Iconic Toys That Made Childhood Bearable: Here's How Much They Cost Now

While kids often associate toys with fun and carefree tasks, experts have proven that these are essential to a child's development, specifically in using their imagination, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. On top of this, most people tend to be attached to their favorite toys as with their comfort blankets, studies have found.

Because everything from style to shows and films is either making a comeback or being rebooted these days, it seemed fitting to walk down memory lane and revisit everyone's favorite iconic toys that may now be worth a fortune.

 

 

Yu-Gi-Oh Cards - $1K

Japanese manga illustrator Kazuki Takahashi created the game "Duel Monsters," which inspired the Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards. Konami launched it in 1999 in Japan and made its way to North America by 2002. It was a massive hit across the globe that it managed to sell 22 billion cards as of 2009, which became the reason it was awarded a Guinness World Record.

To this day, the cards, albeit in newer versions, are produced and distributed. As of 2021, the number of cards sold has reached 35 billion. However, the first release card can be bought for $1K. 

Cinderella VHS Tape - $4K

The story of Cinderella has been told many times but the elements of the glass slippers, her fairy godmother, the pumpkin, and the glass slippers remain the same. Walt Disney released the first film about the princess in 1950 although there have been numerous works prior to this.

As this is a classic movie, Disney naturally included it in the Black Diamond set released as VHS tapes in the '90s. "Cinderella," therefore, sells pretty big on eBay, but it is worth noting that there are many listings that offer varying prices, with one selling for $4K!

Teddy Ruxpin - $1,900

Most kids would want their parents to read them a bedtime story every night. Back in the '80s, however, children could listen to a Teddy Ruxpin doll tell tales. The stuffed toy was able to do this using a cassette player at its back. To make it appear like a sentient being, it also features "blinking" eyes.

These days, it's available on the market for around $500, as per Good Housekeeping. The vintage, unopened one, on the other hand, can reach as high as $1,900! Due to the popularity of this animatronic animal, an animated series was released in 1986.

Adam Bomb Garbage Pail Kids Card - $10K

A decade before Pokémon cards became the talk of the town, the Garbage Pail Kids cards were what children collected. From the name and illustrations on the cardboard, the sets were made to parody the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. Each card would feature a character with a deformity or show their horrendous death.

One of the most popular from the original series is the "Adam Bomb" which was released in 1985. One card that was kept in pristine condition fetched $10K on eBay while the "Blasted Billy" card could go as high as $900, Mental Floss reported. 

Vintage Monopoly - $146,500

Family nights and reunions are not complete without a crushing tournament of Monopoly. The classic game is about buying properties, going to jail, and basically, making the right financial decisions. It doesn't sound like a fun game for kids but the economics-themed match is an effective way of teaching the young ones about hard topics.

Monopoly is still widely available to this day, but the vintage, original one costs a fortune. The first hand-drawn oil cloth game, owned by the game's founder Charles Darrow, was sold for $146,500 at an auction in 2011. 

Action Comics No. 1 - $3.2 Million

Comics have been with us since the 19th Century but it was said that the Golden Age of this reading material came in 1938, when the character of Superman came about. No, the hero didn't get his own comics but rather he appeared in one titled "Action Comics No. 1."

As per Good Housekeeping, there were only 50 copies of this that circulated, one made its way into an auction in 2014. One fanatic shelled out a whopping $3.2 million for the ultra-rare piece. The deal was said to be the most expensive ever sold on the e-commerce platform eBay.

Lite-Brite - $300

Back in the '60s, kids didn't entertain themselves with iPads playing "Minecraft," they often drew patterns and were stunned by the images they created. At the time, Lite-Brite was the bomb and had children using their imaginations to make patterns. It came in a box that included black paper, colorful pegs, and a lightbox.

The Hasbro-licensed toy was included in TIME's list of 100 toys of all time. It was sold for around $10 to $15 at the time but an original one costs over $300 on eBay. There are newer versions of the tech as well, promising brighter light that produces more translucent images. 

Barbie In A Swimsuit - Estimated $2K

The first Barbie doll came out in 1959, made by Mattel, which patented the toy from Bild Lilli, a German doll. As per Britannica, the company was the first to have aired a commercial geared toward kids when it sponsored the Mickey Mouse show. It was also during this year when this iconic swimsuit-wearing doll was introduced.

