If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably had some pretty cool toys, like Barbies, Chatty dolls, Hot Wheels, and G.I. Joe! These classic toys were everywhere. But what you might not know is that many of these ’60s vintage toys are now worth serious money.
So, this list is for every ’60s kid – featuring some of the most collectible toys from the ’60s that will not only bring back your childhood memories, but may also bring you a small fortune, if you still have them.
1. Original Ponytail Barbie Dolls (1960s)
Barbie came out in 1959, but the early ’60s versions are what everyone wants! Especially the original #1 and #2 Ponytail Barbies from 1959-1960 are among the most valuable vintage dolls, with mint condition examples selling for $8,000-$10,000+!
Look for dolls with white irises, heavy black eyeliner, and “Made in Japan” stamped on the foot. Brunette versions are rarer than blondes (3:1 ratio) and can fetch up to $6,000 even out of the box. Models with unique attire, like this graduation Barbie, are also highly sought after!
2. Chatty Cathy Dolls (1960s)
These were the talking dolls from Mattel that said 11 different things when you pulled the string in the back. Mattel made them in different hair colors, and you could buy extra outfits separately. While most early Chatty Cathy dolls are valuable, the most valuable are the African American versions, produced only in the mid-1960s
Most of them stopped working over the years, so a Chatty Cathy that actually chatters is getting harder to find. Depending on condition and rarity, they can sell for $100 to $1,500+!
3. D.A.M Troll Monkey (Mid-1960s)
This 1960s mini-Dam monkey troll doll sold for over $400, making these dolls among the most valuable troll collectibles. Original Dam Things monkey trolls from Denmark feature glass eyes, mohair hair, and are stamped “Design Dam Patent” on the foot. These rare collectibles from the mid-1960s often come with unique outfits or trunks!
4. Kenner Easy-Bake Oven Set (1964)
These are miniature toy ovens that use a light bulb to let kids actually bake small cakes and cookies. The original 1960s Easy-Bake Ovens came in yellow and turquoise colors, with turquoise versions fetching higher prices of $50-$70 each.
Today, mint-condition Easy-Bake ovens in their original boxes can command up to $350. Look for the distinctive styling of the early models, complete with the box, original accessories, pans, and mixes + the working light bulb mechanism!
5. Ideal Petite Princess Dollhouse Furniture (1964)
Ideal Toy Company made these incredibly detailed miniature furniture pieces in 1964-1966, which were really popular among kids. These sets had real tiny mirrors, metal parts, and actual fabric on the chairs.
However, these toys didn’t have a long life as the company actually lost money making them! So, finding a complete set in original boxes now is so unusual. Based on the number of pieces, these can sell for $30 to $300+!
6. Kenner’s Spirograph Drawing Toy (1967)
Spirograph was Kenner’s iconic drawing toy that created unique geometric shapes and designs using plastic gears and pens. The original Spirograph sets with metal gears and quality construction are more valuable than later plastic versions.
You’d want to look for complete sets with all original gears, pens, and the instruction booklet. Also, look for the Kenner logo, as vintage Kenner versions from the 1960s, like this set no. 401 from 1967, can sell for $50-$200!
7. Hot Wheels Collection (1960s)
The world-famous die-cast toy cars “Hot Wheels” started in 1968 with 16 different cars that collectors call the “Sweet Sixteen.” Look for cars with red lines on the tires, like this Redline set, that tells you they’re from the early years. Common Redlines in mint condition can fetch $50-$200 each and $500-$1,000 for larger sets.
Some rare models can sell for thousands, too. Like the legendary 1969 Pink VW Beach Bomb prototype is valued upward of $150,000, with only two known to exist.
8. Little Kiddle Toys (1960s)
Mattel’s tiny dolls with sweet scents and rooted hair were a major hit in the ’60s. The original 1966-1967 Kiddles are most valuable, especially those with working perfume scents and complete outfits.
