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Toys can remind us of simpler times. But here’s the kicker: some of those long-forgotten toys gathering dust in attics or basements could now be worth a small fortune.
Vintage toys carry more than nostalgia; they’re a window into history. Trends, culture, and craftsmanship of their time are reflected in them. Collectors are hard on the hunt for these relics. We’ll take a trip down memory lane and retrace some of the most loved toys that are now making a big splash in the collectibles world.
Hot Wheels Redlines
For decades, Hot Wheels cars have sped across carpets and sidewalks, but if you’ve got a “Redline” from the late 1960s or early 1970s, you’ve got a goldmine. The early models, named for the red stripe on their tires, can sell for hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, particularly rare designs such as the “Beach Bomb” or “Custom Camaro.”
PEZ Dispensers
You know, those little candy dispensers with character heads? Yep, they’re collectible. Not surprisingly, PEZ dispensers, even of the limited edition or discontinued characters, can be surprisingly valuable.
Star Wars Action Figures
When “Star Wars” debuted in 1977, it wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon, it was a merchandising juggernaut. Factory sealed early action figures are extremely valuable. In an auction, a 1978 Luke Skywalker figure with a ‘double telescoping’ lightsaber sold for $25,000. May the force, and fortune, be with you.
Fisher-Price Little People
These chunky, colorful figures were staples in many households from the 1960s onward. Rare sets, like the 1960s wooden Little People, can command hundreds of dollars, but on the face of it, these wooden little people toys sound simple. If you have the Play Family School set, you are looking at a tidy sum!
G.I. Joe Action Figures
The first ever action figure, G.I. Joe, was introduced in 1964. Collectors love vintage models, especially if their original packaging is intact. A G.I. Joe Navy Seal figure, one of the rare prototypes, sold for more than $200,000 at auction in 2003. This is about earning your stripes!
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Not only did the NES redefine gaming, but it also caused a collector’s frenzy. If you have an original console in good condition, you could sell it for a couple of hundred dollars. While complete, factory sealed NES games like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” can go for tens of thousands.
Cabbage Patch Kids
In the 1980s, these chubby-faced dolls sparked a shopping craze, and some of them remain worth a pretty penny. Those original hand-stitched dolls, called Little People, can fetch thousands of dollars. Mass-market Cabbage Patch Kids in perfect condition are worth something.
Polly Pocket
Tiny Playsets with Dolls in them? Genius! Remember Polly Pockets from the late ’80s and early ’90s? Now, first-generation sets, especially with the original accessories and cases, are hot commodities. Rare sets can go as high as $500.
Beanie Babies
Not all Beanie Babies have held their value, but some rare ones still do. A limited edition of the “Princess Diana” bear can sell for thousands. Remember, as long as you’ve got the original tags, you are good to make bank—no tag, no jackpot.
Barbie Dolls of the Early Days
Although Barbie debuted in 1959, the first edition of dolls remains extremely popular today. These original Barbies are worth thousands, with their iconic black and white striped swimsuit and signature ponytail. According to Business Insider, a mint-condition Barbie No. 1 sold for $27,450. Quite impressive for a $3 doll.
Transformers Toys
Early Transformers toys from the 1980s have always been cool “robots in disguise,” but are now collector gold. You can actually get yourself Optimus Prime or Megatron in mint condition with original packaging for over a couple of thousand.
Teddy Ruxpin
It was ahead of its time: The 1980s talking bear that read stories to kids. Now, original Teddy Ruxpin dolls in working condition, complete with tapes and outfits, are a novelty for collectors. They will sell for hundreds depending on their condition.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
The 1980s were filled with He-Man figures as well as their colorful cast of heroes and villains. Figures like ‘Laser Power He-Man’ or ‘Eternia Playset’ are rare, and will set you back thousands of dollars; that’s how much power Grayskull still has!
Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite sets from the 1970s and 1980s are mesmerizing, and they’ve become collectibles. Original templates and pegs in a complete set can fetch a few hundred dollars. You wouldn’t think that something so simple would light up a collector’s wallet, but it does.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
