There’s no question that nostalgia is a huge part of the appeal and pull of vintage toys, and each generation has its own. Who could forget the iconic Star Wars action figures from the ‘70s? By the ‘80s, the toy scene quickly gravitated to the meteoric rise of the Transformers. Ten years later, Furby was the biggest must-have for all children!
Beyond nostalgia, toys have a certain degree of rarity, authenticity, and their current condition easily makes up for the most expensive toys ever sold. Back then, you certainly would’ve never guessed that something made to be played with would fetch a huge amount of money a few decades later. With this in mind, we’ve compiled some of the most valuable and treasured toys from our childhood.
1978 Luke Skywalker Action Figure: $25,000
Anything from the original Star Wars sequel movies, including toys and action figures, is easily worth a ton of money today. People who started collecting back then are certainly lucky as they can easily get a sizable return on their investment. One of the people who were huge Star Wars collectors is Nigo, a well-known Japanese designer and founder of A Bathing Ape.
When Nigo decided to offload his prized Star Wars collection, he sought the services of Sotheby’s. All in all, the auction, which occurred back in 2015, brought in over half a million dollars, and among those toys which were auctioned off was this Luke Skywalker figurine. It’s valued at $25,000, and only 20 of these iconic figurines were made.
Garbage Pail Kids’ Cards: $1,000 Above
Anyone from the ’80s would easily argue that this decade was the best decade to grow up in. There were so many things to do if you were a kid, and there’s no question that you’d have one fantastic childhood. Besides all the things to do, there were also many things to collect. One of those things was the Garbage Pail Kids’ Cards.
Garbage Pail Kids’ Cards easily takes credit as an incredibly enjoyable thing. However, we certainly didn’t know that these things would have a value of $1,000 or even higher today. Some cards cost more than $1,000, and the “Adam Bomb” card can even fetch you up to $3,000. You can even get bonus dollars if you somehow have the card in its original packaging.
PEZ Dispensers: Prices Vary
It’s no secret that we like to have our favorite animated characters on almost everything back in the day. One of those fun toys that had our favorite characters was the PEZ dispenser. If you happen to have kept yours, then it’s worth knowing that they might be worth something today. It still has value even if it’s old, damaged to a minimal degree, and candy-less!
Back in 2006, a PEZ dispenser, known as the Astronaut B, made waves when it got sold on eBay for around $32,000. The dispenser was originally created for the 1982 World’s Fair, and people certainly got surprised that it fetched that much money. There are also other collectible dispensers and some of them are the 1955 Santa Claus Head dispenser, the Mickey Mouse Soft Head dispenser, and even the PEZ gun.
Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000
We certainly would’ve never guessed that a “Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby” would fetch up to $5,000. It’s certainly a steep price, but this expensive value is due to a manufacturing error. As a result, only 2,000 of these toys were made. You could say that this is one error that was dramatically done right in the long run.
As we said, these royal blue “Peanut” elephants are now worth at least $5,000. Today, it’s the most collectible and valuable Beanie Baby in existence. If you happen to own one, then you might be looking at a pretty sizable return on your investment. Another valuable version is the Humphrey the Camel which has a value of at least $2,000.
Hot Wheels: Prices Vary
One of the most memorable toys from our childhood is toy cars. And, when it comes to toy cars, Mattel’s Hot Wheels is certainly the most famous line for palm-sized toy cars. Hot Wheels have been one of the most sold toys in the market over the past few decades, and interestingly, there are some palm-sized cars that are extremely valuable!
Among the most valuable Hot Wheels is the “1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb” prototype.” It’s designed with surfboards hanging out the back window, and it has wheels that are quite large for Mattel’s race tracks. Interestingly, this model never went into massive production, and it’s the reason why this model is incredibly valuable to any collector. Anyone who has this model is easily looking at a return-on-investment of around $125,000.
The Original Monopoly Game: $146,500
We feel that it’s more than safe to assume that millions of people know and have played Monopoly at some point in their lives. Interestingly, there’s one Monopoly game that’s worth a ton of money today. If you happen to have an original, hand-drawn, oil-cloth version of this game, then you are looking at a return-on-investment of at least $146,500.