The modern Barbie dolls are undoubtedly more colorful and feature stylish clothing fit to the contemporary trends but this vintage toy can fetch thousands of dollars. IOn 2016, one sold for over $2,800. 

Hot Wheels Pink Van - $150K

In 1969, Hot Wheels released a pink beach van, worth $150K in 2016, that became one of its most valuable creations. One of the reasons behind the unbelievable increase in price is that only two were ever made, making it a rare gem. A certain Bruce Pascal, who is a Hot Wheel collector, has one in his massive armory of toys.

The famed toy van was said to be Mattel's attempt at creating a design for the Minibus of Volkswagen. However, as per CarandDriver, a balance issue arose due to the surfboard sticking out of the vehicle. 

Superman Action Figure - $20K

Everyone's beloved hero, Superman, first appeared in 1938 in the "Action Comics no.1," thanks to the character's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for DC. Two years later, Ideal Novelty and Toy Company released this 13-inch action figure that many fans today wouldn't recognize as Kal-El.

Despite its far resemblance from the Superman action figures widely available on the market today, the vintage version remains coveted because it's made from wood. This toy, which features lollipop hands, was fetched for over $1,100 in a 2002 auction. The character also maintains its popularity because of the many films released in recent years. 

The Cabbage Patch Kids - At Least $60

Cabbage Patch Kids used to be the ultimate Christmas present for kids; so much so that some parents engaged in fights to secure one because of its limited quantity. Although these dolls grew popular in the '80s, they were actually first created in the late '70s. Children particularly loved to cuddle with the 16-inch-tall toys due to their soft bodies and chubby faces.

They were sold at $40 at the time and vintage ones can be found on eBay for around $60. Cabbage Patch Kids continue to be put for "adoption" as of 2021 although newer designs feature contemporary clothing. 

Telescopic Lightsaber Darth Vader - $55K

The first "Star Wars" movie debuted in 1978 and to say that it was successful may be underrated. Not only did it rake in over $775 million in the box office; it also spurred worldwide interest in anything about the film. A year after the premiere, the Kenner company released action figures, including this Darth Vader with a double-telescoping lightsaber.

Only a few were released, making it very rare and valuable in today's market. In 2018, one unit of Darth Vader was auctioned off and a bidder snatched the toy by paying a whopping $55K. 

Furby - $900

Back in 1998, Furbies, which are furry talking owls, were the biggest "it" toys. Many parents wanted to get their hands on one because of how popular they were. They're inarguably not the cutest stuffed toy but they had a voice box that allowed small talk, at least in their language of Furbish.

As per TIME, there were 1.8 million Furbies sold in the year of the release alone. This number rose to 14 million by the following year. Unfortunately, when the millennium arrived, its popularity started to wane down. Although the company discontinued the release in 2007, it resurrected the toy in 2012. 

Strawberry Shortcake Doll - $100 to $500

Many '80s kids may remember watching "The World of Strawberry Shortcake," a feature that was written by Romeo Muller. However, not many realize that the titular character was inspired by a greeting card character drawn by Muriel Fahrion from American Greetings.

Due to its rise in popularity, dolls and books of Strawberry Shortcake were made. The vintage dolls were after the characters of the show, who were all named after desserts. Today, an unopened box of this toy will sell anywhere between $100 and $500. The craze about the character isn't over because, in 2010, the show Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures debuted. 

Star Wars VHS Tapes - $145

When the George Lucas-directed "Star Wars" movie hit big screens in 1977, it became a massive hit that turned it into a pop culture phenomenon. Some of its franchises were turned into VHS (video home system) tapes, which are rectangular tape cassettes used for recording videos back in the day.

Up to this day, the Star Wars franchise continues to entice fans from different generations. The original trilogy, "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi," remains one of Lucas' finest works. The award-winning filmmaker is also notable for his works like the "Indiana Jones" franchise.

My Little Pony - $900

Steve D'Aguanno, Bonnie Zacherle, and Charles Muenchinger were the people behind My Little Pony, distributed by Hasbro in the '80s. These toy ponies featured colorful, luscious manes and tails and vibrant plastic bodies. This line was one of the most enduring as it spawned a movie.

Although most of the ponies were just cute and attractive, there were certain designs that now cost more than their original price. For instance, the "Rapunzel" pony, which is inspired by the fairytale of the same title, is very rare and may sell for $900 if in mint condition.

