Check the attic and raid your parents' basement — these playthings from your past are worth a small fortune now.
1 of 40 — 1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure: $25,000
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| (1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure: $25,000) |
When Nigo, the Japanese designer and founder of A Bathing Ape, decided to offload his Star Wars collection, he turned to Sotheby's. The total haul of the 2015 auction came to over half a million dollars, and included this as-new boxed Luke Skywalker figurine, one of only 20 out there. Other MVP Star Wars action figures from the sale included Canadian and Hungarian versions of bounty hunter Bobba Fett (sold for $6,250 and $15,000 respectively).
2 of 40 — Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000
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| (Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000) |
Due to a manufacturing error, only 2,000 of these royal blue "Peanut" elephants were fabricated with a darker color than originally intended. Now, it's the most collectible Beanie Baby in existence, and sells for as much as $5,000. Other valuable versions include Humphrey the Camel, valued around $2,000, and the 1997 Princess Diana Beanie Baby.
3 of 40 — PEZ Dispensers: Prices Vary
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| (PEZ Dispensers: Prices Vary) |
Sugar fiends will be delighted to know that even that old, candy-less PEZ dispenser might be worth something someday. In 2006, a dispenser known as the Astronaut B, created for the 1982 World's Fair made major bank, selling on eBay for $32,000. Other collectible dispensers include the Mickey Mouse Soft Head dispenser, the 1955 Santa Claus Head dispenser, and the PEZ gun.
4 of 40 — The Original Monopoly Game: $146,500
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| (The Original Monopoly Game: $146,500) |
An original hand drawn oil cloth version of Monopoly made in 1933 and owned by the game's inventor Charles Darrow sold for $146,500 at Sotheby's auction house in 2011, nearly double its expected price. But, even if you don't have such a rare version of this beloved game, vintage versions from the 1930s have sold for $3,125 and limited editions sell for hundreds on eBay.
5 of 40 — Hot Wheels: Prices Vary
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| (Hot Wheels: Prices Vary) |
While most of these palm-sized cars go for just a few dollars, rare finds can be worth thousands. Among the most valuable is the 1969 "Volkswagen Beach Bomb" prototype, designed with surf boards hanging out the back window and wheels that made it too large for Mattel's race tracks. Though it never went into wide production, that's what makes it all the more valuable to collectors, who value it around $125,000.
6 of 40 — Action Comics No. 1, $3.2 million
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| (Action Comics No. 1, $3.2 million) |
The most expensive comic ever sold on eBay, this "pristine" 1938 edition went up for auction in 2014, to staggering results. Why the frenzy? It's the comic that first introduced Superman to the world, and there are fewer than 50 in existence worldwide.
7 og 40 — Wun-Dar He-Man: $1,000
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| (Wun-Dar He-Man: $1,000) |
Also known as naked-with-a-loin-cloth He-Man, this brawny action figure was a giveaway that came with the purchase of Wonder Bread in the 1990s. If you saved it, you're in luck: Your love of white bread could pay off, thanks to the wonder of eBay.
8 of 40 — Fisher Price's Push Cart Pete: $3,000
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| (Fisher Price's Push Cart Pete: $3,000) |
If they're in mint condition, vintage Fisher Price toys can make a mint. This 9-inch 1936 pull toy is expected to rake in upwards of $3,000 — not bad since it originally retailed for 50 cents.
9 of 40 — American Girl "Molly" Doll: $5,000
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| (American Girl "Molly" Doll: $5,000) |
A new American Girl Doll will run you about $120, but isn't it reassuring to know that discontinued dolls like Felicity, Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly live on somewhere? If you have at home (that's a new Mini Molly doll above), with their original clothing and accessories, you could make as much as $5,000.
10 of 40 — First Edition of "Where the Wild Things Are": $25,000
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| (First Edition of "Where the Wild Things Are": $25,000) |
In 2012, a signed 1963 first edition of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book sold on Abebooks. The condition of the book was especially remarkable because, as parents know all too well, picture books rarely survive without rips, smudges, and smears.
11 of 40 — Lionel's Pennsylvania 'Trail Blazer" Train Set: $1,100
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| (Lionel's Pennsylvania 'Trail Blazer" Train Set: $1,100) |
Lionel's nostalgic electric train sets evoke a bygone era (and are now made with 21st century technology), but if you happen to find an original Lionel set in your attic, check if it's the 1934 Standard Gauge version, which could be worth as much as $250,000.
12 of 40 — First Edition Barbie: $23,000
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| (First Edition Barbie: $23,000) |
Barbie may have recently undergone a makeover, but for some collectors, the classic, hourglass-shaped 1959 version will always be the one and only. Originals, complete with zebra-stripe swimsuits and a sweeping up-do, retail from around $8,000 to $23,000.