One original, hand-drawn, oil-cloth version was sold for $146,500 back in a 2011 Sotheby’s auction. You could say that the fact that the game’s inventor Charles Darrow owned it made it even more valuable. However, you don’t have to feel bad if you don’t have an incredibly rare version of this iconic game. There are vintage versions from the ‘30s that have sold for over $3,000 on eBay.
Wun-Dar He-Man: Prices Vary
By now, you might know for a fact that most iconic figurines have an absurd value attached to them. One of the most iconic action figures that have a steep price tag is Wun-Dar He-Man. It’s worth noting that prices vary on these action figurines, but you’ll certainly be able to get a higher return on your investment if you decide to cash in and sell yours.
Wun-Dar He-Man is also known as the naked He-Man with a loincloth, and this brawny figurine was a giveaway that came when you purchased Wonder Bread back in the ‘90s. You’re certainly in luck if you happen to have saved and kept yours. Even if you don’t have the loaf of white bread, this action figurine could go for as much as $500 on eBay.
Action Comics No. 1: $3.2 Million
It’s not a secret that comic books are worth a ton of money, especially if you happen to own the most valuable ones. One of the most valuable comic books in existence is Action Comics No. 1, and it fetched over $3.2 million on eBay. It’s worth noting that this 1938 edition was in pristine condition, and it’s not a surprise that it went for that much money during an auction back in 2014.
If you’re wondering what the fuss is all about this comic book, then a short answer would be Superman. It’s the first comic book that introduced the iconic character to the world. Another reason for its staggering value is the fact that there are fewer than 50 copies that exist worldwide. You could say that this comic book has an unmatched degree of rarity!
American Girl “Molly” Doll: $11,000
Dolls are also toys that can have a steep value attached to them, especially if they’re rare dolls. Accordingly, American Girl Dolls have been a staple when it comes to dolls, and a new one will run you around $120. However, there are discontinued dolls like Samantha, Kirsten, Molly, and Felicity, and they’re worth a ton of money.
If you happen to have one of these discontinued and “out of print” dolls at home, then you could easily make as much as $11,000. You certainly never would’ve guessed that buying a doll would be such an excellent long-term investment. One “Molly” doll sold for $11,000, and it’s worth noting that you need to have its original clothing as well as the accessories.
Fisher Price’s Push Cart Pete: $3,000
We certainly get confused as to why some toys have a steep value attached to them these days. Accordingly, one of the toys that have a steep and expensive price is the Fisher Price’s Push Cart Pete, which can easily rake in up to $3,000. It’s not a surprise why this toy is worth three grand as vintage Fisher-Price toys are generally valuable.
It’s worth noting that you’d have to have your Fisher-Price toy in mint condition for it to be able to bring in the big bucks. If you happen to have kept yours and kept them in pristine condition, then you certainly are looking at a sizable return on investment after all these years. A minimum of $3,000 is certainly not bad, considering these retailed for 50 cents back in the day.
Game Boy: $750-$1,000
Modern technology has brought us the wonders of smartphones, and with it, hand-held gaming has also risen to an incredible degree of prominence in the gaming industry. However, as we know, this wasn’t always the case. During the ‘90s, hand-held gaming was ruled by Nintendo’s Game Boy.
While all modern hand-held consoles are full-colored, Game Boys only featured two tones of gray with accents of black, dark magenta, and blue. Its predecessor Game Boy Color revolutionized the console, furthering its global video game market success. It is still hailed as the third best-selling video game console in history. That being said, the original Game Boy is a cultural icon in its own right, and if you still own one in mint condition, it is worth hundreds of dollars.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone First Edition: $6,500
At this point, most of us are probably aware of the Harry Potter series. It came from the wonderful mind of J.K. Rowling, and the first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was published back in 1997. With its myriad of themes and cultural references, the fantasy series easily captured the attention of both adults and children alike.
Since its initial release, the series has sold at least 500 million copies worldwide. It has been credited for being the best-selling book series ever, and the first edition of the US version of the first book is valued at up to $6,500 today. If you get your hands on a signed copy, the value could sky-rocket to $15,000.
Cabbage Patch Kids: Varied Prices
Dolls have been one of the best toys to accompany a growing child through any lonely days. And one of the classic dolls to ever hit the market is the Cabbage Patch Kids. They are unique cloth dolls with plastic heads produced during the ‘80s. The designs were inspired by a line of soft sculptured dolls named Little People in the late-’70s. These dolls were originally collectibles but would later be rebranded by Roger Schlaifer back in 1982.