Luke Skywalker Action Figure - $25K

One sign that a film is highly successful is when it spawns books and toys. This was the case for the "Star Wars" franchise. This Luke Skywalker action figure was rare due to the production of only 20 items. When it was released in 1978, A Bathing Ape founder and designer Nigo snatched one.

Nigo added this to his massive "Star Wars" collection but decided to release some of them, including this toy, in 2015. He did so in an auction through Sotheby's and it fetched for $25K! To be fair, this collectible was still in its pristine condition when the owner offloaded it. 

Matchbox No. 30 - $13K

Jack Odell, one of the three geniuses who brought us tiny toy vehicles, came up with the idea of Matchbox cars after her daughter's teacher told the students that they can only bring toys that could fit in a matchbox. By the '60s, 70 million of these toys were exported by Lesney.

In 1961, the Matchbox No. 30 made its way onto the market. Although they originally had a silver body and orange crane, the rarer kind was the light brown version, which fetched $13K in 2004. Eventually, Mattel came up with Hot Wheels that rivaled Lesney, who eventually caved in and was sold to Mattel. 

Lionel 3360 Burro Crane - $85K

The Lionel 3360 Burro Crane prototype may look unassuming but it became a model for many cranes. This 1950 gem is such a rare creation that it may be impossible to find an authentic one these days. If there is, it would cost a fortune, just like the eBay auction where the masterpiece was able to get $85K.

As per Lionel.com, the 1956 crane's newer versions come with a rotating cab, Pullmor motor, forward and reverse operation, and controlled boom and winch. A Burro crane is a machine used to lift railroad rails and ties. 

Pokémon Pikachu Illustrator Card - $375K

Nineties kids grew up trading Pokémon (Pocket Monsters) cards, which originated in Japan. Due to the success of the video game, many were enamored with the toys, which players use to "attack" each other. Decades later, the trend remains alive and the characters star in tournaments.

Even YouTubers like Logan Paul have popularized Pokémon card collecting. As they are collectibles, many fans shell out big money for them. One of the most expensive is the 1998 release Illustrator card, a PSA 7 version of which was bought for $375K at a PWCC auction. 

Capcom Big Bang Bar Pinball Machine - $30K

There are many applications for free download on our gadgets, but arguably nothing beats the feeling of playing an actual pinball machine. When we talk about these contraptions, the rare Capcom Big Bang Bar Pinball Machine is one of the most coveted. However, according to ipdb.org, it was only a prototype that never saw light.

They were meant to be manufactured in 1997 but the team in charge ceased operations. However, some units managed to appear in 2006 and were shipped to other parts of the world, including in Europe. Because of the limited quantity, one can buy a unit for $30K. 

He-Man Action Figure - $2K

In the 1980s, Mattel announced the promo of buying three action figures from their Masters of the Universe toy line and customers would receive one additional toy for free. However, people were shocked to see that the freebie was of a character named He-Man. Some say that it was part of the promotion with Wonder Bread.

The point is, this loin-clothed, boots-wearing toy was once given out for free. These days, however, they could go for $2K as long as it comes in a box and is in good condition. Surprisingly, there are still fans of the character as there's a show titled "Masters Of The Universe: Revelation." 

World’s Fair Astronaut B PEZ Dispenser - $32K

PEZ candy originated in Vienna, Austria in 1927 and when it grew popular, Oscar Uxa created a dispenser in the 1950s. At the time, however, his invention didn't gain traction until cartoon character heads were added as the cap or cover. Because of how popular they had become, they were included in TIME's All-time 100 Greatest Toys.

The trend never truly died down. In the era of TikToks and Instagram, many have grown fascinated with the PEZ dispensers and how they could be reloaded. Although they are common these days, the rare 1982 World’s Fair Astronaut B dispenser was sold for $32K at an auction. 

Snow White VHS Tape - At Least $1K

Nothing says vintage more than the VHS tapes. At the time, houses needed to be spacious enough if the owners planned on collecting these black boxes! Many studios released their films on this platform, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was originally released in the 1930s.

The studio released the Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection that included the stories of "Beauty and the Beast," "Peter Pan," and "The Little Mermaid." Some were labeled Black Diamond to signify the classics. They are said to be worth $1K if in pristine condition. 

American Girl Molly McIntire - $1,200

The ceramic doll Anabelle in the eponymous horror film and the related "Conjuring" franchise may send chills down the spine for viewers but back in the day, those dolls were considered adorable and a must-have. In the '80s, the Pleasant company released a line of 18-inch toys called American Girl.