13 of 40 — Vintage Atari Cartridges: Prices Vary
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| (Vintage Atari Cartridges: Prices Vary) |
In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twist, an urban legend that Atari had buried hundreds of its game cartridges in the New Mexico desert in 1983 turned out to be true. In all, 881 recovered cartridges were sold, totaling $107,000 in proceeds. Individually, the more rare and popular games can go for hundreds of dollars on eBay.
14 of 40 — Original Furby: $900
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| (Original Furby: $900) |
These furry, interactive toys came on the scene in 1998. If you're holding on to an early version in an unopened box, you could expect it to fetch about $900.
15 of 40 — Game Boy: $750 - $1,500
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| (Game Boy: $750 - $1,500) |
Before we were obsessed with our cell phones, we whiled away the hours on Nintendo's handheld game system, which was first release in the U.S. in 1989. These days, mint condition Game Boys go for hundreds and, if you have a special edition like the Game Boy Light, over $1,500.
16 of 40 — Original Transformers Action Figures: Prices Vary
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| (Original Transformers Action Figures: Prices Vary) |
Hasbro produced the first line of these transforming robot action figures in 1984. If you were lucky enough to keep the originals in their box, they can be worth way more than their original value: Optimus Prime figures in pristine packaging are listed on eBay for upwards of $2,000, about 100 times more than their original sticker price.
17 of 40 — First Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone": $6,500
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| (First Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone": $6,500) |
Originally published in 1998, first editions of the U.S. version of J.K. Rowling's story that kicked off the Harry Potter phenomenon have sold for up to $6,500. Score one for Gryffindor if you find a signed copy, which adds to the value, like this one selling for $15,000.
18 of 40 — Mario Kart 64: $750
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| (Mario Kart 64: $750) |
One of Nintendo's most beloved games (we all wanted to be Yoshi), mint condition vintage cartridges of Mario Kart 64 can now sell for about $750.
19 of 40 — Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls: Prices Vary
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| (Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls: Prices Vary) |
Doll collectors adore Cabbage Patch Kids, first created by Xavier Roberts in 1978. Pat and Joe Prosey are the world's most obsessive Cabbage Patch doll collectors, having amassed over 5,000 dolls they house in a custom-built Maryland museum (you can buy them all for a cool $360,000). If you're more of a casual fan, there's also an official collector's club with an annual membership of $35.
20 of 40 — Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset: $1,900
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| (Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset: $1,900) |
Described by one eBay seller as the "Holy Grail" of Masters of the Universe toys, this battleground where your He-Man and Skeletor action figures might have fought now fetches about $1,900 if it's still in the box untouched.
21 of 40 — Teddy Ruxpin: $500
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| (Teddy Ruxpin: $500) |
This beloved, animatronic bear "reads" kids stories thanks to an audio cassette player built into its back. These days, bears in topnotch condition can be had for around $500.
22 of 40 — Jurassic Park Action Figures: Prices Vary
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| (Jurassic Park Action Figures: Prices Vary) |
We all loved Steven Spielberg's 1993 film about a theme park gone wrong, and there's lot of merchandise to prove it. If you held on to the original '90s action figures and kept them in good condition, they can be worth several hundred dollars each these days. T-Rex is the most sought after — this one is listed at $1,250.
23 of 40 — 1982 Skeletor Action Figure: $1,650
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| (1982 Skeletor Action Figure: $1,650) |
He-Man's evil nemesis Skeletor is the most popular action figure from the Masters of the Universe World. Fans are willing to pay upwards of $1,500 for an in-box, mint condition 1982 original of this skulled villain.
24 of 40 — Pokemon Cards: Prices Vary
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| (Pokemon Cards: Prices Vary) |
First published in Japan in 1996, Pokemon trading cards have a huge following and rare cards can go for wildly high prices. This mint-condition Pikachu card is on sale for $100,000, and other cards can fetch similarly expensive sums.
25 of 40 — Lite Brite: $130 - $350
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| (Lite Brite: $130 - $350) |
First marketed in 1967, this toy allowed children to create glowing art by fitting small, colored plastic pegs into an illuminated board. Full sets go for well over $100, and Lite Brite Cubes can sell for about $350.
26 of 40 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980s Action Figures: Prices Vary
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| (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980s Action Figures: Prices Vary) |
These "heroes in a half shell" first made an appearance as comic book characters in 1984, and a wildly popular animated series soon followed in 1987. Pretty much every kids' birthday party we attended in the late 80s was Teenage Turtle-themed, and plenty of the action figures were gifted. In mint condition, these figures can go for about $550 a piece, with rarer pieces being offered for as high as $5,000.
