Toy collections are often tossed during moves, neglected, or given away by parents, but some toys may have appreciated in value significantly since the 1960s and 70s. Let’s take a look at some childhood items that could have provided a comfortable retirement.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Original Barbie and Accessories (1959-1964)
- 2 2. First Edition G.I. Joe Action Figures (1964)
- 3 3. Hot Wheels First Editions (1968)
- 4 4. PEZ Dispensers (1950s-1960s)
- 5 5. Original Star Wars Toys (1977-1985)
- 6 6. Lite-Brite (1967)
- 7 7. Matchbox Cars (1953-1969)
- 8 8. Easy-Bake Oven (1963)
- 9 9. Colorforms Sets (1950s-1960s)
- 10 10. Chatty Cathy Doll (1959-1965)
- 11 11. View-Master (Early Models)
- 12 12. Lincoln Logs (Original Sets)
- 13 13. Spirograph (First Edition)
1. Original Barbie and Accessories (1959-1964)
For as much as $23,000, collectors are buying the #1 ponytail Barbie in mint condition with the original outfit. Other Barbies and Barbie accessories are selling for thousands as well, especially those that feature a rare Roman Holiday outfit. 1961 Ken dolls in mint condition are selling for over $8,000.
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2. First Edition G.I. Joe Action Figures (1964)
G.I. Joe dolls from the first release in 1964 can sell for $10,000. The dolls that feature prototypes and unplayed-with versions sell for even more than that, even hundreds of thousands.
3. Hot Wheels First Editions (1968)
The first production run of Hot Wheels came out in 1968 and the sweet 16 were among the first models. The rare pink Beach Bomb VW rear-loading prototype sold for $150,000. Even the first production runs of other models sell for thousands if in mint condition.
4. PEZ Dispensers (1950s-1960s)
Few collectors would consider spending thousands of dollars on a PEZ dispenser, but the rarity and age of a few specific examples make them incredibly valuable. In 2008, the 1955 Space Gun PEZ dispenser sold for $30,000. Mickey Mouse PEZ dispensers from 1955 also sell for over $7,000. Even character dispensers from the 1950s era can command hundreds of dollars at auction.
5. Original Star Wars Toys (1977-1985)
Vintage Star Wars action figures are highly collectible. The value of the original figures skyrockets if they are variants of the characters, such as the vinyl-caped Jawa and the rocket-firing Boba Fett. One Boba Fett figure sold for $236,000. If the original packaging has not been removed, even the common character figures have a high value.
6. Lite-Brite (1967)
If you have an original Lite-Brite from 1967 in new condition, it would sell for over $5,000. The value of this toy increases dramatically if the original picture sheets and the pegs are included and if it has never been used.
7. Matchbox Cars (1953-1969)
Early Matchbox vehicles are collectible, especially if they include rare colored variants. The brown 1961 Magirus-Deutz Crane model sold for over $13,000. Collectors also look for new condition vehicles in unopened boxes.
8. Easy-Bake Oven (1963)
Kenner’s first-generation Easy-Bake Ovens from 1963 are especially collectible in their original turquoise color. The value of the Easy-Bake Ovens increases significantly if the original mix packaging has not been removed and the box is included. New condition examples sell for $4,000+.
9. Colorforms Sets (1950s-1960s)
Colorforms sets from the 1950s and 1960s, especially those featuring licensed characters, can actually be quite valuable. For instance, a 1957 Popeye Colorforms set has sold for over $3000 in mint condition. Even basic sets from this era, if complete, can sell for hundreds.
10. Chatty Cathy Doll (1959-1965)
Early Chatty Cathy dolls in mint condition with original clothing sell for serious money. The most valuable ones are the rare freckled dolls or ones with odd colored hair which have sold for over $3,000. Even dolls that do not work sell for hundreds
11. View-Master (Early Models)
Early View-Master Models from the 1940s and 1950s are extremely valuable, especially when paired with rare reels. Complete models with all original components can sell for thousands of dollars, along with rare promotional reels which can sell for over $2,000.
12. Lincoln Logs (Original Sets)
Original sets of Lincoln Logs from the 1920s through the 1960s can sell for a considerable amount depending on rarity and the condition of the sets. Instructions in the original container with all pieces are the most valuable. Some rare sets have sold for over $3,000
13. Spirograph (First Edition)
First edition Spirograph sets from 1965 are incredibly valuable, especially if all pieces and original packaging are included. These can sell for surprising amounts and examples in mint condition with the paper and pens unused have sold for over $2,000. Even incomplete sets sell for hundreds.