When it was originally released, the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls were credited for being one of the top-selling toys on the market. They are pieces of history, and there is even a museum solely dedicated to housing these collectibles. Its collection is said to value a total of $360,000.
Teddy Ruxpin: $500-$1,000
Stuffed teddy bears are probably one of the most generic toys you can give to a child. Nonetheless, its simplicity wouldn’t matter as no child can say no to a cute and fluffy teddy bear, and when it comes to this type of toy, one of the best to have ever come up on the market is the Teddy Ruxpin. Not only does it come with a cute design, but it is also an innovative animatronic toy that ‘reads’ children stories. Its mouth and eyes move as the toy plays the audio cassette inserted on its back.
This classic toy was created by Ken Forsee and became the best-selling toy during the mid-’80s. If you own an original Teddy Ruxpin from 1985 in top-notch condition, it can value over $1,600.
Pokemon Cards: Varied Prices
Pokemon was originally a video game released for Nintendo’s Game Boy back in 1996. It quickly became one of the console’s flagship games, and their investments led to international success. To this day, Nintendo continues to release spin-offs of the original game. In fact, the gaming company has branched into becoming one of the most successful media franchises in the industry.
Apart from the several animated series and video games, Pokemon cards have been one of the most popular venues of the franchise. Some of the rare cards can go up to several hundreds of dollars. One of the rarest is the Pikachu Illustrator — only 41 copies were distributed in history. A near mint copy could fetch up to $375,000.
Lionel’s Pennsylvania “Trail Blazer” Train Set: Varied Prices
This next one is more than just a toy. Some might even credit it for being an important piece of history regarding novelty toys. There is no question that trains are one of the all-time go-to toys for children, along with cop cars and fire trucks. Although, there are specific train sets that go for over thousands of dollars. These are no mere toys but are considered collector items that any adult can be proud of having.
Lionel Corporation has established itself to be one of the leading producers of model railroads and toy trains since 1990. Nowadays, their train sets are made with the latest 21st-century technology. A classic Trail Blazer set from Lionel can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset: $1,600
Masters of the Universe is one of those classic shows that has gained a considerable degree of a cult following throughout the years. For those unfamiliar, this media franchise was originally created by Mattel and was first released back in the ’80s. The story follows Prince Adam, who has an alter-ego, the superhero He-Man, as he battles against Skeletor in the sword and sorcery world of planet Eternia.
Since the franchise’s release, it has branched out to different successful products such as comic books, video games, films, books, magazines, and of course, action figures. Among them, the most famous of all would be the Eternia playset, which featured action figures of all the main characters. It is said to value over $1,600.
1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures: Varied Prices
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise was originally an American Comic Book series created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman. As we know, its story follows humanoid turtle brothers, namely Raphael, Donatello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo, as they fight evil forces in New York City. It was first published back in 1984. Since then, the franchise has risen to a degree of international popularity that includes merchandising, animated series, and film releases.
The action figures that spawned from the franchise had over $1.1 billion in sales from 1988 until 1992. This ranked them as the third best-selling action figures during that era, and if you still own an original ‘80s Ninja Turtle action figure, you can sell it for over $400-$900.
“Where the Wild Things Are” First Edition: $25,000
While we don’t consider children’s books toys, they are undoubtedly a huge part of our childhood. In our experience, these simple yet creative pieces of literature helped build our imagination and, to a certain degree, helped shaped how we viewed the world as a kid. So, what’s your favorite children’s book?
One unforgettable children’s book is Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are for some. The picture book is a certified classic and was originally released back in 1963. It has been adapted in many different forms of art such as animation, opera, and even full-length film back in 2009. As such, it wouldn’t be a surprise that a first edition copy of this children’s book in mint condition would be valued at over $25,000.
Lite Brite: $300
Arts and craft toys will always have a special place in each household. After all, they are perfect pastime activities for the whole family. One classic art and craft toy is Lite Brite, which was initially marketed during the late-’60s by Hasbro. The mind behind this unique game is credited to Burt Meyer. It has been in circulation ever since and has been regarded as one of the top 100 toys in history by Times magazine.
