The 40 most valuable toys from your childhood
Vintage toys worth money
Garbage Pail Kids' Cards: $1,000 and up
The surreal have found their ideal home on the equally surreal internet, where a card like can collect around $3,000. Bonus dollars if they are in their original packaging.
PHOTO: eBay
1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure: $25,000
When Nigo, the Japanese designer and founder of A Bathing Ape, decided to offload his "Star Wars" collection, he turned to Sotheby's. The total haul of the 2015 auction came to over half a million dollars and included , one of only 20 out there.
PHOTO: Sotheby's
Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000
Due to a manufacturing error, only 2,000 of were fabricated with a darker color than originally intended. Now, it's the most collectible Beanie Baby in existence, and sells for . Other valuable versions include Humphrey the Camel, around $2,000 and .
PHOTO: eBay
PEZ Dispensers: Prices Vary
Sugar fiends will be delighted to know that even old, candy-less PEZ dispenser might be worth something some day. In 2006, a dispenser known as the Astronaut B, created for the 1982 World's Fair made major bank, . Other include the Mickey Mouse Soft Head dispenser, the 1955 Santa Claus Head dispenser and the PEZ gun.
PHOTO: Getty
The Original Monopoly Game: $146,500
An original hand drawn oil cloth version of Monopoly made in 1933 and owned by the game's inventor Charles Darrow , nearly double its expected price. But, even if you don't have such a rare version of this beloved game, and .
PHOTO: Getty
Hot Wheels: Prices Vary
While most of these palm-sized cars go for just a few dollars, rare finds can be worth thousands. Among the most valuable is designed with surf boards hanging out the back window and wheels that made it too large for Mattel's race tracks. Though it never went into wide production, that's what makes it all the more valuable to collectors, who value it around $125,000.
PHOTO: Amazon
Action Comics No. 1, $3.2 million
on eBay, this "pristine" 1938 edition went up for auction in 2014, to staggering results. Why the frenzy? It's the comic that first introduced Superman to the world, and there are fewer than 50 in existence worldwide.
PHOTO: John Luciano
Wun-Dar He-Man: Prices Vary
Also known as naked-with-a-loin-cloth He-Man, was a giveaway that came with the purchase of Wonder Bread in the 1990s. If you saved it, you're in luck: Your love of white bread could pay off, thanks to where some of these go for as much as $500.
PHOTO: Amazon
Fisher Price's Push Cart Pete: $3,000
If they're in mint condition, vintage Fisher Price toys can make a mint. is expected to rake in upwards of $3,000 — not bad since it originally retailed for 50 cents.
PHOTO: LiveAuctioneers.com
American Girl "Molly" Doll: $11,000
will run you about $120, but isn't it reassuring to know that discontinued dolls like Felicity, Samantha, Kirsten and Molly live on somewhere? If you have at home, with their original clothing and accessories, you could make as much as $11,000.
PHOTO: American Girl
First Edition of "Where the Wild Things Are": $25,000
, a signed 1963 first edition of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book sold on for $25K. The condition of the book was especially remarkable because, as parents know all too well, picture books rarely survive without rips, smudges and smears.
PHOTO: AbeBooks
Lionel's Pennsylvania 'Trail Blazer" Train Set: Prices Vary
evoke a bygone era (and are now made with 21st century technology), but if you happen to find an original Lionel set in your attic, it could be worth .
PHOTO: Lionel Store
First Edition Barbie: $23,000
but for some collectors, the classic, hourglass-shaped 1959 version will always be the one and only. Originals, complete with zebra-stripe swimsuits and a sweeping up-do, retail from around .
PHOTO: Effie Yang/Flickr
Vintage Atari Cartridges: Prices Vary
In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twist, that Atari had buried hundreds of its game cartridges in the New Mexico desert in 1983 turned out to be true. In all, 881 recovered cartridges were sold, totaling $107,000 in proceeds. Individually, the more rare and popular games can go for .
PHOTO: Scott/Flickr
Original Furby: $900
These furry, interactive toys came on the scene in 1998. If you're holding on to , you could expect it to fetch about $900.
PHOTO: eBay
Game Boy: $750 - $1,000
Before we were obsessed with our cell phones, we whiled away the hours on Nintendo's handheld game system, which was first release in the U.S. in 1989. These days, mint condition Game Boys go for hundreds and, if you have a special edition like the , over $1,000.
PHOTO: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons
Original Transformers Action Figures: Prices Vary
Hasbro produced the first line of these transforming robot action figures in 1984. If you were lucky enough to keep the originals in their box, they can be worth way more than their original value: in pristine packaging are listed , much more than their original sticker price.
PHOTO: soongen / eBay
First Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone": $6,500
Originally published in 1998, first editions of the U.S. version of J.K. Rowling's story that kicked off the Harry Potter phenomenon have sold for up to $6,500. Score one for Gryffindor if you find a signed copy, which adds to the value, .
PHOTO: AbeBooks.com
Mario Kart 64: $400+
One of Nintendo's most beloved games (we all wanted to be Yoshi), can now sell -$675. A game that is worth a ton of money and taught us how to drive? Not too shabby.
PHOTO: rarebucky / eBay
Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls: Prices Vary
Doll collectors adore Cabbage Patch Kids, . are the world's most obsessive Cabbage Patch doll collectors, having amassed over 5,000 dolls they house in a custom-built Maryland museum (you can buy them all for a cool $360,000). If you're more of a casual fan, there's also an with an annual membership of $35.
PHOTO: ullstein bild
Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset: $1,600
Described by one eBay seller as the "Holy Grail" of Masters of the Universe toys, where your He-Man and Skeletor action figures might have fought now fetches .
PHOTO: duky2 / eBay
Teddy Ruxpin: $500 - 1,000
This beloved, animatronic bear "reads" kids stories thanks to an audio cassette player built into its back. These days, can be had for around $500. The Original Storytelling teddy bear from 1985, on the other hand, is .
PHOTO: James Keyser
Jurassic Park Action Figures: Prices Vary
We all loved Steven Spielberg's 1993 film about a theme park gone wrong, and there's lot of merchandise to prove it. If you held on to the original '90s action figures and kept them in good condition, each these days. T-Rex is one of the most sought after — .
PHOTO: mekatbot / eBay
Faker Action Figure: $1,000
His name might be Faker, but there is certainly nothing fake about his worth. Fans are willing to pay upwards of $300-$1,000 for of the evil robotic imposter.
PHOTO: eBay
Pokemon Cards: Prices Vary
First published in Japan in 1996, Pokemon trading cards have a huge following and rare cards can go for wildly high prices. is selling for $11,997 and can fetch similarly expensive sums.
PHOTO: eBay
Lite Brite: $300
First marketed in 1967, this toy allowed children to create glowing art by fitting small, colored plastic pegs into an illuminated board. Full sets from the '70s and go for today.
PHOTO: karinamini / eBay
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980s Action Figures: Prices Vary
These "heroes in a half shell" first made an appearance as comic book characters in 1984 and a wildly popular animated series soon followed in 1987. Pretty much every kids' birthday party we attended in the late 80s was Teenage Turtle-themed and plenty of the action figures were gifted. In mint condition, can go for about $400-900, with rarer pieces being offered for .
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Colorforms: $250 - $400
Given the current popularity of it's no surprise that old school Colorforms, with their colorful backgrounds and reusable stickers, are in demand too. carries a wide variety around the $250 mark, with '80s themes ranging from "Gremlins" to Masters of the Universe to Michael Jackson. A set like this one can go for .
PHOTO: toyhelper / eBay
Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $675
Girls of the '80s all loved this cartoon rocker. And the prices these dolls currently fetch are truly, truly, truly outrageous indeed — can sell for upwards of $675, with selling for similarly high prices.
PHOTO: eBay
She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind: Prices Vary
He-Man's twin sister was a powerhouse, and collectors are still keen on She-Ra. The original action figure in-box, packaged alongside her horse, was recently , although and accessories sell more in the range of $150 - $600.
