The Price of Vintage Toys

Childre and adults love toyss, but, between the two, adults bought more toys than any other age group in the first quarter of 2024. Experts say much of this buying has been driven by nostalgia — people wanting to own the toys they loved as children.

That makes now the perfect time to review your own vintage toy collection. And if that collection includes popular toys from the 1990s, they may be worth more than you think.

For example, the following vintage toys are all worth much more today than they retailed for in the ’90s. Just note that condition is everything in the toy resale market. Unopened, undamaged toys are worth significantly more than their opened counterparts.

Furby

Furbies were first released in the fall of 1998 and retailed for around US$ 35. They were hugely popular thanks to their unique appearance and voice lines. An original, unopened Furby from 1998 recently sold for US$ 700 on eBay, and even used Furbies have sold for upward of US$ 130.

Nintendo 64

Nintendo, one of the most beloved video game brands on the planet, released the Nintendo 64 console in fall of 1996. Today, an unopened original console can cost more than US$ 360, and even opened original N64s can be worth over US$ 100 all these years later.

Super Soakers

Super Soakers created some of 1990s kids’ favorite memories. If you still have your original ones, now could be the time to sell. A Super Soaker Monster XL sold for US$ 500 in 2016, while a vintage Super Soaker CPS sold for US$ 300.

G.I. Joe Action Figures

G.I. Joe is an iconic brand that was especially popular in the 1990s. Collectors are often willing to pay hundreds of dollars for vintage G.I. Joe action figures, and there’s interest in a wide array of them.

Interestingly enough, the right G.I. Joe accessories could be worth even more. For example, a used G.I. Joe Mobile Command Center recently sold for US$ 3,000, and an aircraft carrier sold for more than US$ 1,100.

Polly Pocket

You used to be able to buy Polly Pocket toys for hardly anything at the toy store. But an original version would set you back hundreds of dollars today. For instance, a sealed Polly Pocket Jewel Case sold for US$ 600 recently, and a Carry ‘N Play Dream Home sold for US$ 550.

Hot Wheels

There’s also a huge demand for Hot Wheels. Although the popular toy brand dates back to 1968, several 1990s models are worth a pretty penny today — especially Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt cars.

A Hot Wheels replica of the 1967 Camaro recently sold for US$ 509. Full sets of these cars sell for even more, with some priced as high as US$ 1,100.