1. Romper Room Jolly Chimp
If you had one of these cymbal-clapping monkeys in the ’70s, you might be in for a surprise. Originally produced in the ’50s by Daishin, the Jolly Chimp remained a favorite toy well into the ’70s, though it was more than a little creepy. With its wide, toothy grin, red-striped pants, and unpredictable movements, it had a way of both delighting and scaring kids. Press its head, and it would open its mouth, bare its teeth, and let out an unsettling screech. The Jolly Chimp even found its way into pop culture, appearing in horror films and TV shows says eBay.
Collectors today are eager to get their hands on one, especially if it’s still in working condition. The mechanical parts can wear out over time, so a functioning Jolly Chimp with minimal wear can easily go for several hundred dollars. If you have one with its original box, the value jumps even higher. Some rare versions, like those with a red mouth or unusual clothing, are even more valuable. Depending on the condition, you could be looking at a four-figure payout. Just be careful if you decide to test it out—its screech is just as unsettling as you remember.
2. Stretch Armstrong
Back in the ’70s, Stretch Armstrong was the ultimate test of strength—not for him, but for the kids who tried to pull him apart. Made of thick rubber and filled with a mysterious gel, he could be stretched to ridiculous lengths before slowly returning to his original form. Whether you were twisting his arms, tying him in knots, or pulling him to his absolute limit, he never seemed to break. That was, of course, until he did, and a sticky, gooey mess would spill out, ending his stretchy reign. His durability and unique design made him a favorite, and his popularity lasted for years explains Wikipedia.
These days, Stretch Armstrong is a serious collector’s item, especially if he’s still in one piece. Finding an original in mint condition is rare, as most kids put him through quite a bit of torture. If you happen to have one in good shape with no leaks, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. Add the original box, and the price jumps even higher. Some unopened ones have sold for over a thousand dollars. So if you’ve got an old Stretch Armstrong tucked away somewhere, it might be time to cash in.
3. Milky the Marvelous Milking Cow
Milky the Marvelous Milking Cow was one of the strangest yet most fascinating toys of the ’70s. Released by Kenner in 1977, Milky was a plastic cow that actually “drank” water and “milked” it into a tiny bucket. Kids would pump her tail, and like magic, she’d start producing milk—well, white liquid that looked like milk. It was part of a wave of realistic farm-themed toys, aiming to give children a hands-on experience with agriculture. While some kids found her entertaining, others thought she was just plain weird shares Reddit.
Because of her niche appeal, Milky wasn’t a huge commercial success, making her fairly rare today. Many of the surviving toys have missing parts or no longer function properly, adding to their scarcity. A working Milky with all the original accessories—especially the tiny bucket—is highly sought after by collectors. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for a decent one to over a thousand for a pristine, boxed version. If you ever had one of these and thought it was just a goofy farm toy, you might be surprised at how valuable she’s become.
4. Clackers
Few toys have been as simple—and dangerous—as Clackers. These consisted of two acrylic balls attached to a string, which you’d swing up and down until they made a satisfying “clack” sound. The goal was to keep them going as fast as possible without smacking yourself in the face, which, let’s be honest, happened a lot. Kids loved them, parents hated them, and eventually, they were banned for being a little too hazardous. The acrylic could shatter under too much force, turning them into tiny, high-speed projectiles. But for a brief time in the ’70s, Clackers were everywhere.
Since they were pulled from shelves, original Clackers have become valuable collector’s items. If you have a set in good shape—meaning they haven’t cracked or shattered—you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. Some of the rarer colors and designs are even more sought after. Boxed sets, especially those with their original packaging and instructions, can fetch even higher prices. While modern versions exist, they’re made of safer materials and lack the nostalgia factor. If you still have an old pair, they might be worth more than just a childhood bruise or two.
5. Hugo, Man of a Thousand Faces
If you wanted a toy that was equal parts fun and nightmare fuel, Hugo was the one. This bald, pale-faced puppet came with a set of disguises, including wigs, mustaches, scars, and glasses. Kids could mix and match different looks, turning Hugo into a spy, a villain, or something straight out of a horror movie. While creative and entertaining, there was something undeniably eerie about his expressionless face. He looked like a ventriloquist dummy that had lost its way, which probably explains why so many people remember him with a mix of fondness and fear.
Because of his oddball appeal, Hugo has become a hot item among collectors. Finding one with all of his original disguises is rare, as those tiny pieces were easy to lose. A complete set can go for several hundred dollars, especially if he’s still in his original box. Even just the puppet itself, minus the accessories, can fetch a decent price. Some collectors specifically seek out the creep factor, making Hugo even more desirable. If you have one packed away somewhere, don’t be surprised if it’s worth more than you expected.
