Toys from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that could be worth thousands

With the festive season now underway, many people are struggling to make ends meet amid the cost of living crisis, and also wanting to give their families a good Christmas. But an extra cash boost could be on the cards for some, in the way of old childhood toys.

Some 50% of Brits have confessed struggling to declutter, with 25% of homeowners also admitting they’re completely clueless about what’s actually in their loft. However, clearing this out no longer means schlepping to and from charity stores or tips as these piles of goodies could fund your Christmas, according to Homeprotect.

After analysing eBay listings, the insurance agency highlighted some of the top selling items that kids from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s might have stocked away. And with the festive season dawning, selling these items could fund your Christmas while also fulfilling a dream for other families.

David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer at home insurance specialist, Homeprotectsaid: “If you’ve got old toys lying around, it might be worth checking their value—you could be sitting on a goldmine! Alternatively, if you come across an item you think may have a high value, get it professionally valued, so you know if they are worth insuring and to avoid underinsuring.”

Unsurprisingly, some collectable retro Lego sets take the top spot, or 5 top spots in reality. Homeprotect found the Lego Wars Star Wars Cloud City was the most valuable with one seller earning £2,050 from their 2003 set while others are listed for up to £6,000. The Lego Skull’s Eye Schooner Pirate Ship, Lego Star Wars Ultimate Collectors Millenium Falcon and Lego Star Wars Death Star II all earned well above £1,000 for their sellers too.

My Little Pony made a surprising appearance on the list as the toy has fallen out of popularity with younger generations. It seems collectors items in this franchise are making a particular comeback with one Vintage G1 My Little Pony Orange Cotton Candy Flat Foot Unmarked Hoof selling for £1,022.28 after a number of bids on eBay despite not even having the original box.

Some more common My Little Pony numbers like the Funskool G1 1980s Blossom Pink Purple INDIA Foot earned £185. While the G1 MLP Advent Calendar, 1987 G1 Baby Pony with First Tooth Bouncy Boxed and 1984 Baby Liquorice Pink G1 all sold for just under £100.

A few collectable Barbie items rounded out the list, with the 2001 released Barbie Meadow mares horse selling for £928 as the rare item was in the original, unopened box. Barbie items have been in constant demand since Margot Robbie’s blockbuster last year, particularly any limited edition or collaboration dolls.

With over 65 years of production, countless collector’s dolls have been released by the brand including collaborations with luxury brands like Christian Dior Barbies that sell for between £100 and £200. The Juicy Couture Barbie also dominated Christmas lists in the early 2000s and can now earn around £175 per doll.