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?

 Collectible Characters from TV, Comics and More

 Shrewd advertisers and manufacturers recognized early the power of beloved popular culture figures, both real and fictional, in the selling of products.  Collecting opportunities abound, and at a wide variety of vintages and price-points.  Young collectors lean towards characters of more recent vintage- Smurfs, Muppets and Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Star Trek,  while older aficionados might search for Hopalong Cassidy, Little Orphan Annie, Tom Mix, Roy Rogers, Flash Gordon, or Charlie Mc McCarthy.

 

Everything from Flashlights to Footwear

Character collectibles come in an almost overwhelming variety of forms, including action figures, games, dolls, puppets, puzzles, books, buttons, dishes, key chains, stuffed animals, bed linens, cookie jars, pens, flashlights, weaponry, models, music boxes, coloring books, posters, lunch boxes, salt & pepper shakers, stickers, glasses, pins, mechanical and battery operated toys, sporting goods, beach towels, and clothing.

 

Cross-Over Appeal

Character collectibles with cross-over appeal, that is collectibles that fall into two or more collecting categories bring the highest prices.  A Charlie McCarthy wind-up toy by Marx will appeal to collectors of Charlie, but also collectors of toys and specifically, collectors of wind-up toys by Marx.  A Popeye Lunch box may be sought by collectors of both Popeye and lunch boxes.  As is the case with almost any kind of collectible, those items complete with their original packaging bring the highest prices.

 

Market Trends

Collectors of popular culture should watch the market carefully, especially when investing substantial amounts, and this is true for sellers as well. Those of us who grew up watching Howdy Doody might pay $200 for a pair of fake fur and celluloid ear muffs, but chances are, our sons and daughters won’t.  As fans of Flash Gordon, Tom Mix, and Little Orphan Annie die off,  memorabilia associated with these American icons of pop culture go unsold in online auctions.  A Little Orphan Annie Ovaltine Mug that might have brought $30 or $40 twenty years ago fetches $3.99 on a good day.  On the other hand, a Little Orphan Annie Pez dispenser circa 1980’s  (without feet) in the original package, brought $185.  Star Trek paraphenalia is still strong, as is India Jones related material, and values rise with the release of new films, shows, or books.  Values for Peanuts related items rose after the death of its creator, Charles Schulz, and some experts think that Simpsons related material will be the next hot trend.

I have an original evil knievel watch with the white leather band witht he silver stars on it and was curious if it has any value. Im new to this and am not sure where to research these things. Thanks