6 Forgotten Toys From the 90s That Are Now Collectibles

As a toy collector and a child of the ‘90s, I’ve seen firsthand how items from my childhood have become collector gold. Some of the items that are collectible today even surprise me. For many people who don’t follow the collector market, though, some of these forgotten toys are now highly collectible and can be worth a few bucks if the condition is right. 

Tamagotchi

ReMIND Magazine reports that Bandai released Tamagotchi in 1996, and the small keychain digital pet became a late-’90s playground obsession. Kids fed it, cleaned up after it, and tried to keep it alive. It was a craze I never got into, but I remember friends treating those little beeps like an emergency. At the time, these were cheap electronic toys, often around $10-15. 

Today, original 1997-style Bandai models are collectible, especially P1 and P2 versions. WCPO reported that a bundle of three original English Tamagotchis could fetch about $2,250, while Smithsonian Magazine found that vintage prices can range from very low to thousands for rare versions. 

Collectors want sealed boxes, bold shells, clean screens, and working buttons. 

Polly Pocket

Bluebird Toys created Polly Pocket in 1989, and the tiny clamshell play sets ruled U.S. toy aisles in the early and mid-1990s. Small playsets were usually low-cost gifts, often around $5 to $10, while bigger sets cost much more. 

ReMIND Magazine reports that ’90s Polly Pocket sets can sell from around $25 to over $100, depending on what is included. Amazingly, WCPO reported some eBay sets selling up to $900 and loose lots around $400 to $500. 

If you want to collect, look for Bluebird branding, complete figures, working hinges, bright decals, and no missing tiny pieces. If it’s missing the small pieces, it’s often a big hit on value. 

Furbies

Tiger Electronics launched the Furby toy, an animatronic pet, in 1998. WIRED reported that it sold for about $30, with sensors, chips, and its own Furbish language. Somehow it “learned” English as kids played with it, which was very futuristic at the time. 

ReMIND Magazine reports that classic ’90s Furbies can cost between $25 and $125 today, though rare boxed or special editions can go much higher. 

Collectors care about 1998 or 1999 markings, working motors, moving ears, clear speech, clean fur, intact eyelids, original instructions, and unopened boxes. 

Super Soakers

The Strong National Museum of Play says the Super Soaker debuted in 1990 after inventor Lonnie Johnson developed a stronger pressurized water toy. Core models were often roughly $10 to $20, depending on size, and every kid knew the bigger tank made a huge difference. 

ReMIND Magazine reports that true ’90s originals can sell for around $60, while other vintage listings and collector interest can push boxed early models higher. 

This one is even more condition-sensitive than others on the list, because water toys were used hard. Collectors want bright neon colors, working pressure tanks, no cracked plastic, original stickers, and sealed blister cards or boxes with little sun fading. It’s a lot to expect, but they do exist. 

Pleasant Company Dolls

The American Girl brand began in 1986, added its contemporary 18-inch doll world in 1995, and opened its first store in Chicago in 1998. These were premium toys, with doll-and-book sets commonly remembered around the $80 to $90 range. 

WCPO reported that complete Samantha sets have reached about $5,000, while single dolls can bring $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the edition. 

Collectors look for Pleasant Company neck stamps, original outfits, functioning limbs, clean hair, book sets, boxes, accessories, and characters tied to the mail-order catalog years. 

Beanie Babies

Ty launched Beanie Babies in 1993, and the under-stuffed plush animals became a full collecting craze once “retired” characters and tag mistakes entered the conversation. ReMIND Magazine stated that they used to sell for just a few dollars, and Public.com adds that many now sell for less than the original $5 price.

However, rare early editions, misprints, name changes, and limited runs can sell for hundreds or more. WCPO reported high prices tied to Princess Diana bears and other rare examples. 

Collectors look for mint swing tags, clean tush tags, PVC pellets, no odors, on top of rarity.