The collection included Molly McIntyre, the eyeglasses-wearing, sweater-clad girl with her braids. As per Medium, this doll, which was re-released on the 35th anniversary of American Girl in May 2021, can fetch as high as $1,200 depending on its condition. 

Beanie Baby - $10K

H. Ty Warner, the founder of Ty Inc., was responsible for the Beanie Babies which differed from other toys at the time because they were filled with plastic bean pellets. Nineties kids would know the struggle of keeping the tags attached due to its re-sale value increase.

However, everyone has learned that not all Beanie Babies managed to multiply their value. One of the most precious from the collection is the Princess Diana bear, released in 1997 to pay homage to the People's Princess who met her demise in the same year and for her memorial fund.

Beauty and the Beast VHS Tape - $8,500

Like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Disney's 1991 musical film "Beauty and the Beast" was also sold on VHS. The classic movie, which gave us iconic hits like "Be Our Guest," "Belle," and "Gaston," was re-booted in a 2017 live-action starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and Luke Evans, and which earned a whopping $1.264 billion at the box office in contrast to its $160–255 million budget.

The Black Diamond "Beauty and the Beast" version can sell for thousands of dollars on eBay. However, it is worth noting that these are sellers' prices and don't truly reflect the item's actual value. 

Super Soakers - $600

At night, when nuclear engineer Lonnie Johnson wasn't busy with NASA's mission Jupiter, he would tinker with his own project of a heat pump. When he connected the pipe to the faucet, he noticed a steady stream of water coming out. The prototype was improved and when the '90s came, he and a company began selling his invention for $10.

It grew so popular that the company sold 27 million units in its first three years. According to Goliath.com, this vintage water gun could set collectors back by $600. In 2020, Nerf brought the three versions of the summer item back on the market.

Holographic Charizard Pokémon Card - $311K

There are some rare gems in the world of Pokémon cards, including the holographic Charizard that was released in 1999. Over 20 years later and the clamor for these cards remains alive, thanks to several social media influencers who made vintage collections cool in 2021.

This specific card went off the market for a whopping $311K on eBay through the PWCC Auctions. There were only 122 PSA 10 Gem Mint-categorized Charizard cards even though there were over 2,600 applications for a rating. Later versions of the card like the 2016 iteration are worth around $2K. 

101 Dalmatians VHS Tape - $6K

As established, Black Diamond versions of classic Disney films have become valuable. According to thegamer.com, the VHS of "101 Dalmatians" can go off the market for as high as $6K! The iconic movie tells the story of Dalmatian dogs Pongo and Perdita and their 99 kids.

The pooches must escape the wrath of Cruella de Vil, who wanted to use their fur for coats. Despite being the antagonist, the character has spawned a crime-comedy movie titled "Cruella" that starred Emma Stone in the titular role. In the past, other actors who had portrayed the villain are Glenn Close and Michelle Gomez. 

MUSHA Shooter Game - $200

The shooter game "MUSHA" (meaning "warrior in Japanese" allows players to fire vertically to wipe out the enemies that come their way. Developer Compile introduced this in 1990 and was released by Sega Genesis. In Japan, they were released as the "Aleste" collection.

Players take on the role of a pilot named Terri, who pilots a mecha vehicle with the weaponry dubbed as MUSHA. Although the animation isn't as sharp and colorful as most computer games these days, they were highly entertaining at the time. Today, people may get their hands on one for just $200, more or less.

G.I. Joe Mobile Command Center - $450

The franchise of G.I. Joe also includes a collection of toys released by toy manufacturer Hasbro. The line offerings were derived from the four United States forces and the name "G.I. Joe" came from the standard term used for soldiers. The action figures became staples in boys' collections, including this intricate mobile command center that sells for $450.

Due to its popularity and influence on pop culture, "G.I. Joe" was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. This also inspired a series of films that starred Channing Tatum, Ray Park, Henry Golding, and Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson. 

Original Transformers Action Figures - $1K

In 2021, Hasbro introduced a toy car and action figure in one: the Optimus Prime from the Transformers. It was priced at $700 and the company fixed the issues of complex transformation from one form to the other. As the designs got more detailed and intricate, it became hard for customers to actually play with them.

However, this wasn't the first time the company had released such a creation. The vintage, authentic one can be snatched for $600. Movie aficionados may remember that a film series was launched based on the '80s franchise. 