Lite Brite is a simple panel that is illuminated by background light. You’ll use colored pegs to either create a ‘freeform’ image or follow a template that comes with the product. A full set from the ‘70s and ‘90s in good condition can value at least $300 today.
Faker Action Figure: $1,000
We have seen how much the Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset is actually worth. However, apart from the playset, the original individual action figures from the ‘80s can also be worth hundreds. In particular, a Faker in-box action figure investment can range from $300 up to $1,000.
As we know, the Masters of the Universe franchise is mainly about the battle of He-Man against Skeletor. However, along the way, the superhero faced a myriad of the villain’s minions, and among them was his evil robot impostor Faker. Different toy lines have presented this character in various appearances through the years. On the other hand, the original toy line shows Faker as an exact replica of He-Man but with blue skin.
Vintage Atari Cartridges: Varied Prices
Nowadays, home computer consoles are one of every household’s most sought-after entertainment systems. Undoubtedly, these computers have gone through a degree of rapid technological advancements over the recent decades. From the Nintendo SNES to the Sony PlayStation, none can be more vital to technological progress than Atari.
Atari was the biggest home console in the ’80s, holding over 80% of the video game market during those years. Along with its massive commercial success, the gaming console gave us some of the best classic games that we hold dear to our hearts. As such, some of the game cartridges that still exist today can go over hundreds of dollars. You’d certainly be lucky if you could get your hands on one of them.
Jurassic Park Action Figures: Varied Prices
The Jurassic Park media franchise took off during the ‘90s when Universal Pictures laid out their investments to purchase the rights to Michael Crichton’s science fiction novel. As we know, Steven Spielberg was responsible for the 1993 film adaptation that essentially propelled the franchise to what it is today. The Jurassic World franchise has generated several movie releases, including the up-and-coming Jurassic World Dominion.
Apart from the theme parks and film releases, the franchise also found great commercial success with its merchandise. The original ‘90s action figures of the iconic dinosaurs can fetch you a hefty sum today if you still have them in mint condition, of course. The original T-Rex action figure is said to have a value of over $2,800.
Original Transformers Action Figures: Varied Prices
The younger generation may only know of Transformers from the Michael Bay films. After all, it was a series of blockbusters that garnered millions in the box office worldwide. However, as some of us might know, the Autobots and Decepticons rivalry has existed since the ‘80s. The Transformers toy line is credited as one of the best-selling toys of all time. Its commercial success led to the animation series and all other spin-offs that came along over the years.
Transformers was originally produced in Japan by Takara and American company Hasbro. It was originally a toy line of transforming mecha toys, which later birthed the Transformers that we all love and know today. An Optimus Prime figurine complete with pristine packaging can sell for over $1,000.
Mario Kart 64: $400+
Mario Kart is easily one of the best Nintendo games of all time. It is one of those party games you can play with your friends and family in any situation. For those unfamiliar, it is a go-kart racing game where you can power up by picking up different power-up items along various racing courses. Moreover, apart from the Mario series, the game also features characters from other classic Nintendo games such as Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and The Legend of Zelda.
The game was originally released back in 1992. Since then, it has been released on different Nintendo platforms and even one for mobile phones. If you had the investments to buy one of the original Mario Kart 64 games, it could now sell up to over $400.
First Edition Barbie Doll: $23,000
While action figures and superhero figurines are one of the all-time go-to toys for kids, there is no question that Barbie dolls also made a significant cultural impact. It is manufactured by Mattel Inc and was originally launched back in 1959. The brains behind this iconic doll can be credited to American businesswoman, Ruth Handler.
Over the years, the Barbie franchise has expanded to different forms of entertainment, including an animated series that aired on Nickelodeon in 2002 until 2017. Moreover, it has evolved with time. The doll has even gone through a make-over to be more progressive and inclusive. That being said, it only raises the value of the original dolls. The first edition doll, clad in a zebra-striped swimsuit, is valued from $8,000-$23,000.
Original Furby: $900
Any fluffy doll can make any crying child do a one-eighty towards the world of happiness, and during the late ‘90s, one of the biggest crazes to hit the toy market was the American electronic robot Furby. It was part of the investments of American toy manufacturers Tiger Electronics.
