Looking to make extra
cash without much effort? Retro and vintage toys from the 1980s can fetch
serious amounts of money from the right buyers. You could strike it rich by
raiding the toy box or checking the attic.
Take a look at this list of 10 classic toys that collectors want to take off
your hands for a hefty price.
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Rubik’s Cube
One of the most enduring puzzles ever, the Rubik’s Cube was actually developed
in the ’70s but didn’t launch as a toy until 1980. Original editions can fetch
up to $195.
Check if yours comes in either a plastic tube with the cube on a stand or bright
yellow packaging. Either way, it should have the Rubik’s Cube emblem on at least
one of the central tiles.
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Care Bears cousins
Care Bears plushies were a cuddly favorite in the ’80s. With rainbows, cupcakes,
and hearts on their tummies, they captured the hearts of the nation’s children.
They also had some non-bear cousins, including five that were exclusive to the
U.K., that are now highly collectible.
One of those British cousins, Noble Heart Horse, identified by his silver star
in a rainbow heart, now sells for up to $375.
Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin was a storytelling bear, complete with moving eyes and mouth, and a
built-in cassette player. He’s had a renewal, and brand new Teddy Ruxpin toys
now sell for $500.
But 1985 models, if they work and have the original packaging, can go even higher. Genuine articles should have the Worlds of Wonder branding on the box
and bear.
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Dungeons & Dragons Fortress of Fangs
D&D was huge in the ’80s and is having a comeback right now. While many of the
original D&D toys are valuable to collectors, this was the only playset launched
during the ’80s. As such, it can fetch serious money at auction, with buyers
paying over $3,500 for a set in good condition.
You’ll get the most money for this item if it has all its parts and comes with
the original box.
Star Wars action figures
Some of the most valuable Star Wars toys hail from the late ’70s and early ’80s,
in the form of 3.75-inch action figures. Genuine articles are often sought after
by collectors.
Newer toys come from Hasbro, but the older Kenner models are often worth more, up to $5,000 in good condition. Avoid figures in very shiny, new-looking cases,
as these could be poor reproductions.
G.I. Joe playsets
G.I. Joe was one of the original “All-American Heroes” and a huge hit throughout
the 1980s. Today, G.I. Joe action figures and playsets can go for hundreds of
dollars, especially in their original packaging.
The 1985 USS Flagg aircraft carrier playset, in particular, sells for between
$800 and $4,000 in decent condition. You’ll get more if your playset is sealed
in the box or at least has all its parts.
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She-Ra playsets
While He-Man got all the big headlines, She-Ra was also immensely popular in the
’80s. She was marketed as a heroic role model for girls and was Prince Adam’s
long-lost twin sister, with powers comparable to those of He-Man.
Original Mattel 1984 She-Ra toys are highly collectible. The Crystal Castle
playset, in particular, can fetch nearly $1,200 if mint in box.
Nintendo Entertainment System Action Set
Everyone has a games console today, but in the ’80s, they were new and exciting.
The NES used huge cartridges and introduced new gamers to the likes of Mario and
Donkey Kong.
The action set included two control pads and a “zapper” gun, as well as all the
usual plugs and cables. Today, retro fans pay anything from $175 to over $1,200
for this piece of ’80s gaming memorabilia.
He-Man action figures
He-Man, aka Prince Adam of Eternia, was officially part of the Masters of the
Universe franchise launched in 1982. He-Man himself is one of the most valuable
figures, with carded versions selling for over $1,000.
Collectors speak of a rare, exclusive figure of the character Wun-Dar. According
to experts, this figure is super rare and worth up to $2,700.
Super Mario Bros. NES edition
Market value: up to $2 million
Some retro games can sell for even more than the consoles. The NES edition of
Super Mario Bros. is highly sought after, particularly if it’s still in its
original box.
If you’re lucky enough to have an original copy, expect a collector to pay
between $150 and $450 for a complete in-box system, and an astonishing $2 million for graded and sealed early variants.
Bottom line
Have you got any of these toys in your attic or garage? Keep an eye out for them
at thrift stores, estate sales, or even online. Facebook Marketplace can be a
good place to pick up collectibles, particularly as sellers are often more
interested in clearing out clutter than making serious profit.
You never know if that action figure or doll from your childhood could help put extra cash in your pocket. Turning forgotten treasures into cash isn’t just satisfying;
it could help eliminate
some money stress and give you a little extra breathing room in your budget.
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Calista Headrick leads our jobs and lifestyle content, writing and editing nearly 600 articles for FinanceBuzz. You can find her sharing thoughts on real estate, travel hacks, smart shopping, and the seemingly always unpredictable job market. She brings firsthand financial experience to her work and is proud that her personal budgeting system has helped her save a six-month emergency fund. In other words, Calista brings real-world know-how into guidance readers can actually use.
