains popular today. Old Rubik’s Cubes, especially those with the original design, can be a collector’s item, especially in mint condition. Parting with one in their youth might be a regrettable decision for puzzle enthusiasts.
10. My Little Pony
RyC - Behind The Lens from Wikimedia Commons
My Little Pony’s colorful and magical world first captured hearts in the 80s. Collectible versions, particularly first-generation ponies, can command high prices today. Many adults lament trading away or discarding their prized ponies during childhood.
11. Vintage Video Game Consoles (NES, Atari, Sega Genesis)
Evan-Amos from Wikimedia Commons
Old-school gaming consoles, such as the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Atari, are something of a nostalgic dream. Consoles and their games are now vintage treasures worth a pretty penny. Adults regret trading in their old systems, only to discover they could have sold them for far more.
12. Tamagotchi
Cpd1009 from Wikimedia Commons
These pocket-sized virtual pets were a rage in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A well-preserved Tamagotchi, especially rare, is a collector’s item today. Many adults regret not keeping their beloved little digital friends alive longer.
13. Polly Pocket
Wikiphotos from Wikipedia
The miniature doll houses known as Polly Pocket were another favorite among those who preferred tiny accessories. Vintage sets of Polly Pocket, especially in the 90s, are now highly prized treasures and often are a nostalgic memory of simple times. More people wish they had maintained them as they are.
14. Skylanders Figures
Mentabo1 from Wikimedia Commons
Skylanders was the first toy to incorporate interactive toys and video games. Some rare Skylanders figures, such as the original Portal of Power, can fetch a pretty penny. Many adults, when the series was not as popular, wish they had kept their collections.
15. Beanie Babies
Ty Inc. from Wikipedia
In the 90s, these little stuffed animals were the next big thing; everyone was eager to collect them. Though the craze has faded, rare Beanie Babies in perfect condition still carry value. Adults often look back at their childhood collection with regret, wondering how they let go of their little plush fortune.
16. Pokemon Cards
The Pokémon Company International from Wikimedia Commons
For many, Pokémon is more than a game; it’s an obsession. Original Pokémon cards have surged in value over the past few years, especially if first editions like Charizard had been kept safe; for some, they could fetch thousands of dollars if preserved well.
17. Furby
Wikiphotos from Wikipedia
Furbys were a blessing and a curse-cuddly yet a little eerie with their robotic chatter. These quirky creatures from the late 90s have become nostalgia gold, and rare editions can fetch significant sums. Adults who once rid themselves of their Furbys now wish they’d held on to them for fun and profit.
18. Sega Genesis Games
Evan-Amos from Wikimedia Commons
It is considered one of the best gaming consoles that those growing up in the 90s wish they still had, for its rare games have been turned into collector’s items. One can bring earth-shattering prices just like Earthworm Jim or Streets of Rage. Most of these gamers wish they never gave away their collections.
19. Matchbox Cars
joieman from Wikimedia Commons
Like Hot Wheels, vintage Matchbox cars have a cult following, especially those produced before the 80s. Collectors seek out specific models, often willing to pay hefty prices for vehicles in mint condition. Parting with a cherished Matchbox car is now a regrettable decision for those who grew up with them.
20. Stretch Armstrong
Alex Beattie from Wikimedia Commons
Stretch Armstrong was the muscle-bound action figure who could stretch to unbelievable proportions and return to his original shape. As a toy of the 70s, Stretch Armstrong has become highly valuable today-especially if it is old. Now, many grown-ups wish they had kept this stretchy icon from childhood.