Furbies were such a commercial success that over 40 million units were sold during its first three years on the market. It was a global phenomenon that 24 versions of different languages were released of the talking dolls. It has a quirky, cute look that resembles an owl or a hamster that made any child fall in love at first sight. If you have an original Furby from the late-’90s, its value can go up to at least $900.
Vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dolls: $100 – $550
While the character Strawberry Shortcake was created initially for greeting cards back in the ‘70s, she became a well-known icon across multiple areas over the years. In particular, dolls showing her likeness became the rage during the ‘80s. Known for the unique scent in each doll, dolls produced during this time are now highly coveted by many. Even if they are already decades old, the scent of these dolls was reported to still linger, which can be credited to a special process by toy manufacturer Kenner.
Strawberry Shortcake dolls made during the ‘80s could fetch a price ranging from $100 to $550, depending on the condition of the doll sold. Dolls in mint condition can fetch $550 or possibly even more.
Digimon: Prices Vary
For those who grew up in the ‘90s, virtual pets were quite a common sight among kids. One well-known virtual pet is Digimon, which was first released back in 1997 and has since spawned into a franchise encompassing the virtual pet, anime, manga, and a trading card game. Today, Digimon items, whether virtual pets or cards, have become highly sought after by collectors.
Vintage Digimon pets can be valued from $120 to even $605, depending on its condition. Similarly, old Digimon cards have been appraised in very high values, ranging from $50 to even $600, depending on the rarity and condition of the card. Thanks to the large value attached, many Digimon collectors have seen their items not just as a profession of their love for the franchise but also as an investment.
Lego Trains: $1,000 – $3,000
Lego, made by the Danish toy maker of the same name, has been the dominant building block toy for decades. Generations of people, from the late ‘40s to today have assembled various degrees of contraptions from these plastic blocks during their childhood. When the toy maker made train and accompanying station models during the ‘60s, it combined a fascination of building blocks with another nostalgic hobby form many: train sets.
While Lego Trains are quite pricey, at around $200, some models can reach thousands of dollars in price. Old modles can even range from $1000 to $3000 in value, with the high value typically found on mint models. Even so, used models can still cost around $1000 or more, which may require a parent to take out cash loans just to afford to buy it.
Jem and the Holograms Dolls: $675
For those who grew up during the ‘80s, Jem and the Holograms is perhaps one of the staples of the day. The series ran from 1985 to 1988 and became a hit to young girls. In tandem with the show, a line of dolls featuring Jem and her band was released, which became widely popular. Today, such dolls, especially those created during the series’ run, have prices that are just as truly, truly outrageous as Jem and the Holograms.
On the collector’s market, Jem dolls can sell for upwards of $675. In addition, other dolls, accessories both standalone and accompanying, and paraphernalia can sell in the hundreds of dollars. Such items have been regarded by fans and collectors as investments due to their value.
She-Ra, Princess of Power and Her Horse Swift Wind: Prices Vary
Released initially back in 1985 as He-Man’s twin sister, She-Ra became a widely popular figure due to her bravery and resilience. Especially in recent years, she has seen a surge in new fans due to the success of the show She-Ra and the Princess of Power. Her action figures have been just as coveted and sought after as He-Man’s over the years. Particularly, old models featuring her have been noted to be quite pricey.
For instance, an original action figure in-box, packaged alongside her horse, was listed for $1,500. However, such a high price tends to be found mostly on the rarest and least damaged figures. Typically, figures can reach around $150 to $600, which is still expensive and can probably empty someone’s credit card if they buy it.
Vintage Playmobil: Prices Vary
While Playmobil’s history can be traced back into the 19th century, it was back in 1974 when its idea of plastic figurines and set pieces was developed. Today, it is one of the most popular toys around, rivaling that of Lego. Its signature figures, which is integral to the toy, has been beloved and coveted by many over the years.
Particularly, vintage Playmobil figures and set pieces can be quite exspensive for someone who has a credit card balance in the single to double digits. For one, prices can reach from as low as $11 to as high as $223. This indicates the wide variety of vintage Playmobil available. The most expensive Playmobil model to be sold was a 1995 Victorian Dollhouse for around $1,000.