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Playmobil: Prices Vary
Childhood is practically synonymous with German toymaker Playmobil. Which helps explain why collectors are so nostalgic for throwback pieces and willing to shell out the big bucks for them: is listed at $1,000 and is on the market for $239.
PHOTO: vintagemania10 / eBay
Vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dolls: $100 - $550
Who didn't adore Strawberry Shortcake and all her adorable friends with dessert-themed names? The original dolls were released in the 1980s and now command between and , especially ones still housed in their box.
PHOTO: eBay
Digimon: Prices Vary
These virtual monsters were first created in 1997 and gained in popularity after an anime series and video game followed. can go for well over $100 these days, and are also collectors' items.
PHOTO: eBay
Lego Trains: $1,000 - $3,000
Take two things people are wildly passionate about (Lego + trains) and it's no wonder that the vintage railroad sets from the beloved brand command top dollar. Sets range from to to , and all go for between $1,000 and $3,000.
PHOTO: eBay
Magic: The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary
If you were into this fantasy card game growing up, your collection could be worth a pretty penny today. have sold for tens of thousands of dollars and rare individual cards like .
PHOTO: Nathan Rupert
Boba Fett Action Figure: $5,000
Given the franchise's massive popularity, it's a safe bet that vintage "Star Wars" merchandise will command some of the highest prices in the galaxy. Bounty hunter is among the most popular action figure from the films, with mint-condition, in-box versions .
PHOTO: eBay
G.I. Joe Action Figures and Accessories: Prices Vary
Hasbro's G.I. Joe has been around since 1964 and remains a favorite for a large base of collectors (there's even ). Vintage Joes and their accessories run a broad range price-wise, with enemy organization "Cobra" accessories among the most popular: alone is priced at $16,000, while some are set as high as $5,500. A prototype G.I. Joe "Toy Soldier" made in 1963 sold on eBay for $200,000 in 2003, according to .
PHOTO: Justin Sullivan
Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls and Accessories: Prices Vary
We still remember the theme song from this animated TV series about Rainbow Brite and her sidekicks the Color Kids, who were in charge of preserving all the color in the world. These days, can sell for around $1,000.
PHOTO: eBay
Happy Meal Toys: Prices Vary
McDonald's Happy Meals have come with toys since 1979, so it's no wonder there's a following of collectors that loves these pint-sized playthings. On eBay, you'll find collections like priced around $300 or priced at $135.
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns: $100 - $500
Super Soakers took water fights to the next level, and these vibrantly-colored aqua guns are still in high demand. from the 1990s start around $129, and can .
PHOTO: eBay
Garbage Pail Kids' Cards: $1,000 and up
The surreal have found their ideal home on the equally surreal internet, where a card like can collect around $3,000. Bonus dollars if they are in their original packaging.
PHOTO: eBay
1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure: $25,000
When Nigo, the Japanese designer and founder of A Bathing Ape, decided to offload his "Star Wars" collection, he turned to Sotheby's. The total haul of the 2015 auction came to over half a million dollars and included , one of only 20 out there.
PHOTO: Sotheby's
Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000
Due to a manufacturing error, only 2,000 of were fabricated with a darker color than originally intended. Now, it's the most collectible Beanie Baby in existence, and sells for . Other valuable versions include Humphrey the Camel, around $2,000 and .
PHOTO: eBay
PEZ Dispensers: Prices Vary
Sugar fiends will be delighted to know that even old, candy-less PEZ dispenser might be worth something some day. In 2006, a dispenser known as the Astronaut B, created for the 1982 World's Fair made major bank, . Other include the Mickey Mouse Soft Head dispenser, the 1955 Santa Claus Head dispenser and the PEZ gun.
PHOTO: Getty
The Original Monopoly Game: $146,500
An original hand drawn oil cloth version of Monopoly made in 1933 and owned by the game's inventor Charles Darrow , nearly double its expected price. But, even if you don't have such a rare version of this beloved game, and .
