Christmas gifts from the 80s and 90s that are now worth a fortune

Danni King
2025-12-24T18:16:46.426Z
Lifestyle

Certain toys have sold for thousands

If you were a child in the 80s or 90s, there's a list of popular toys you likely received for Christmas after circling them in the Argos catalogue - but some could be worth a pretty penny now.

From Tamagotchis and Barbies to VHS tapes and Beanie Babies, there's a long list of gifts that will give you a good old dollop of nostalgia - but they could also give your bank account a major boost if you're willing to part ways.

That's because if you're still the proud owner of any of your childhood Christmas gifts, some of them could now be worth hundreds and even thousands.

Here are some of the most profitable toys you could have lying around your attic.

Furby

90s kids will remember Furbys (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

90s kids will remember receiving a Furby for Christmas at some point.

Certain models are now worth a fortune, such as a limited edition or original Furby in its official packaging.

How much you could make is dependent on the condition, but some older toys are being sold on eBay for around £100 or £260 if in their original box.

There's also been reports of certain types of Furby, such as a bejewelled model, selling for thousands.

Polly Pocket dolls

(David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

In the late 80s and 90s, Polly Pocket became hugely popular, with the tiny dolls landing on everyone's Christmas lists.

Mattel took over the brand in 1998, meaning the original Pollys - made between 1989 and 1998 - are now worth a fortune, especially if they are sealed in their original box.

A recent auction finished at a staggering £741 on eBay, while a Light-up Wedding Chapel, made in 1994, sold for nearly £250.

Elsewhere, a 1997 Polly Pocket Beauty Case reached an eye-watering £4,800 on eBay in 2024.

So, if you've still got some Polly dolls lying around, check what they're worth.

Barbie

Certain Barbie dolls are worth hundreds (Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

The majority of us owned a Barbie doll at least once, and some of us probably still do.

While there have been dozens of different types of Barbie designed over the years, certain models - vintage or limited edition - are worth hundreds.

As is common with most collectable toys, they sell best in their original box and in mint condition.

Recent examples of high-earning Barbies include the 1982 Dream Date PJ Barbie and the 1992 Hollywood Hair Teresa Barbie, which both sold for £330 on eBay in October.

The 1984 Peaches 'n Cream Barbie doll raked in £548 this month, while the 1981 limited edition Pink and Pretty Barbie range fetches between £200 and £280 on eBay.

Pokémon cards

(apilarinos/Getty stock photo)

We know that certain rare Pokémon cards are worth a hefty sum, such as the PSA Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator, owned by YouTuber Logan Paul and worth over $5 million (£3m).

Paul isn't the only one to have invested in a rare card, as reports claim a super-rare card sold for over £321k in 2022, while another went for £34k.

The cards are still available to buy today and have been around for decades, so it could be worth checking out any Pokémon memorabilia you've got kicking about at home.

Disney VHS tapes

(NoDerog/Getty stock photo)

Every child in the 80s and 90s remembers VHS tapes.

Before the world of streaming, we all had to buy our favourite films on tape and fight over what to watch.

We all owned popular Disney movies on VHS tape, such as Toy Story and The Lion King, but these could now be worth a few quid.

Depending on the condition, you could be looking at a five-figure sum - a rare edition of 101 Dalmations in sealed packaging reportedly sold for £15,000 on eBay in 2023.

We're off to check through our tapes...

Power Rangers toys

(Fox/Getty Images)

They were hugely popular in the 90s, but Power Rangers remain a childhood staple to this day.

Whether it be the TV series, films, costumes, or the figurines, the colourful action heroes are a major hit.

So, it'll come as no surprise that a set of the original action figures from the early 90s could rake you in hundreds, even more if they're sealed.

A set of vintage Power Rangers sold for over £200 recently.

If yours are unboxed, you're looking more at the £50 mark, but it's still worth a shot.

Tamagotchis

(Paul Irish/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Ah, Tamagotchis. We're really showing our age now!

The popular toys were first released worldwide in 1997, and kids around the globe were instantly hooked.

While Tamagotchis are still around now - a Pixar movie was released in 2022 featuring the toy - an original edition could earn you hundreds or thousands.

Those in unused condition can sell for around £300, but rare models, such as a Mobile Kaitsu! Tamagotchi Plus can fetch up to £3,701 as one lucky person found out in 2021, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

To check your Tamagotchi's value, identify the version, figure out if it's a common or rare colour and have a browse at other old listings on sites like eBay.

In this instance, the older and more unique, the more cash!

Beanie Babies

(JOYCE NALTCHAYAN / AFP)

Beanie Babies were all the rage in the 90s, and many still collect them today.

With so many variations created, it'll come as no surprise that specific models can fetch thousands at auction.

Original editions of the collectable toys, which were launched in 1993, have fetched over £1,000 on eBay, such as Flash the Dolphin and Legs the Frog.

Over on Etsy, four rare Beanie Babies from the 90s are on sale for £11,610; however, there are also dozens for sale online for as low as £5.

So, it's all dependent on the model of your Beanie, but it's worth a shot.

Spice Girls dolls

(JOHNNY EGGITT/AFP via Getty Images)

Back in October 1997, every Spice Girls fan was going wild for the band's dolls, released by Galoob Toys.

A five-doll set was available until 1999, with Hasbro then taking over and releasing a four-doll option after Geri Halliwell left the much-loved girl group.

The iconic costumes belonging to Scary, Ginger, Baby, Sporty and Posh were all available, and if you're still the proud owner of a Spice Girls doll, it could be time to sell.

The dolls are selling for hundreds on eBay, with a full set fetching £591 recently, while a Viva Forever Posh Spice doll was sold for £281.50.

Happy Meal toys

A McDonald's Happy Meal was a major treat growing up - and not just because of the food.

Each box comes with a toy, and back in the day, many were collectables.

If you were lucky enough to have collected several, then you'd better hope you kept them, as you could be in luck.

The fast food retailer teamed up with brands like Pokémon, Beanie Babies and Disney in the past, and complete sets can earn you some decent cash.

A full set of Happy Meal Pokémon toys is listed on eBay for over £140, while a selection of Minion figures is listed at £350.

Reports have also claimed that Mario figures from the 90s can prove to be good earners.