From Playtime to Payday: 21 Childhood Favorites Now Worth Big Money

Time to dust off the boxes and find that once-cherished toy from your childhood. For collectors and enthusiasts, they items have become valued objects and they can be worth big bucks – are there any of these in your attic? 

#1. Original Star Wars Action Figures

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The allure of Star Wars memorabilia never fades. Depending on the rarity, an original action figure in mint condition can sell for anywhere between $1,000 to over $25,000.

#2. First Edition Pokémon Cards

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A first edition Pokémon card, especially the Charizard, can be worth up to $300,000 if in pristine condition.

#3. Vintage Barbie Dolls

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Original Barbies from the 1950s and 60s can range from $500 to $25,000, significantly more if they’re rare editions.

#4. LEGO Sets

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Discontinued LEGO sets, particularly Star Wars and Harry Potter themes, can go for $1,000 to over $5,000.

#5. American Girl Dolls

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Early models of American Girl dolls from the 90s can fetch between $100 to $1,000, especially if they are retired characters.

#6. G.I. Joe Action Figures

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Vintage figures from the 60s and 70s can command prices from $100 to $10,000, depending on condition and rarity.

#7. Original Furby Toys

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Limited edition Furbies, especially in unopened boxes, can range from $100 to $2,000.

#8. Beanie Babies

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Select Beanie Babies, like the Princess Diana Bear, can be valued up to $500,000, although most are worth much less.

#9. Hot Wheels Cars

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Certain rare models from the original 1968 line can sell for $3,000 to $150,000.

#10. Transformers Toys

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Original toys from the 1980s can be worth $100 to $2,000, particularly if they are in mint condition.

#11. Vintage Comic Books

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Key issues, especially in good condition, can range from a few thousand dollars to over $3 million for extremely rare finds.

#12. Magic: The Gathering Cards

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Cards like the Black Lotus can be valued at $40,000 to $100,000, depending on condition and edition.

#13. Tamagotchi

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Rare editions of these digital pets can sell for $40 to $500, particularly if unopened.

#14. Super Soakers

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Vintage Super Soakers in their original packaging can fetch $100 to $1,000.

#15. Original Game Boy

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A mint condition original Game Boy, particularly in a sealed box, can be worth $750 to $2,000.

#16. Polly Pocket Sets

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Original sets from the 80s and 90s can range from $100 to $2,000, particularly if they are complete and well-maintained.

#17. Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards

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Early rare cards can sell from $100 to over $10,000, depending on their rarity and condition.

#18. Cabbage Patch Kids

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First-edition dolls can range from $100 to $5,000, with certain rare dolls fetching even higher prices.

#19. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

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A mint condition NES, especially with original games and packaging, can be worth $100 to $2,000.

#20. Vintage Fisher-Price Little People Sets

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These charming playsets from the 1960s and 1970s, especially those in complete and original condition, have become collectible. Specific sets like the “Play Family House” or the “School Bus” can range in value from $100 to over $1,000, depending on their condition and completeness.

#21. Vintage My Little Pony

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Original My Little Pony figures from the 1980s, especially rare or ‘mail-order’ ponies, can be worth $100 to $2,000.

This list shows how the joys of childhood can evolve into lucrative investments. Whether you’re a collector or just rediscovering old treasures, the market for vintage toys shows the value of nostalgia. 

The post From Playtime to Payday: 21 Childhood Favorites Now Worth Big Money first appeared on Career Step Up.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / LUQMAN ABU HASSAN.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice. 

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