Magic: The Gathering Card Collection - $87K

When talking about trading cards, Pokémon may be on top of mind. However, one of the most underrated but still influential was the Magic: The Gathering card collection. It was released in 1993 and was dubbed the first in the industry. Even though it's not as widely popular, it still has a steady following.

In 2018, the Black Lotus card from the Magic: The Gathering collection was sold for an eye-watering $87K on eBay! The cool price was because the collectible came from the first full set called Alpha. According to Digital Trends, only 1,100 Alpha sets were printed. 

Lego - Price Varies

Lego is a Danish company that manufactures tiny colorful brick toys that can be interlocked to form figures, building, and just about anything. They are definitely a child with a wild imagination's best friend but it can be a curse for adults who accidentally step on them.

These blocks are extremely popular even to this day so much so that the franchise has spawned feature films. As such, Lego remains on the market but vintage sets can fetch a hundred to thousands of dollars. The Legoland Town Shell station, for instance, is sold for $1,700. 

The Fox and the Hound VHS Tape- $25K

Not all Disney movies are made equal, but most of them will give us valuable lessons and "Last Song Syndrome"-inducing tracks. "The Fox and the Hound" is a 1987 Disney movie that tells the unlikely friendship between Tod and Copper and their journey as they take on the pressures of becoming enemies.

The tear-jerker was loosely based on a 1967 novel of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix. It was highly successful at the box office but received mixed reviews from critics. A Black Diamond edition was also released, and it now retails for $600 on eBay.

Push Cart Pete - $3K

Toymaker Fisher-Price has been known for its colorful and educational toys for infants and toddlers. Back in the '30s, they released the Push Cart Pete for 50 cents, making them over 90 years old as of 2021. The classic toy's value increased incredibly as one can find it on auction sites for $3K.

Of course, Push Cart Pete needs to be in respectable condition, better if the original colors are retained. Why are high-saturated hues in infant toys? As per Parents.com, newborns can't detect colors and when they finally can at four months, their eyes can decipher primary, bold tones.

Aladdin VHS Tape - $1,500

"A Whole New World," a Grammy-winning hit by Regina Belle and Peabo Bryson, came from the 1992 animated Disney movie "Aladdin." Younger generations may remember the 2019 live-action remake starring Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, Mena Massoud as Aladdin, and Will Smith as the Genie. It was massively successful, both commercially and critically, earning $504 million in global sales.

That's not all; when the studio released a home video of the movie "Aladdin," it amassed around $500 million in sales in the United States! As such, it isn't surprising to see a Black Diamond version of the VHS lying around at home. On eBay, some sellers list it for as much as $1500! 

Lionel’s Trains Sets - Price Varies

The satisfying way a toy train seamlessly looped and traveled a course back in the day is simply unbeatable. To this day, there are many collectors that don't just comb antique shops and garage sales for a rare find, but also study them. The National Train Museum, located at the Train Collectors Association's headquarters, is a must-visit.

The 1900-founded brand Lionel is a famous creator of the miniature locomotive. Depending on the model, authenticity, and edition, the price can shoot up to $250K! The company also creates newer versions like the Hogwarts Express that cater to the younger generation.

Game Boy - $1K

Back when far-advanced gadgets like tablets and smartphones came barging into adult lives, most kids were killing time with this bad boy. This handheld console made by Nintendo was first released in Japan in 1989 before making its way to North America in the same year.

It underwent many development stages and Nintendo had released several versions, many of which were a hit among the gaming consumers. In 1998, the company launched the Game Boy Light, which has an electroluminescent backlight for playing in dark rooms. On eBay, this could sell for $1K. 

Mario Kart 64 - At Least $400

In 1996, game developer Nintendo released the "Mario Kart 64," first launched in Japan. It featured the characters of the Mario franchise, including Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and Luigi, as they raced on different tracks with boosters and other items that could help them or harm their opponents.

Nintendo also released a limited edition bundle of this cartridge along with a Nintendo 64 controller. It was released in the United States in 1997 but due to the limitation of games available, it wasn't as commercially successful as in Japan. These days, a functional "Mario Kart 64" can be found on eBay for around $400.

Thomas & Friends VHS Tapes - $200

In 2021, Mattel Television announced that it would release "Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go," a 2-D animated show that is a new series based on the original British show, meaning the company has no plans yet to kill the classic program. It was first broadcast on the ITV Network in the United Kingdom in the '80s.

