1. Star Wars Action Figures
Star Wars action figures were a huge part of ’80s childhoods, and some of them are surprisingly valuable today. Particularly rare ones, like the 1978 Vinyl Cape Jawa or the Boba Fett figure with a firing rocket, can command prices in the thousands. Figures that were produced in limited runs or with production errors (like the famous “double telescoping” lightsaber Luke Skywalker) are highly prized by collectors. Even more common figures in mint condition can still sell for a decent price, especially if they’re in their original packaging. If you have a box of them gathering dust, it might be time to dig through and see if you’ve got any hidden gems.
2. Cabbage Patch Kids
These quirky, soft-bodied dolls were the craze of the early ’80s, with collectors still willing to pay big bucks for rare editions today. While the demand was insane when they first hit shelves, some of the original Cabbage Patch Kids, particularly the ones with unique features like signature marks or rare clothes, can fetch thousands at auction. A first-run doll, especially those from the 1983 “pre-adoption” series, could be worth over $1,000 in pristine condition. Keeping the original box and adoption papers can make all the difference in value. If you still have one stashed away, it might be time to check it out!
3. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Figures
He-Man was more than just a cartoon; it was a cultural phenomenon, and the action figures that came with it are still in high demand today. Figures like Battle Cat and Skeletor, especially in original packaging or near-mint condition, can bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Rare variations, like the blue-skinned Faker figure, are highly sought after by collectors. If your collection includes vehicles or playsets, you might be holding onto even more valuable pieces. These toys were played with hard, so finding one in good condition can mean big money.
4. My Little Pony
These colorful, magical ponies weren’t just for little girls—they’re beloved by collectors, too. The original ’80s Ponies, especially those with symbols on their flanks or unique colors, are incredibly valuable today. In particular, figures from the “First Generation” collection, such as “Pinkie Pie” or “Blue Belle,” can go for a small fortune if they’re in mint condition and still have their brushable manes. The condition and packaging are crucial for value, with unplayed-with Ponies selling for top dollar. If you still have them stored away, they might just be worth a lot more than you remember.
5. GI Joe Action Figures
GI Joe figures were iconic in the ’80s, with detailed designs and a never-ending supply of accessories. Figures like the original Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander, and the classic HISS Tank are still highly sought after. Many GI Joe toys, particularly the first runs, can fetch hefty prices, especially in complete condition (no missing parts or weapons). And the vehicles and playsets? Even more so, as collectors love them for their attention to detail and nostalgia. If you have some of the more obscure figures, like “Mail-Away” exclusive versions, those are especially valuable.
6. Transformers
Transformers were a huge deal in the ’80s, and today, some of the original toys are worth big bucks. The first editions of characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron, especially those that are still in their original packaging, can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The early run of these toys was known for their incredible transformation mechanisms, and collectors are always looking for rare variations and mint-condition pieces. A Transformer from the ’80s, complete with all its parts, could be the perfect addition to a collection. Don’t forget about rarities like the “pre-Transformers” figures from Takara that were never officially part of the series!
7. Polly Pocket
Polly Pocket was a tiny, portable world of fun that children could take anywhere. These miniature playsets, especially the original versions from the late ’80s, are highly collectible today. The early sets, with their compact size and detailed figurines, are particularly valuable, especially when they’re complete and in pristine condition. Some of the rarer sets, like the “Polly’s Hair Salon” or the “Polly’s Home,” can fetch up to several hundred dollars. If you’re lucky enough to find an unopened set in its original packaging, you could be holding onto a toy that could make you a nice profit.
8. Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin, the animatronic bear who told stories, was a revolutionary toy in the ’80s. Its charm and the technology behind it still capture the imaginations of collectors today. The original, talking Teddy Ruxpin, especially the earlier models with the cassette tape player, can sell for a surprising amount. If you still have the original box, accessories, or additional storybooks, those can significantly increase its value. Whether you’ve kept one tucked away in your attic or spotted one at a flea market, this childhood icon might just bring in more than you’d expect.
9. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven was a classic toy that taught kids how to bake with just a light bulb and a lot of imagination. Today, the vintage versions, especially those from the ’80s, can be worth a surprising amount to collectors who have fond memories of their baking days. Early models, especially the ones with the metal housing and unique color schemes, can fetch a good price if they’re in working condition. It’s important to make sure all the accessories are intact, as these little sets can quickly boost the value. If you still have your Easy-Bake Oven from your childhood, it might be time to give it another look.
10. Rubik’s Cube
While the Rubik’s Cube may have originated in the ’70s, it was in the ’80s when the puzzle really took off. Collectors look for vintage cubes, especially those with unique color schemes or variations in the design. The first edition Rubik’s Cubes and limited-edition versions from back in the day are considered more valuable, particularly if they’re in mint condition or still in their packaging. Whether you’ve got one from the original run or a rare promotional cube, these toys are still prized by enthusiasts and collectors. If yours is in good condition, you might be holding onto more than just a toy—it could be a piece of history!
11. Atari 2600 Console
Although it was a gaming system, the Atari 2600 is also a classic piece of ’80s nostalgia. The console itself, along with the original controllers and games, can still fetch impressive amounts if kept in pristine condition. Early versions, like the ones with the woodgrain finish, are especially valuable to collectors. Some of the rare games, like “E.T.,” which was originally poorly received but later became a collector’s item, are worth big bucks. If you’ve got an old Atari gathering dust, it might be time to clean it off and check its current market value.
12. The Fisher-Price Little People
Fisher-Price Little People have been around for decades, but the ’80s versions are particularly collectible. The vintage wooden or plastic figures, especially those from the earlier ’80s sets like the Farm, Garage, or Schoolhouse, are worth a lot today. What makes these figures so valuable is their charm and the fact that many of the original playsets were designed with high attention to detail. If you have a complete set with its original box, you might be able to sell it for quite a bit. Some of the rarer characters, such as the first-generation Little People, can go for hundreds!