19 Vintage Toys That Are Valuable Treasures in Disguise
Toys that once sat on bedroom shelves or filled backyard playsets are now raking in jaw-dropping prices on the resale market. Much like vinyl records and classic figurines, vintage toys have become coveted relics of nostalgia with no price ceiling in sight. From action figures that defined childhoods to groundbreaking gadgets that mixed tech and fun, these toys are no longer just for play — they’re prized collectibles. Here’s a look at some of the most expensive vintage toys that collectors are snatching up.
1. G.I. Joe Action Figures
Highest listing price on eBay: $50,000
Vintage G.I. Joe action figures are now highly valuable collectibles, with certain figures selling for thousands of dollars. Originally introduced as a groundbreaking action figure by Hasbro, these G.I. Joe toys included detailed uniforms, realistic accessories, and moveable joints that allowed for lifelike poses. Basically, these guys paved the way for generations and endless iterations of action figures. The early renditions, like the 1964 “Action Soldier” and other military-themed characters, are among the most prized, but Joes from the ’80s and even into the ’90s can also sell for mind-boggling prices.
2. Beanie Babies
Highest listing price on eBay: $100,000
Once the must-have collectibles of the 1990s, Beanie Babies transformed into some of today’s most surprisingly valuable toys. Certain rare Beanie Babies, like the elusive “Princess the Bear” commemorating Princess Diana or “Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant,” are highly sought after by collectors. Of course, condition is key — the most valuable Beanie Babies are those in mint condition, complete with their original hang tags and even protective tag covers.
3. Teddy Ruxpin
Highest listing price on eBay: $5,000
Teddy Ruxpin, the animatronic bear who told stories through audio cassette tapes, became one of the most popular toys of the 1980s and has since become a valuable collectible. First introduced in 1985, Teddy Ruxpin was one of the first toys to feature a moving mouth and eyes synchronized with pre-recorded audio, making him a groundbreaking piece of technology for the time. The original Teddy Ruxpin, especially those in good working condition, is now super valuable.
4. Trolls
Highest listing price on eBay: $15,000
We’re not talking about the Dreamworks version, folks. The wild-haired, bug-eyed trolls from decades past are the ones that are worth big bucks. The original 1960s Dam Things trolls from Denmark are the most valuable, especially the rare animal trolls or holiday-themed versions. Larger trolls, unique outfits, and ones with real mohair can fetch hundreds, while limited-edition 1990s trolls still have a cult following.
5. PEZ Dispensers
Highest listing price on eBay: $4,500
Vintage PEZ dispensers are highly collectible, with certain rare models and manufacturing oddities attracting big interest from collectors. Originally launched as simple peppermint dispensers in the 1950s, PEZ soon expanded into colorful character designs, from superheroes and cartoon characters to “Star Wars” icons. Misprinted packages — where the branding on the package doesn’t match the dispenser inside — are particularly valuable due to their rarity and novelty. These “error” dispensers can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
6. Redline Hot Wheels
Highest listing price on eBay: $25,000
Even among the rampant rising costs of almost everything these days, Hot Wheels have remained an affordable stalwart in the toy aisle — that is, if you buy the right renditions. Digging into the archives to churn up some rare vintage versions will deliver a bigger dent to your wallet. Redline Hot Wheels, named for the distinctive red stripe on their wheels, are among the most treasured items in the world of vintage toy collecting. Produced between 1968 and 1977, these early Hot Wheels cars are iconic for their bold colors, “Spectraflame” paint, and high-speed “fast track” design that set them apart from other toy cars at the time.
7. Furbies
Highest listing price on eBay: $45,000
Furbies — the quirky, interactive toys from the late 1990s — have become unexpected collectibles. These owl-like creatures, which could “learn” English words and engage in simple conversations, were a tech sensation when they launched in 1998, blending cute, furry charm with early AI-style interactivity. At the height of Furby mania, stores couldn’t keep them on shelves, leading to massive demand and resale values. Today, first-edition Furbies — especially those in unique colors, limited editions, or international releases — are highly prized by collectors.
8. ‘Star Wars’ Action Figures
Highest listing price on eBay: $75,000
The force is strong with vintage “Star Wars” action figures, which can sell for staggering amounts. These action figures are among the most valuable collectibles in the toy world, especially those from the original line produced by Kenner in 1977. Today, certain figures from the original collection — such as the rare “Double-Telescoping” Darth Vader, Luke, and Obi-Wan Kenobi figures with unique extendable lightsabers — can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in pristine condition. The rarity of certain figures, combined with the enduring popularity of “Star Wars,” has created a robust market among collectors.
