15 Childhood Toys That Are Now Worth a Fortune

Remember the joy of unboxing a special toy on your birthday or Christmas? If you’re strapped for cash or enjoy flipping culture, you’ll be happy to know that some of your old toys may now be worth a fortune. From classic action figures to iconic dolls, nostalgia sells for a pretty penny on eBay. Browse our list to help you score your next big flip or collector’s item.

1. Hot Wheels

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If you were a car aficionado as a kid, you probably spent hours playing with these little figures. Some of them are worth quite a bit now—especially rare ones. The Hot Wheels Highway 35 World Race Ultimate Track Set, for example, is worth up to $4,500.

2. Original Star Wars Action Figures

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Star Wars was originally released in 1977, and shortly after, its action figures took the market by storm. Although not every action figure from the galaxy far, far away is worth a fortune, some have aged into major collector’s items. For example, a Star Wars 12 Back-C Luke Skywalker recently sold for $8,988!

3. Vintage Barbie Dolls

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Barbie fashion dolls launched on March 9, 1959, and like Star Wars, Barbie has had many multimedia releases. Throughout the years, Barbie dolls have built enthusiasm for many collectors. Vintage Barbie dolls, such as a 1959 #2 Ponytail Barbie in its original boxing, can be sold for over $5,000.

4. LEGO Sets

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If you’re a LEGO fan, it’s no surprise why these sets are worth a lot of money. For example, a LEGO Star Wars Cloud City Set recently sold for $5,200. Your best bet to find LEGO sets like these is garage sales. 

5. Old Comic Books

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If you’ve attended any of the major ComicCons across the U.S., it’s easy to see that there’s a high demand for old comic books. A recent eBay listing showed that an X-Men #100 Old X-Men vs. New X-Men comic from 1976 sold for $2,275. Your best bet to score rare comic books like this one is going to thrift shops, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace.

6. Original Transformers Toys

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Transformers has been a major franchise since the 1980s. Since then, many of its action figures have gained popularity and value. A recent eBay listing showed that a Cybertron Unicron action figure sold for $750. With a new Transformers movie coming later in 2024, expect demand to increase once more.

7. Early Pokémon Cards

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Pokemon first released its mega-hit Gameboy games Pokemon Red and Green in 1996, and they quickly took off. Since then, the franchise has hit the stratosphere. Trading cards, manga series, anime series, and film releases were fast to follow. The early trading card sets in particular are now worth a lot of money. Recently, a 1999 Pokemon Base Set 4 Charizard 1st Edition Holo sold for $38,900.

8. Antique Teddy Bears

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Teddy bears may seem like they’re only for kids, but recent selling prices show that adults are willing to pay to cozy up with them, too. For example, an antique 1925–30 White Steiff Minty teddy bear sold for $5,500 on eBay. Visit local garage sales or thrift stores to find these hidden gems. 

9. Vintage Video Game Consoles

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Whether you’re a gamer or not, consider that a Sony PlayStation 1 Console and its accompanying DualShock controller recently sold for $2,500. Since debuting in 1995, the PlayStation has aged into collector’s item status. Many gamers will pay high prices for older consoles in mint condition. 

10. Classic Board Games

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No doubt you’ve heard of popular board games like Monopoly. A Monopoly Voice Banking Electronic Family Board Game recently sold for $2,000. Goodwill stores or garage sales are a perfect place to snag popular board games like this one on the cheap.

11. Beanie Babies

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Beanie Babies may not appear like much, but since their arrival in 1993, they’ve only increased in value. For example, a TY 1993 Rex Beanie Baby recently sold for $10,000, and other models sold for even more. The next time you stumble upon a Beanie Babie, purchase it as quickly as possible, as it may be worth a fortune.

12. Magic: The Gathering Cards

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First released in August 1993, Magic: The Gathering cards are now worth a lot of money. Recently, a Magic: The Gathering card collection from the 1990s sold for $900. This may or may not seem like a fortune, but if you can purchase a set for less than $100, you could score a huge profit.

13. Vintage G.I. Joe Figures

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G.I. Joe military figures were first released in 1964 and then steadily rose in popularity until the U.S.’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Later, a TV show and a comic book series would prove that G.I. Joe’s popularity wasn’t just a fluke. Today, a GI Joe 1964 Salesman Action soldier can sell for up to $8,500.

14. American Girl Dolls

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American Girl Dolls, which may appear as ordinary dolls, are packed with a rich history. Each doll was made for a different time in American history and was used to teach children about American events. If you’re able to get your hands on one of these dolls, they can be worth over $10,000 in good condition.

15. Early Superhero Action Figures

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DC debuted their first comics in 1937, followed by Marvel Comics in 1939. Today, however, if you’re a fan of either, many action figures of their iconic comic book heroes are now worth a lot of money. A Superman Powers of Krypton Blade Blaze action figure recently sold for $900. Additionally, a Hot Toys Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron Iron Man Hulkbuster sold for a similar price.