The year is 1982, and the theme for the annual World’s Fair is Energy Turns the World. Pez created the Tennessee Astronaut B to commemorate the event. It’s a special-edition Pez Dispenser with an astronaut head dispenser given out during the conference. Only a few were handed out in nearly a year so the surviving ones are very rare.

The Astronaut B is one of the rarest collectible Pez Dispensers. It sells at collectors’ auctions for high prices. This dispenser looks similar to the 1977 Pez Astronaut, except for the misspelling of Tennessee on the side and that helps hike up the value.

An example was sold in 2006, going for a cool $32,305.

In 1998, prominent jeweller Sidney Mobell decided to create a version of Monopoly plated with 23-carat gold. The entire set was accompanied by solid 18-carat gold pieces and diamond-studded dice.

This example can be found in the Smithsonian Museum, and is naturally unavailable for purchase. The Golden Monopoly is valued at around $2 million. Do not pass go.

The Astolat Dollhouse Castle project began in 1974, taking another 13 years to be completed. The finished piece was unveiled in 1987. Master miniaturist Elaine Diehl created this castle which has 29 rooms, 20 adjacent areas, and 10,000 tiny, intricate furniture pieces.

The house was displayed in Diehl’s own workshop until 1996. When she retired, the castle was sold to collector L Freeman, who then took it to Nassau County Museum of Art.

30,000 more pieces have been added as a result, with the castle last valued at $8.5 million. It is the most expensive toy in existence.

The Garbage Pail Kids were an 80s card-collecting fad. The outrageous character designs and images proved to be so popular that even today, these cards still hold value. And the most valuable of the cards is Adam Bomb.

For some reason, it is worth around triple of any other card in the deck. Garbage Pail Kids cards go for about $1,000 but an Adam Bomb card in good condition can fetch around $3,000.

When you think about rare and valuable tosy, Beanie Babies are one of the most nostalgic. From the Princess Diana memorial bear to the original Patti the Platybus, there are quite a few that are coveted by many collectors. However few are as rare as Peanut the Elephant.

It was a printing error that had 2000 Peanut the Elephants hit the shelves with a darker fur color than was originally planned. These navy elephants are among the most collectible teddies, selling for up to $5,000. Of course, that all depends on the quality of the bear and whether the tags are included.

American Girl Dolls retail for about $120 new. But the discontinued ones like Felicity, Samantha and Kirsten can sell for way more on the collectors’ market.

Those dolls can fetch around a minimum of $1,000, but Molly, depending on cleanliness and the presence of accessories, sell for around $11,000. She is coveted greatly among collectors.

Atari cartridges are pure 80s nostalgia, and are still very much in demand even today. The game can fetch a high price but some are more valuable than others. Collectors are on the lookout for River Patrol, Mangia and Birthday Mania.

The most valuable of these games is Gamma-Attack. Only one copy is known to exist, and it is in the private collection of Anthony DeNardo. He has said that he is unwilling to sell, but did list it on eBay for $500,000. DeNardo only did it to see how much collectors were willing to pay.

The 1980s could be described by many things, shoulder pads, aerobics, big hair. However, toylines backed by successful cartoons also marked this decade.

Even more than Strawberry Shortcakes or My Little Pony toys, the original 80s Transformers toys could be worth a lot today. If you have a Transformer figure from 1984, and it is in its original box, then you’re looking at a truck or car that’s now worth around $1,000-$2,000. Roll out!

Star Wars toys always make a lot of money, but this 1978 Luke Skywalker figure brings the force in bucks. All the Star Wars merchandise sold between the original trilogy’s release and now do not compare to this toy. It is the most valuable piece.

There are only about 20 boxed versions in circulation. Many were lost or destroyed, and not a lot were sold in the first place. An original Luke Skywalker toy, sold to tie in with the first Star Wars movie, can go for up to $25,000.

The rocket-firing Boba Fett is a legendary action figure, with only around 100 examples made with this specific firing mechanism. Finding one in its original packaging is very difficult as they are super rare.

Rocket-firing Boba Fetts have gone on to sell for up to $236,000 on the market. And even if you did have the money, you’d have to wait for one to be listed.

Generation One Transformers toys have sold for high prices over the past years, but this Generation One Autobot Air Guardian released in 1985, has to be one of the most expensive. This red and white plane will go for $200 minimum.

An Autobot Air Guardian that is in mint or out-of-the-box condition will sell for $600 give or take.

Mint Tulip was introduced during Strawberry’s around-the-world tour. That was the time she visited the Dutch-inspired area of Hollandaise.

