With new products that young children are going crazy about, the market for toys is booming every year. Since new toys are being developed every year, it makes sense for many to be forgotten. Even then, there are those timeless items that are forever around and never forgotten. Many of these childhood favorites have evidently been upgraded with technology, but some of the originals are ten times as valuable as ever! Let’s see how precious these items are. Take a trip down the memory lane and see which of the toys you remember.
Tamagotchi
Originally sold for $18, Tamagotchi is now worth $200! In 1996, Japanese inventors Akihiro Yokoi and Aki Maita made a tiny pocket toy. Aki Maita was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics after it hit the market. The name itself is made up of two Japanese words meaning “egg” and “watch,” and a miniature toy teaches children how to take care of a virtual animal. In the ’90s, this was the biggest thing, and it had an updated release today, with over 82 million sales!
Furby
After Furby came out, the Americans were confused as to what the item was. It didn’t take long for people to get crazy over a furry, talking robot toy created by Tiger Electronics. Even now, consumers were not quite sure what kind of animal the toy had impersonated, but it was still considered a must-have item. Parents have broken into absolute chaos by securing this item for their children. Over 12 months, around 27 million Furbies have been sold, and the price went up to almost $300!
View-Master
The View-Master, once sold for $12.50, is now worth $430. This item was first introduced in 1939 and could take you to a 3-d world that was difficult to understand. This item was used on Disneyland rides, although most of them don’t know. We might be reliving the Jurassic Park adventures with this toy, but the question is whether we want to spend our money on it!
Power Rangers Toys
We all remember power rangers legends, but what about the toys? When the show was popular, these figures flew off the shelves, but we’re curious about how much this toy earned. Over $6 billion was earned by this item alone, making it an epic business success. It was originally sold for $13, and collectors are willing to pay $140 today, probably because of what a hit back in the ’90s the show was.
Troll Dolls
The infamous Troll Dolls have been around since the 1960s, but they are still widely marketed today! Under a different name, “Gonk Trolls,” they are also sold in England. Numerous companies adapted the design to make money with their specialized design. However, the original creator has copyrights. Many different versions were sold. Special editions on impeccable conditions, sold for 10 times the price online, can be found today. They were sold once for $5, but the collector’s price is now $40.
Sky Dancers
Sky dancers were the most popular thing to buy at one point. Just imagine pulling the string to see them fly to the ceiling. Every doll had a story of its own, and there was even a show based on it. Dolls are still being sold worldwide, and once they were $9.99, the collector’s price is $80 nowadays! Consider yourself lucky if you happen to own an original because many would pay an arm and a leg to get their hands on these dolls!
American Girl Dolls
American Girl Dolls were THE item to have for little girls all across America. Fans of the famous book series, in particular. Every single doll had its own 6 book series attached, which described the children’s history. These dolls were also considered quite expensive, but they started as $82. Buying a doll wasn’t enough when you needed to accessorize it with expensive outfits that were mailed to your parents. Such dolls sell for hundreds now.
Nintendo 64
America was shocked by this product as it was a super-advanced console at the time. There was nothing like adventuring through Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie! The 3D graphics were unheard of, and the games were advanced and well developed. Nintendo dominated Gamecube after some time, but you can still sell yours for hundreds because the collector’s price is $370.
Easy Bake Oven
Back in the day, when you’re just a little girl, you must’ve persuaded your parents countless times to get you an easy oven for baking. This item was first released in the ’60s but was then modified to resemble a microwave. There are updated versions today, but the original concept lives on! Vintage conditions are so rare that they can be sold for nearly $300 when they were only bought for almost $50.
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Pokémon Trading Cards were developed based on the Nintendo video games, and fans went crazy. Especially since “gotta catch em all” was the game slogan and certainly helped with the mass purchasing. This paper product isn’t worth much now, but some rare cards aren’t worthless. For a shocking $100k, one card was sold! You probably regret disposing of these cards now, huh!
Beanie Babies
Beanie babies were the top of the line product in the ’90s, and kids adored these little animals more than anything. More than 100 different kinds were manufactured and quickly made into collectibles that people were investing in. At the height of popularity, they were sold for insane amounts, but this was shortlived. They’re pretty worthless today, and they’re selling for close to the original $5 price. But if you’ve got the real hidden treasure, it can be sold for $8,000.
Bop It
Unless you were born in the 1990s, you probably don’t know this, but back in the day, it’s a game where someone had to participate in a fast-paced electronic game, trying their best not to miss their turn. As it blew up on the market, many versions were created, adding different shapes to the mix. It’s not worth much today, but you can sell a vintage version for more than you paid because the collector’s price is $35!
Lite-Brite
This product was first introduced in the ’60s but is currently quite popular. The game aimed to create a design made from colorful lights using your imagination. Ultimately, you’d have a lovely picture to show your parents. Children still buy this item nowadays, but the vintage edition is definitely worth a ton, with a collector’s price of $150.