Back in the day, home videos of "Thomas & Friends" were also released, and they are sold for $200 today. Owners of these things may find joy in the comeback of collecting VHS tapes in 2021. As per The New York Times, the last VCR (videocassette recorder) was made in 2016. 

Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset - $4K

Back in the '80s, when franchises weren't popular yet, Mattel tried its luck on Masters of the Universe, which included characters like He-Man and Skeletor. In its first two years, the toymaker company managed to sell a whopping 70 million action figures, with the 1986 sales ballooning to $400 million, The New York Times reported.

The Eternia set, said to be the biggest ever, included three towers and retailed for $140 at the time. These days, vintage ones can go for as high as $4K although this may decline due to the release of the Masters of the Universe Origins Castle Grayskull Playset in 2021. 

Lord Skeletor Action Figure - $1,500

At the height of the Masters of the Universe craze, it wasn't good to only have the He-Man action figure. It was better to have Skeletor, the Lord of Destruction, the main antagonist as well. The characters remain so much loved today that Mattel continues to sell updated action figures.

The authentic Skeletor toy from the '80s is up on eBay for as much as $1,500. However, Mattel's newer edition, which is posable due to the 16 joints, retails for only $15. The company does boast that this modern version features the same retro style so the kids-at-heart can still enjoy this nostalgic piece. 

Ninja Turtles Action Figures - $400 to $900

Four anthropomorphic turtles named after Renaissance icons Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo living under the busy streets of New York City first appeared in the comics in the 1980s. The TV show came next and subsequently, a collection of action figures hit the market.

Most kids of that decade wanted to have these figures as presents due to their popularity. These toys became so big that they amassed millions in licensing deals. Today, the vintage ones can go for around $400 to $900. The success of "The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is still felt today and it spawned many films, including the Megan Fox-2014 starrer. 

Jem and the Holograms Dolls - $700

Not all '80s kids may remember the show "Jem and The Holograms," but they probably recall the doll collection that came out. According to Bustle, Hasbro was inspired by the "G.I. Joe's" success that it tapped Christy Marx to create the show in time for its launch of the toy line.

They did possess similar looks with its arguably more famous competitor, Barbie, but the Jem and The Holograms dolls were marketed as artists and musicians. Even though Hasbro released a number of these toys in 2020, an unopened box from the '80s could fetch $700. 

She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind - $1,500

The Masters of the Universe's He-Man has a twin sister, She-Ra, who is very powerful and efficient in fighting the bad guys, too. She was first introduced as Force Captain Adora in "The Secret of the Sword" movie, where she also discovered that she is the princess of Etheria.

She-Ra fought battles with her reliable winged unicorn, Spirit, whom she fondly called Swifty or Swift Wind. From the success of the He-Man line, she also got her own doll with her faithful animal friend, which had been listed on eBay for $1,500.

Boba Fett Action Figure - $225K

In 1978, company Kenner released the Boba Fett action figure. Considering that the character only delivered four lines in "The Empire Strikes Back," it became an in-demand toy due to its plastic missile that propelled its backpack. However, due to the choking hazard to kids, it was discontinued.

It is believed that only a few of these prototypes managed to exist to this day. One of which was put up for auction in 2020 for a whopping $225K. According to ABC, the Action Figure Authority graded the product near-mint/mint. It was said to belong to a former Kenner testing staff. 

Kenner's Easy-Bake Oven - $280

Ronald Howes was inspired to make a toy after seeing how street food were prepared in New York City. As a result, the first Easy-Bake Oven, a working machine for kids, was released in 1963 by the Kenner company. To say that many loved it would be an understatement because, in its first year, it sold 500K units.

The set, which included baking tools like pans and cake mix, had become so iconic that it was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame and was listed in TIME's Top 100 Toys of All Time! 

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial VHS Tape - $2K

One of artistic genius Steven Spielberg's masterpieces is the 1982 movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." It became a huge success for Universal Pictures as it surpassed "Star Wars" in box-office sales. The movie, which starred the young Drew Barrymore, also received critical acclaim.

At the time when VHS tapes were widespread, counterfeit was also rampant. Although it reportedly took a while before Spielberg agreed to release his film in home video, it eventually happened. To avoid fake ones from proliferating, the team added a green accent on the tapes. An eBay listing values the item for $2K.