We all have a bottle or two in our home bar that has been there for a few years, and we know they get better over time as they “cure” the longer they stay closed. A few pieces of fashion also mean a lot when time passes but did you know your old toys gain a lot of value the older they get? As they become vintage, they become more popular, and if they were to be sold, you are sure to rake in some big bucks for them. In our attic, we may find some of our oldest toys that include minicomputers, watches, and others that helped us to walk, talk, and more. However, even though they are a little on the old side, there is something beneath that triggers buyers to be eager about accessing them. That old Game Boy or game console has potential buyers on the lookout.
Garbage Pail Kids
So, the next time you are doing some spring cleaning, and you come across a vintage toy, you may want to get it appraised and list it on eBay. Eager buyers wish for them just for fun, while others are seeking to build their collector’s items. We don’t accept them here, nor do we have a link to any direct person who buys them, but a little Google search will do a lot for you. We have identified a few of the most exciting and valuable toys that you may want to keep an eye for in your closet, garage, or attic…
Garbage Pail Kids
These cards were not a parent’s best friend, but their kids valued them a lot. Well, amidst being told never to disobey your parents, we are hoping you have still purchased a few and kept them with you because they are going for big now. A lot of these cards now worth hundreds while some are going over the thousands limit. Depending on the card and the condition, they may value up to $300 (like one recently sold online), and a Garbage Pail Kids (1985 Series One) is now worth $4,000 on eBay.
Pokemon Cards
Whoever said collecting Pokemon cards were useless is bitterly sorry now and wish they had bought a few in earlier times. The first set of cards was released in 1996 and had over the years gained a broad following. For those cards which are in good condition and are rare, they may well value thousands of dollars. Those that were dedicated to catching them all could sell rare cards like the original 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4 for between $180,000 – $220,574.
Pokemon Cards
Luke Skywalker Action Figure (1978)
Star Wars has been a massive hit among millions around the world, and their collectibles are one of the most cherished by their fans. The price tag has gone above the limit, and those who are destined to get them will do just about anything to source them. Take, for instance, the Luke Skywalker Action figure that was released in 1978, in 2015, a prized collector forked out a whopping $25,000 to retrieve it from one seller. If you ask us, he sure has a love and passion for that series.
Luke Skywalker Action Figure (1978)
PEZ Dispensers
A lot of people never gave up on their love for PEZ Dispensers and has been a dream for many to find and collect them. These colorful candy dispensers were a real treat, for those with a sweet tooth and a love for collecting. There are a few rare PEZ Dispensers in existence, and being in good condition, they can go for thousands of dollars. A while back, one collection known as the Astronaut B and was released in 1982, went for $32,000 on eBay.
PEZ Dispensers
Monopoly
How many families have fond memories of long weekends spent fleecing each other for paper money in the classic game of Monopoly? You might have some angry memories of some of the more intense games… If you own an old version of any Monopoly made during the 1930s, then you could be sitting on a lot of cash. In 2011, the original hand-drawn version that was done by Charles Darrow in 1933, went for $146,500. That’s a whole lot, so you better get digging!
Monopoly
Vintage Game Boy
This was one of the first gaming consoles that many of us would have purchased or been gifted. There are thousands of other gaming devices available today, so the need for a Game Boy may seem odd. However, game lovers of old will do anything to source one, so if you own one, you should get the value on it. Some Game Boys go for hundreds of dollars while a special edition, like the Game Boy Light, may value over $1,500.
Vintage Game Boy
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels were the collect miniature model cars in existence when we were too young to drive. There is an average of 4 billion Hot Wheels cars that have been produced since 1968, but only a few of these are rare, and some collectors would do anything to get them. Take, for instance, the 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb prototype was not significant in production, and as such, it has become a one-of-a-kind and is now valued at over $125,000.
Hot Wheels
Pound Puppies Plush Toy
These toys were a huge deal for kids during the 1980s, and since then, they have garnered great value over the years. They were incredibly popular due to their sad, oversized eyes and large, floppy ears. Kids would be emotionally manipulated to ‘rescue’ these plush puppies from the pound. This manipulation might pay off, however, and if you happen to still have a first edition Pound Puppy, you could be looking at an average $5,000 or more.
Pound Puppies Plush Toy
Sega Genesis Console
Long before the days of Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox, Sega was one of the heavyweights in the video game console market. For those who own a Sega Genesis console, you may want to check if it is still working because if it does, you have an average $2,000 waiting for you on the internet. Do not throw it away because even though it is old and seems useless to you, it is a treasured value for many others.