27 of 40 — Vintage Colorforms: $250 - $300
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| (Vintage Colorforms: $250 - $300) |
Given the current popularity of adult coloring books, it's no surprise that old school Colorforms, with their colorful backgrounds and reusable stickers, are in demand, too. Toyhelper carries a wide variety around the $250 mark, with '80s themes ranging from Gremlins to Masters of the Universe to Michael Jackson.
28 of 40 — Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $700
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| (Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $700) |
Girls of the '80s all loved this cartoon rocker. And the prices these dolls currently fetch are truly, truly, truly outrageous indeed — Jem dolls can sell for upwards of $700, with accessories and related toys selling for similarly high prices.
29 of 40 — She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind: Prices Vary
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| (She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind: Prices Vary) |
He-Man's twin sister was a badass, and collectors are still keen on She-Ra. The original action figure in-box, packaged alongside her horse, was recently listed at $4,000, although individual action figures and accessories sell more in the range of $150 - $600.
30 of 40 — Vintage Playmobil: Prices Vary
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| (Vintage Playmobil: Prices Vary) |
Childhood is practically synonymous with German toymaker Playmobil. Which helps explain why collectors are so nostalgic for throw-back pieces and willing to shell out the big bucks for them: This 1995 Victorian Dollhouse is listed at $800 and knight's castle is on the market for $649.
31 of 40 — Vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls: $400 - $600
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| (Vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls: $400 - $600) |
Who didn't adore Strawberry Shortcake and all her adorable friends with dessert-themed names? The original dolls were released in the 1980s and now command between $400 to $600 for characters still housed in their box.
32 of 40 — Digimon: Prices Vary
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| (Digimon: Prices Vary) |
These virtual monsters were first created in 1997 and gained in popularity after an anime series and video game followed. Mint-condition versions can go for well over $100 these days, and Digimon cards are also collectors' items.
33 of 40 — Lego Trains: $1,500 - $3,000
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| (Lego Trains: $1,500 - $3,000) |
Take two things people are wildly passionate about (Lego + trains) and it's no wonder that the vintage railroad sets from the beloved brand command top dollar. Sets range from Steam Cargo Trains to Diesel Freight Trains to High-Speed City Express Trains, and all go for between $1,500 and $3,000.
34 of 40 — Magic: The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary
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| (Magic: The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary) |
If you were into this fantasy card game growing up, your collection could be worth a pretty penny today. Collections have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, and rare individual cards like the Alpha "Black Lotus" have sold for as much as $27k.
35 of 40 — Boba Fett Action Figure: $2,000 - $5,000
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| (Boba Fett Action Figure: $2,000 - $5,000) |
Given the franchise's massive popularity, it's a safe bet that vintage Star Wars merchandise will command some of the highest prices in the galaxy. Bounty hunter Boba Fett is among the most popular action figure from the films, with mint-condition, in-box versions being sold for as much as $5,000.
36 of 40 — G.I. Joe Action Figures and Accessories: Prices Vary
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| (G.I. Joe Action Figures and Accessories: Prices Vary) |
Hasbro's G.I. Joe has been around since 1964 and remains a favorite for a large base of collectors (there's even an annual G.I. Joe convention). Vintage Joes and their accessories run a broad range price-wise, with enemy organization "Cobra" accessories among the most popular: "Missle Command Center" alone is priced at $17,500, while some individual figures are set as high as $10,000. A prototype G.I. Joe "Toy Soldier" made in 1963 sold on eBay for $200,000 in 2003.
37 of 40 — Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls and Accessories: Prices Vary
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| (Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls and Accessories: Prices Vary) |
We still remember the theme song from this animated TV series about Rainbow Brite and her sidekicks the Color Kids, who were in charge of preserving all the color in the world. These days, original Rainbow Brite and Color Kids dolls can sell for around $300, and some accessories, like Starlite the horse, are listed for as much as $1,000.
38 of 40 — Garbage Pail Kids' Cards: $1,000 and up
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| (Garbage Pail Kids' Cards: $1,000 and up) |
Ahhhh, the '80s. The surreal and offensive Garbage Pail Kids collectible cards have found their ideal home on the equally surreal Interwebs, where a card like "Adam Bomb" can collect around $4,000 and even an unremarkable full set can bring in about $700. Bonus dollars if they are in their original packaging.
39 of 40 — Happy Meal Toys: Prices Vary
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| (Happy Meal Toys: Prices Vary) |
McDonald's Happy Meals have come with toys since 1979, so it's no wonder there's a following of collectors that loves these pint-sized playthings. On eBay, you'll find collections like one of all Disney-themed characters priced around $300 or one of the Peanuts characters priced at $90.
40 of 40 — Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns: $100 - $500
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| (Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns: $100 - $500) |
Super Soakers took water fights to the next level, and these vibrantly-colored aqua guns are still in high demand. Models like this one from the 1990s start around $150, and can go for as much as $500 in mint condition.