1. Beanie Babies
Back in the ’90s, Beanie Babies were treated like investments, with collectors convinced they’d retire rich. People hoarded them in plastic cases, believing rare ones like Princess the Bear or Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant would one day fund their kids’ college tuition. At their peak, some Beanie Babies sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But when the bubble burst, it turned out they were just stuffed animals with cute names shares HISTORY.
Now, most Beanie Babies aren’t worth more than a few bucks, if that. Even once-coveted designs can be found at thrift stores for pocket change. While there are a handful of exceptions, the vast majority are worthless. If you’ve got bins of them in your attic, they’re probably better off as toys than investments.
2. Pogs and Slammers
For a brief moment in the ’90s, Pogs were everything. Kids collected them, traded them, and battled with their best slammers, convinced they’d be valuable someday. Some even spent their allowance on limited-edition designs, thinking they’d hit the jackpot. But once the trend faded, so did their worth says Mental Floss.
Today, Pogs are just nostalgic cardboard discs that don’t hold much value. Even high-quality slammers aren’t fetching much on resale sites. The game itself is mostly forgotten, and without a resurgence, there’s little hope for a comeback. If you’ve still got a shoebox full, they’re fun to reminisce over but not worth much else.
3. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
There was a time when McDonald’s Happy Meal toys felt like treasure. Kids begged their parents for another meal just to complete a set, and collectors swore they’d be gold mines in the future. Disney tie-ins, Batman figures, and mini Beanie Babies were among the most prized adds Food and Wine.
But despite the hype, most of these toys are now worthless. Even those in mint condition rarely sell for more than a couple of dollars. Since they were mass-produced, the supply far outweighs demand. Unless you have an ultra-rare mistake version, they’re mostly just fun reminders of childhood.
4. VHS Tapes
For decades, VHS tapes were the go-to for movie lovers. People built massive collections, proudly displaying their favorite titles on shelves. Some even believed certain tapes—especially Disney’s Black Diamond editions—would skyrocket in value. Unfortunately, the reality is that VHS tapes are bulky, outdated, and largely unwanted says Screen Rant.
Even once-popular movies are hard to sell, with most thrift stores refusing to take them. The only exceptions are ultra-rare horror films or unopened special editions, and even those don’t always fetch much. With streaming taking over, VHS tapes have mostly become clutter. Unless you’re feeling nostalgic, they’re probably best left in the past.
5. Cabbage Patch Kids
In the ’80s, Cabbage Patch Kids were so popular that parents fought over them in stores. People lined up for hours just for the chance to buy one, and some even paid outrageous prices on the resale market. Because of this craze, many assumed they’d hold their value says First for Women.
But these days, most Cabbage Patch Kids aren’t worth much. Since they were mass-produced, there are still plenty floating around. While certain rare dolls in pristine condition can sell for a decent price, the majority are only worth a few dollars. If yours is in a dusty box somewhere, don’t expect a big payday.
6. Furby
When Furby hit the market in the late ’90s, it was the must-have toy. People scrambled to get their hands on one, and demand was so high that resale prices soared. Some parents even paid triple the retail price just to avoid holiday disappointment.
But now, Furby is more of a creepy relic than a valuable collectible. Most used ones barely sell for a few bucks, and even new-in-box versions aren’t as lucrative as once hoped. The batteries have likely corroded, and the once-exciting technology feels outdated. Unless you’re a hardcore collector, there’s not much reason to hold onto one.
7. LaserDiscs
Before DVDs took over, LaserDiscs were seen as the future of home entertainment. They were big, flashy, and promised superior picture quality. Collectors and cinephiles paid top dollar for them, convinced they were making a smart investment. But by the early 2000s, DVDs made them obsolete.
Now, LaserDiscs are little more than oversized coasters. Few people have players for them, and most movies are available in better formats. Even rare titles don’t sell for much, making those once-expensive collections nearly worthless. If you’ve got a stack, they’re more of a conversation piece than anything valuable.
8. Starter Jackets
In the late ’80s and ’90s, Starter jackets were the ultimate status symbol. Every kid wanted one, especially if it had their favorite sports team on it. Some were so expensive that they were even stolen off people’s backs. But fashion trends change, and what was once a must-have is now just another old jacket.
While there was a brief comeback in recent years, the market isn’t what it used to be. Most vintage Starter jackets don’t sell for much unless they’re in pristine condition and a sought-after design. For most people, they’re just another reminder of past fashion fads. If you’ve still got one in your closet, it’s probably not worth much more than nostalgia.
9. Tickle Me Elmo
Tickle Me Elmo took over the world in the late ’90s. Parents battled in stores, news outlets covered the craze, and scalpers made a fortune reselling them. If you had one back then, you were either incredibly lucky or very persuasive. But like most fad toys, its value didn’t last.
Now, even original Tickle Me Elmo dolls barely sell for anything. The demand disappeared as fast as it arrived, and newer versions have made the old ones feel outdated. Unless it’s in perfect condition and still in the box, it’s just another old toy. The days of Elmo mania are long gone.
10. Bop It
Bop It was one of the most addictive toys of the ’90s. Its fast-paced commands kept kids entertained for hours, and it became a staple at sleepovers. Some people thought early versions would become valuable collector’s items, but that never really happened.
Today, you can find old Bop It toys at garage sales for a few bucks. They’re still fun to play with, but they aren’t worth much. Since Hasbro has continued to release new versions, the older ones don’t have much appeal. If yours is still sitting in a drawer somewhere, it’s more of a fun throwback than a fortune.
11. Sony Walkman
In the ’80s and ’90s, having a Sony Walkman made you feel cool. Whether you had the classic cassette version or the Discman upgrade, it was a must-have. People spent good money on these portable players, assuming they’d always have a place in music history. But technology moved fast, and MP3 players and smartphones quickly took over.
Now, most Walkmans aren’t worth much at all. Even the ones that still work struggle to sell for more than a few dollars. There’s a niche market for certain rare models, but most people prefer modern convenience. If you’re holding onto one, it’s likely just another piece of outdated tech.
12. TYCO Super Turbo Train Set
In the ’80s, the TYCO Super Turbo Train set was every kid’s dream. It was fast, futuristic, and fun to watch zip around its tracks. Some collectors believed it would become a rare and valuable find, so they kept them in storage. But as time went on, the excitement faded.
Now, most of these sets don’t sell for much. While a few specific models in mint condition can fetch a decent price, the majority aren’t in demand. Since newer train sets have better technology, these once-exciting toys feel outdated. Unless you’re a hardcore train enthusiast, it’s probably not worth much.
13. Blockbuster Membership Cards
There was a time when a Blockbuster membership card felt like a golden ticket. It gave you access to all the hottest movies, plus the thrill of roaming the aisles on a Friday night. Some people even kept their cards as nostalgic keepsakes, hoping they’d become valuable someday.
But with Blockbuster long gone, these cards are practically useless. Aside from a novelty factor, they don’t have any real resale value. Even die-hard fans of the store aren’t paying much for them. If you still have one, it’s a fun relic, but that’s about it.