30 Vintage Toys From the 80s Now Worth a Fortune

If you parted with your extensive assortment of Transformers, American Girl Dolls, and Garbage Pail Kids cards for a mere pittance at your mother’s garage sale a couple of decades back, you might now be regretting it deeply. These nostalgic toys from the ’80s have surged in value, potentially enough to finance the purchase of a brand-new DeLorean.

The real Ghostbusters firehouse headquarters

The Ghostbusters firehouse stands out as one of the most awesome workplaces ever, which explains why it’s been highly sought-after as a playset—and remains so today. A firehouse with its original box typically sells for $100 to $200, but a toy in excellent condition could command prices as high as $600. There’s nothing eerie about that.

Transformers: Optimus Prime

If, during your childhood, you owned an Optimus Prime that could truly transform into a cab and tractor trailer, you likely felt quite proud of yourself. However, it would have been even more impressive if you had kept this specific Series 1 Autobot sealed in its original box—in MISB (Mint In Sealed Box) condition, it could be valued at up to a thousand dollars.

Fireball Island board game

Cardboard adventure enthusiasts surely adored Fireball Island, an exciting board game brimming with volcanoes, Tiki gods, and marble “fireballs” capable of knocking players’ pawns from the board. Nowadays, a full or nearly complete set of the 1986 Milton Bradley game holds significant value, fetching at least a couple of hundred dollars among board game collectors.

Thundercats Lion-O action figure

In 2015, a Lion-O action figure, still sealed on its card, was snapped up by a particularly passionate ThunderCats fan for a hefty $2783. Even if your figures aren’t in mint condition, they can still fetch a tidy sum. For instance, this lot sold for over $200.

Jumanji and Polar Express first editions

If you have these whimsical Chris Van Allsburg classics in your collection, consider yourself fortunate. A “fine” copy of Polar Express (1985) can fetch a handsome $800, while a copy of Jumanji (1981) in comparable condition carries a value of $600.

G.I. Joe motorized battle tank

G.I. Joe toys have the potential to fetch significant sums, particularly if you possess the original 1963 prototype, which fetched an astonishing $200,000 in 2003. However, even if you don’t own such an ultra-rare figure, you might still be able to cash in. For instance, the 1982 series motorized battle tank can command $950 in a sealed box or $150 to $175 in a non-sealed box.

Air Jordans

Basketball isn’t the only domain benefiting from Michael Jordan’s touch; His Airness’s sneakers have also proven to be lucrative over the years. For instance, a pair of black Jordans with gold accents, first released in 1985, can fetch a whopping $25,000 due to the rarity of only 12 pairs ever being produced. However, even the more commonly found models hold considerable value in the secondary market; Air Jordan III’s, for example, can also command prices in the thousands.

C-3PO’s cereal box

If you were the kind of kid who hoarded all things Star Wars, it’s time to inspect your collection. Even a cereal box that once housed “crunchy honey-sweetened oat, wheat & corn cereal” could potentially make you a couple of hundred bucks richer. The value hinges on the mask that accompanied the cereal—naturally, Darth Vader commands the highest price, while a Stormtrooper mask might fetch about $50. But seriously, where’s the blue milk?

Star Wars Ewok combat playpack

Speaking of Star Wars, if you invested $17 in this item back in 1984 and stashed it away in a closet, it might be time to unearth it. Due to its popularity among kids, finding one that remains unopened is quite rare. In fact, a sealed-in-box copy of this set once fetched nearly $6000 at auction.

Masters of the Universe Eternia playset

Often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of Masters of the Universe collecting, the Eternia playset is a three-towered plastic behemoth filled with numerous small accessory pieces that were prone to getting lost. This scarcity of complete sets makes it exceptionally rare to find one intact. Consequently, when collectors do come across a complete set, they are willing to shell out a substantial sum for it.

Garbage Pail Kids cards

While an Adam Bomb card reportedly fetched over $4000 on eBay a few years back, there’s some skepticism about the accuracy of such high prices, as noted by gpkworld.com. Nevertheless, your vintage Garbage Pail Kids collection could still bring in a tidy sum. For instance, a complete 1985 original Series 1 set featuring Adam Bomb and Blasted Billy was recently listed for $120 on the auction site.

“Astronaut B” Pez dispenser

The price may seem astronomical, but this 1982 candy dispenser is incredibly rare—only two were ever produced. Originally crafted to promote the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, these dispensers are highly sought after by collectors. One of the dispensers features a blue stem with the head of an astronaut donning a blue helmet, while the other showcases a white helmet and green stem. The green and white variant sold for an astonishing $32,000 back in 2006.

Daredevil comic book #168

Containing the debut appearance of Elektra in 1981, this comic book, Daredevil #168, holds significant value among fans. A copy in mint condition can command a staggering price of up to $1000.

American Girl dolls

First-edition American Girl Dolls from the initial release in 1986 can indeed be quite valuable, particularly if accompanied by their original accessories and playsets. For example, in 2015, an original Samantha doll was listed on eBay for a staggering $4200. While this might seem high, another listing offers a comparative steal at just $2850.

U2 “All i want is you” purple vinyl album boxed set

Next time you find yourself in a vintage store, be sure to browse through its record selection. This rare 1989 Australian release of U2’s “All I Want Is You” on purple vinyl is worth thousands. And that’s not the only U2 album that commands a hefty price tag.

