The Most Valuable Vintage Childhood Toys

1. Pokémon Trading Cards

Pokémon cards topped the ranking of the most valuable old toys. Beginning in Japan in 1996, Pokémon cards have been a popular collectible for decades, as well as an international multi-media franchise. Compare the Market’s research places Pokémon at the top, with a first edition Shining Charizard Neo Destiny card (2002) selling for $15,238.89 AUD.

Early generations of cards, particularly limited edition and in mint condition remain very popular in collector markets all over. Notably, in early 2026 YouTuber Logan Paul sold an incredibly rare Pokémon card through Goldin Auction House for $23.3 million AUD ($16.5 million USD).

Most expensive Pokémon Trading Cards from recent listings

2. My Little Pony

In surprise second place, your old My Little Pony figurines could make you some serious cash. Another toy backed by a popular children’s series, according to our research, a rare or prototype My Little Pony figurine could sell for an approximate $3,200 AUD to almost $7,500 AUD. Unlike other collectibles on this list, buyers don’t seem to mind pre-owned products, with none of the top five most expensive sold being in mint condition.

Most expensive My Little Pony figurines from recent listings

3. Star Wars Figures

Star Wars has remained a fan-favourite series for many since the first movie’s release in 1977, so it’s no surprise it ranks third on our list. Figurines from the first few years of release dominate the results, with the highest auction capping at $4,749.87 AUD for a Tri Logo Boba Fett figurine from 1979. What makes this figure a great find, is the presence of a “painted dart.”

Most expensive Star Wars figures from recent listings

4. LEGO

Unlike some of the toys on this list, LEGO has been a brand that’s marketed towards both adults and children. Star Wars remains well-loved by collectors here, with the second ($3,474.20 AUD), fourth ($2,988.83 AUD) and fifth ($2,938.65 AUD) place of expensive sales all being from the franchise, with the 2009 Republic Dropship with AT-OT Walker appearing twice.

Most expensive LEGO sets from recent listings

5. Barbie

Another household name, Mattel’s Barbie dolls have been on the market since 1959. Placing fifth in most valuable household toys, the Barbie Fantasy Tales Swan Lake Vanity Giftset sold for $3,537.74 AUD in January.

Mattel’s Hawaiian Super Barbie from 1978 also performed well, being the second and fourth most expensive sales at $3,156.09 AUD and $2,891.85 AUD respectively. This shows expensive Barbie dolls aren’t a one-off, making them a good choice for collectors, particularly if you have an older model.

Most expensive Barbie dolls from recent listings

6. Hot Wheels

Heading into the second half of the ranking, the most expensive Hot Wheels that we came across was the Real Rides Series 8 ’83 Chevy Silverado at $2,291.60 AUD from 1983. Unlike some toys, Hot Wheels seem to be popular across multiple generations, with the top five most expensive extending from 2002 to as early as 1968. The Limited Edition Treasure Hunt ’67 Camaro from 1995 appears to be especially popular, however, appearing twice in the top five.

Most expensive Hot Wheels from recent listings

7. Furby

At number seven we have Furbies, electronic plush toys that weren’t launched until 1998, one of the newer toys on our list. Also the only electronic toy on our list, what makes the Furby special is the fact even damaged toys are considered valuable to be used for parts. The most expensive ($1,198.71 AUD) is the Kid Cuisine Contest Tiger Furby Rainbow that is listed as non-working. Several others that make the list are also damaged, including the Tiger Furby Grapesicle Emoto-tronic, selling for $341.79 AUD.

Most expensive Furbies from recent listings

8. Bratz Dolls

Bratz first appeared on the market in 2001 as a main rival for Barbie dolls. However, in this case, Barbie comes out on top with Bratz ranking eighth, costing up to $1,003.22 AUD, over two-thirds less than the most expensive Barbie. The other Bratz dolls range from approximately $500-$800 AUD for both new and pre-owned items.

While not as pricey as some other toys on the list, Bratz dolls are still selling for much above their original sale price, especially given they’re not as vintage as other toys.

Most expensive Bratz dolls from recent listings

9. Beanie Babies

Beanie Babies were a huge fad of the 1990s and were seen as a high value collector’s item. Unfortunately, these plushies didn’t stand the test of time, with the recent beanie babies selling for a maximum of $197.67 to $337.91 AUD, ranking them ninth in the list. This goes to show that a toy’s popularity doesn’t always correlate with their long-term value.

Most expensive Beanie Babies from recent listings

10. Super Soakers

Last on the list is the Super Soaker, a classic for backyard fun in the summer. Unfortunately, even the vintage models won’t add much to your wallet, with the most expensive auction sale only making $161.11 AUD for the Larami Hasbro Super Soaper CPS 3200 with Tank Backpack from 1997. The Larami brand was eventually folded into Nerf, with the Super Soaker no longer being produced from 2002.

Despite being a discontinued toy, a vintage Larami Super Soaker XXP 275 Water Pistol only sold for $28.52 AUD. In comparison a modern version, the Nerd Super Soaker Blaster, costs $16.00 AUD, showing little profit margin.

Most expensive Super Soakers from recent listings

What toys of today could be future goldmines?

It’s impossible to say with certainty which toys of today could make you money in the future. Most collectors value new items in mint condition, so if you’ve already popped your limited edition Funko Pop from its box, or built your brand-new Lego set, the value might have already dropped.

While Labubu’s have been a huge success in the recent market, only time will tell whether their value will hold or if, similarly to Beanie Babies, there will be a sharp decline in value and interest in the future, which might have already begun.

Trading cards like Pokémon will likely stay popular, but more modern trading cards like Disney’s Lorcana or the One Piece Trading Cards also have promise, especially as they also have a media franchise behind them.

Of course, it’s impossible to say exactly what toys will remain sought after and which will fade into obscurity.

How to keep your valuables safe

To keep your valuables or collections safe, knowing the right way to store them to minimise damage or wear can be crucial.

Chief Executive – General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said, “If you’ve got financially or sentimentally valuable items at home, it makes sense that you may want to protect your belongings and potential investments.

“Check the limits on your contents policy, as your collectable items or set may not be covered for the full amount unless you have agreed to pay more for a higher limit on specified contents. A great policy reflects the value of what’s inside your home and helps ease stress over the potential loss of valuables should an unexpected incident occur.”

Before you take out a policy, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the full details on a policy’s inclusions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits.