Buzz
Do you recall your favorite childhood toy? It might be worth a small fortune today. The online marketplace for vintage toys is thriving, fueled by nostalgia and a longing to relive youthful memories. Platforms like eBay, Amazon, Craig’s List, and Kijiji are brimming with classic toys fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Surprisingly, even toys from the last decade are commanding high prices. For savvy collectors, there are hidden gems to uncover if you know which toys hold the most value. Below is a list of 12 iconic toys that are highly sought after today.
12. Tamagotchi - $300
Is there an old Tamagotchi gathering dust at your parents' home? This iconic toy was a massive hit in the 1990s, with over 75 million units sold globally. Created in Japan, the Tamagotchi was a digital pet housed in a handheld device that required feeding, playing, and care. WiZ, the Japanese toy manufacturer, released more than 44 versions, with some being rarer and more coveted. The Tamagotchi craze even inspired video games and a 2007 movie. Today, well-preserved first-generation Tamagotchis from 1996-1998 can fetch up to $300 online, a significant increase from their original $18 price tag. The most prized variant is the ultra-rare “Devilgotchi,” which was discontinued due to its frightening nature and has sold for $400 on eBay.
11. Furbies - $500
Furbies, a relatively modern toy, continue to captivate audiences even today. Introduced in 1998 by Tiger Electronics, these unique creations blend the features of an owl and a hamster, marketed as the first 'domestic robot.' Capable of learning up to 24 languages, Furbies became the ultimate must-have toy from 1998 to 2000, with over 40 million units sold worldwide in under three years. Overwhelmed by demand, Tiger Electronics ceased production in late 2000. Hasbro acquired the rights in 2005 and attempted revivals in 2007 and 2012, with limited success. Original Furbies from 1998-2000, now referred to as 'Classic Furbies,' can fetch $500 or more today, depending on their condition. Originally priced at $50, these toys are highly prized by collectors and are expected to appreciate in value over time.
10. Super Soaker - $600
Super Soaker water guns, now produced by Nerf, remain a summer staple, with designs growing more advanced each year. Modern versions resemble high-tech weapons capable of holding large volumes of water. However, collectors treasure the simpler, original models from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The first Super Soakers hit the market in 1989, and by today’s standards, they are modest in design and capacity. Yet, driven by nostalgia, enthusiasts have paid up to $600 for vintage models. Particularly valuable are the 'Power Drenchers' produced between 1989 and 1991. After 1991, the toy was rebranded as 'Super Soaker,' eventually generating over $1 billion in sales.
9. Mario Kart 64 - $1,500 to $2,500
Mario, a beloved video game icon, first appeared in Atari's Donkey Kong and has since starred in numerous Nintendo games. Among these, the original Mario Kart for the Nintendo 64, released in 1996, stands out as a fan favorite. While Super Mario Kart (1992) pioneered the go-kart racing genre, Mario Kart 64 holds a special place in collectors' hearts for several reasons. It introduced four-player racing, 3D graphics, Wario as a playable character, and the iconic blue shell. These innovations make it a highly sought-after classic. Pristine copies of Mario Kart 64 have sold for up to $2,500 on eBay, while used copies fetch around $1,500.
8. Beanie Babies - $5,000
Beanie Babies, the adorable plush toys from Ty Warner Inc., became a global sensation in the 1990s. Produced between 1993 and 1999, these collectibles captured the hearts of enthusiasts who sought to own every variation. Despite several revivals post-2000, none matched the frenzy of the '90s. Today, certain rare and special edition Beanie Babies command impressive prices. For instance, Humphrey the Camel has fetched $2,000, while a Princess Diana commemorative edition sold for $3,000. The crown jewel, however, is the Peanut Royal Blue Elephant, valued at $5,000. A manufacturing error resulted in only 2,000 of these darker-hued elephants, making them exceptionally rare and highly coveted by collectors.
7. Pokémon Cards - $10,000
While baseball cards are known for their value, Pokémon cards have taken collectibles to a new level. Introduced in late 1996 to promote the Pokémon video game, these trading cards quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Children and collectors alike went to great lengths to acquire rare editions, and by 2000, international tournaments had emerged. Nintendo took over production in 2003 due to overwhelming demand. Although the craze has subsided, vintage cards from the 1990s and ultra-rare editions remain highly valuable. For example, a rare 'Raichu' card was sold on eBay for $10,000, showcasing the enduring appeal of these iconic collectibles.
6. Lego Sets - $12,000
Lego continues to dominate the toy industry, with its popularity reaching new heights. While modern sets can be pricey, vintage and discontinued Lego collections command staggering prices. Originating in Denmark in 1949, Lego has become a timeless toy enjoyed across generations. Its enduring appeal has cemented its status as a global powerhouse, even earning the title of 'The World’s Most Powerful Brand' in 2015 by Brand Finance. With over 600 billion pieces produced and six Legoland parks worldwide, Lego’s cultural impact is undeniable. Rare sets, such as Space Lego from the 1980s, have sold for $5,000, while a 1970s pirate ship fetched $10,000. A mint-condition Star Wars Millennium Falcon set even reached $12,000 on eBay, showcasing the fervor among collectors.
5. Star Wars Action Figures - $25,000
The Star Wars action figures from Kenner, released in the late 1970s, are now highly prized collectibles. These three-inch figures, originally packaged in clear plastic cases, can fetch astronomical sums if kept in pristine condition. A 1977 Luke Skywalker figure in its original packaging sold for $25,000 at a Sotheby’s auction, while a Boba Fett figure from the same era went for $15,000. Even well-worn Star Wars toys from the 1970s hold significant value, with a damaged Millennium Falcon toy selling for $350 on eBay. This demonstrates the enduring demand for vintage Star Wars memorabilia.
4. Pez Dispensers - $32,000
Pez dispensers are far more than candy holders to collectors—they are cherished artifacts. First introduced in Vienna, Austria, in 1927, Pez has grown into a global phenomenon, with over 550 unique dispenser designs featuring characters ranging from historical icons like Daniel Boone to pop culture legends like Darth Vader. Rare editions are highly sought after, with the 'Astronaut B' dispenser from the 1982 World’s Fair selling for $32,000 in 2006. The most coveted piece remains the 1955 Santa Claus head, estimated to be worth up to $50,000, highlighting the passion and dedication of Pez enthusiasts.
3. Atari Cartridges - $108,000
The Atari 2600 console and its games might seem primitive by today’s standards, but they hold a special place in gaming history. Founded in 1972, Atari revolutionized the video game industry with classics like Pong and Pac-Man. Despite the company’s bankruptcy in 1984 due to a market crash, nostalgia for the Atari 2600 remains strong. Many gamers cherish revisiting the console and its library of 565 games. A mint-condition Atari 2600 with a complete game collection sold for an astonishing $108,000 online—a stark contrast to the company’s $50 sale in 1984.
2. First Edition Monopoly Game - $146,500
Monopoly, the iconic board game, has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 1933 during the Great Depression. Its enduring design and gameplay have made it a timeless classic. Collectors value its history, with an original 1933 oil cloth version hand-drawn by inventor Charles Darrow selling for $146,500 at Sotheby’s in 2011. Vintage editions from the 1930s can fetch up to $5,000, while special editions regularly trade for hundreds of dollars online. It’s a fitting tribute to a game centered around wealth and strategy.
1. G.I. Joe - $200,000
Since 1964, Hasbro has been producing G.I. Joe, the iconic action figure that has seen numerous transformations over the decades. Today, G.I. Joe boasts a dedicated global fanbase, celebrated through annual conventions. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for vintage pieces, especially those tied to G.I. Joe and his nemesis, Cobra. For instance, a Cobra Missile Command Center from the 1980s fetched $17,500 at auction, while a first-edition Snake Eyes figure sold for $10,000. The most valuable, however, are the original 1960s G.I. Joes. A 1964 prototype named 'Toy Soldier' sold for an astounding $200,000 on eBay in 2003. The demand for these classic figures continues to rise, suggesting their value will only increase over time.
