If you were a child in the 1990s, you probably recall the craze for Polly Pocket toys. In essence, Polly Pocket toys were tiny dollhouses that came with tiny, one-inch-tall dolls. The name comes from the fact that these dollhouses were kept in little cases that could be snapped shut and carried in your pocket. The cases were frequently shaped like stars or hearts.
In addition to talking about some of the greatest antique Polly Pocket toys that are out there and the elements that affect their worth to collectors, we will also delve into the background of the cherished classic, Polly Pocket, and some of the current most valuable Polly Pocket toys.
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A Brief History
1980s Polly Pocket History
This smart gadget was created in the early 1980s by Chris Wiggs. The miniature playhouse he made was kept inside an old makeup compact, and it was intended as a toy for his daughter Kate. As soon as his daughter showed him how much she loved the toy, he realized he had made something special.
Bluebird Toys was enthralled with the idea as well and licensed it. In 1989, the first Polly Pocket line was introduced to retailers. The toy’s cases were available in several shapes, including hearts, shells, diamonds, and stars, with some becoming the most valuable Polly Pocket toys. Some of the inside holes might accommodate the little circular bases of the dolls that were included in the set. This gave them the ability to stand or sit in different parts of the little home.
1990s Polly Pocket History
To distribute the toys in the US, Mattel, and Bluebird Toys struck a distribution deal in the 1990s. For girls ages three to eight, Polly Pocket was a US bestseller by the mid-1990s.
By 1997, Polly’s rise to fame had subsided. In 1998, Mattel acquired Bluebird Toys and started reimagining the Polly Pocket. The new Polly dolls resembled Barbie dolls more in look and were taller. They had interchangeable rubber outfits, and Mattel even debuted a boy doll.
21st Century Polly Pocket History
2010 saw the failure of another attempt to modernize the brand. In the US, the sets were withdrawn by 2012. Nonetheless, they saw a rise in demand in 2018 when Mattel reissued a Polly Pocket design that was more akin to the original. Despite being marginally larger than the originals, both young and old enthusiasts embraced these toys.
In 2020, Mattel released a Polly Pocket Partytime Surprise Keepsake to celebrate the toy’s 30th Anniversary. The keepsake was created in its original version from the 80s, complete with the micro Polly Pocket doll and a small commemorative magazine.
These are the 20 most valuable Polly Pocket toys available now.
20. Glitter Clock, $100
The Polly Pocket Glitter Clock is an original Bluebell toy that features the brand’s initial tagline, “The pocket-sized playmate you can take anywhere.” But this specific item, which was a battery-operated timepiece with four characters—including an old couple—arranged like a cuckoo clock, was perhaps better left at home. It sells now for around $100.
19. Polly and Lucy Locket Dream Home, $100
In addition to being the name of Polly Pocket’s closest friend, “Lucy Locket” is also the title of a classic English nursery rhyme. There were two pairs of shoes, a blue cat, a comb, and dinnerware in their “Carry n’ Play Dream Home.”
In June 2022, a full, unopened example of this toy brought $702 to the market as one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys. This toy is from 1994, yet even the most cautious collectors sometimes encounter issues with unopened toys of this age. The vendor said, “[The] front of cardboard by figure does have a small rip.”
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18. Lucy Locket Carry N Play Dream Home, $130
This original Polly Pocket Lucky Locket Carry n Play Dream Home was offered for sale as brand-new, sealed, and in outstanding condition. The makeup box shaped like a heart was intended to serve as a miniature dollhouse for the tiny dolls. This toy included a white bathtub and various home decorations in addition to the dolls. The first one was produced in the early 1990s and is now one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys at a $130 value.
17. The Little Mermaid’s Castle, $225
The first Disney set to appear on the most valuable Polly Pocket toys is Little Mermaid’s Castle. This set is included with the box, but has been opened and used. Usually not super high priced, this certain one is selling for $225 on eBay.
16. Jasmine’s Royal Palace, $250
The antique Disney Jasmine’s Royal Palace was first produced in 1996. The primary colors of this toy, which included multiple rooms, were orange, aqua, and coral. Along with huge dolls, a treasure chest, a banquet hall, and all the important characters from the movie Aladdin, this toy also featured a large pink dome. At a $250 value, this is one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys.
15. 1995 Pretty Me Collection Makeup Doll, $260
If you were one of those kids who loved to get into mom’s makeup bag, then the Polly Pocket Pretty Me Makeup Doll set would have been perfect for you. Complete with minifigure, an original setting, and makeup, you can match your doll. This sealed set sells for around $260.
14. Carnival Parade, $270
A foldable carousel canopy, folding stage steps, and multicolored scenery were features of the 1997 Polly Pocket Carnival Parade. This beloved toy included a variety of tiny stamps and an ink pad. This set currently sells for $270.
13. Trendmasters Starcastle Moonlight Star Castle, $400
The Trendmasters Staircastles Moonlight Star Castle, which was first released around the end of the 1990s, when Mattel began redesigning the range, is readily available for $400 or more as one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys. This specific listing was able to command a quite high price because of its rarity. Furthermore, Trendmasters was a significant toy company that produced toys based on Voltron, Battlefield Earth, Gumby, The Powerpuff Girls, and Polly Pocket.
