1. Power Rangers Action Figures
When Mighty Morphin Power Rangers exploded in 1993, the action figures were must-haves. The first Bandai figure line, especially the Megazord and individual Rangers with original packaging, now command high prices. Rare figures like the Dragonzord or White Ranger editions regularly appear at auctions. Condition and completeness — especially unopened boxes — make the biggest difference in value.
The Power Rangers franchise still runs strong, keeping older figures relevant and nostalgic. Collectors prize the craftsmanship and metal detailing that later versions dropped. Since the series went global, international variants are also highly sought after. As superhero and tokusatsu fandoms overlap, early Power Rangers toys have a strong collector base ready to bid high.
2. Tamagotchi
Back in the late ‘90s, kids everywhere were glued to tiny egg-shaped screens, desperately keeping their digital pets alive. Original Bandai Tamagotchis from 1996 and 1997 are now fetching impressive prices among nostalgic collectors. What’s driving this surge is the renewed interest in handheld nostalgia mixed with the rarity of unopened packaging. Mint-condition Tamagotchis can sell for several hundred dollars, especially if they’re first-generation models or special editions.
Part of their appeal is emotional — millennials who once forgot to “feed” their pixelated pets now have the disposable income to reclaim them. These early virtual companions also symbolize the start of digital interaction toys, making them culturally significant. Collectors are drawn to the quirky color variations that were only released in Japan. And since many were lost or broken, surviving originals are rarer than they seem.
3. Polly Pocket
Tiny, pastel-colored worlds hidden inside compact cases — Polly Pocket was the dream toy for many ‘90s kids. Bluebird Toys, the original UK maker, produced sets with incredible detail, and those miniatures are now auction darlings. Early sets from 1989 to 1998, especially those with all figures intact, can bring in hundreds. Limited editions like the “Fairy Light Wonderland” or “Underwater Mermaid World” are especially sought after.
Collectors love that each set feels like a self-contained universe, and nostalgia has made them centerpieces in vintage toy auctions. When Mattel took over, the design changed, so original Bluebird compacts are considered the true collectibles. The miniature craftsmanship appeals to adult collectors and art fans alike. Because many were lost to vacuum cleaners or missing figures, complete sets are becoming increasingly rare.
4. Nintendo 64
Few things scream ‘90s gaming like the chunky gray Nintendo 64 console and its translucent controllers. Collectors are snapping up systems and cartridges, especially rare titles like Super Smash Bros., Conker’s Bad Fur Day, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Sealed games and limited edition console colors have seen auction spikes in recent years. Some unopened titles have reached five figures at major gaming auctions.
Part of the appeal is that N64 represents a golden era of multiplayer gaming before online play took over. It’s also the first console many millennials owned, which fuels nostalgia and demand. Display-worthy versions of the system, like the Jungle Green or Smoke Black variants, are especially prized. With retro gaming now a full-blown hobby, the N64’s place in auction houses is cemented.
5. Furby
When Furby hit shelves in 1998, it was both adorable and slightly unsettling — which makes it a perfect collectible now. These talking, blinking creatures were one of the first “AI” toys, and first editions are spiking in value. Certain limited versions, like the Kid Cuisine or Millennium Furby, are particularly collectible. Sealed originals in working condition are increasingly rare, pushing auction prices upward.
Collectors are drawn to Furby for its weird charm and early robotics appeal. The design variations across the original Hasbro and Tiger Electronics runs make them fun to hunt. Nostalgia has also collided with irony — Furbies have become icons of ‘90s internet culture. For younger collectors, they’re both a conversation piece and a slice of tech history.
6. Hot Wheels Treasure Hunts
In 1995, Mattel introduced the “Treasure Hunt” line — hidden gems among regular Hot Wheels releases. These special cars featured rubber tires, exclusive paint jobs, and came in limited numbers. Today, those early Treasure Hunts, especially from 1995 to 1997, can sell for hundreds apiece. Sealed cards and error variants are even more valuable to die-hard collectors.
The appeal lies in the thrill of discovery — collectors still talk about finding that green card logo in store aisles. Hot Wheels collecting has always been serious business, but the Treasure Hunts added a level of rarity that appeals to both toy and automotive fans. They also marked the start of modern toy “chase” culture, which continues today. As vintage die-cast cars gain prestige, these are leading the pack.
