The 90s were a wild time—beepers were cool, the internet was still a mystery to most of us, and our childhood treasures were, well, just toys and games back then. Who would have thought that some of those old favorites could be worth serious cash today? Whether you were trading Pokémon cards, keeping a Tamagotchi alive, or obsessing over Beanie Babies, those little pieces of nostalgia might now be worth a small fortune.
If you held onto some of these 90s classics, you might want to dust them off and check their value. From rare collectibles to vintage games, these items have become sought-after by collectors and fans alike. Let’s take a look at some of the most surprising gems from the decade that could put some extra cash in your pocket.
1. Pokémon Cards: Your Childhood Hobby Could Be Worth Thousands
Trading Pokémon cards was more than a hobby; it was a full-blown obsession. Everyone was chasing the dream of catching them all, one card at a time. Fast forward to today, and some of those cards have skyrocketed in value. The iconic 1999 Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard is one of the most sought-after cards, with one selling for an eye-watering $420,000 at auction in 2022.
Even if you don’t have a rare Charizard lying around, plenty of other cards can still fetch a decent amount. Check your collection for holographic, first edition, or shadowless cards—they tend to be worth the most. Your old stash of Pokémon cards could turn out to be a treasure trove. All those battles in the schoolyard might just pay off in ways you never imagined.
2. Super Mario Bros Game: Vintage Gaming Gold
Few things scream 90s nostalgia like firing up your Nintendo to play Super Mario Bros. Whether you were dodging Goombas or trying to rescue Princess Peach, those hours spent glued to the TV might now pay off big time. If you have a sealed copy of the original game, you could be sitting on a goldmine. In 2020, a copy of Super Mario Bros. 3 sold for a staggering $156,000, but that record was completely shattered when an unopened version of the original game sold for $2 million just a few months later.
If you were a die-hard gamer and held onto your cartridges, check their condition. Sealed games with untouched packaging fetch the highest prices. That little plumber and his adventures aren’t just gaming icons—they’re financial power-ups for anyone lucky enough to have kept their copies pristine.
3. Furby: A 90s Must-Have That Could Make You Cash Today
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember the Furby craze. These little robotic friends were on every kid’s wishlist and often caused a frenzy during the holidays. What might surprise you is how valuable they’ve become over the years. Original Furbys, especially those still in their packaging or limited-edition versions, can fetch serious money. Common models might sell for around $100 to $175, but the rare ones are where the real fortune lies. Some Furbys, like the Bejewelled edition, have sold for thousands, and the elusive Rainbow Furby is said to be priceless since only three exist.
So, if you’ve got one of these tucked away in the attic, it might be time to dust it off. Whether it’s a nostalgic keepsake or just something you forgot about, that quirky little toy could bring in some extra cash. Who knew your childhood companion might double as an investment?
4. Harry Potter First Edition: A Magical Find Worth Thousands
When Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone debuted in 1997, few could have predicted the global phenomenon it would become. If you happened to snag a first edition of the book back then, you might have something truly special. Early copies of this magical tale, complete with original cover art and printing errors, are highly coveted by collectors. With only 500 printed in the first run, these editions are incredibly rare and can sell for $30,000 to $50,000—or even more.
Take a look at your bookshelf. If you spot one of these early editions, it might be worth getting it appraised. Whether you’re a devoted Potterhead or just someone who loved the story, owning a first edition is like holding a piece of literary history that also happens to be worth a small fortune.
5. Polly Pocket Dolls: Tiny Toys, Big Returns
Polly Pocket wasn’t just a doll—it was a phenomenon. These miniature dolls with their adorable compact playsets were all the rage in the late 80s and 90s. If you still have one, especially from the pre-Mattel era (1989–1998), it could be worth a surprising amount. Sets in mint condition, or better yet, still sealed in their original packaging, are the ones collectors go crazy for. One Polly Pocket Beauty Case recently fetched £4,800 on eBay, and other sets from the era have sold for thousands as well.
Check your old toy boxes or attic storage. Even if your Polly sets aren’t pristine, they might still have value. Those tiny worlds of plastic could turn out to be a small but mighty windfall.
6. Your Old Disney VHS Tapes: Nostalgia That Pays Big
Before streaming took over, Disney VHS tapes were staples of every 90s household. These were the go-to for family movie nights, and classics like The Lion King or 101 Dalmatians were played on repeat until the tape almost wore out. Surprisingly, those same tapes could now be worth thousands—especially if you kept them in good condition. Sealed, limited-edition copies are the real jackpot, with some selling for five-figure sums. One unopened edition of 101 Dalmatians even went for £15,000.
So, if you’ve got a box of VHS tapes gathering dust somewhere, take a peek. Condition is everything, and original packaging adds extra value. Who knew that childhood movie marathons could lead to such a lucrative discovery years later?
7. Beanie Babies: Nostalgia Stuffed with Value
In the 90s, Beanie Babies were everywhere. Whether you had a small collection or an entire shelf filled with them, these colorful little stuffed animals were a childhood staple. While not all Beanie Babies are worth a fortune today, certain rare and original editions can fetch impressive prices. Flash the Dolphin and Legs the Frog, for instance, have sold for hundreds, while ultra-rare finds like Chef Robuchon or Mystic the Unicorn have gone for as much as £7,000.
Condition, rarity, and quirks—like typos on the tags—can significantly affect their value. If your old Beanie Babies are still in great shape, it might be worth looking them up. Your favorite cuddly companion could surprise you with its current worth.
8. Tamagotchis: Digital Pets That Pay
If you had a Tamagotchi in the 90s, you probably remember the constant beeping to feed, clean, and play with your virtual pet. These handheld devices were a huge hit, and while modern versions are still being made, the original 90s models hold the most value. Rare editions, like the Mobile Kaitsu! Tamagotchi Plus, have sold for over $5,000. Even more common 90s Tamagotchis can fetch around $1,000 if they’re in good condition.
Before you dismiss that old Tamagotchi in your drawer, check if it’s a vintage model. It could be worth much more than just nostalgic memories, especially if it’s still functional and well-kept. That little electronic blob might just be your next payday.
