The global toy and game market is expected to grow by 2026, according to a report from MarketsandMarkets. The pandemic has resulted in a rapid adoption of toys, board and card games and puzzles. People all around the world are adopting these activities as a result of the growing trend of social alienation and the need to spend quality family time. The market is expected to grow by $405 billion by that year.
In 1990, the average American had just over $1,000 in their bank account. By the end of the decade, that had increased to $5,000. In fact, over the course of three decades, the value of a toy or game has more than doubled – from around $10 in 1990 to over $50 today. What’s behind this increase in value? It could be due to a number of factors – including nostalgia for older toys and games, an increase in availability due to technological advancements and a shift towards more family-friendly products. But whatever the reason, it’s clear that these classic items are worth more now than they ever have been before. So if you have an old toy or game that you want to sell or trade – don’t hesitate!
- Tamagotchi
- Furby
- My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
- Pokémon Red and Blue
- Barbie Dreamhouse
- Power Rangers Zeo
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
- GI Joe: A Real American Hero (1986)
- The Lion King (1994) 10. Spider-Man 2 (2002) 11. The Simpsons Movie (2007) 12. Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (1998) 13. Batman Forever (1995) 14. Toy Story 2 (1999) 15. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2002) 16. The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2004) 17 18 Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu (2008-2013) 19 Barbie Dreamhouse II 20 Transformers: Generation 1 ..
Toy, original price, and present-day worth: The toy is a toy that was originally priced at $10. It is now worth $30.
1. Magic: The Gathering Trading Cards, 1993 – originally $10, now $350,000+
The $2,000-$3,000 that these pieces of paper can fetch is leaving many collectors drooling; eBay listings for these 1993 Topps baseball cards can reach up to $999,999! So, it’s worth checking if you have any of these cards hidden away, as the original set could make you some serious money. ..
2. Pokémon Charizard Trading Card – originally $5, now $80,000+
A first edition, holographic Charizard is the Holy Grail of Pokémon cards. It’s a rare card that is only available to collectors and can fetch thousands of dollars.
3. G.I. Joe ‘Pimp Daddy Destro’ Action Figure – originally $40, now $6,000
In 1997, a variant of G.I Joe’s Destro action figure with unique leopard print markings was created. Approximately 100 were accidentally shipped and sold in stores, and 25 years later, the rare figure is a collector’s dream, and worth thousands of dollars. ..
4. LEGO Black Knights Castle – originally $80, now $4,800
The Black Knight’s Castle was a popular LEGO set from the 1990s. Many people may have owned it, built it, and wished they had kept it in the box. The Black Knight’s Castle is a classic that is only going up in value.
5. Millennium Furby – $45, now up to $4,500
This Furby is a very expensive model, and there are a few Furby editions available that are much more valuable.
6. Hot Wheels Blue Card ‘Funny Car’ – originally $10, now $3,500
The Hot Wheels blue card ‘Funny Car’ is highly desirable, as only a few were ever produced. If still in its blister packaging, the toy could be worth the equivalent of a real second-hand vehicle.
7. Power Rangers 14K Gold Lost Galaxy Megazord – originally $120, now $3,200
The 14K Megazord is a highly collectible action figure that is only a foot tall. If you have the original packaging, you could double your profits on this item. ..
8. Beanie Babies – originally $12, now $3,000+
In the 1990s, Beanie Babies were a cult classic among children. However, their popularity has decreased significantly in recent years, and as a result their value has decreased. If the original tag is still attached to a Beanie Baby, it can be highly valuable. ..
9. LEGO Orange Prototype C-3PO Minifigure – originally $5, now $3,000
This C-3PO is a unique LEGO piece that is very expensive to purchase. It is a small, lightweight plastic toy that has been designed to be played with.
10. WWF 1993 Yellow ‘King of The Ring’ Wrestling Ring – originally $12.99, now $1,300
This 1993 wrestling ring toy is popular among toy collectors and WWF fans alike. It is often said that there is more value in unopened toys, but this particular model could still have significant value if not in its original packaging. The toy was manufactured by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was released in 1993. It is a small, plastic ring with a green and white wrestling logo on it. The toy has been reported to be worth up to $1,000 on eBay.