Mint Tulip tended the most beautiful garden in all of Strawberryland, and her flowing blonde hair and adorable print dress have endeared her to collectors. A still-in-the-box Mint Tulip can fetch close to $1,000, while a doll without the box can get just over $100.

When you think about nostalgic toys that could be quite valuable today, you might think of action figures or dolls based on a cartoon from the 80s. Though true, there are also valuable toys aimed at a younger demographic like the The Fisher-Price Little People Family House was aimed for a younger demographic and are still very valuable.

This particular toy was aimed at toddlers who can be messy and heavy-handed, so not a lot of these plastic yellow doll houses exist today. They are rare so they can fetch prices of $83, including significant wear and tear.

Thundercats are one of the most instantly recognisable toys from the 80’s. And of all the brightly-coloured heroes and villains inspired by cats, the most iconic has to be Lion-O, the leader of the Thundercats clan and its most powerful warrior.

Lion-O action figures are easy to find, but boxed versions on the resale market can go for over $1,600.

Teddy Ruxpin maybe the only example of a specific brand of teddy bear that became popular enough to be the best-selling toy of the year in 1985 and 1986.

Plenty of these bears exist in circulation today, with prices increasing depending on age and lack of wear and tear. So expect to pay a little over $200 for one slightly used bear.

G.I. Joe has been a favourite of many kids turned adults, and his motorised battle tank always gave him an unbeatable advantage in battle. Kids today and adults of yesteryear are very fond of this toy.

Many versions have been released since the 80s, but the original run is difficult to find. Auction examples are worth upwards of $1,000, especially if it is still in the box.

Toy guns were a part of the 80’s upbringing. It could have been Han Solo’s blaster, a simple lime green and yellow water gun, or even a Rambo-style machine gun. Even Transformers got into the toy gun market.

This ingenious transformer gun can take three distinct forms, which made it really desirable for kids. As a result, not many of these are left in the box. Expect to pay over $2,000 for sealed Megatron guns.

He-Man was released in 1983, and is now an iconic piece of cartoon history. The show has spawned hilariously meme-able moments, and even now, you can remember Skeletor’s laugh.

The show’s popularity works against it in terms of toy value though. The He-Man and Battle Cat two-pack playset is highly desired but only tops out at just under $100.

The toy that every kid with a summer birthday begged for in the 90’s was a Super Soaker. The 1990s Super Soaker 50 was the best and even friends wanted a turn with it.

Super Soakers were not supposed to be left in a box though, so most of the listings will have some level of wear and tear. In spite of that, their value has gone over $100.

Some nostalic toys are more loved than others. Teddy bears and expensive porcelain dolls are sometimes kept on a shelf and only looked at. Pristine trading cards, especially Pokémon cards, hold immense value today.

Former Pokémon obsessives have found out that their prized collection of cards hold massive value. The Holy Grail of Pokémon cards is the original Pikachu card, now commanding over $5,000 at auction when in good condition.

Many of these ponies were released in the 80s and 90s, so it’s not really a shocker that most of them ended up in horrible conditions. Some ponies have managed to avoid that fate and those are rare.

The Rapunzel pony was only made available as a special mail order toy. Only serious enthusiasts and collectors purchased these so it’s easier to find them in good condition. Look to pay upwards of $900.

Polly Pocket released a few sets in collaboration with Disney in the mid-90’s which included multiple princess castles. The coolest of them all was Jasmine’s.

It had tiny component parts and little details so the Polly Pocket Jasmine Princess Castle was expensive upon its release. If you see one with minimal wear and tear, expect to pay around $150 or so.

Care Bears are very iconic 80s characters but the Care Bear Cousins were pretty cute themselves, with each based on a different, distinct animal.

All original Care Bear Cousin toys have proven their value over time, but the secondhand market loves Noble Heart the Horse. You’ll have to bring out $600 or more to get one and that’s if one is listed at an auction.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had really cool playsets. Like this one in which the Ninja Turtles’ bedrooms transform into a huge ball with eyes. You would need a table to play with this one.

If a Technodome tickles your fancy, expect to pay over $300 for one out of the box.

Barbie was launched by American company Mattel, Inc, on March 9. 1959. It is perhaps the most iconic children’s toy of all time. The dolls are believed to have been designed by a businesswoman named Ruth Handler. She drew inspiration from a German doll called Bild Lilli.

There are hundreds of Barbies to choose from, but if you have one of the earliest editions, like this 1959 limited edition Barbie, complete with a black and white swimsuit and high heels, you’re in luck. One example has gone for $23,000 at auction, setting a record yet to be beaten.