The toys of yesteryear are not merely relics; they are treasures that now command impressive sums in the collector’s market. From the original Barbie to the nostalgic Game Boy, these vintage toys evoke a sense of childhood wonder while offering a lucrative investment opportunity.
As we dive into the world of collectible toys, we uncover how certain childhood favorites have appreciated in value, transforming from playful pastimes to valuable assets. This guide explores the most appreciated vintage children’s toys that today are worth a fortune, each with its unique story and price tag that might astonish the uninitiated.
Original Barbie
The first Barbie doll, released in 1959, now commands a hefty sum, especially if found in mint condition with original packaging. Recognizable by her black and white swimsuit and ponytail hairstyle, this iconic toy set the standard for fashion dolls. Collectors may pay upwards of $23,000 for a pristine, boxed original.
GI Joe Action Figures
Launched in 1964, the original GI Joe lineup has become a major collector’s item, particularly the figures with lifelike hair and “kung-fu grip.” Early versions of these action figures can fetch thousands of dollars, reflecting their status as pioneers of the action figure industry. The rarest pieces, especially those in unopened boxes, are highly coveted in the collectibles market.
Star Wars Early Action Figures
The early Star Wars action figures from Kenner, particularly those released between 1977 and 1979, can be worth small fortunes today. Mint condition figures in their original packaging, especially those of lesser-known characters, can attract premium prices. A 1978 Luke Skywalker with a double-telescoping lightsaber, for example, could sell for over $25,000.
LEGO Trains
Vintage LEGO train sets from the 1960s and 1970s are highly sought after by both LEGO enthusiasts and toy collectors alike. These sets, particularly those that are complete and in good condition, can fetch several thousand dollars. The 1966 LEGO train set with a 4.5-volt motor is one of the most prized pieces.
Redline Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels cars with the famous ‘Redline’ tires, produced between 1968 and 1977, are a favorite among collectors. These models, named for the red stripe on their wheels, often reach high auction prices, particularly rare models in pristine condition. A mint-condition Pink Beach Bomb prototype is known to have sold for over $70,000.
Original Monopoly
Vintage Monopoly sets from the 1930s, especially those made by Charles Darrow before Parker Brothers took over production, can be worth a lot of money. Original hand-drawn boards have sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Even standard editions from the early years with wooden pieces are highly collectible and valued.
Game Boy
The original Game Boy, released in 1989, has become a nostalgic collectible that can command significant sums, particularly if it’s in mint condition with original packaging. Special editions like the Game Boy Light and those with unique colors or designs are particularly valuable. A well-preserved unit can easily fetch hundreds of dollars.
Furby
Introduced in 1998, Furbies became an instant sensation and now hold a nostalgic value that can translate into hundreds of dollars for a mint-condition original, especially those with unique or rare fur colors. Limited edition Furbies, like those covered in tiger or cheetah print, are particularly prized. The rarity and condition of these interactive toys greatly influence their market value.
Super Soaker
The original Super Soaker, particularly the Super Soaker 50 released in 1990, revolutionized water gun play and is now a highly collectible item. Models that are still in their original packaging and in mint condition can command hundreds of dollars. This toy’s impact on pop culture and its innovative air pressure technology make it a favorite among collectors.
Beanie Babies
While the Beanie Baby craze has cooled, certain rare specimens like ‘Princess Diana’ or early ‘Peanut’ the elephant in royal blue remain highly valuable. These toys, once part of a speculative bubble, can still fetch thousands if they are rare editions with original tags in mint condition. Their value hinges on rarity, condition, and the presence of manufacturing errors that make them unique.
Pez Dispensers
Early Pez dispensers without feet, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s, are considered highly valuable. Some of the most sought-after include the original character heads like the Full Body Robot and the Full Body Santa, which can command thousands of dollars. The rarity and condition of these dispensers dictate their astronomical prices in the collectors’ market.
