The 1980s gave us so many unforgettable moments and iconic items. From Saturday morning cartoons to the jingles of our favorite commercials, the decade was packed with things that seemed like everyday treasures back then. But here’s the kicker: some of those once-common items are now worth serious money! Maybe it’s because they hold a special place in our hearts, or perhaps it’s that nostalgic glow making collectors willing to pay top dollar. Let’s dive into 12 items from the ’80s that could make you wish you’d never thrown them out—or have you running to your attic right now to check if you still have them.
1. Star Wars Action Figures
Every kid in the ’80s dreamed of having Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader battle it out in their living room. If you kept your action figures in good condition—especially those early ones from Kenner—you could cash in big today. Some figures, like Boba Fett with a rocket-firing backpack, have sold for thousands!
2. VHS Tapes of Classic Movies
While most VHS tapes aren’t worth much, there are exceptions—especially unopened copies of cult classics or rare films. A sealed copy of Back to the Future or Star Wars on VHS can sell for hundreds, and some rare Disney Black Diamond editions have fetched thousands.
3. Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
Remember how moms and dads practically rioted to get their hands on these during the holiday rush? Those same dolls—especially first editions with their original birth certificates—are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars today. Bonus points if yours is still in the box!
4. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Toys
“I have the power!” If you were a fan of He-Man, you probably had Castle Grayskull or Skeletor figures in your collection. Certain rare pieces, like the Eternia playset, are now highly sought after by collectors, often going for thousands.
5. Vintage Walkmans
Before iPods or smartphones, having a Sony Walkman meant you were the coolest kid on the block. Today, original models—especially in good working condition—are worth a pretty penny. Some can go for several hundred dollars, proving that portable music is timeless.
6. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Games
Whether it was Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, or Duck Hunt, the NES defined gaming in the ’80s. Rare games or unopened cartridges can sell for thousands of dollars, making those hours spent blowing on cartridges seem totally worth it!
7. Transformers Toys
Autobots, roll out! Transformers toys were built to change from vehicles to robots, but their value today is anything but subtle. Original figures, especially those in their boxes, can command serious money. Optimus Prime and Megatron lead the pack in collector circles.
8. My Little Pony Toys
These colorful ponies with their glittery manes were a staple of many kids’ toy collections. If you have rare editions, like the mail-order exclusive ponies or special releases, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
9. Rubik’s Cubes
Sure, you could grab one of these puzzles at any toy store today, but the original 1980s cubes—especially in mint condition or in their original packaging—are collectible treasures. Serious enthusiasts are willing to pay top dollar for that authentic vintage feel.
10. Michael Jackson Memorabilia
The King of Pop dominated the ’80s, and his merchandise was everywhere—from dolls to signed records. Items like vintage concert t-shirts or rare vinyl records can fetch hundreds, if not thousands, at auction today.
11. Trapper Keepers
Who didn’t love organizing their school notes in those bright, bold, and sometimes Lisa Frank-covered Trapper Keepers? Original designs in excellent condition are now popular with collectors who want to relive their school days.
12. Original Macintosh Computers
Apple fans, take note: the first Macintosh computers, released in 1984, are not just pieces of tech history—they’re valuable collector’s items. If you’ve got an original Mac sitting in your garage, you might want to dust it off. Some models have sold for tens of thousands of dollars!
The ’80s may be long gone, but the magic of the decade lives on through these incredible items. Whether you cherished them as a kid or collected them for fun, these treasures are proof that sometimes nostalgia is priceless—and sometimes it comes with a hefty price tag. Now, who’s ready to raid their childhood attic?
