1. Stretch Monster
Everyone remembers Stretch Armstrong, but his green-skinned nemesis Stretch Monster was a little less common—and now, a lot more valuable. Made of the same gooey, stretchable material, this scaly creature with red eyes looked like something out of a monster movie and was just as fun to twist, tug, and torture during playtime says AOL.
Because Stretch Monster wasn’t produced in the same quantities, collectors are shelling out thousands for one in good shape. A boxed version can easily fetch over $3,000 today. Even loose figures with intact limbs go for several hundred. The fragile material often deteriorated or ripped, which only adds to their rarity. If you had one and didn’t poke holes in it, you might be sitting on a small goldmine shares Mental Floss.
2. Baby Alive (First Edition)
Before she became a staple in the toy aisle, the original 1973 Baby Alive was a novelty. She “ate” packets of food and “pooped” into a diaper—some kids loved it, others were totally grossed out. Either way, it was a memorable toy that brought a whole new level of realism to playing house shares Parents.
Today, if you’ve got the first-edition Baby Alive with her original box, diapers, and food packets, collectors are incredibly interested. Pristine sets can go for over $1,000. Even used dolls can fetch decent prices if the face paint and hair are still in good shape. The real value lies in completeness, especially with the accessories says the US Sun.
3. Mattel VertiBird
This little battery-powered helicopter was every kid’s chance to become a pilot—without ever leaving the living room. It was tethered to a base and flew in circles, but that didn’t stop it from being a thrilling ride. The joy came in maneuvering it to pick up tiny loads and complete daring rescues.
If yours didn’t crash one too many times, it might be worth well over $500 today. VertiBirds in their original boxes, especially the ones with the space or rescue themes, are particularly sought after. Many of them were played with so aggressively that few survived in good shape. If you’ve got one collecting dust, it might be time to take a second look.
4. Kenner SSP Smash-Up Derby
This toy was all about destruction—and that was the fun of it. The Kenner SSP Smash-Up Derby sets let kids crash cars into each other at high speed and watch the hoods and doors go flying. You’d rev them up with the ripcord and send them barreling toward their doom.
Complete sets with all the crash parts are rare now because, let’s face it, most pieces got lost under couches or chewed by dogs. A full set in decent condition can go for more than $700. And if you’ve got the original box and decals? That value climbs fast. It’s proof that chaos can be lucrative.
5. Major Matt Mason
Before Star Wars toys took over, space-loving kids had Major Matt Mason. He was a bendable astronaut made by Mattel who lived on the moon and had a whole crew, including alien pals. The figure had a black spacesuit with cool white stripes and came with a ton of detailed accessories.
Because he was made of rubber over wire, many of the original figures didn’t hold up well over time. But if you’ve got one in great shape—especially with gear like his space sled—you could get over $1,000 for it. Complete playsets are even more valuable. For collectors, this toy captures that magical moment before space became all about lightsabers.
6. Shogun Warriors
Towering up to two feet tall, Shogun Warriors were imported from Japan and looked nothing like typical American toys. They were brightly colored robots with names like Dragun, Mazinga, and Raydeen—and they came armed with missiles and spring-loaded fists.
Because of safety concerns, some versions were pulled from shelves or altered, making the original designs highly collectible. Mint condition Shogun Warriors can go for $1,500 or more. Even loose figures, especially the jumbo-sized ones, fetch serious prices. If you kept the box and all the accessories, you’re really in business.
7. Weebles Haunted House
“Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down,” but this spooky playset still gave some kids the creeps. The Weebles Haunted House came with glow-in-the-dark ghosts, a secret trapdoor, and an elevator that took the round little figures up to the attic. It was a far cry from the standard cheerful Weebles sets.
These days, it’s one of the most sought-after Weebles playsets on the market. Complete sets in good shape can go for upwards of $700, with the box pushing that value even higher. The tiny ghost Weeble, in particular, is rare and highly prized. If you’ve got the whole eerie gang, collectors will come knocking.
