20 Vintage Toys That Are Surprisingly Expensive Today
These once-affordable childhood favorites now fetch shockingly high prices.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Some vintage toys have become highly valuable, turning childhood favorites into collector’s gold. Rare editions, limited releases, and nostalgic demand have driven prices sky-high. Here are some surprising toys that now sell for a fortune.
1. Hot Wheels Redline Cars
Matt on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny die-cast cars may have seemed like everyday toys in the ’60s and ’70s, but original Redline models are now worth hundreds, even thousands. Rare editions and mint-condition cars fetch the highest prices. Some collectors will pay a fortune for specific colors or packaging variations.
2. Steiff Teddy Bears
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Steiff bears have been around for over a century, and early editions are now luxury collectibles. Some rare bears from tens of thousands. The iconic button-in-ear tag makes them instantly recognizable to collectors.
3. Original LEGO Sets
Simeon87 on Wikimedia Commons
Vintage LEGO sets, especially those from the ’70s and ’80s, are worth a fortune if they are complete. Limited-run sets or those tied to discontinued themes can bring in thousands. Sealed boxes fetch the highest prices, as collectors want untouched pieces.
4. View Master Reels
Museum of Hartlepool on Wikimedia Commons
The View-Master was a childhood staple, but rare reels, especially from special-edition collections, can sell for hundreds. Movie-themed sets and discontinued series are the most sought-after. Some collectors hunt for entire boxed sets to complete their collections.
5. G.I. Joe Action Figures
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Original G.I. Joe figures from the ’60s and ’80s are worth a small fortune today. Limited editions and mint-condition figures in original packaging can command thousands. Some rare models, like the 1982 Snake Eyes, are among the most valuable.
6. Tin Toy Robots
D J Shin on Wikimedia Commons
Classic tin toy robots, once common playthings, are now highly collectible. Japanese-made versions from the 1950s and ’60s are especially valuable. Their unique designs and mechanical movements make them stand out in auctions.
7. First-Edition Barbie Dolls
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The original 1959 Barbie, complete with a black-and-white swimsuit, is one of the most valuable dolls ever. Pristine versions can sell for thousands. Even Barbie accessories and rare outfits can fetch impressive prices.
8. Pokemon Cards
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Certain Pokemon cards from the ’90s have skyrocketed in value, especially first-edition holographics. A rare Charizard card can be worth over six figures. Serious collectors seek out PSA-graded, mint-condition cards.
9. Beanie Babies
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While not all Beanie Babies hold value, certain rare ones can sell for thousands. Misprints, limited editions, and factory errors make some models highly desirable. The Princess Diana bear remains one of the most expensive.
10. Game Boy Consoles
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Original Game Boys and rare game cartridges can fetch high prices among collectors. Special edition versions, especially sealed in the box, are worth the most. Classic games like Pokemon Red and Blue are also in demand.
11. WWF Wrestling Figures
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Wrestling action figures from the ’80s and ’90s have become surprisingly valuable. Limited-run versions and figures with original accessories command top dollar; some collectors even pay for unopened cases.
12. Classic Board Games
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Vintage board games in excellent condition can be worth a lot, especially if all the pieces are intact. First editions of games like Monopoly or Clue can sell for thousands. Collectors value rare versions and limited print runs.
13. Vintage Marbles
Saral Shots on Wikimedia Commons
Some marbles from the early 1900s are worth surprising amounts. Handcrafted marbles with unique swirls and colors are the most valuable. Serious collectors seek out specific brands and patterns.
14. Star Wars Action Figures
Steven Miller on Wikimedia Commons
Original Star Wars figures from the late ’70s and ’80s can be worth thousands. Special editions and characters with rare accessories are highly sought after. Sealed figures fetch the highest prices at auctions.
15. Cabbage Patch Kids
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
These dolls caused shopping frenzies in the ’80s, and rare versions are now worth big money. Limited-edition and hand-signed dolls can fetch thousands. Collectors seek original packaging and unique facial variations.
16. Lionel Train Sets
Joetography LLC on Wikimedia Commons
Classic Lionel train sets from the mid-20th century can sell for thousands, especially in mint condition. Special edition locomotives and rate accessories are highly valued. Original boxes and complete sets increase their worth.
17. Jurassic Park Toys
-wuppertaler on Wikimedia Commons
Original Jurassic Park figures from the ’90s have become collector’s items. Rare dinosaur models and boxed playsets can fetch high prices. Some limited-edition releases sell for hundreds or even thousands.
18. PEZ Dispensers
Gerka on Wikimedia Commons
Some vintage PEZ dispensers, especially limited-run characters, can be surprisingly valuable. Rare designs, factory errors, and unopened packages increase their worth. Collectors hunt for unique themes and discontinued series.
19. Rare Video Game Cartridges
takuma mori on Wikimedia Commons
Some classic video games, especially rare NES and SNES cartridges, are worth a fortune. Limited releases, factory-sealed copies, and misprints can sell for thousands. Games like Stadium Events and EarthBound are among the most valuable.
20. Tamagotchi
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These digital pets from the ’90s are making a comeback in the collector’s market. Unopened first-generation Tamagotchis can fetch high prices. Special edition versions and rare colors are the most sought-after.