PHOTO: Getty
Hot Wheels: Prices Vary
While most of these palm-sized cars go for just a few dollars, rare finds can be worth thousands. Among the most valuable is designed with surf boards hanging out the back window and wheels that made it too large for Mattel's race tracks. Though it never went into wide production, that's what makes it all the more valuable to collectors, who value it around $125,000.
PHOTO: Amazon
Action Comics No. 1, $3.2 million
on eBay, this "pristine" 1938 edition went up for auction in 2014, to staggering results. Why the frenzy? It's the comic that first introduced Superman to the world, and there are fewer than 50 in existence worldwide.
PHOTO: John Luciano
Wun-Dar He-Man: Prices Vary
Also known as naked-with-a-loin-cloth He-Man, was a giveaway that came with the purchase of Wonder Bread in the 1990s. If you saved it, you're in luck: Your love of white bread could pay off, thanks to where some of these go for as much as $500.
PHOTO: Amazon
Fisher Price's Push Cart Pete: $3,000
If they're in mint condition, vintage Fisher Price toys can make a mint. is expected to rake in upwards of $3,000 — not bad since it originally retailed for 50 cents.
PHOTO: LiveAuctioneers.com
American Girl "Molly" Doll: $11,000
will run you about $120, but isn't it reassuring to know that discontinued dolls like Felicity, Samantha, Kirsten and Molly live on somewhere? If you have at home, with their original clothing and accessories, you could make as much as $11,000.
PHOTO: American Girl
First Edition of "Where the Wild Things Are": $25,000
, a signed 1963 first edition of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book sold on for $25K. The condition of the book was especially remarkable because, as parents know all too well, picture books rarely survive without rips, smudges and smears.
PHOTO: AbeBooks
Lionel's Pennsylvania 'Trail Blazer" Train Set: Prices Vary
evoke a bygone era (and are now made with 21st century technology), but if you happen to find an original Lionel set in your attic, it could be worth .
PHOTO: Lionel Store
First Edition Barbie: $23,000
but for some collectors, the classic, hourglass-shaped 1959 version will always be the one and only. Originals, complete with zebra-stripe swimsuits and a sweeping up-do, retail from around .
PHOTO: Effie Yang/Flickr
Vintage Atari Cartridges: Prices Vary
In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twist, that Atari had buried hundreds of its game cartridges in the New Mexico desert in 1983 turned out to be true. In all, 881 recovered cartridges were sold, totaling $107,000 in proceeds. Individually, the more rare and popular games can go for .
PHOTO: Scott/Flickr
Original Furby: $900
These furry, interactive toys came on the scene in 1998. If you're holding on to , you could expect it to fetch about $900.
PHOTO: eBay
Game Boy: $750 - $1,000
Before we were obsessed with our cell phones, we whiled away the hours on Nintendo's handheld game system, which was first release in the U.S. in 1989. These days, mint condition Game Boys go for hundreds and, if you have a special edition like the , over $1,000.
PHOTO: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons
Original Transformers Action Figures: Prices Vary
Hasbro produced the first line of these transforming robot action figures in 1984. If you were lucky enough to keep the originals in their box, they can be worth way more than their original value: in pristine packaging are listed , much more than their original sticker price.
PHOTO: soongen / eBay
First Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone": $6,500
Originally published in 1998, first editions of the U.S. version of J.K. Rowling's story that kicked off the Harry Potter phenomenon have sold for up to $6,500. Score one for Gryffindor if you find a signed copy, which adds to the value, .
PHOTO: AbeBooks.com
Mario Kart 64: $400+
One of Nintendo's most beloved games (we all wanted to be Yoshi), can now sell -$675. A game that is worth a ton of money and taught us how to drive? Not too shabby.
PHOTO: rarebucky / eBay
Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls: Prices Vary
Doll collectors adore Cabbage Patch Kids, . are the world's most obsessive Cabbage Patch doll collectors, having amassed over 5,000 dolls they house in a custom-built Maryland museum (you can buy them all for a cool $360,000). If you're more of a casual fan, there's also an with an annual membership of $35.
