If you're tempted to hold on to your old toys to make extra money, think again.
While some vintage playthings are valuable, this is the exception rather than the rule. Most old toys aren't worth much money (if any).
So if you have any of the following items in your attic, here's your permission to donate them to a good cause without worrying about their worth.
Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks
A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Sign up here to see how much you could earn.
Ceramic or porcelain dolls
Everyone has a grandma or great-aunt holding onto a collection of these. While your relative may have held onto their collection in the hopes that they may be worth something, most dolls will sell for around $10, so they're probably not worth the space they're taking up.
Pogs
A huge fad in the 1990s, pogs are cardboard coins that stack and are hit with a metal "slammer" coin. They were tradable in their day, but these days, most of them aren't worth much, maybe $1 each on eBay if you're lucky.
Most Barbie dolls
Unless your Barbie is still in the box, very old, and very rare, it's probably not worth much. Most Barbie listings come and go unbought on eBay, and many of the ones that do sell go for $20 or less.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Tired of chasing coupon codes and comparing prices across tabs? Try Capital One Shopping — a free browser extension that scours the internet for coupons and flags better prices while you shop.
Add it today and you could stop overpaying!1 <p>Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.</p>
Model train sets
The value of a vintage model train set depends on what gauge it is (i.e., what size track it runs on). O, S, and Standard gauges may be worth something, but others have little resale value.
Cabbage Patch Kids
These iconic toys from the 1980s began when an art student, Xavier Roberts, rediscovered "needle molding," a German sculpting technique, and used it to create soft sculpted dolls. By 1983, over 3 million dolls were "adopted."
While Cabbage Patch dolls were all the rage then, demand has dried up in recent years.
Late-model action figures
Granted, some action figures can supplement your income, such as original 1970s Star Wars figures in mint condition. But your box full of old G.I. Joes and My Little Ponies likely won't fetch more than $20 online.
Beanie Babies
This toy is the poster child for a collectible that once had rabidly enthusiastic fans and is now worthless. Some of these bean bag animals were worth thousands, but most are now worth less than in the 1990s, even if they still have the tags on.
Comic books
If your comic books are newer than 1980, the only worth they have is the joy you get from reading them.
The irony is that the comics that hold the most value are the ones that were printed before people started collecting them. Hence, it's difficult to find comic books that are old enough and still intact enough to hold any value.
Strawberry Shortcake dolls
The 1980s nostalgia trend burst on the scene with remakes of classic kid's shows and toys like Strawberry Shortcake. However, even vintage versions of these dolls and figurines aren't worth much. Typically, they are less than $20 each.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.2 <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Fisher Price toys
Every preschool, church nursery, and grandma's house once had at least a few of the classic Little People figures or a corn-popper vacuum toy.
But unless you have a complete set of these vintage playthings in immaculate condition, it's more worthwhile to donate them to another preschool, church, or grandma than to sell them.
Stuffed animals
We all had a favorite teddy bear as children, but most stuffed animals hardly look collectible after children grow out of them. Vintage stuffed animals don't hold much resale value, even for sought-after characters like Carebears and Mickey Mouse.
Hot Wheels
If you think your vintage Hot Wheels cars are worth holding onto, think again. Even 1960s and 1970s cars in the original packaging go for $10-$30 if you're lucky.
Funko Pops
Yes, there are a few Funko Pops old enough to be considered vintage, but they're probably not worth much more than you bought them for. Most of them go for around $15, which is hardly enough to retire on.
Pokemon cards
Like many 1990s trends, Pokemon has also made a recent comeback. So, while there is a healthy market of Pokemon trading card buyers, you're unlikely to make a killing on your vintage cards unless you have specific rare ones that are in fabulous condition.
Precious Moments figurines
These once-collectible figurines are now the fodder of every garage sale. You won't get much for Precious Moments sculptures on eBay, but you may get a kick out of joining the Altered Moments Facebook group that repurposes the figurines by painting and altering them.
Bottom line
Just because a toy is old doesn't make it valuable. The desirability depends on the age, condition, and how many people want the particular edition, brand, or character your toy represents.
If online research reveals that you have a unique toy with several potential buyers, it could be worth holding onto until you find the right buyer. However, this is only true of a small number of toys.
Most of the playthings in your attic, garage, or basement aren't smart ways to build wealth; they're best saved for grandchildren or passed onto another child to play with.
- Get paid for testing apps, games, and surveys
- Payouts can go as high as $225 per offer
- “Excellent” Trustpilot Rating (54,000+ reviews, 4.6/5 stars)
- Cash out instantly with PayPal starting at only $5
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.