Sega Genesis Console
Fisher-Price Pushcart Pete
Here we have a seriously old-school toy that was released in the 30s, between 1936 and 1937. It is a red wooden cart that has a pair of sizeable wooden yellow wheels that is pushed by a struggling little figurine called Pushcart Pete. For a toy that once sold for $.50, you could now get over $3,000 if it is still in good condition. That, for sure, is a great deal if you ask us!
Fisher Price Push Cart Pete
Skeletor Action Figure
Masters of the Universe World have some amazing action figures like He-Man and Skeletor, and if you own one of those 1982 toys in good condition, you could be $2,000 richer right now. Skeletor was the main villain and antagonist in the Masters of the Universe series, and this particular figurine comes with his scary yellow skull face and super muscular bone-white body. He also comes with some fearsome weapons! So, start digging through those boxes in the garage.
Skeletor Action Figure
Lite Brite
The 1960s and 1970s were not a hit for you if you didn’t own a Lite Brite that went for about $20 at the time. If they are in good shape now and are the original versions, you could get a nice $100 for them. The Lite Brite was a blackboard that was illuminated with a few LED bulbs. Kids could then place an assortment of colorful beads onto the board to create amazing and glowing works of art.
Lite Brite
Happy Meal
As a child, being taken to McDonald’s was one of the most exciting moments imaginable. Not only did you get to eat their iconic fries, but you also got a toy! Depending on the Happy Meal Toy you own from the 1979 releases, you could be walking around with some extra cash you could do well with. From the release, certain themes have become popular (2002 Disney Characters) and could get you an average of $300 on eBay.
Happy Meal
Furby
Who remembers these strange but adorable creatures? Furbies were incredibly lifelike for their time, with automatic moving parts and sounds that made them seem like real creatures. They also had plenty of personality! These 1990s toys were a big thing among kids, and the cool design – a mixture of a hamster and an owl – made it a standout. If you own one still in an unopened box, you could get an average of $900 for it.
Furby
Talkboy
Talkboys became popular after the release of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It is a unique tape recorder, and having one now could get you over $200. The Talkboy was invented by Tiger Electronics during the 1990s during the production of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York as a working prop for the family comedy. Once the film’s production was wrapped up, the Talkboy was released for public sale, and kids were only too eager to get one.
Talkboy
Beanie Babies
The Beanie Babies are not so much of a hit now as they were when they were released in the late 1990s to the early 2000s. However, if you have a rare collection or limited edition, Beanie Babies collectors may just be looking for you. If you still have, you may want to reconsider throwing them out as you could rake in an average $12,000, especially for a 1997 1st Edition Princess Diana Beanie Bear.
Beanie Babies
TrailBlazer Train Set
If you haven’t cleaned out your attic in a while and remember you have a 1934 Standard Gauge Lionel’s Pennsylvania Train Set somewhere there, now is the time to get going. This set could be valued at over $250,000 if it is still in tip-top shape. The Trailblazer series continues to be manufactured and sold to this day, with many different types, that generally range in the $150.00 price bracket. If you love model train sets, then check this set out!
TrailBlazer Train Set
Mutant Ninja Turtles
When it comes to kids’ heroes from the 80s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are among the most beloved and respected, with the Rennaisance artist named anthropomorphic turtles. These 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were action figures that were popular in comic books and television series and had become a collection item for many. If you still own some, you could be looking at an average of $600 per toy and for rare collectibles, up to $5,000.
Mutant Ninja Turtles
Vinyl Caped Jawa
The Star Wars toy franchise has an abundance of lucrative items, but some are obviously far more profitable than others, such as this little Jawa figurine with its special cape. If you have this particular version of the Vinyl Cape, then you could be an average $5,000 richer as the cape, made from vinyl, was unique. Though Kenner Company changed the cape to cloth after a while, the unique style of the original cape was a standout for many.
Vinyl Caped Jawa
Transformers
The Transformers franchise was an animated kids’ series based on enormous robots that could change between towering mecha and vehicles. Transformers was a popular toy back in the 80s and was released by Hasbro, a toy company, in 1984. During those days, kids all over the world had to get one, and if you were to have yours still now, you could sell it for upwards of $2000. Just ensure they are still in the original packaging.
Transformers
Jurassic Park Toys
During the 1990s, the Jurassic Park film was released and was one of the most-watched during the time. All of a sudden, children and adults alike were obsessed with dinosaurs again thanks to how epically Stephen Spielberg had brought the terrible lizards back to life. As such, the collectibles were popular among the film lovers, and if you own one of the rare kinds today, you could trade it in for an average of $1,200.
Jurassic Park Toys
Super Soaker Gun
Water guns might be a dime a dozen these days, but there are some pioneer models that all the countless varieties available today would be nothing without, such as the Super Soaker. Water guns are still popular today and can be found in many toy stores. However, the first release by Lonnie Johnson in 1982 is a precious gem. If you still own one, it could go for $1000 or more. That is some seriously valuable water!
Super Soaker Gun
Stretch Armstrong
This toy was also made and distributed by a toy company named Hasbro. It was a standout as the toy could have its arm stretched to the longest point without breaking. The Stretch Armstrong was unique in that kids could get some upper body exercise done while playing with the resistant limbs of the elastic figurine. In one auction, the toy went for $4,000 while another went up to a whopping $10,000. We believe some people sure have a way of spending money.
Stretch Armstrong
Mario Kart
Who remembers spending countless afternoons racing against their friends with the Nintendo crew consisting of Mario, Princess Peach, Wario, and Bowser? This was a phenomenally unique racing game, where players sped around colorful tracks while throwing turtle shells at each other and transforming into speeding bullets. Mario Kart should be known by all ages, especially those who play online games. If you have a mint-condition vintage Super Mario toy, then you could sell it for an average of $750.
Mario Kart
G.I. Joe Circa
Every young boy during the 1960s had a G.I. Joe action figure toy as the females had the female version Barbie. He is very much still popular like his female counterpart, but for the vintage types (original), they have different features that have made them stand out from the ones of today. If you own one in good condition and unopened, you could have it traded for $10,000 – a nice piece if you ask us!
G.I. Joe Circa
Playmobil
These are Germany-based toys and are almost like movie sets where you can set up different locations for your toys to explore. Playmobil was a serious rival to Lego, with its more lifelike figurines and environments that were more believable than the more cartoonish Lego sets. The sets included a Native American village, a medieval fantasy castle, and various emergency services. Today, possessing the Native American set in good condition could go for about $800.
Playmobil
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter is a household name and is popular among kids and adults around the world even years after its first release. The author had to originally hide her first name so males wouldn’t be turned off by the fact that she was a female writer. However, amidst the story finding it hard to land a good publisher, those who managed to get a first edition copy may be in luck today. The book could now be worth over $6,500, and that for sure is a great amount.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
Comic Books
Comic books have come a far way, and even if you are not familiar with its collection, you can tell popular action figure releases could mean a lot. Take, for instance, the Action Comics #1, which had the first appearance of Superman and the Detective Comics #27 with the first appearance of Batman has garnered over a million per copy for those releases. So, if you were around in those days and managed to get a few of the 1st edition kinds, you could very well be sitting on some extra cash because let’s face it, you are not even using the books anymore. However, some of the less popular editions are still valuable and could go from $20 up, depending on which one you have and the condition it is in. Get to cleaning hose attics and start putting in the extra dollars.
Comic Books
American Girl Dolls
American Girl Dolls may cost you a hundred now, but holding on to some of them will reap a little benefit for you down the line. Dolls like Molly McIntire may be auctioned and win you a lovely $1000 or more. However, you have to ensure the doll is retired for you to gain so much from it, as this will make them more unique and hard to get. So, as they become rare, they will automatically become eligible for a collection.
American Girl Dolls
Video Game Cartridges
The next time you decide to have a yard sale, don’t just trade your Atari Video Game Cartridges for little to nothing anymore as this could cost you dearly. Instead, you should check the internet and sites like eBay, and the truth about their value will be revealed. A lot of these games are hard to find in these current times, and for many of those stores which usually sell them, they threw them out when they became “outdated,” or they returned them to the manufacturers who discarded them. The River Patrol, for example, was sold for $675 in September 2019 on eBay. These games are adult-themed, and if you have a few lagging around, you will want to get your selling fingers on as they will get you a lot of cash.
Video Game Cartridges
Masters of the Universe – Eternia Playset
The 1980s was amazing, especially when it came to the Masters of the Universe release, where He-Man defended justice against Skeletor and his team. Do you have a few of the movie’s collectibles lying around in your storage and plan to throw them out soon? Well, you may want to consider this move as most collectors would pay you top cash to take them from you. However, one of the best parts of Masters of the Universe is the Eternia Playset. If you have the box (full set), and they are in good condition, you could rake in over $4,900.
Masters Of The Universe Eternia Playset
She-Ra Toys
She-Ra was as popular as He-Man in the 1980s, and for today, they have a similar resale price (in the higher range). For a single toy still in the wrapping, you can get as much as $100 for it. However, if you own a few of the horses still in their original boxes, then you know you stand a chance of raking in a large value for them. Take, for instance, Swift Wind, the horse, the most recent price went for $400, and others that included She-Ra went for over $1000. As for the Starburst She-Ra and Crystal Swift Wind, the box set can go for up to $800 and over.