Pogs
This may be a strange one, but a lot of pog-era kids can tell you about this item and the toy-related game. Every character and color used to be a topic of conversation in the middle school world, but where did it come from? Theoretically, this game relates to Hawaii almost a hundred years ago. We don’t really know how a game comes about; what we know for sure is a full set that can be sold for about $250!
Pretty Pretty Princess
This was the perfect game that every little girl could use to get away from their brother. It was a chance to wear fake jewelry all over your body! Who doesn’t love a tiara? The point was to deck yourself up in royal wear, which was favored in America among young girls. Since you can’t find it anywhere, an original version today could probably score you over $100.
Polly Pocket
Every young girl wanted to have her own or multiple Polly pockets! We do not blame them for what’s better than your doll with a house that transforms into a carry on the box. It was first released on its own in 1989 and sold for $10. Then it was bought by Mattel, and a few changes were made. The originals are worth a ton today, one for $13,000!
Tickle Me, Elmo
This item was something the parents rushed for as the holiday season was coming. While it was evident that Elmo was fun and adored Sesame Street’s character, there was no way to describe what it was like to interact with him like that. Elmo would give up this warm and infectious laugh with a tight hug. Parents did everything they could to buy this $29 stuffed animal, and now it’s worth about $250!
Talkback Dear Diary
For young girls who were used to writing with paper and pen, this advanced notebook was a huge deal. Girls could record what they felt, and to be able to record yourself and hear it was an exciting thing in the ’90s! This was way before the creation of smartphones, and it was something that the world was not used to. Phones have replaced this excitement today, but originals are selling for about $200.
Dream Phone
Dream Phone was the best game to play before girls and boys got deep into the world of dating. It was made up of 24 boys who may or may not have a crush on you and a pink phone that allowed you to hear more of them. As well as the mystery and scandal involved, young girls were excited about the game. Young women remember this game, and some even pay $100 to relive the experience.
Barbie
Barbies began in 1959, and every young girl had one. Barbie had adapted to all the fashion trends and knew what was next to come. The original barbie sold for $3 is very different from what she is now, but the doll is available in all shapes, colors, and sizes today. Mattel released the original, but you might get rich if you have your own because they’re worth $5,000 today.
Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
In 1979, by Muriel Fahrion, the cute little strawberry shortcake dollars were brought to the shelves. She inspired the start of films, TV programs, and other merchandise after her design. If you happen to have any vintage items of your own, you may be in luck because these items, which were once purchased for $20, are worth $550!
Super Soaker
Summer in the ’90s was a season-long wait when super soakers were introduced! This water gun was the must-have item since versions were recreated. Original versions still mean a lot to people, and they’re willing to pay big bucks. If they’re in top condition, they can resell for hundreds because the new models aren’t the same. This ultimate water gun made the business more than $1 billion.
Spice Girls Doll Collection
The slogan ‘Girl Power’ was introduced by the Spice Girls, but the phrase has changed quite a bit since then. The girl band’s Barbie doll adaption was so close to the real-life version, and young girls around the country desired this collection. Nowadays, with collectors willing to pay $225 for the full set, the collection is worth a ton.
Hot Wheels
When they first came out, hot wheels were an essential toy, but the same remains today. New versions are created all the time, and the originals are worth more than some real cars now! A pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb model sold for $125,000, just listen to it! Such rates are mind-boggling.
Monopoly: Original Editions
So many versions have been created ever since the original $2 monopoly game came out. The best of them all was probably Junior Monopoly with all the fun candy and Ferris wheels. 250 million boxes were sold ever since it was established in 1933. The rarest versions are collector’s items today and sell for $146,500.
My Little Pony Dolls
Every little girl that loved playing with these pony manes sold for $13 in the ’80s and’ 90s. They were boosting the market back then, and today they’re worth quite a lot. The original edition, with its box, is worth nearly $900!
Barbie Golden Dream Motorhome
Barbie was a big thing in the ’90s, but she needs her motorhome! This was a huge step forward from normal dollhouses, as young children could expand their creative edge and storytelling skills. Mattel has produced many new features, but if you have the vintage edition in perfect condition, you could get over $300!
Teddy Ruxpin
This bear is a classic of all time! Even when your parents were too busy, she could read you bedtime stories. This concept has been further updated, and every generation will experience something as incredible as this! Original versions are hard to find, but when they see one, collectors go crazy and are prepared to pay over a grand to get their hands on one.
Transformers Action Figures
Priced at $20 initially, Transformers are still popular with very updated details. The original model was so unique and nothing anyone had seen before. This toy even led to the movie franchise that now has nearly 50 films. Vintage figures are not worth over thousands of dollars, so hold on to them!
Lego Trains
At first, it’s priced at $20, with the most up-to-date details, Transformers are still popular. The original model was so unique since nothing like it was seen before. This toy even led to a movie franchise that now has almost 50 movies. Vintage figures are worth more than a thousand dollars, so hold on to them!
Eternia Playset
“He-Man” was a hit comic book and TV character in the 1980s and, surprisingly, he still has a strong fan base today. This $30 game was something you’ll never forget. Children felt like they were part of the experience, with recreated versions of the cartoon’s monsters and heroes. Collectors are even willing to pay $3,000 for this set today, and it makes sense!