PHOTO: ullstein bild
Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset: $1,600
Described by one eBay seller as the "Holy Grail" of Masters of the Universe toys, where your He-Man and Skeletor action figures might have fought now fetches .
PHOTO: duky2 / eBay
Teddy Ruxpin: $500 - 1,000
This beloved, animatronic bear "reads" kids stories thanks to an audio cassette player built into its back. These days, can be had for around $500. The Original Storytelling teddy bear from 1985, on the other hand, is .
PHOTO: James Keyser
Jurassic Park Action Figures: Prices Vary
We all loved Steven Spielberg's 1993 film about a theme park gone wrong, and there's lot of merchandise to prove it. If you held on to the original '90s action figures and kept them in good condition, each these days. T-Rex is one of the most sought after — .
PHOTO: mekatbot / eBay
Faker Action Figure: $1,000
His name might be Faker, but there is certainly nothing fake about his worth. Fans are willing to pay upwards of $300-$1,000 for of the evil robotic imposter.
PHOTO: eBay
Pokemon Cards: Prices Vary
First published in Japan in 1996, Pokemon trading cards have a huge following and rare cards can go for wildly high prices. is selling for $11,997 and can fetch similarly expensive sums.
PHOTO: eBay
Lite Brite: $300
First marketed in 1967, this toy allowed children to create glowing art by fitting small, colored plastic pegs into an illuminated board. Full sets from the '70s and go for today.
PHOTO: karinamini / eBay
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980s Action Figures: Prices Vary
These "heroes in a half shell" first made an appearance as comic book characters in 1984 and a wildly popular animated series soon followed in 1987. Pretty much every kids' birthday party we attended in the late 80s was Teenage Turtle-themed and plenty of the action figures were gifted. In mint condition, can go for about $400-900, with rarer pieces being offered for .
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Colorforms: $250 - $400
Given the current popularity of it's no surprise that old school Colorforms, with their colorful backgrounds and reusable stickers, are in demand too. carries a wide variety around the $250 mark, with '80s themes ranging from "Gremlins" to Masters of the Universe to Michael Jackson. A set like this one can go for .
PHOTO: toyhelper / eBay
Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $675
Girls of the '80s all loved this cartoon rocker. And the prices these dolls currently fetch are truly, truly, truly outrageous indeed — can sell for upwards of $675, with selling for similarly high prices.
PHOTO: eBay
She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind: Prices Vary
He-Man's twin sister was a powerhouse, and collectors are still keen on She-Ra. The original action figure in-box, packaged alongside her horse, was recently , although and accessories sell more in the range of $150 - $600.
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Playmobil: Prices Vary
Childhood is practically synonymous with German toymaker Playmobil. Which helps explain why collectors are so nostalgic for throwback pieces and willing to shell out the big bucks for them: is listed at $1,000 and is on the market for $239.
PHOTO: vintagemania10 / eBay
Vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dolls: $100 - $550
Who didn't adore Strawberry Shortcake and all her adorable friends with dessert-themed names? The original dolls were released in the 1980s and now command between and , especially ones still housed in their box.
PHOTO: eBay
Digimon: Prices Vary
These virtual monsters were first created in 1997 and gained in popularity after an anime series and video game followed. can go for well over $100 these days, and are also collectors' items.
PHOTO: eBay
Lego Trains: $1,000 - $3,000
Take two things people are wildly passionate about (Lego + trains) and it's no wonder that the vintage railroad sets from the beloved brand command top dollar. Sets range from to to , and all go for between $1,000 and $3,000.
PHOTO: eBay
Magic: The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary
If you were into this fantasy card game growing up, your collection could be worth a pretty penny today. have sold for tens of thousands of dollars and rare individual cards like .
PHOTO: Nathan Rupert
Boba Fett Action Figure: $5,000
Given the franchise's massive popularity, it's a safe bet that vintage "Star Wars" merchandise will command some of the highest prices in the galaxy. Bounty hunter is among the most popular action figure from the films, with mint-condition, in-box versions .
