Kathrine Frich
If you grew up in the 1990s, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it.
Those toys, tapes, and trinkets once loved and forgotten in the back of a closet are now highly sought-after collector’s items. ‘
From Pokémon cards to vintage Furbies, nostalgic treasures from that decade can sell for hundreds, or even thousands of euros and dollars today.
1. The Furby frenzy returns
The legendary Furby was one of the most iconic toys of the late 90s.
Originally released in 1998, these furry, blinking creatures were must-haves during the Christmas rush. If you’ve still got one, especially a rare colour or limited edition, its value could easily reach €200 or more.
The rarest versions can fetch even higher prices among collectors.
2. Barbie dolls worth their weight in gold
Barbie never truly went out of style, but the original dolls from the 1990s are now worth a small fortune.
Limited editions or mint-condition dolls still sealed in their boxes are particularly prized.
On auction sites like eBay, Barbies often start at around €100, while rare or exclusive sets can go for as much as €800.
3. Pokémon cards that could change your life
Think that pile of Pokémon cards is just sentimental clutter? Think again.
The market for rare cards is booming, and a 1999 1st Edition Holo Charizard once sold for a staggering $420,000.
If your childhood binder is still packed with original cards, it might be time to dig it out, you could be holding a serious investment.
4. Spice Girls dolls making a comeback
The Spice Girls ruled pop culture in the late 90s, and their merchandise is now back in demand.
Original dolls from 1997 to 1999 are valued at around €135 for a complete set.
While they might not be the most expensive collectibles, they carry strong nostalgia appeal, especially for fans of the group’s “girl power” era.
5. Super Mario Bros. games breaking records
Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. remains one of the most recognisable video games ever made.
Sealed or mint copies from the 90s have become collector’s gold. In 2020, one copy sold for an astonishing $156,000 at auction.
So, before you give away that old cartridge, know that it could be worth far more than you think.
6. Disney VHS tapes with magic prices
Those clunky black video cassettes might look outdated, but some Disney VHS tapes are now highly valuable.
Rare editions of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, or 101 Dalmatians, especially sealed ones, can sell for thousands.
In one case, a sealed 101 Dalmatians tape went for around £15,000, or roughly €17,000.
7. Ghostbusters VHS and memorabilia
Fans of the 1984 classic Ghostbusters continue to pay big money for nostalgic pieces, even decades later.
Original VHS tapes have recently sold for nearly $4,000, and memorabilia linked to the film can go for much more.
The movie’s cult following ensures its collectibles remain highly desirable.
8. Polly Pocket’s tiny treasures
The miniature world of Polly Pocket captured the imagination of 90s kids everywhere.
Original sets made between 1989 and 1998 are now trading for thousands online.
Complete sets, especially those in good condition with their tiny figures still inside, are particularly valuable and considered collector favourites.
9. Beanie Babies making a soft comeback
Once the most popular plush toys on Earth, Beanie Babies are now a nostalgic investment.
While most are worth modest sums, rare models, such as limited runs or misprints, can fetch hundreds of euros.
Their worth depends on rarity and condition, so it’s worth checking if yours might be a hidden gem.
10. Tamagotchis still alive and well
Those small egg-shaped digital pets defined playground life in the late 90s.
If your Tamagotchi still works and dates from that era, it could be worth up to $5,000.
Collectors prize the original models, particularly the Japanese versions or limited-edition colour releases that were never reissued.
11. Happy Meal toys with a golden touch
McDonald’s Happy Meal toys might have seemed disposable, but some sets are now worth hundreds.
Figures from the Mario collections of 1994 and 1998 can sell for €200, while Power Rangers toys from the same period reach around €300.
Complete, unopened sets command the highest prices.
12. Power Rangers figures packing value
The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers figures remain beloved among collectors.
If you kept yours in good condition, especially in their original packaging, they could bring in between €35 and €70 apiece, sometimes more for full collections.
Those who never opened the box back in the day are the real winners now.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