G.I. Joe
Without including G.I. Joe, we probably couldn’t have made this list! In 1964, this classic American toy was created, and a little boy was rushing to get one! This product is legendary today, and the original was marketed for $17,500. Some $10,000 versions, but the most important of all, is the first prototype, worth $200,000! This doll has created a franchise, and there are films based on G.I.Joe and new models.
Thundercats Thunderwings Lion-O Action Figure
Thundercats, the once-hit show of the ’80s, produced many toys at the time. For fans of the former show, these items are very nostalgic today. Although not everyone knows what a Thundercat is, the focus is more on the resale price! Original, boxed figures can sell for nearly thousands of dollars, some even $7,000! Since they were originally sold for $15, this is insane.
Legos 1st Edition Millennium Falcon
Legos are an item with which we are all familiar and absolutely love. With these buildings and simple snap-on blocks, we can all relate to those afternoons we spent imagining what to make. The Lego company had some upgrades of its own with advances. Limited edition boxes are not as common now and are rapidly increasing in value! The Star Wars version is worth nearly $4,000 today!
Megatron Gun
While transformer items on their own are worth a lot, the associated merchandise is also worth it! The Megatron gun is worth almost $4,000 now, and that will make you happy to spend that $20 on the original one. That is, however, if it is in the original box!
Pound Puppies
These cute stuffed animals used to be the craze everyone was talking about, bringing in $300 in sales. The product even led to the beginning of a two-year TV show. They were made after these upgraded versions, but if you still have one of the originals, you can make a fortune, close to $5,000!
Nintendo Game Boy
The Nintendo was the item of the 1990s, which changed the use of big bulky consoles to a simpler gadget with more games, and it was handheld! It first came out with Super Mario Land or the famous Tetris game, but Game Boy Color was the later version. If you are someone who holds on to your belongings and happens to lie around one, you can make up to $550!
Vintage Care Bear Dolls
Carebears were originally sold for $2, a delightful cartoon and stuffed animal to have. We’ve learned about their personalities, with every stomach having its scent. Many films have been produced based on these characters, and limited editions may even be worth over $7,000!
Lionel’s Pennsylvania “Trail Blazer” Train Set
Even before the debut of the Lego Train, Lionel’s Pennsylvania “Trail Blazer” train set was released in the 1930s. This has now been replaced with fancier versions, but we have a special place in our hearts for this historical item. Most would agree and be willing to pay $250,000 for this item, even though it was priced at $150!
Garbage Pail Kids’ Cards
Note that every lover of cabbage patch kids needed to have collectible cards for Garbage Pail kids in the 1980s. Today you’re winning online, but you win more than $1,000, particularly if you’ve got the “Adam Bomb” card.
Monopoly
At Sotheby’s auction house, an original version of the 1933 Monopoly game was sold in 2011 for $146,500. This was double the estimated price, and even vintage versions today sell for over $3,000, and there are hundreds of limited editions.
Action Comics
Given its unique content, the comic which first brought Superman to the world is now worth $3.2 million. There are also less than 50 around the world, so it makes sense that it’s the most expensive comic book ever sold on eBay.
Wun-Dar He-Man: Prices Vary
He-Man was a frequent giveaway and Wonder Bread in the 1990s, and the bulky action figure is also known as naked-with-a-loin-cloth. It’s quite lucky for those who saved this because your love for wonder bread may bring you something successful in the future. Some of them are sold at close to $500.
Fisher Price’s Push Cart Pete
Vintage Fisher Price toys in mint condition may just make you a mint. It’s estimated that this 9-inch toy, made in 1936, is worth $3,000, which is quite impressive considering that it was originally sold for 50 cents.
First Edition of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’
In 2012, the first version of the classic children’s book, signed by Maurice Sendak, was sold for $25,000 on Abebooks. The book was particularly exceptional because it was in exceptional condition, rare for children.
First Edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
Well, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling was originally released in 1998, and it was the first edition to set the stage for the Harry Potter Phenomenon. These vintage editions have sold almost $6,500 today. You hit gold if you find a signed copy because they can sell for $15,000!
Mario Kart
Mario Kart was one of the most adored and popular Nintendo games. The children would gather together to fight to be Yoshi. Today the game that taught us how to drive sold for around $460-$675!
Jurassic Park Action Figures
The 1993 film by Steven Spielberg that focused on a theme park gone wrong was a big success back then and remains today. A lot of merchandise has been created based on the film since the film was launched. The original action figures of the ’90s can now be worth thousands of dollars if they are in good condition. T-Rex is the most desired one, in particular, and is listed at $2,800.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
These comic book characters made a half-shell appearance in 1984. They have been so popular that in 1987 they got their series. The theme of every birthday party in the 80s was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Today, versions of these figures sell for around $400-900 in mint condition.
Colorforms
Adult coloring books are still very popular today, so it makes sense that today, vintage color forms, are in high demand today. For about $250, many of them are sold on Toyhelper. A complete set could have a value of $360.