Laser Light Skeletor

Masters of the Universe was on the decline when the extravagant Skeletor variant was introduced in 1988. Sales had dwindled to the extent that Mattel only released Laser Light Skeletor in Italy and Spain, known respectively as Skeletor Occhi di Fuoco and Skeletor Ojos de Fuego. If you happen to possess an original (beware of reproductions), it’s purportedly valued at over $10,000.

Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin, the beloved teddy bear that enchanted children with his storytelling abilities, was a sensation upon his release in 1985—and continues to be sought after by collectors today. Mint condition Teddy Ruxpins with working tapes have reportedly sold for up to $1000. For instance, one listing on Etsy offers a Teddy Ruxpin for $699. However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option for nostalgic purposes, Teddy Ruxpins in less-than-perfect condition are available for much lower prices. Alternatively, you could opt for a brand new one.

Knight Rider Knight 2000 voice car

A genuine talking KITT still in its original packaging could fetch around $200, and there’s currently a talking Trans Am for sale priced at nearly $900.

“Power Drencher” Super Soakers

When these water guns on steroids hit the market during the summer of 1989, they were dubbed “Power Drenchers.” While they may not match the high-powered capabilities of today’s toys, Power Drenchers have become highly collectible, fetching prices of up to $600.

Horror movie VHS tapes

The rumors you may have heard a few years back about movies from Disney’s “Black Diamond” VHS collection being worth a fortune turned out to be false. However, if you happen to have some campy ’80s horror movies, you might just be in luck. Unlike with other collectibles, the tapes don’t even need to be in good condition to fetch some cash. One of the most valuable VHS tapes is a limited-release cult classic called Tales from the Quadead Zone, which sold for $700 in 2011.

Air Raid Atari Game

Released in 1982, this game where you defend a city from alien invaders holds significant value, especially if accompanied by its original box. Only two copies of the boxed game are known to exist, making it an exceptionally rare find. If you happen to possess one, consider yourself fortunate. However, even if the box has long since vanished, don’t despair—just the cartridge alone could fetch you a tidy sum of $3000. It might be time to head up to your attic and check for treasures ASAP.

Stadium Events Nintendo Game

If you were more of a Nintendo fan than Atari, you might have stumbled upon a goldmine. In 1987, a Bandai Nintendo game known as Stadium Events was recalled due to its inclusion of an interactive accessory called the “Bandai Family Fun Fitness” floor pad. Nintendo aimed to rebrand it as the Power Pad. If you happen to have the original version, consider yourself fortunate.

Optimus Prime Rare Pepsi Promo Toy

While any vintage Transformers toy can fetch hundreds of dollars, even without its original packaging, some are exceptionally rare finds. Promo toys or those produced in limited numbers tend to be among the most valuable. One such example is a 1984 Optimus Prime from a Pepsi promotion, featuring a Pepsi decal that could be applied to the trailer. When a Pepsi employee stumbled upon it tucked away in a cooler, it turned out to be a lucrative discovery, fetching a significant sum of money.

Indiana Jones Action Figure

The enduring appeal of Indiana Jones has cemented him in the hearts of fans everywhere, with many ’80s kids dreaming of growing up to be just like him. This nostalgia is so strong that a factory-sealed action figure from 1983 can fetch nearly a grand. One can only imagine the value of the entire set…

Game Boy

When the Game Boy made its debut in 1989, it was evident to all that it would revolutionize gaming forever. Even in today’s era of screen-staring, the Game Boy holds a revered place in gaming history. While a used Game Boy may not fetch a significant sum, if you happen to have one in its original packaging, you can be certain that there are enthusiasts out there willing to pay hundreds of dollars to indulge in a nostalgia overload.

Han Solo action figure

It’s widely known that Star Wars dominated the ’80s cultural landscape. However, due to its immense popularity, few Star Wars toys survived the decade in mint condition. If you happen to possess an unopened or well-preserved toy from the series, you could potentially cash it in for a substantial sum. While main characters from the series can fetch thousands of dollars, even lesser-known characters like a random sand person have been known to sell for over $800. For collectors with a Han Solo figure, it’s worth noting that the earlier “small head” version is much rarer and more valuable than the later “big head” iteration.

Cabbage Patch Kids

In the ’80s, it seemed like every little girl believed that all babies came from the legendary Cabbage Patch. While these dolls remain incredibly popular today, if you happen to have one from the mid-to-early ’80s that’s still in decent condition, you could have a treasure on your hands. This is particularly true if you have the box (even if it’s not in pristine condition) along with the original or unopened birth certificate and adoption papers. These additional items can significantly enhance the doll’s value among collectors.

G.I. Joe Cobra Terror Drome

If you owned a Cobra Terror Drome back in the 1980s, it’s time to rummage through your attic to see if it’s still tucked away somewhere collecting dust. Even with a broken door and kickstand, this item fetched over $400 on eBay. If you still have some of the original G.I. Joe action figures that accompanied it, or if you have one still in its original box, you could undoubtedly fetch even more. It’s time to start searching!

Castle Grayskull

Back in the day, the legendary twins He-Man and She-Ra faced no shortage of adversaries in their quest to maintain order in the universe. One of their most formidable foes, the terrifying Skeletor, was always plotting to thwart their efforts. Today, Skeletor’s evil lair has proven to be worth hundreds of dollars among collectors. If you happen to have the original accessories to accompany it, its value could be even higher.

The Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

If you didn’t own one of these Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures back in the 1980s, you likely coveted your best friend’s. These lean, green fighting machines owe their popularity in part to the fact that every ’80s kid knows the names of at least four major classical painters. If you happen to have one of these figures that managed to survive the ’80s without being opened, it could be worth a nice chunk of money today, particularly if you have the entire set.

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