Ah, the delightful days of growing up as a Gen Xer, you wake up early on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons and buy toys that you trade at recess like it was the stock market. At the time, we never imagined those precious toys would turn into priceless collectibles.
Who’s interested in going on a nostalgic journey to find out which 19 toys are worth a fortune today? Well, let’s hop straight into it!
1. Cabbage Patch Kids
Remember those squishy dolls with adoption papers? These chubby-cheeked cuties were the 80s must-have for kids. Parents used to go to war in store aisles for these dolls on holidays. Today, original Cabbage Patch Kids in good shape can fetch a few hundred dollars from nostalgic collectors.
2. Transformers
Robots in disguise, and apparently, in high demand. Transformers action figures that morphed from cars to robots were every Gen X kid’s dream. If you’ve got the original Optimus Prime or Megatron, in perfect condition, you’re holding something that costs hundreds of dollars.
3. My Little Pony
Those pastel ponies with brushable manes and adorable symbols were more than just toys, they were magical companions. Early editions of My Little Pony, especially the “Big Brother” ponies or rare color variants, are now highly sought after by collectors.
4. GI Joe
America’s original tough guy toy, GI Joe, led countless backyard battles and living room campaigns, becoming the ultimate action hero for Gen X kids. The original GI Joes from the 60s and 70s with complete accessories are currently highly sought after by collectors.
5. Fisher-Price Little People
These adorable figures and playsets were a must-have in every Gen X household. Little People sparked endless imaginative play for children as they play pretend as a school bus driver or even a fireman. The vintage Little People sets from the 1960s are now highly sought after.
6. Care Bears
These cuddly, colorful bears with belly badges spread love and cheer in the 80s. Each Care Bear had a unique personality, and together, they made sharing your feelings downright adorable. Bears in mint condition from the 1980s, especially Triple Note Bear, are now collector’s items.
7. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
One of the most popular toys for Gen X back then was He-Man action figures. Master of the Universe action figures were the stars of the multiple adventures that turned bedrooms into the magical place called Eternia. Vintage sealed He-man toys can sell for about hundred dollars or so.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael were the coolest turtle toys in every Gen X kid’s bedrooms. Children were screaming ‘Cowabunga’ everywhere as they played with their favorite ninja turtle. Vintage TMNT action figures, particularly first-run editions in their original packaging, can be sold for a really high price.
9. Star Wars Action Figures
Star Wars is one of the biggest franchises of all time and toys from the series brought kids to far off galaxies. Until now, the vintage Star Wars toys are being sold for thousands to collectors. The Telescopic lightsaber Luke Skywalker toy from the 70s is valued at $45,000.
10. Lite-Brite
Light up your memories as Lite-Brite lets kids create glowing masterpieces with colored pegs, and who doesn’t love spelling out their name or drawing a glowing rocket ship in the dark? An unopened Lite-Brite is one of the collector’s favorites that can be sold around $170.
11. Troll Dolls
Troll Dolls were both bizarre and beloved as childhood toys, children either hated them or loved them. These dolls sparked endless imaginative play proving that sometimes the weirdest toys leave the biggest smiles. The original Dam trolls from the 60s and rare 90s versions are now being sold at a high price.
12. Lego Sets
These iconic building blocks had sparked endless creativity and engineering dreams to kids for generations. Vintage LEGO sets like the 1978 Yellow Castle and 1979 Galaxy Explorer have become a collector’s goldmine, selling for about $300 even if they’re incomplete. Those that are in pristine condition can easily fetch thousands today.
13. Polly Pocket
Tiny dolls, even tinier accessories, and endless fun in a compact case. These miniature worlds were perfect for secret adventures on the go. A mint condition vintage Polly Pocket sets from the late 80s and early 90s are priced roughly around $200.
14. Nintendo Gameboy
The handheld gaming revolution started here. Game Boy was something that each cool kid had to own, especially if you have those awesome accessories to go with it. Original Game Boys that’s mint condition and working properly can still be sold for hundreds of dollars to game collectors.
15. Pogs
Those little cardboard discs with wild designs were the currency of the playground back then. The game was so popular that schools started banning them for fear of children gambling with them. Vintage and rare sets of pogs have become popular to nostalgic collectors and can cost at least hundreds of dollars.
16. Easy-Bake Oven
The iconic play oven that allowed children to make real mini treats using only a light bulb as a heating element. First introduced in the 1960s, Easy-Bake Ovens were one of Gen X’s favorite toys. Some rare sets have sold for hundreds of dollars, making them prized treasures for toy collectors.
17. Teddy Ruxpin
The mid-1980s animatronic storytelling bear Teddy Ruxpin was an innovative toy that could “read” stories to children via a cassette player built into the back of the bear. Teddy Ruxpin 1985 models in good condition can go up to $500 to $1,000 with rare variations fetching up to 5000 dollars.
18. Hot Wheels
Every race down the orange track was a high-speed thrill ride for every child who owns Hot Wheels. Some rare and vintage Hot Wheels, especially from the original “Redline” series, are now highly collectible.
19. Barbie Dolls
Barbie is a timeless fashion doll that every generation of children has known. Almost every little girl had owned a Barbie doll back in the 80s. And mint condition vintage Barbies, especially limited editions from the 60s and 70s, can fetch up to $27,000 at auctions.