9. Transformers
Highest listing price on eBay: $40,000
Vintage Transformers, particularly those from the 1980s, are highly sought after in the world of toy collecting, with some figures and sets fetching impressive prices. These iconic robots that “transform” from vehicles into humanoid figures have been beloved for decades. Early Transformer figures, especially rare models like the original Optimus Prime and Megatron, are particularly coveted.
10. Nintendo Game Boy
Highest listing price on eBay: $975,000
The original Game Boy, released by Nintendo in 1989, has become a cherished and valuable collectible, especially when found in excellent condition or in its original packaging. This handheld console revolutionized portable gaming, bringing iconic games like Tetris, Super Mario Land, and Pokémon Red and Blue into players’ pockets. Today, first-edition Game Boys and rare game cartridges can sell for hundreds, sometimes thousands, depending on rarity and condition. Limited-edition models, such as the rare Game Boy Light from Japan or the Pokémon-themed Game Boy Color, are especially prized by collectors.
11. Super Soaker
Highest listing price on eBay: $10,000
Launched in 1990, the original Super Soaker 50 is beloved among ‘90s toy enthusiasts. Today, the original Super Soaker 50s in excellent condition— especially those with their original packaging — can fetch high prices, especially by collectors who want to reminisce about childhood summers.
12. Cabbage Patch Dolls
Highest listing price on eBay: $20,000
The iconic Cabbage Patch Kids — the soft, round-faced dolls that sparked a craze in the 1980s — have since become valuable collectibles. Each Cabbage Patch Kid came with its own unique name and “adoption” papers, making them feel like one-of-a-kind companions. Demand for these dolls was so intense that they became nearly impossible to find in stores during the holiday seasons of the early ‘80s, leading to massive resale prices and even scuffles among eager shoppers. Today, the most valuable Cabbage Patch Kids include early soft-sculpture versions from the 1970s and certain limited-edition or hand-signed dolls.
13. Tamagotchis
Highest listing price on eBay: $8,675
Tamagotchis, the original virtual pets from Japan, became highly collectible items since their debut in 1996. These small, egg-shaped digital pets allowed users to hatch, feed, and care for pixelated creatures that “lived” inside the device, creating a mini sensation and a lasting cultural impact. Early Tamagotchis, especially first-generation models and those released only in Japan, are particularly valuable.
14. Original Monopoly Board Game
Highest listing price on eBay: $10,000
The original Monopoly game from the 1930s is now one of the most coveted collectibles for both board game enthusiasts and antique collectors. Created during the Great Depression, Monopoly became an instant hit. Early editions, particularly the 1935 “Deluxe Edition” and the first mass-produced sets by Parker Brothers, are incredibly rare.
15. He-Man Action Figure
Highest listing price on eBay: $30,000
He-Man action figures from the “Masters of the Universe” series launched in the early 1980s, and it’s safe to say they cost a lot more today than they did when they were first popular. Created by Mattel, He-Man and his iconic foes — like Skeletor, Beast Man, and Evil-Lyn — quickly became symbols of 1980s pop culture, thanks to their muscular designs, vibrant colors, and unique backstories. The original figures, especially those from the first few production years, are particularly valuable among collectors. Rare characters, special editions, and mint-condition figures with their original packaging are among the most sought-after.
16. Stretch Armstrong
Highest listing price on eBay: $6,600
Stretch Armstrong, the iconic action figure from the 1970s, is another sought-after collectible for vintage toy enthusiasts. Known for his ability to stretch up to four times his original size without breaking, this goo-filled, rubbery superhero was a staple of childhood play in the ’70s and ’80s. The original Stretch Armstrong, with his signature blonde hair, red tights, and blue boots, is especially valuable in good condition.
17. Polly Pocket Playsets
Highest listing price on eBay: $15,000
Polly Pocket, the compact and portable miniature toy sets introduced in the late 1980s, have become highly collectible in recent years. These tiny dolls and their intricately designed playsets, which fit inside small, hard plastic cases shaped like various objects or locations, were a favorite among young collectors. The original Polly Pocket sets, particularly those from the 1980s and early 1990s, are especially sought after, with vintage sets featuring rare themes or characters commanding high prices.
18. Barbies
Highest listing price on eBay: $15,000
Barbie took the world by storm when she made her debut in 1959, and she’s been a stalwart of pink-laden store aisles ever since. Over the years, there have been countless Barbs released, from holiday princesses to limited-edition options. The most rare, vintage Barbie dolls can sell for thousands.
19. Erector Sets
Highest listing price on eBay: $8,500
Erector sets from the early 1910s and 1920s, especially those made by A.C. Gilbert, are the most valuable, with complete sets in original wooden boxes fetching thousands. The 1930s Zeppelin and Ferris Wheel sets are collector favorites, and if yours comes with all the parts, instructions, and that classic red metal case, you might just be holding a miniature gold mine.