10 Vintage 80s Toys That Are Worth a Small Fortune Today
- - 10 Vintage 80s Toys That Are Worth a Small Fortune Today
Mabh SavageDecember 29, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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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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1. Rubik's Cube
Market value: $195
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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2. Care Bears cousins
Market value: $375
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.
3. Teddy Ruxpin
Market value: $500
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 $208.
But 1985 models — if they work and have the original packaging — can go for up to $500. Genuine articles should have the Worlds of Wonder branding on the box and bear.
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4. Dungeons & Dragons Fortress of Fangs
Market value: $1,200
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 $1,200 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.
5. Star Wars action figures
Market value: $1,395
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 $1,395 in good condition. Avoid figures in very shiny, new-looking cases, as these could be poor reproductions.
6. G.I. Joe playsets
Market value: $1,500
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 $1,000 and $2,000 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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7. She-Ra playsets
Market value: $2,000
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 $2,000 if mint in box.
8. Nintendo Entertainment System Action Set
Market value: $500 to $4,000
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 $500 to over $4,000 for this piece of '80s gaming memorabilia.
9. He-Man action figures
Market value: $1,000
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.
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10. Super Mario Bros. NES edition
Market value: up to $10,200
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 $800 and an astonishing $10,200. You'll get the most money for games in mint condition, still sealed in the original plastic.
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 pad your wallet today. 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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