Tired of giving socks, neckties and aftershave?  Consider these classic vintage toys available on eBay.  Here are some toys from the 70s, 80’s and 90s, and how much they’ll set you back.  As with all toy collectibles, top dollar goes for toys in their original boxes with both toy and packaging in mint or unused condition.

Pet Rock- Released in 1975, these easy to care for pets cost $3.95, and came complete with carrying case and a training manual.  By the time consumers came to their senses, more than one million had been sold.  Today, they can be found on eBay for prices starting from $15, although one buyer, with clearly more money than sense, paid $88.

Star Wars Action Figures – Unprepared for the film sensation that was Star Wars in 1977, Kenner Toys, gearing up for the Christmas shopping season, sold empty boxes to clamoring consumers that contained an IOU for an action figure, which could be redeemed when the company got the toys into production.  They sold 600,000 of the Early Bird Certificate Packs, but by 1978, had made and sold 42 million figures.  Due to sheer volume produced, there are lots of vintage figures available.  You can find a complete set of the original 12 for $300 depending on condition.

Cabbage Patch Kids – These somewhat creepy looking dolls had parents and grandmothers fist fighting in toy store aisles in 1983.  They came named, with birth certificates, and faces that would send real mothers into fits of post-partum depression.  Still, little girls loved them, but not so much that you can’t find them at yard sales for $2.  A doll from 1983 in its original box goes for $25 - $50 on eBay.

Furby – Released in 1998, Furby was an interactive toy that was a cross between an owl and the character Gizmo from Gremlins, who frightened my 7 year old so thoroughly, we had to leave the theatre and sleep with the light on for a week.  Two million of the Furbish speaking toys were sold (none to me) at $30.  Today, you can buy one on eBay for $36, but why would you?