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As 90s kids, we were blessed with an era of creativity and boundless imagination. We spent our days riding our bikes, trading Pokémon cards, and huddled around our TV screens, eagerly waiting for the latest episode of our favorite shows.
We may have traded our Tamagotchis for that iPhone, but the spirit of that era still shines brightly in our hearts. These items (I know mine have seen better days ) represent a unique blend of cultural significance and monetary value.
Pogs
Who could forget the thrill of stacking those vibrant little discs and the anticipation of slamming down your slammer? Originating from the Hawaiian game of “Milk Caps,” these cardboard tokens, at their peak, Pogs boasted over 1500 unique designs, appealing to collectors and casual players alike.
According to Collectible Weekly, some rare Pogs can fetch between $5 and $200 each, depending on rarity and condition. For example, a limited-edition “Slammers” Pog featuring the beloved character from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers can sell for $1,000 among dedicated collectors.
Beanie Babies
Launched by Ty Inc. in 1993, Beanie Babies (filled with plastic pellets) sparked a frenzy. At their peak, some rare editions were selling for thousands of dollars, with a Princess Diana bear fetching an astonishing $500,000 at auction in 1999!
Certain Beanie Babies can still trade hands today for impressive amounts, with rarer ones like the ‘Garcia’ the Bear valued around $2,500 or more, depending on condition. Each unique design had its personality and charm.
Tamagotchis
Introduced by Bandai in 1996, these little devices quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with over 82 million units sold worldwide. Back then, every 90s kid had one, furiously pressing buttons to feed, play with, and keep their Tamagotchi alive while navigating the ups and downs of an entirely virtual existence.
A limited edition Tamagotchi can now sell for upwards of $200, while the original models in mint condition can command prices between $50 to $150, depending on the specific version and rarity.
Game Boys
Many of us can still hear the satisfying click of the buttons and feel the thrill of leveling up in our favorite games. Its simplicity and extensive library of games like Tetris and Pokémon contributed to the Game Boy’s (released by Nintendo in 1989) monumental popularity, selling over 118 million units worldwide.
Some originals have fetched up to $1,000 on auction sites like eBay, particularly for limited editions or models in pristine condition. For example, a well-preserved first-generation Game Boy in the box can sell for around $250 on platforms like eBay, while limited edition versions, such as the Pokémon Yellow Bundle, can reach up to $1,000
Polly Pockets
First introduced in 1989, Polly Pockets quickly became a must-have for young girls, thanks to their compact design and charming characters. Hidden within tiny, portable cases, each set offered intricate details—from the whimsical furniture in Polly’s dream house to the enchanting gardens of Polly’s playsets.
Vintage Polly Pocket playsets can sell for between $50 and over $200, with rare pieces fetching even higher prices at auctions and online marketplaces. For instance, a complete set from 1992 featuring the original Polly Pocket house was recently listed for upwards of $300 on eBay.
Original Pokémon Cards
These cards, featuring beloved characters like Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo, are not just nostalgic relics—they’ve become hot commodities in the collector’s market. Since their launch in the late ’90s, certain cards have skyrocketed in value, with a mint-condition first-edition Charizard card reportedly selling for over $300,000 at auction in early 2021!
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has become a global phenomenon, with HobbyDB reporting that the Pokémon trading card market was valued at approximately $9.1 billion in 2021 and continues to snowball.
Lisa Frank Merchandise
Lisa Frank’s products, characterized by playful motifs featuring unicorns, rainbows, and adorable animals, expressed youthful creativity and fun.
A 2019 article from The Verge highlighted that certain rare items, such as sticker sheets or lunch boxes from the early 90s, can fetch up to $300 or more, depending on their condition. A classic Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper can fetch anywhere from $30 to $150 on platforms like eBay.
VHS Tapes
Those family movie nights huddled around the TV, popcorn in hand, as we watched our favorite films- pure bliss. A report from The Motley Fool shows that some rare VHS tapes, like the original Star Wars trilogy, can sell for upwards of $2,000!
Even more familiar titles, when brand new and sealed, have fetched hundreds at auction. A pristine copy of The Wizard sold for an impressive $25,000 in 2020.
Nintendo 64
Released in 1996, the Nintendo 64 introduced groundbreaking 3D graphics and multiplayer experiences that had us glued to the screen, battling it out in “Mario Kart 64” or exploring the vast world of “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.”
Complete in-box systems can fetch impressive prices, ranging from $80 to $150. Boxed games can climb even higher—specific titles like “Super Mario 64” have been known to sell for over $100! A console in good condition, especially with its original packaging, can bring in $200 to $300. Rare games can add even more value.
Platform Shoes
Originating from the disco era of the 70s, platform shoes surged back into popularity in the 90s, thanks to pop icons like the Spice Girls and brands such as Buffalo and Skechers. These shoes were a bold declaration of individuality and style.
Their chunky soles and vibrant colors transformed any outfit into a fashion statement. Vintage pairs from brands like Jeffrey Campbell or the iconic Dr. Martens can fetch prices ranging from $100 to upwards of $500 on platforms like eBay and Depop, depending on their condition and rarity.
Original Furby
A little creature with big ears and an even bigger personality! Released in 1998, this interactive toy captivated our hearts with its playful antics and unique ability to learn words. There was something magical about hearing it speak in its quirky “Furbish” language or how it would respond to being tickled or fed.
According to a report by HobbyDB, rare Original Furbys can sell for anywhere from $150 to over $2,000, depending on their condition and rarity. For instance, the limited edition “Furby Baby” can command prices as high as $1,000 at auction.
WWF/WWE Action Figures
These small plastic figures, depicting larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, sparked joy and fierce competition among friends. As the wrestling boom of the late 90s exploded, so too did the popularity of these collectibles.
Specific rare figures can sell for upwards of $1,000! One noteworthy example is the original ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage figure, which can fetch prices of $900 or more, depending on its condition and packaging. The classic 1990s Undertaker figure regularly sells for $150 in mint condition.
Original Air Jordans
Michael Jordan soaring through the air raised the hype. Released in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 became a status symbol, synonymous with streetwear and basketball lore’s elevated performance.
According to StockX, a leading sneaker resale marketplace, prices for specific models can soar over $10,000, depending on rarity and condition. For instance, a pair of Chicago Air Jordan 1s in pristine condition can fetch anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000.
Troll Dolls
It’s not easy to pull off wild, brightly colored hair. Troll dolls, however, owned it. Initially introduced in the 1960s but experiencing a massive resurgence in the 90s, these little figures became a staple for countless kids.
Rare editions, especially those made by the Danish toymaker Thomas Dam, have been known to sell for even more, sometimes breaking the $1,000 mark at auctions. A limited edition “Gem Troll” sold for $750 on Etsy last year.
Super Soakers
This iconic water gun revolutionized outdoor play, turning mundane afternoons into epic water battles and backyard fun. Launched in 1990, Super Soakers offered an unparalleled soaking experience that seemed to last forever.
Its innovative design allowed for impressive water pressure and far-reaching streams, making it the ultimate weapon in friendly squirt gun wars. A classic Super Soaker 50, originally priced around $10, can fetch up to $400 (new) on platforms like eBay. Collectors are mainly looking for the earliest models, with some rare editions reaching as high as $200 or more.
