Whether you’re a child of the ‘90s or grew up during the groovy ’60s, you may have a small fortune gathering dust in your attic or basement in the form of collectible toys. Collectors of vintage toys may even be looking for those inexpensive stocking stuffers from Christmases past. Whether you head to your storage unit or dig through your parents’ attic, download the eBay app to see whether your old children’s could boost your bank account.
What Makes a Toy Valuable?
Sometimes, the most valuable items aren’t just vintage toys—they’re antiques. According to Blue Moon Estate Sales, an item must be at least 20 years old to be considered vintage. An antique is at least 100 years old. Antiques and older vintage items are often more sought after because they were made with now-obsolete materials or technologies.
Of course, rarity is also a factor when it comes to a toy’s dollar value. Limited editions or manufacturing mistakes can mean an item ended up in very few hands. Limited access makes it more desirable, and collectors or nostalgic buyers are willing to pay more. Condition is also a key factor. While some buyers don’t mind a little wear, you’ll get top dollar if your toy is unused and in its original box.
Where Can I Sell Vintage Toys?
If you’re wondering where to sell vintage toys, eBay and Etsy are excellent starting points to compare your offerings to other listings to stay competitive and get your money’s worth. You should also consider Facebook Marketplace and auction sites for vintage toys, such as:
- EBTH
- Cottone Auctions
- Collectoys
- Toys Of Times Past Auctions
Still have that Teddy Ruxpin doll from the ‘80s? You could be a few hundred dollars richer if it’s in mint condition. Your collection of wrestling videos could be worth a ton of money. A single WWF VHS tape can fetch as much as $300. You could be in luck if you spent a good portion of your millennial childhood with your nose in a Harry Potter novel. Finding one of only 500 copies of the first edition of the wizarding world novel could net five figures for your sale.
How To Clean Vintage Plush Toys
While it’s not a guarantee, cleaning up your vintage plush toys can increase their value on the market. If your Cabbage Patch doll or Care Bear needs TLC, gently spot-clean them with a soft washcloth soaked in lukewarm water and mild liquid soap. If the stains are deep-set, we recommend pre-treating them with mild stain remover before using a soft bristle toothbrush to scrub at the grime gently.
Once you’re satisfied with the stain removal, you can re-style the plush toy’s synthetic fur or hair with a fine-tooth comb and scrape any leftover bits of dirt or gunk.
Organize Your Vintage Toys Before Selling Them
If you need a push to clean the attic or storage unit, this is it! Combing through your things in search of vintage toys might be well worth the time and energy. Even if you don’t find collectible toys, you’ll have a tidy, organized space. Additionally, if you’re an active vintage toy collector and seller, one of our climate-controlled storage units provides a dry, stable environment for you to tuck away your finds before listing them online.
Find the perfect storage unit for your decluttering or vintage toy collecting and selling needs at a Compass Self Storage facility near you. We offer clean, affordable storage in communities around the U.S.