She Ra Toys
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
For those who lived in the late 1970s to early 1980s, they will have an idea of what the Strawberry Shortcake Doll was all about. They were figures originally added to greeting cards, and as they became popular, a toy company of the day, Kenner Products, decided to make them physical figures. As such, the Strawberry Shortcake Doll came to life, and many people were excited about them. A popular among the production was Banana Twirl Berrykin, which, if posted on eBay, can get you over $1000. As for the Happy Home House Playset, it is now going for a whopping $5,000 and over (once they are in mint condition and still in their original package.
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
Digimon Digital Monsters and Trading Cards
Created back in 1997, Digimon has been a popular thing like Pokemons (even though there have been rip-offs of this kind). These figures were virtually created and appealed highly to boys who were eager to get them. For those who have, we must say the digital devices now have a nice value of up to $100 (outside of the box), and those in the original package can go up to $500 or more when sold over eBay.
Digimon Digital Monsters And Trading Cards
Lego Train Sets
When you have lego and train lovers in one place, you are bound to have some extreme love and passion swirling around. For collectors, they will open a market for your vintage toys to include the freight train sets, steam cargo train sets, and city train sets. On eBay, you can get up to and over $1000 in auctions for the 1st edition sets, and smaller “less-popular” sets, you can get over $500. As for the Lego Express Deluxe, you can get up to $610 as of October 2019.
Lego Train Sets
G.I. Joe Snake Eyes
The kids of the 1980s are now “big boys and girls” and have some extra cash that they are willing to dash out to their fellow age mates for some vintage toys to add to their collections. These toys include the G.I. Joe action figures (an upgrade from earlier versions) manufactured by Hasbro, the toy company. The toys were loved during the time because they were able to be bent, swiveled, and turned in numerous ways as well as other body movements. Though there were lots of these figures ‘coming to life’, some stood out more than the other like Snake Eyes. All thanks to the Marvel Comic series and the animated versions that included the characters that made them as popular as they are today in value. A lot of listings on eBay have them going for up to $3,000 while others have auctions with them going for as much as $800.
G.I. Joe Snake Eyes
G.I. Joe
Snake Eyes may be the most popular among the Hasbro G.I. Joe toy collection, but the others still have value today on the sale market. If you have any of the others laying around still in their packages, you could stand a chance of getting some extra cash in your hand. Having a few collections from the first 1982 series, such as the Cobra Commander, Scarlett, and Laser Rifle Trooper, you can let them go for an average of $300-$500. However, you should ensure they are in their original packaging so the real value will not be lost. Once the package has all the accessories, the value will be higher, and with the “File Card” still attached, you can count on getting a little extra cash. Anywhere from $20 to $200 or more can be yours with the simplest of these collections.
G.I. Joe
Funko Pop
By now, everyone should have seen or is aware of Funko Pop figures and must know the story behind their existence. They are these amazing and adorable little figures with cute faces that have drawn the attention of many across the world and, if set on the market today, will give you lots of cash. Some of the most sought-after toys include Chewbacca and Shadow Trooper, figures of the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con Star Wars series. These are currently going for about $800-$1000, while the Darth Maul (2012) may value up to $200 or more. There are other Dumbo Funko toys with valuable returns you may want to sell out, and if you desire to hold on price, maybe you can watch the prices as the years go by. For now, if you have even a metallic version of blue and gold, you can get up to and over $500 each. Do you have a “headless” Ned Stark (Game of Thrones) hanging around in your storage? You can strike lucky with an additional $1,500 from a sale on eBay or other selling portals.
Funko Pop
Barbie
This list would not be complete without the queen of girls’ toys. When you hear the phrase “I am a Barbie girl in a Barbie world,” then you will be drawn back to the late 1950s when the doll was first released. It was a hit for most young during that time and still is to this day. However, what makes this toy so interesting is the price the original versions are going for – a whopping $23,000 once it is in good shape.
Barbie
Cabbage Patch Dolls
In contrast to the disturbing Garbage Pail Kids, which parodies the Cabbage Patch Dolls, we have the original dolls that are far sweeter and more wholesome. If you own a Cabbage Patch Doll, then you could be sitting on a lot of cash as we speak. The most valuable collection belongs to Pat and Joe Prosey, who owns over 5,000 dolls that they hold in the custom-built museum. For now, their collection is worth up to $360,000.
Cabbage Patch Dolls