8. Rom the Space Knight
Rom wasn’t just a toy—he sparked a cult following thanks to his tie-in Marvel comic series. The toy itself was large and metallic silver, with glowing red eyes and sound effects. While he didn’t have the articulation of other action figures, his look and backstory made him a standout.
Because of licensing issues, Rom has never been reissued, which only adds to his mystique. Boxed figures in working condition can go for over $600. Even loose ones command solid prices if the electronics still work. If Rom’s in your attic, it might be time for him to return from deep space.
9. Hugo: Man of a Thousand Faces
This one definitely belongs in the “weird toys of the ’70s” category. Hugo was a bald, pale puppet head that came with wigs, glasses, scars, and mustaches so kids could turn him into just about anyone—or anything. The whole concept was a little creepy, but endlessly fascinating.
Hugo didn’t sell like hotcakes, which is exactly why he’s valuable today. Complete sets with the disguise accessories and box can sell for $800 or more. The more masks and props included, the higher the price. He may have given you nightmares as a kid, but he’s a dream for collectors now.
10. Barbie’s Dream Pool
While Barbie’s Dream House got all the attention, her Dream Pool was the ultimate summertime accessory. It came with a plastic pool, lounge chairs, a diving board, and even a working shower that used real water. There was something magical about helping Barbie take a dip in her very own backyard.
Because the set was often played with outdoors, many didn’t survive the elements. A complete pool set with all the accessories and box can fetch $700 or more. Even just the intact pool and furniture can bring in hundreds. It’s a splashy payoff for anyone who managed to keep it together.
11. King Ding and His Brain Robot
This towering robot from the ’70s was a strange and ambitious toy. King Ding stood nearly two feet tall, but the best part was his little “Brain” robot that lived in his chest and could drive out on its own. It was part of the Talking Robot Command series from Topper Toys and had a sci-fi vibe that kids loved.
Because of its complicated design, many of these toys ended up broken or missing parts. But if you’ve got a complete one, especially with a functioning Brain robot and original box, collectors are paying $1,500 or more. The toy’s rarity and quirky charm make it a standout among robot toys. It’s one of those forgotten treasures worth digging out.
12. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle
Few toys captured the daredevil spirit of the ’70s like the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle. You’d wind it up with a red crank launcher, let go, and watch Evel go flying off ramps and over homemade jumps. Kids would reenact his real-life stunts—or just try to crash him into the cat.
Because it was so heavily used, most sets didn’t survive in one piece. Complete sets with the figure, bike, launcher, and original box can go for $1,000 or more. Even well-used cycles still bring decent money. If you’ve got one hiding in a garage bin, it’s time to cash in on Evel’s legacy.
13. Kenner Blythe Doll
Blythe dolls weren’t a hit when they first came out in 1972. With their oversized heads and eerie, color-changing eyes, they weirded out a lot of kids and didn’t stay on shelves long. But in the years since, they’ve become cult favorites, especially among fashion doll collectors.
Original Blythes now go for several thousand dollars, depending on the condition and which version you have. Even ones with minor flaws can still bring in big bucks. If you have one with her outfit and original box, you’re holding a true treasure. Not bad for a doll that used to be considered “too creepy.”
14. Mego’s Micronauts
Before Transformers, there were Micronauts—tiny, modular action figures that could be mixed, matched, and rebuilt into all kinds of sci-fi machines. They came with clear plastic parts, interchangeable limbs, and vehicles that looked like they were straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon.
Because the line was so expansive, complete sets and rare figures can fetch hundreds—or even thousands. The Time Traveler figures and Baron Karza are especially popular. If you have unopened packs or the more obscure vehicles, collectors are eager to pay top dollar. What used to be pocket-sized play is now a big deal.
15. Green Ghost Game
Green Ghost was a glow-in-the-dark board game that came out in the late ’60s but really made waves in the early ’70s. It had spooky components, like rubber bats, bones, and a plastic ghost that lit up when the lights went off. The board was elevated and had little trap doors, which added to the fun.
Because of its fragile plastic parts and limited production, full sets are rare today. A complete game with all the glowing pieces can go for over $600. It’s especially valuable with the original box and instructions. Not bad for something that once lived on a card table during Halloween parties.