7. Beanie Babies
Once dismissed as a passing fad, Beanie Babies are creeping back into the collectible spotlight. While most of the millions produced have little value, rare versions like “Princess Diana Bear” or “Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant” can still surprise at auction. The resurgence is partly due to renewed media interest and nostalgia-driven buyers revisiting the craze. Some pristine, tag-protected pieces have even crossed the $5,000 mark in recent years.
What makes Beanie Babies fascinating is their odd mix of speculation and sentiment. Collectors remember the thrill of hunting for “retired” editions, and that chase element still lingers. Social media collectors’ groups have reignited interest, trading stories and tips. And as Gen X and millennials pass their collections to younger enthusiasts, the market has fresh life.
8. Game Boy Color
The Game Boy Color, released in 1998, was the must-have handheld console for kids on the go. Vibrant translucent colors like “Atomic Purple” are especially collectible today. Rare game cartridges — such as Shantae or Mega Man Xtreme 2 — can fetch several thousand dollars when sealed. Even loose consoles in working order are rising in value as retro gaming interest surges.
Collectors love that the Game Boy Color bridges two eras: the classic pixel art of the ‘90s and the portable gaming boom that followed. It’s a piece of tech history that still works beautifully. The nostalgia of playing Pokémon Red or Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX on that tiny screen drives emotional bidding. And since they’re sturdy, many units still function, making restoration and display collecting accessible.
9. LEGO Sets from the 1990s
LEGO was always popular, but ‘90s sets have become hot collector’s items, especially those now discontinued. The “Black Knights’ Castle,” “Pirate Ship Dark Shark,” and early “Space” series sets regularly pop up at auctions. Sealed boxes or complete sets with original instructions can easily reach four-figure prices. LEGO investing is now its own niche, with some sets outperforming gold in returns.
The appeal goes beyond nostalgia — the ‘90s marked LEGO’s golden design era. The build quality and unique minifigures make these sets culturally and visually distinct. Fans often see them as art pieces as much as toys. As LEGO continues to innovate, vintage sets gain extra charm for representing a simpler, more creative time.
10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures
The original Playmates TMNT figures from 1988 through the mid-‘90s are hitting new highs at auction. Key pieces like the original four Turtles, Shredder, or the Technodrome playset are fan favorites. Unopened packaging drives the biggest numbers, but even loose figures with accessories hold value. The rarity of intact vehicles and dioramas also pushes prices upward.
Ninja Turtles have had multiple revivals, but collectors always return to the gritty, colorful originals. The mix of cartoon nostalgia and comic-book heritage gives these toys lasting cultural weight. Some fans collect them as art or pop memorabilia rather than toys. With each reboot, interest in the vintage line spikes anew.
11. Barbie Dolls (1990s Editions)
While Barbie has been around for decades, certain ‘90s dolls are now hitting the collectible spotlight. Special editions like “Totally Hair Barbie” (1992) and “Holiday Barbie” from the early ‘90s have seen values rise. Pristine boxed versions can sell for hundreds, sometimes more if they’re part of themed collections. Their iconic ‘90s fashion and hair designs make them instantly recognizable.
Collectors are drawn to this era for its bold style and cultural relevance — it captures the fashion optimism of the decade. With the 2023 Barbie movie reigniting global interest, collectors are revisiting older lines. These dolls are also sturdy, meaning many have survived in good condition, boosting supply but not dampening demand. For many, they’re a snapshot of the ‘90s aesthetic at its peak.
12. Pokémon Cards
No ‘90s collectible has made a stronger comeback than Pokémon cards. The first-edition Base Set Charizard remains a legend — mint PSA-graded versions have fetched hundreds of thousands at auction. Even less famous holographic cards are climbing steadily in value. What started as a playground craze is now a serious investment category.
The mix of nostalgia, scarcity, and global fandom gives Pokémon cards staying power. New collectors, many of whom grew up battling these cards, are fueling the market. The Pokémon Company’s continued success keeps interest high and values stable. Whether sealed booster packs or rare Japanese promos, ‘90s cards are officially back in the big leagues.
This post 12 Toys From the 90s That Are Becoming the Next Big Auction Wave was first published on Greenhouse Black.