PHOTO: eBay
G.I. Joe Action Figures and Accessories: Prices Vary
Hasbro's G.I. Joe has been around since 1964 and remains a favorite for a large base of collectors (there's even ). Vintage Joes and their accessories run a broad range price-wise, with enemy organization "Cobra" accessories among the most popular: alone is priced at $16,000, while some are set as high as $5,500. A prototype G.I. Joe "Toy Soldier" made in 1963 sold on eBay for $200,000 in 2003, according to .
PHOTO: Justin Sullivan
Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls and Accessories: Prices Vary
We still remember the theme song from this animated TV series about Rainbow Brite and her sidekicks the Color Kids, who were in charge of preserving all the color in the world. These days, can sell for around $1,000.
PHOTO: eBay
Happy Meal Toys: Prices Vary
McDonald's Happy Meals have come with toys since 1979, so it's no wonder there's a following of collectors that loves these pint-sized playthings. On eBay, you'll find collections like priced around $300 or priced at $135.
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns: $100 - $500
Super Soakers took water fights to the next level, and these vibrantly-colored aqua guns are still in high demand. from the 1990s start around $129, and can .
PHOTO: eBay
Garbage Pail Kids' Cards: $1,000 and up
The surreal have found their ideal home on the equally surreal internet, where a card like can collect around $3,000. Bonus dollars if they are in their original packaging.
PHOTO: eBay
1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure: $25,000
When Nigo, the Japanese designer and founder of A Bathing Ape, decided to offload his "Star Wars" collection, he turned to Sotheby's. The total haul of the 2015 auction came to over half a million dollars and included , one of only 20 out there.
PHOTO: Sotheby's
Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000
Due to a manufacturing error, only 2,000 of were fabricated with a darker color than originally intended. Now, it's the most collectible Beanie Baby in existence, and sells for . Other valuable versions include Humphrey the Camel, around $2,000 and .
PHOTO: eBay
PEZ Dispensers: Prices Vary
Sugar fiends will be delighted to know that even old, candy-less PEZ dispenser might be worth something some day. In 2006, a dispenser known as the Astronaut B, created for the 1982 World's Fair made major bank, . Other include the Mickey Mouse Soft Head dispenser, the 1955 Santa Claus Head dispenser and the PEZ gun.
PHOTO: Getty
The Original Monopoly Game: $146,500
An original hand drawn oil cloth version of Monopoly made in 1933 and owned by the game's inventor Charles Darrow , nearly double its expected price. But, even if you don't have such a rare version of this beloved game, and .
PHOTO: Getty
Hot Wheels: Prices Vary
While most of these palm-sized cars go for just a few dollars, rare finds can be worth thousands. Among the most valuable is designed with surf boards hanging out the back window and wheels that made it too large for Mattel's race tracks. Though it never went into wide production, that's what makes it all the more valuable to collectors, who value it around $125,000.
PHOTO: Amazon
Action Comics No. 1, $3.2 million
on eBay, this "pristine" 1938 edition went up for auction in 2014, to staggering results. Why the frenzy? It's the comic that first introduced Superman to the world, and there are fewer than 50 in existence worldwide.
PHOTO: John Luciano
Wun-Dar He-Man: Prices Vary
Also known as naked-with-a-loin-cloth He-Man, was a giveaway that came with the purchase of Wonder Bread in the 1990s. If you saved it, you're in luck: Your love of white bread could pay off, thanks to where some of these go for as much as $500.
PHOTO: Amazon
Fisher Price's Push Cart Pete: $3,000
If they're in mint condition, vintage Fisher Price toys can make a mint. is expected to rake in upwards of $3,000 — not bad since it originally retailed for 50 cents.
PHOTO: LiveAuctioneers.com
American Girl "Molly" Doll: $11,000
will run you about $120, but isn't it reassuring to know that discontinued dolls like Felicity, Samantha, Kirsten and Molly live on somewhere? If you have at home, with their original clothing and accessories, you could make as much as $11,000.
