If you have stashed away your favorite childhood toys in your attic, you could potentially be sitting on a goldmine. Classic toys from the 1980s and 1990s are highly sought after by nostalgic collectors who are eager to recapture a piece of their childhood. From Cabbage Patch Kids to Gameboys and Tickle Me Elmo toys, a number of popular toys from that era have significantly increased in value since their heyday. Some of the most sought after items include boxed Megatron Transformer toys from the 1980s and carded and unopened Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles action figures from the 1990s. Additionally, toys from the 1970s and 80s such as Star Wars, He-Man, and Action Man are also in high demand.
The value of a toy is determined by factors such as rarity and condition. Certain toys, like Cadbury’s 1p vending machines from the 1960s, have experienced sudden surges in popularity. However, it is important to remember that the worth of your old items ultimately depends on what someone is willing to pay on the day you sell. If you do have a collection of old toys in your attic, here are some of the bestsellers from the 1980s and 1990s that you should keep an eye out for.
One popular toy from the 1980s is Mr Frosty, a crunchy ice maker that allowed kids to make crushed ice treats. The original Mr Frosty toy in good condition could fetch between £80 to £120. Lego train sets from the 1980s are also highly valued, with some sets selling for £100 to £150. Cabbage Patch Kids, first launched in the 1980s, can go for between £30 and £50, while Care Bears from the 1983 could fetch similar prices at auction.
Transformers, which were a huge hit in the 1980s, are also prized by collectors, with boxed Megatron toys potentially selling for £300 to £400. Other popular toys from the 1980s include Teddy Ruxpin, Lazer Tag sets, and Sylvanian Families. Moving into the 1990s, toys like Gameboy, Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles action figures, and Power Rangers toys are also sought after by collectors. Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo, Tamagotchi, and Furby toys from the late 1990s are also popular among collectors, with some fetching up to £70 at auction.
When buying toys online, it is important to shop early, check out third-party sellers, go for branded toys, and be cautious of retailers you don’t know. Always choose toys based on the age of the child they are intended for, carefully read reviews, and stay with children when they play with new toys to ensure their safety. By following these tips and keeping an eye out for valuable vintage toys in your attic, you may just discover that you are sitting on a small goldmine of nostalgia.