Jewelry Kiddles with tiny gems and Storybook Kiddles in their themed accessories also command premium prices, so look for the tiny detailed faces and original rooted hair. Original packaging with the clear plastic cases also increases value.
9. G.I. Joe Action Figures (1964/66)
Hasbro’s first-ever action figure, G.I. Joe, can sell for hundreds or even thousands, with original 12-inch figures with realistic hair and complete military uniforms being most sought after. Like this Black Soldier figure sold for $3,450! Foreign variants and rare accessories like the Action Sailor uniform also boost the value! Look for the “G.I. Joe” stamped on the hip to spot real pieces!
10. Mattel’s Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker (1964)
This was a slightly dangerous toy from Mattel that let kids create their own rubber monsters using heated metal molds and “Plastigoop” compounds. The original metal Thingmaker is quite collectible, with complete sets with original Plastigoop compounds, molds, and accessories reaching $200 to $500!
11. Etch-A-Sketch (1960s)
The Ohio Art Company’s Etch-A-Sketch was the ’60s kids’ iPad! It’s a mechanical drawing toy that uses aluminum powder and a stylus to draw. This toy hasn’t changed much in 65 years, which means vintage versions aren’t worth as much as rarer toys, selling for about $5-$40. But if you want to relive childhood memories, don’t miss it!
12. 1960s Lego Sets
Lego sets have been trending since the first set was released in 1958. Despite many modern variations, early 1960s sets with the original logo and building instructions are the most collectible ones.
Some popular 1960s sets included Town Plan (1958-1962), Basic Building Set, and early vehicle sets. Special series, like this DC Comics Batman Batcave series, can also be worth a lot, especially in original packaging.
13. Deluxe’s Dream Kitchen Set (The Early 1960s)
The Deluxe Reading Company released the Dream kitchen sets in 1962-1963. These detailed toy kitchen playsets, featuring realistic appliances and accessories, quickly became popular among young girls.
Collectors like these toys over modern playsets due to their metal construction and lifelike details. Early complete sets with working features like opening oven doors, spinning mixer beaters, and tiny utensils can easily fetch up to $150 to $500 or even more!
14. Marx Rock ’em Sock ’em Boxing Robots (1966)
One of the most classic, iconic toys, this one from Marx Toys features Red Rocker and Blue Bomber robots in a boxing ring! The robots are controlled by levers to punch and knock opponents’ heads off.
Since most toys had been broken, finding working sets with both robots, the ring, and the original box is rather rare (worth $100 to $500+)! Look for bright, unfaded colors and working head-popping action; these features can add value.
15. Fisher Price Little People Play Set (1960s)
Fisher-Price has been making toys for kids since way back, and their playsets are some of the best. Most people know them for the Little People line that started in the 1960s, featuring little figures like wooden pegs and regular life scenes, like houses, hospitals, schools, etc. Today, early 1960s complete sets with all the people and accessories can fetch hundreds!
16. Vintage Crissy Dolls (the Late 1960s)
Ideal Toy Company started making Crissy in 1969, and her most notable feature was the “growing hair.” There was a knob on her back that you could turn to make her red hair longer or shorter. The earliest 1969 models had hair that extended to the floor, like this Black Crissy Doll example, while later versions only reached hip length.
Some popular lines include Movin’ Groovin’ Crissy (swivel waist), Look Around Crissy (head and waist turn), Talky Crissy (spoke phrases), and Swirla-Curler Crissy (came with hair accessories). Based on the completeness and condition, these can be worth $100 to $700!
17. Rushton Rubber Face Plush Toys
The Rushton Company in Atlanta made these unusual stuffed animals from the 1950s through the 1980s. What made them different was the rubber faces painted by hand; they had big eyes and funny expressions that kids loved back then, and collectors seek today!
I’m sure after reading this, you will be digging in that old trunk of yours to check whether you still have any of these nostalgic childhood toys! If you find one or some other toy, don’t forget to share.
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