11. Tamagotchi, 1997 Collector’s Edition – originally $18, now $1,000
Tamagotchi is a Japanese word that means “egg watch.” This high maintenance, low tech toy has sold over 80 million units in various guises. The 1997 collector’s edition is the one to look out for because it features a special egg-shaped case. ..
12. My Little Pony, Rapunzel – originally $12, now $800
The ‘Rapunzel’ pony was a mail order variant which never received many orders in the 1990s, meaning that it is now incredibly rare. Complete with packaging, you could even fetch an impressive $1,000.
13. Pink Splendour Barbie, 1996 – originally $50, now $700
This Barbie was extremely popular with both collectors and children who wanted to play with her. However, not many exist in their original packaging, so that’s where the big bucks can be made.
14. TMNT Warrior Chrome Dome – originally $5, now $660
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continue to be popular today, 35 years after the first cartoon series began. One of the sewer dwellers’ adversaries – ‘Warrior Chrome Dome’ – can command up to $400 without its packaging as it’s such a rarity.
15. Polly Pocket – originally $40, now $500
The popularity of Polly Pocket toys has faded in recent years, but original versions are still highly sought after by fans. For example, the Pop-up Party Play House is worth $200 used, and over $500 in packaging.
16. Playmobil Victorian Mansion / Knight’s Castle – originally $80, now $450
The company behind Playmobil, Mattel, is recalling millions of its toys because they may contain small pieces that could become detached and cause injuries if ingested. ..
17. American Girl Felicity Merriman Doll – originally $75, now $420
The Felicity Merriman doll, originally released in 1991, is set to be auctioned off for a whopping $650. The original version of the doll is packaged up and in great condition, and is likely to fetch a high price at auction. ..
18. Jurassic Park Velociraptor, 1993 – originally $10, now $350
The Velociraptor is a prehistoric action figure that was released in 1993. It is a very popular toy, and commands a good price when available.
19. McDonald’s Inspector Gadget – originally $5, now $350
Toy collectors are always on the lookout for toys from the 1990s. This decade was a time of great innovation in toy design, and many classic toys were released during this time. If you have any of these toys, it’s worth checking online to see if there are any rare or collectible versions available. Some popular examples from this era include Toy Story 2 and Furby. ..
20. Dream Phone – originally $15, now $100
The phone was once a popular toy for young teens. It was most popular amongst giggling girls looking at picture-cards of boys. Its value has increased six times since it first became popular in the 1990s.
Our expert has provided a comprehensive guide on what to look for when purchasing a toy, either as a collectible item or an investment. This guide includes tips on what to look for when buying a toy, as well as advice on what to avoid if you’re looking to invest in one.
Expert’s Tips & Tricks for Caring for Your Toys and Games:
Taking proper care of your collectible toys greatly enhances their value, as well as longevity. If you have the original packaging, even better – this will further increase the value of the toy inside. However, it’s worth noting that cardboard boxes don’t travel well, so it’s best to wrap your boxed toys in brown paper and put them in a sturdy box, somewhere safe and dry. If you want to enjoy your collectible toys, be aware that corner edges can fray very easily. But, if you’re displaying them, then they may be safest behind a glass cabinet door or on a higher shelf to avoid any inquisitive younger fingers – or pets! You may be tempted to give toys a liquid scrub if they look a little grubby – do not do this. As tempting as it is to give your collectibles a wash, you could remove original markings or stickers and decrease their value substantially. Instead, use a soft brush and dusting cloth. There are so many resources to discover how much your toy might be worth. Toy community groups on platforms such as Reddit and Facebook aren’t bad sources; auction houses with dedicated professionals will also be able to offer very good guidelines if supplied with an image, so you can decide if an auction (and the fee payable) is the way to go. Remember, auction houses have huge databases of collectors with specific interests which can attract attention; in essence you’re supplying them with a ready-made collection of toys! Try not to be tempted to break these groups up unless the money on offer by a desperate collector makes it very worthwhile
My favorite toys and games from the 1990s were the ones that I could play on my own or with friends. I have a few of these items stored away, but I would love to see more! Let us know if you have any other favorite toys and games from that time period.