G.I. Joe Action Figures and Accessories: Prices Vary
Ever since it was introduced by Hasbro back in 1964, G.I. Joe has been a fixture of popular culture, with a consistent base of fans and a convention of G.I. Joe enthusiasts. Given its decades-long popularity, it is no surprise that any related item has been coveted by many over the years. In particular, vintage Joes and their accessories can run in varied prices, with figures from the enemy organization Cobra being the most valued of them all.
Such prices can typically reach in the thousands of dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the toy. The most exspensive by far is a prototype toy from 1963. It was sold for $200,000 at an auction in 2003, which must cost the buyer a lot of investment money.
Vintage Rainbow Brite Dolls and Accessories: Prices Vary
When Rainbow Brite was first released back in 1984 in television, it quickly became a hit with many, with its catchy theme song being beloved by viewers. The saga of the titular character and her sidekicks, the Color Kids, in their quest to preserve all the color in the world hooked audiences for two years. In line with its success, a line of dolls featuring the show’s characters have been sought after in recent years by many.
Looking at the website eBay, you can find several vintage Rainbow Brite dolls and accessories valued at the hundreds of dollars. Perhaps the most expensive doll is valued at $1,000. So, before attempting to make your own collection of the Color Kids, you better prepare a lot of your investment money.
Magic: The Gathering Card Collections: Prices Vary
Among the various card games that have popped up over the years, none has achieved much success and worldwide fame as Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Regarded as the first trading card game, its massive popularity has just kept on growing for decades. In fact, those who bought booster packs of the game in its early years may find themselves holding some of the most valuable cards out there.
Some of the most exspensive trading cards recorded came from Magic: The Gathering. Among the top 14 most valuable cards, the 14th was valued at $5,000. The most expensive, an alpha version of Black Lotus, was valued at slightly more than $500,000. Even if you are not really into collecting, buying an MTG booster box can set you around $130, which may require you to take money loans.
Boba Fett Action Figure: $5,000
When Star Wars was released back in 1979, nobody thought that a franchise of galactic proportions can spawn from it. Today, the franchise is one of the largest franchises out there, with film, TV shows, action figures, comics, and conventions having defined it. Given that, many Star Wars fans have been avid collector of any collectible. Most notably, toy collectors have amassed a huge collection which pretty much counts as investment on their part.
While some Star Wars figures can be on the lower price range, there are some that have fetched a hefty price. For instance, a prototype figure of the bounty hunter Boba Fett was initially appraised for around $5,000, which is already a lot. When it was sold in 2016, it reached nearly $35,000 in value.
Vintage Colorforms: $250 – $400
With the resurgence of adult coloring books in recent years, it seems that the all-time classic Colorforms, with their reusable stickers and colorful background, has been making a return in demand. The colorful sticker toys have featured countless themes and famous characters over the years. Basing on eBay’s catalogue of Colorforms, a modern set can cost you somewhere between $30 to $100, depending on the size and complexity of the set.
However, much older Colorforms can pretty reach in the hundreds of dollars. Unused sets can be sold for $250, which may require you to have your credit card balance to be in the thousands of dollars. Rare and unused Colorform sets can sometimes be valued up to $400, possibly even higher.
Happy Meal Toys: Prices Vary
Ever since its introduction back in 1979, McDonald’s Happy Meals have made countless children around the world not only full but also satisfied due to the toys that come along with it. The fast-food giant’s collaboration with major brands, such as Disney and Marvel, have made Happy Meals popular. The toys’ nature as limited edition only made it coveted items by collectors around the world, with some getting the toys as part of their themed collection.
On eBay, collections, like an all-Disney-themd characters, are priced at around $300 and a Barbie-themed collection at $135. Some of the most expensive Happy Meal toys can reach as much as $400. So, if you as a kid bought a Happy Meal, you might have stumbled into perhaps a highly valuable toy and investment.
Vintage Super Soaker Water Guns: $100 – $500
Invented back in 1989 by Lonnie Johnson and released a year later by Hasbro, Super Soakers made water fights more action-packed, and thus, fun. Nobody does water fights anymore without having a Super Soaker or the countless toys inspired from it. While you can buy a Super Soaker for as little as $23 which is not that heavy for your credit card, older models can reach higher prices in many stores and auction events.
There are lots of old Super Soaker guns that are sold at stores like eBay and Amazon in three-figure values. Some of the earliest models can even go as high as $600. Typically, older Super Soakers tend to range from $100-$500, depending on the condition of the toy.