6. Baby Alive
Baby Alive was the closest thing to a real baby that many kids had in the ’70s, and that was both its appeal and its downfall. This doll could “eat,” “drink,” and—most memorably—”go to the bathroom,” thanks to a mechanical system inside. While it was fun to feed her and change her diapers, things could get messy fast. The food mixture would sometimes clog up, and if you didn’t clean her properly, she could develop an unpleasant smell. Still, she was one of the most interactive dolls of her time, and kids loved the realism.
These days, original Baby Alive dolls in good condition are worth a surprising amount. Because they were often heavily played with, finding one that still works can be tough. If you have a clean, functional doll with all its original accessories, it could sell for a few hundred dollars. The boxed versions, especially first editions, can go for much more. Some collectors even seek out dolls that still have their old packets of food, though whether you’d want to open those is another story. If you have one tucked away, it could be worth more than just memories.
7. Weebles
Weebles were the perfect toy for clumsy kids because no matter how hard you knocked them over, they’d always pop back up. These little egg-shaped figures were weighted at the bottom, allowing them to wobble around without ever tipping over completely. They came in all sorts of designs, from people to animals to themed playsets like the Weebles Haunted House. The jingle “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down” was burned into the minds of every ’70s kid who had one. They were simple, fun, and oddly mesmerizing to watch in action.
Since Weebles were so widely loved, many were played with until they were completely worn out. That makes finding vintage sets in good condition pretty rare. Individual Weebles, especially from popular sets, can sell for a surprising amount. Complete sets, particularly the haunted house or circus-themed ones, can go for several hundred dollars. If you have an unopened package, you’re looking at an even bigger payday. So if you happen to stumble upon a box of Weebles in your attic, it might be worth dusting them off.
8. Shogun Warriors
Shogun Warriors were some of the coolest action figures of the ’70s, bringing giant Japanese robots into American toy stores. These towering, colorful figures were based on popular Japanese mecha like Mazinger Z, Raideen, and Gaiking. Some of them had spring-loaded fists that could launch across the room, while others fired tiny missiles—features that later got them banned for being potential choking hazards. They were big, bold, and completely different from the usual action figures of the time. For kids who loved robots, these were a dream come true.
Because of their size and moving parts, finding a complete Shogun Warrior today isn’t easy. Many lost their fists, missiles, or other accessories over the years. But if you have one that’s still intact, collectors are willing to pay top dollar. Depending on the model, a well-preserved figure can fetch anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. If you happen to have one still in the box, the price jumps even higher. These robots might have been made for kids, but today, they’re serious business for collectors.
9. Bionic Woman Dome House
The Bionic Woman was a huge hit in the ’70s, and like any popular TV show, it had its share of merchandise. One of the most unique pieces was the Bionic Woman Dome House, a futuristic-looking playset designed for the Jaime Sommers action figure. Unlike traditional dollhouses, this one had a sleek, curved design that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie. It was packed with furniture and accessories, including a desk, a computer, and even a bed for Jaime to rest her bionic limbs. It was a must-have for fans of the show.
Because it was made of lightweight plastic, the Dome House didn’t always survive years of play. Many were damaged, lost, or simply thrown out as kids grew up. That’s why finding one today is so rare—and valuable. A complete, well-preserved set can sell for several hundred dollars, while boxed versions can go for even more. Some collectors are willing to pay top dollar just for the accessories. If you ever had one of these tucked away in your childhood toy collection, it could be worth way more than you think.
10. Micronauts
Micronauts were the ultimate mix-and-match action figures, featuring interchangeable parts that let kids customize them however they wanted. Inspired by a Japanese toy line, these futuristic, space-themed figures had a sleek, sci-fi look that set them apart from other action figures of the time. With magnetic limbs, clear plastic details, and tons of vehicles and accessories, they were endlessly fun to play with. The line even had its own comic book series, which helped cement its cult following. Despite their popularity, they never quite reached the mainstream success of other toy lines.
That limited success is exactly what makes them valuable today. Since they weren’t produced in massive quantities, finding original Micronauts in good condition is tricky. Certain figures, like Baron Karza and Andromeda, are especially sought after. If you have a complete figure with all of its original parts, it could be worth a few hundred dollars. Sealed sets or rare variants can fetch even higher prices. If you ever collected these back in the day, you might want to check your old toy box—you could be sitting on a hidden gem.
11. Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite was one of those toys that felt like pure magic as a kid. With a simple setup of a backlit screen and colorful plastic pegs, you could create glowing designs that looked incredible in the dark. The toy came with pattern sheets that let you make everything from cartoon characters to abstract designs. Of course, most kids ended up losing half the pegs under the couch, but that didn’t make it any less fun. It was one of the most creative toys of the ’70s and remained popular for decades.
Today, vintage Lite-Brite sets, especially early versions, can be surprisingly valuable. If you have one in working condition with a good number of pegs, you could be looking at a decent payout. Original pattern sheets are even harder to find, making them a big draw for collectors. Sealed sets or those in near-mint condition can sell for several hundred dollars. While modern versions still exist, they don’t quite have the same nostalgic appeal. If you still have an old Lite-Brite tucked away, it might be worth more than just childhood memories.
12. Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle
Evil Knievel was a legend in the ’70s, so it’s no surprise that his toy line was just as thrilling. The most popular was the Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle, which let kids launch a tiny version of the daredevil off ramps and over obstacles. With a crank-powered launcher, the bike could reach impressive speeds, sending the figure soaring through the air. The toy captured the excitement of Knievel’s real-life stunts, making it a must-have for adventure-loving kids. Whether it landed perfectly or crashed spectacularly, it was always a blast.
Because they were meant to be played with—and crashed repeatedly—finding a complete set in good shape is tough. Many cycles ended up with broken parts, and Knievel himself often lost his helmet or limbs in the chaos. But if you have a working set with all the pieces, collectors will pay a hefty price. Depending on the condition, it can fetch several hundred dollars. Sealed versions in mint condition have sold for well over a thousand. If you’ve got one packed away, it might just be your own little jackpot.
13. Star Bird
Before Star Wars toys dominated the market, the Star Bird was the ultimate spaceship toy. This electronic starfighter, made by Milton Bradley, had light-up engines and sound effects that changed depending on whether it was speeding up or slowing down. It had a sleek, futuristic design that looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. You could play with it as a standalone ship or combine it with other Star Bird sets to create an entire space fleet. It was high-tech for its time and a favorite among young space enthusiasts.
Because Star Bird wasn’t tied to a major franchise, it didn’t stick around as long as other space toys. That makes it relatively rare today, especially in good condition. A working Star Bird with functioning lights and sound effects can fetch a few hundred dollars. If you have the original box and accessories, the price can go even higher. Some of the rarer models, like the Star Bird Intruder, are especially valuable. If you ever had one of these as a kid, it might be worth digging out of storage.
14. Rom the Space Knight
Rom the Space Knight was a unique toy that combined sci-fi adventure with cutting-edge (for the time) technology. Released in 1979 by Parker Brothers, Rom was a large, silver action figure with electronic features like glowing red eyes and sound effects. He came with a variety of futuristic weapons and accessories, adding to his appeal as a high-tech space warrior. While Rom looked cool, his real legacy came from the Marvel Comics series that expanded his story far beyond what the toy ever did. Despite his cult following, Rom never became a mainstream hit, leading to lower production numbers.
Because of its limited success, Rom figures are fairly rare today, especially in working condition. Many kids played with them until the electronics failed or pieces were lost, making complete figures hard to find. A well-preserved Rom with all accessories can easily sell for several hundred dollars. If you have one still in its original box, the value can climb even higher. With nostalgia for obscure ’70s and ’80s toys growing, Rom has become a sought-after collector’s item. If you happen to have one stashed away, it might be worth cashing in.
15. Space: 1999 Eagle Transporter Playset
The Space: 1999 Eagle Transporter was a dream toy for kids who loved sci-fi. Based on the cult-favorite British TV show Space: 1999, this detailed spaceship playset was released by Mattel in the mid-’70s. It featured a modular design, detachable cargo pods, and even tiny astronaut figures to recreate daring space missions. The Eagle Transporter had a sleek, futuristic look that made it stand out from other space toys of the era. Though Space: 1999 never reached Star Wars-level popularity, its fans were dedicated, and this toy became a must-have for young sci-fi lovers.
Because the show had a smaller audience, fewer Eagle Transporters were produced compared to other space-themed toys of the decade. Many that did survive have missing parts, broken landing gear, or faded decals, making complete sets rare. A well-preserved Eagle Transporter can sell for several hundred dollars, while boxed versions in mint condition have reached over a thousand. Even the smaller accessories, like the tiny astronauts, can fetch a surprising price. If you were one of the lucky kids who had this spaceship back in the day, it might be worth digging it out of storage.