12. 1989 Polly Pocket Disco Cassette Play-set, $500
Among the rarest items in the Polly Pocket collection, the disco cassette playset is the pinnacle for all collectors of Polly Pockets. Many kids wanted a tiny sports club that also functions as a working tape player. The asking price of this tape player is $500 if it is in functioning order, has no dents or cracks, and has no sun damage. Now is the perfect moment to search your garage or attic for vintage toys from the 1980s and 1990s—they might be worth thousands of dollars!
11. Beauty and the Beast Castle, $600
Disney is reimagined in Polly Pocket form in the Beauty and the Beast Castle Set. With Lumiere, the Beast, Belle, Mrs. Potts, and other characters, this is perfect for Disney and Beauty and the Beast lovers. Though opened sets sell for a little cheaper, this unopened set is selling for $600.
10. Tea Time Locket, $1,000
Fine dining, a little cake, a chandelier, a tea set, and a throne were all depicted in the little Tea Time Locket. In 1995, the package suggested that you “Put in a photo of your favorite friend” to personalize this toy, which allowed you to fill the great painting frame with any image. This set sells for $1,000 making it quite valuable in the Polly Pocket world.
9. 1995 Polly Pocket Light-Up Supermarket, $1100
Unique, fresh, and unopened, Polly Pocket’s Light-Up Supermarket is a great addition to your collection. Currently listed at $1100 right now, if yours is in better shape, you might be able to get as much as $2000, making this one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys.
8. Summer Villa, $1100
When the Macarena was taking the country by storm in the summer of 1996, your Polly Pocket could relax in her own vacation home. The apartment had a balcony, vanity table, artwork, parasol, handbag, and jacuzzi that all fit inside an oval-shaped capsule. Similar to Barbie from Mattel, she has a summer mansion with parasols. There is an unopened Summer Villa set on Ebay selling for $1,100.
7. 1996 Polly Pocket Jewel Case, $1200
Another really uncommon discovery in perfect wrapping is the Polly Pocket Jewel Case Purple Edition. You can sell playsets for a few hundred dollars if they are undamaged and in their original packing, but you may get as much as $1200 if they don’t have cracks, scuffs, or broken cases.
6. 1996 Sweet Treat Shoppe Story Book, $1260
Part of the Storybook collection, the Polly Pocket Sweet Treat Shoppe starts as a purple book, and unfolds into a cute candy store complete with two minifigures. This exclusive sealed set sells for $1,260, but there are other cheaper options that have been opened. For the storybooks though, make sure that you get a key with the set, and that it is not too damaged.
5. Various Vintage Playsets, $1275
With an array of vibrant Polly Pocket dwellings and compacts, eBay seller bracham3788’s opened lot brought in over $1000 in February 2020 featuring some of one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys. Certain sets are full, but others are essentially just shells with one or two more pieces of accouterment. With almost 60 bids, this specific listing might have sold for a lot more or a lot less, depending on the day. You might want to think about selling your old or vintage Polly Pocket compacts for a few hundred bucks if they’re just gathering dust in a box.
4. Pollyville Super Set, $1300
One of the most valuable Polly Pocket sets ever made is undoubtedly the 1994 Polly Pocket Pollyville Super Set. These days, it’s quite uncommon to locate one in decent shape because it came with so many little bits. One set, in particular, included every little accessory and was offered as a brand-new, unopened set. A small, magical-feeling miniature town was part of the set itself. Along with three adorable dogs, the package also featured a play mat for the dolls to stand and sit on.
3. 1992 Polly Pocket Partytime Stampers, $1600
The asking price for the Polly Pocket Partytime Stampers is $1600, one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys. The price that collectors are willing to pay is significantly influenced by the state of the packaging, but this option does have the original sealed ink pad that comes with the toy.
2. Alice in Wonderland, $2000
The year 1865 saw the publication of Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Walt Disney loved this fantasy tale so much that he turned it into an animated film in 1951. Initially a failure upon its premiere, Alice in Wonderland gained popularity through repeated TV airings in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1998, Mattel chose to incorporate it into the Polly Pocket line.
Over the years, Polly Pocket sets have also been adapted for Tinkerbell, Ariel, and Cinderella. A CGI artist has gone so far as to reconstruct Polly Pocket sets as the residences of Disney villains. Current sets can go from $800-$2,000.
1. 1993 Polly Pocket Travel Clock, $2200
Even after more than 25 years, this Polly Pocket Travel Clock is still functional! With no damage, discoloration, or cracks, this travel clock is in excellent condition and is being offered for $2200, complete with sealed packaging, making this one of the most valuable Polly Pocket toys ever sold.
What was the first Polly Pocket toy?
The original toys hit the shelves in 1989, featuring plastic cases that came in three different shapes; a heart, shell, or a diamond. Each case opened up to reveal a hidden interior space with movable parts, and a unique Polly Pocket figurine.
Which Polly Pockets are worth the most money?
Original sets from the 80s and 90s are worth the most money today, as they embody what the original intent of Polly Pocket was all about.
How many different Polly Pockets are there?
Over the years British manufacturer Bluebird Toys would go on to create more than 350 distinct sets, each with a tiny Polly Pocket or friend in their own self-contained world with moveable parts.
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Polly Pockets have been a staple of girls toys for decades, ranking in the same league as Barbie when they first came out. Over the years the love for the Polly Pocket has faded, but the vintage sets from the 80s and 90s are more valuable than ever. So, try your luck and maybe you can snag one of these most valuable Polly Pocket toys and add it to your collection.
