We’ve all been there. A box of bits and bobs turns up in the loft, and suddenly you're face to-face with your old childhood favourites: Action Man with one leg, Barbie with a questionable haircut, and a small army of Lego bricks that seem determined to take out your ankles.
But here’s the thing: those old toys might be worth more than just a trip down memory lane.
So, how do you know if your old toys are valuable? Let’s take a rummage through what to
look out for...
While any old toy can be exciting, certain brands and specific items within their lines
consistently attract collectors, significantly increasing your chances of finding a valuable
piece. Knowing what to look for among these popular names is key to unearthing a true
gem.
The force is strong with vintage Star Wars figures, especially original Kenner lines from
1977-1985. Mint on Card (MOC) figures and early production runs can fetch high prices.
Factors like character popularity and foreign variations greatly impact their Star Wars figure value.
Not all old Lego is equally valuable; the highest Lego set value often comes from complete, classic themed sets like Space or Castle, especially with original boxes and minifigures.
Rare Lego sets include promotional items or those with unique elements. Before you sell old Lego, ensure all pieces are present.
These miniature die-cast vehicles are highly collectable, with Corgi car value, Dinky toy
worth, and Matchbox car prices heavily dependent on condition. Pristine cars with original
boxes are most desirable. Look for specific models, rare variations, and promotional issues.
Early vintage Barbie dolls, particularly from the 1960s and 70s, can command impressive
prices. Key factors for vintage Barbie value include original facial paint, hairstyle integrity, and, crucially, her original outfit and accessories. Limited-edition or boxed Barbies are also highly sought after.
These iconic figures from the 1960s-1980s still appeal to collectors. For Action Man value, original Palitoy figures with intact features and accessories are prized, especially if boxed. Sindy doll worth is highest for early Pedigree models and rare, complete outfits.
The Pokémon phenomenon yielded highly collectable items, particularly valuable Pokémon cards and early toys. First edition Pokémon cards, especially holographic ones from original sets, and sealed products are most coveted. Authentic, well-maintained items are crucial when selling old Pokémon toys or cards.
In a perfect world, your toys would be pristine, still boxed, and untouched since 1972. But most of us actually played with our toys (imagine that!).
Don’t worry if yours are a bit scruffy or missing the odd limb. Some collectors are happy to restore items themselves, especially if they’re rare. Even packaging alone can fetch a few quid in the right circles. That said, it’s best to resist the urge to "tidy up" old toys; scrubbing or repainting can do more harm than good.
Not all old toys are valuable, but some are more sought-after than others. Keep an eye out
for:
● First editions or early releases
● Limited-run or promotional items
● Toys with quirky production errors (yes, that weird misprint could be a win)
● The rarer the item (or the more it tugs on the heartstrings of collectors), the more it’s
likely to be worth.
Still not sure if your toys are treasure or just... toys?
That’s where we come in. At Vintage Cash Cow, we’ve seen it all — from much-loved
teddies to pristine die-cast collections. We’ll be happy to take a look and provide you with a free, no-obligation valuation.
Pop your vintage toys in a box (along with any other bits you want to declutter), and send them our way, we’ll even cover the postage! If you like our offer, we’ll send you the money. If not, we’ll send everything back for free.
Simple, stress-free, and no auctions or faffing around. Ready to see what your old toys are worth?
That box in the attic might just be hiding more value than you think. Whether it’s Barbie,
Batman, or a well-worn train set, it’s always worth checking before you chuck.
Often, where there's one collection, there's another. That same loft or garage that holds your old toys might also have a box of video games, a forgotten film camera, or even some old coins from a childhood collection.
As you’re gathering your toys, keep an eye out for other treasures to maximise your offer.
We buy a huge range of vintage items, and you can include them all in the same box for a
single, simple valuation.
Order your free selling pack and turn those forgotten toys into extra money.