7 Forgotten Millennial Treasures Worth a Fortune Now

The Nostalgia-Driven Collectibles Market

Remember when your biggest worry was keeping your Tamagotchi alive or finding that elusive holographic Charizard? Those carefree days might seem distant now, but your childhood treasures could be making adult-sized contributions to your bank account. With 94% of Gen Z and millennials expressing interest in collectibles compared to 80% of Gen X, the market for nostalgic items has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry. The global collectibles market has grown significantly and is projected to continue expanding in the coming years.

That dusty box in your childhood bedroom isn't just taking up space anymore. So let's explore which millennial favorites have transformed from playground companions into serious investments.

Pokémon Cards

The first edition Pokémon cards, especially the holo Charizard, are very valuable. What started as playground currency has evolved into one of the most lucrative collectibles markets today. If you spent your childhood trying to "catch 'em all," and managed to hang onto your Pokémon cards (and keep them in reasonably good condition), you can make a small fortune. As with other collectibles, the price your cards can command will depend on the condition, the scarcity of the card, and the specific Pokémon depicted.

GOBankingRates previously reported that valuable cards can range from hundreds of dollars up to six figures. The magic lies in those pristine first-edition cards, particularly the Base Set releases from 1998. Even common cards in excellent condition can fetch surprising amounts when nostalgia meets rarity.

Beanie Babies

You've probably heard the hype around the Beanie Baby craze. But not all are worth money. The rare ones, however, are a different story. Peace Bear, Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant, and some others can get you thousands if authentic and with tags. One such Beanie Baby can range between $2,000 and $7,000. Beanie Babies, the stuffed animals with heart-shaped tags, became a phenomenon in the '90s, with parents and collectors lining up for hours (and even camping outside stores) to snag the latest releases.

While the vast majority of Beanie Babies aren't worth much, rare versions like Princess the Bear and Peanut the Elephant have been known to sell for thousands on eBay. The key factors that drive value include manufacturing errors, rare colors, early retirement dates, and those precious original tags that collectors guard like sacred artifacts.

Original Furby

As one of the first interactive robotic pets, the Furby was a '90s sensation. Though it didn't do much aside from babble in its own language and wiggle its ears, first-generation Furbies in their original packaging, especially those featuring rare colors or limited editions, can sell for thousands of dollars. Their quirky personality and cultural impact make them a treasured collectible, with prices easily cruising into the thousands.

Initially priced around $35, certain rare and well-preserved Furbys can now sell for hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars, driven by nostalgia, rarity, and collector demand. As of writing, one was sold on eBay for an astounding $2,500. In the 2024 edition of this guide, the highest sale price was $1,800. Limited editions like the Kid Cuisine Furby command premium prices, while even common first-generation models in good condition can surprise you with their current market value.

Hot Wheels Cars

24 in 2025. But if you're lucky, an older, mint-in-box Hot Wheels car can sell on the aftermarket for $12,000 or more. Those tiny die-cast cars that survived countless crashes and sandbox adventures might be your ticket to financial freedom. Collectors love those early Hot Wheels with the red stripes on the tires. These came out between 1968 and 1977. The rare "Beach Bomb" van with surfboards in the back is one of the most valuable toys ever. Its price is around $150,000.

Even more common models from the millennial era can fetch surprising prices, especially if they're still sealed in their original blister packs. Color variations, chase cars, and special series releases all contribute to a Hot Wheels' collector value.

Tamagotchi Digital Pets

If you remember feeding your digital pet in class, you may want to dig that Tamagotchi up from the back of the attic. First-gen Tamagotchis are back in demand. If you've got a working one, it could be worth something. It's even better if you saved the packaging. Some limited colors are rare, and prices are satisfying. Those egg-shaped virtual pets that demanded constant attention are experiencing a major renaissance.

First-generation Tamagotchis from the late '90s, particularly in rare shell colors or limited editions, command impressive prices today. The nostalgic appeal of these early digital companions resonates strongly with millennials who remember sneaking virtual pet care sessions during math class. Working condition is crucial for value, though even non-functional units with original packaging can surprise collectors.

Original Game Boy Systems

The OG Nintendo Game Boy is another rare gem for collectors, and certain models have been known to sell for thousands of dollars on eBay. That chunky gray handheld that survived countless drops and AA battery changes has earned its place in gaming history, and collectors are paying accordingly. The original 1989 Game Boy, especially in good working condition with its box and manuals, represents the dawn of portable gaming for many millennials.

Limited edition colors, regional variants, and complete-in-box systems drive the highest values. With its lower price point and smaller footprint, the set may be especially attractive to fans looking to start a retro LEGO display on a budget. If you're a Nintendo fan, LEGO has made sure you're spoiled for choice in 2025. Even the recent LEGO Game Boy set shows how much cultural cache this device still holds.

McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

It might sound silly, but some McDonald's toys are now valuable toys. Especially limited promotions like the Teenie Beanie Babies or Pokemon runs. The rare ones are usually regional or time-limited. A full set in original packaging can definitely be one of the more surprising collectibles. Those plastic treasures that came with your chicken nuggets weren't just cheap promotional items. Especially limited promotions like the Teenie Beanie Babies or Pokemon runs.

The rare ones are usually regional or time-limited. A full set in original packaging can definitely be one of the more surprising collectibles. Specific series like the 1998 Teenie Beanie Babies, Disney movie tie-ins, and regional exclusives have developed devoted collector bases. Complete sets in pristine condition, especially with original bags, can fetch hundreds of dollars from nostalgic adults.