PHOTO: American Girl
First Edition of "Where the Wild Things Are": $25,000
, a signed 1963 first edition of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book sold on for $25K. The condition of the book was especially remarkable because, as parents know all too well, picture books rarely survive without rips, smudges and smears.
PHOTO: AbeBooks
Lionel's Pennsylvania 'Trail Blazer" Train Set: Prices Vary
evoke a bygone era (and are now made with 21st century technology), but if you happen to find an original Lionel set in your attic, it could be worth .
PHOTO: Lionel Store
First Edition Barbie: $23,000
but for some collectors, the classic, hourglass-shaped 1959 version will always be the one and only. Originals, complete with zebra-stripe swimsuits and a sweeping up-do, retail from around .
PHOTO: Effie Yang/Flickr
Vintage Atari Cartridges: Prices Vary
In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twist, that Atari had buried hundreds of its game cartridges in the New Mexico desert in 1983 turned out to be true. In all, 881 recovered cartridges were sold, totaling $107,000 in proceeds. Individually, the more rare and popular games can go for .
PHOTO: Scott/Flickr
Original Furby: $900
These furry, interactive toys came on the scene in 1998. If you're holding on to , you could expect it to fetch about $900.
PHOTO: eBay
Game Boy: $750 - $1,000
Before we were obsessed with our cell phones, we whiled away the hours on Nintendo's handheld game system, which was first release in the U.S. in 1989. These days, mint condition Game Boys go for hundreds and, if you have a special edition like the , over $1,000.
PHOTO: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons
Original Transformers Action Figures: Prices Vary
Hasbro produced the first line of these transforming robot action figures in 1984. If you were lucky enough to keep the originals in their box, they can be worth way more than their original value: in pristine packaging are listed , much more than their original sticker price.
PHOTO: soongen / eBay
First Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone": $6,500
Originally published in 1998, first editions of the U.S. version of J.K. Rowling's story that kicked off the Harry Potter phenomenon have sold for up to $6,500. Score one for Gryffindor if you find a signed copy, which adds to the value, .
PHOTO: AbeBooks.com
Mario Kart 64: $400+
One of Nintendo's most beloved games (we all wanted to be Yoshi), can now sell -$675. A game that is worth a ton of money and taught us how to drive? Not too shabby.
PHOTO: rarebucky / eBay
Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls: Prices Vary
Doll collectors adore Cabbage Patch Kids, . are the world's most obsessive Cabbage Patch doll collectors, having amassed over 5,000 dolls they house in a custom-built Maryland museum (you can buy them all for a cool $360,000). If you're more of a casual fan, there's also an with an annual membership of $35.
PHOTO: ullstein bild
Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset: $1,600
Described by one eBay seller as the "Holy Grail" of Masters of the Universe toys, where your He-Man and Skeletor action figures might have fought now fetches .
PHOTO: duky2 / eBay
Teddy Ruxpin: $500 - 1,000
This beloved, animatronic bear "reads" kids stories thanks to an audio cassette player built into its back. These days, can be had for around $500. The Original Storytelling teddy bear from 1985, on the other hand, is .
PHOTO: James Keyser
Jurassic Park Action Figures: Prices Vary
We all loved Steven Spielberg's 1993 film about a theme park gone wrong, and there's lot of merchandise to prove it. If you held on to the original '90s action figures and kept them in good condition, each these days. T-Rex is one of the most sought after — .
PHOTO: mekatbot / eBay
Faker Action Figure: $1,000
His name might be Faker, but there is certainly nothing fake about his worth. Fans are willing to pay upwards of $300-$1,000 for of the evil robotic imposter.
PHOTO: eBay
Pokemon Cards: Prices Vary
First published in Japan in 1996, Pokemon trading cards have a huge following and rare cards can go for wildly high prices. is selling for $11,997 and can fetch similarly expensive sums.