Cabbage Patch Kids
Original Cabbage Patch Kids from the early 1980s, especially those ‘adopted’ directly from Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia, can be quite valuable. Signed and numbered dolls by creator Xavier Roberts fetch higher prices, particularly if they still have their original birth certificates and adoption papers. These dolls sparked a huge fad and are considered pioneers in the toy industry.
View-Master
The classic View-Master, particularly models from the 1940s and 1950s, holds a special place in the market for vintage toys. Those with original reels, especially featuring popular characters or significant historical events, can be quite valuable. Collectors often seek out rare editions and sets, which can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Fisher-Price Little People
The original wooden Fisher-Price Little People, particularly from sets like the Play Family House and the School Bus from the 1960s and 1970s, are sought after. These sets, if found complete with all pieces and in good condition, can fetch several hundred dollars. Their simplicity and charm, coupled with the nostalgia factor, drive their collectability.
Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin, the animatronic talking bear from the mid-1980s, has a special place in the hearts of collectors. Those in excellent condition, especially with intact packaging and all original tapes and accessories, can fetch hundreds, sometimes over a thousand dollars. This bear was revolutionary for its time, integrating technology and storytelling in a cuddly format.
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
Strawberry Shortcake dolls from the 1980s, particularly those in unopened boxes or rare characters, are highly collectible. These dolls, scented to match their names, create a strong sense of nostalgia, adding to their collectible value. Some rare pieces from this series can command hundreds of dollars.
Transformers
Original Transformers toys from the 1980s, especially characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron, are big draws in the collectibles market. Mint condition pieces, especially in their original packaging, can fetch thousands of dollars. Their enduring popularity, fueled by subsequent movies and series, keeps their value high.
Nintendo NES
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in 1985, is highly prized by collectors of vintage video game systems. Mint condition consoles, especially those with original packaging and popular games like ‘Super Mario Bros’ or ‘The Legend of Zelda,’ can fetch high prices. The nostalgia associated with NES and its role in video game history contributes to its high collectible status.
Pogo Ball
The Pogo Ball, a product of the late 1980s, may not be as high-profile as other toys on this list, but mint condition models can still be quite valuable. This toy reflects the quirky and colorful energy of the 1980s, making it a desirable item for collectors focused on this era. Its unique design and the nostalgia factor make it a hidden gem in the collectibles market.
Polly Pocket
Original Polly Pocket sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s, before Mattel’s acquisition of the brand, are particularly valuable. These compact, detailed playsets can command hundreds of dollars, especially the larger, more intricate sets. Their portability and the intricacy of their design make them highly sought after by collectors who cherished them in their youth.
Magic: The Gathering Cards
Some of the earliest Magic: The Gathering cards, especially from the limited Alpha and Beta sets of the early 1990s, are worth a fortune today. Cards like the ‘Black Lotus’ can sell for tens of thousands of dollars due to their rarity and the pivotal role they play in the game. Collectors and players alike prize these cards for their historical and game value.
Stretch Armstrong
The original Stretch Armstrong toy, first sold in 1976, is a highly sought-after collectible today. These toys, known for their stretchable material, can fetch a high price, especially if they are unopened and undamaged. The novelty of its design and its iconic status in the toy industry makes it a valuable find.
Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite, a popular toy from the 1970s that allowed children to create glowing pictures with colored pegs, remains a beloved item among collectors. Vintage sets, especially those with original packaging and a complete array of pegs and templates, can garner substantial sums. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the creativity it encourages, making it a nostalgic favorite.
He-Man Action Figures
Action figures from the “Masters of the Universe” series, particularly those released in the early 1980s, are highly coveted. Figures like He-Man and Skeletor, especially in their original packaging, can command hundreds to thousands of dollars. The cult following of the TV series helps maintain the high demand and value of these figures.
Speak & Spell
The Speak & Spell by Texas Instruments, introduced in the late 1970s, was one of the first handheld electronic devices designed to help children learn to spell and pronounce words. Collectors value early models, especially those in working condition with their original cartridges and packaging. Its role as a forerunner in educational electronics makes it a significant and valuable collectible.
