Top 10 ’80s Toys That Are Very Valuable Today
Many people remember the 1980s as the golden era of toys. That particular industry really blew up during the ’80s, largely because they had so many good entertainment franchises with which to work. As a result, many vintage toys from that era have become valuable collectibles.
Take a look at ten ’80s toys that are very valuable today.
1. Star Wars Glasslite Vlix
This action figure is very rare and has become known as the “holy grail” among collectors of Star Wars toys. Vlix was an obscure character from a 1980s cartoon spinoff called “Droids” (which also had a comic book series of the same name).
Due to disputes regarding the rights to the franchise, these figures were supposed to have been recalled and destroyed a long time ago. However, a few of them survived and can command ridiculous prices when they come up for sale.
2. Nintendo Entertainment System
Of all the toys made in the 1980s, this one might be the most iconic and the best-remembered. Its place in the history of video games is obviously huge, as it was the first home console that was truly worth buying.
For a long time, you could get one of these cheap, but collector demand has driven up the prices sharply. At this point, a new-in-box NES is both rare and valuable.
3. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – “Bespin Alliance” 3-Pack
This is another old Star Wars toy, and this one is a set of three action figures. This set was sold for about $20 in 1980, and includes figures of three characters: Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, and an unnamed “Bespin Security Guard.” It was one of those “special edition” deals, meaning that not very many of these toys were made.
4. GI Joe Missile Command Headquarters
This toy was sold exclusively through Sears, and not many were made. It is meant to be the headquarters of Cobra (you know, the ruthless terrorist organization), and it is unique in being the only GI Joe set made from cardboard. Its obvious fragility has only added to its rarity, making it highly sought by collectors.
5. Masters of the Universe “Castle Grayskull” Playset
This is another one that kids from the ’80s will remember well. It’s a huge plastic castle that represents the de facto headquarters of He-Man. This one is hard to find in good condition, as it had many accessories that were often lost.
6. Transformers Series 1 “Starscream” Toy
There is no need to mention the immense popularity of the Transformers franchise, and the old Transformers g1 toys can sell for a lot of money now.
Some of these things have become legendary among toy collectors, with “Starscream” being worth quite a bit of cash.
7. TMNT Sewer Playset
As you can see, the big expensive “playsets” tend to have the highest value. A lot of people wanted these things as kids but couldn’t afford them, so some people will pay big bucks to own them today.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sewer Playset is no exception. If you can find one in the box, you really found something rare.
8. My Little Pony “Rapunzel” Figurine
My Little Pony is a franchise that is still going strong today, but the early versions of these toys can bring big money on the open market. This was a limited edition toy that could only be ordered by mail, so it has become a sort of “holy grail” for collectors of MLP toys.
9. Strawberry Shortcake “Berry Happy Home”
This is another old-school playset, and this one is associated with Strawberry Shortcake, a doll series that was very popular with young girls at the time. If you still have one of these, and it’s in good condition, you’ve been sitting on something of significant value.
10. Thundercats “Lion-O And Snarf” Action Figure Set
“Thundercats” was a classic ’80s cartoon show that still has a dedicated following to this day. The original toys sell for quite a bit nowadays, although some are worth more than others.
Lion-O was always the most sought after, and his first-gen action figure was paired with a strange pet named Snarf.
Conclusion
As you can see, some of those old playthings from days of yore have become veritable goldmines in today’s market. It is actually surprising that some of these things even come up for sale at all, given that many of them were rare from the moment they were manufactured.