PHOTO: eBay
Lite Brite: $300
First marketed in 1967, this toy allowed children to create glowing art by fitting small, colored plastic pegs into an illuminated board. Full sets from the '70s and go for today.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980s Action Figures: Prices Vary
These "heroes in a half shell" first made an appearance as comic book characters in 1984 and a wildly popular animated series soon followed in 1987. Pretty much every kids' birthday party we attended in the late 80s was Teenage Turtle-themed and plenty of the action figures were gifted. In mint condition, can go for about $400-900, with rarer pieces being offered for .
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Colorforms: $250 - $400
Given the current popularity of it's no surprise that old school Colorforms, with their colorful backgrounds and reusable stickers, are in demand too. carries a wide variety around the $250 mark, with '80s themes ranging from "Gremlins" to Masters of the Universe to Michael Jackson. A set like this one can go for .
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Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $675
Girls of the '80s all loved this cartoon rocker. And the prices these dolls currently fetch are truly, truly, truly outrageous indeed — can sell for upwards of $675, with selling for similarly high prices.
PHOTO: eBay
She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind: Prices Vary
He-Man's twin sister was a powerhouse, and collectors are still keen on She-Ra. The original action figure in-box, packaged alongside her horse, was recently , although and accessories sell more in the range of $150 - $600.
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Playmobil: Prices Vary
Childhood is practically synonymous with German toymaker Playmobil. Which helps explain why collectors are so nostalgic for throwback pieces and willing to shell out the big bucks for them: is listed at $1,000 and is on the market for $239.
PHOTO: vintagemania10 / eBay
Vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dolls: $100 - $550
Who didn't adore Strawberry Shortcake and all her adorable friends with dessert-themed names? The original dolls were released in the 1980s and now command between and , especially ones still housed in their box.
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Digimon: Prices Vary
These virtual monsters were first created in 1997 and gained in popularity after an anime series and video game followed. can go for well over $100 these days, and are also collectors' items.
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Lego Trains: $1,000 - $3,000
Take two things people are wildly passionate about (Lego + trains) and it's no wonder that the vintage railroad sets from the beloved brand command top dollar. Sets range from to to , and all go for between $1,000 and $3,000.
PHOTO: eBay
Magic: The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary
If you were into this fantasy card game growing up, your collection could be worth a pretty penny today. have sold for tens of thousands of dollars and rare individual cards like .
PHOTO: Nathan Rupert
Boba Fett Action Figure: $5,000
Given the franchise's massive popularity, it's a safe bet that vintage "Star Wars" merchandise will command some of the highest prices in the galaxy. Bounty hunter is among the most popular action figure from the films, with mint-condition, in-box versions .
PHOTO: eBay
G.I. Joe Action Figures and Accessories: Prices Vary
Hasbro's G.I. Joe has been around since 1964 and remains a favorite for a large base of collectors (there's even ). Vintage Joes and their accessories run a broad range price-wise, with enemy organization "Cobra" accessories among the most popular: alone is priced at $16,000, while some are set as high as $5,500. A prototype G.I. Joe "Toy Soldier" made in 1963 sold on eBay for $200,000 in 2003, according to .
PHOTO: Justin Sullivan
Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls and Accessories: Prices Vary
We still remember the theme song from this animated TV series about Rainbow Brite and her sidekicks the Color Kids, who were in charge of preserving all the color in the world. These days, can sell for around $1,000.
PHOTO: eBay
Happy Meal Toys: Prices Vary
McDonald's Happy Meals have come with toys since 1979, so it's no wonder there's a following of collectors that loves these pint-sized playthings. On eBay, you'll find collections like priced around $300 or priced at $135.
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns: $100 - $500
Super Soakers took water fights to the next level, and these vibrantly-colored aqua guns are still in high demand. from the 1990s start around $129, and can .
PHOTO: eBay
Vintage toys worth money
Quick! Check the attic and raid your parents' basement — these playthings from your past are worth a small fortune now. Keep in mind: Most of these toys get their price tag because of their rarity, condition or manufacturer errors that make them unique. Unfortunately, your well-loved copy of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" won't make much. We know, we're regretting ever playing with our toys, too!