13 Obscure Toys from the ’70s That Are Now Worth a Fortune
The 1970s gave us disco, lava lamps, and Saturday morning cartoons, but it was also a golden era for toy makers experimenting with quirky, imaginative, and downright bizarre playthings. While some toys became instant classics, others were short-lived, overlooked, or just too strange to gain mainstream popularity.
Fast forward to today, and many of these forgotten treasures have turned into goldmines. Collectors scour eBay, flea markets, and estate sales to get their hands on these rare relics from childhood—some fetching thousands of dollars.
1. Micronauts Time Traveler
What if your action figures could be interchangeable, customizable, and totally futuristic? That’s exactly what the Micronauts line brought to the toy world in 1976.
Featuring transparent bodies and snap-together limbs, the Micronauts Time Traveler was the ultimate DIY sci-fi hero. Sold for just a couple of dollars back then, a mint condition figure today can fetch up to $500.
These tiny, articulated figures paved the way for later action figure innovations. They were highly detailed, incredibly imaginative, and just obscure enough to make them highly sought-after today.
2. Kenner Blythe Dolls
With oversized heads and mesmerizing eyes that changed colors with a pull of a string, Kenner’s Blythe Dolls were a little too unusual for 1972. Kids didn’t quite get them, and sales flopped, leading to an early discontinuation.
Fast forward to today, and Blythe Dolls are one of the most sought-after vintage toys on the market. A pristine original doll can fetch upwards of $2,000—quite a leap from their original $25 price tag.
Their unique aesthetic has made them a cult favorite among collectors and artists, proving that sometimes, the world just needs time to appreciate a true original.
3. Mattel Pulsar
Before transparent electronics were cool, Mattel introduced Pulsar—the “Ultimate Man of Adventure”—in 1976. What made him special? His clear chest revealed a working circulatory system, complete with a beating heart and internal organs.
Equal parts educational and creepy, Pulsar was a bizarre mix of biology and action hero fun. Originally sold for about $5, collectors today are willing to pay over $300 for one in mint condition.
Pulsar remains a weird and wonderful artifact of ’70s toy ingenuity, proving that even medical-themed action figures can become collector’s gold.
4. Gabba Gabba Hey Bootleg Dolls
If you were into the punk rock scene of the ’70s, you might have encountered these handmade, bootleg dolls based on famous punk bands. Featuring mismatched clothing, mohawks, and a DIY aesthetic, these dolls were never officially licensed—but that only adds to their appeal.
Initially sold at underground record shops for just a few dollars, these raw and rebellious figures are now worth over $1,000, depending on their condition.
Collectors don’t just love them for their rarity—they represent a time when punk was at its rawest, most unpolished, and fiercely independent.
5. Fisher-Price Adventure People
Long before G.I. Joe dominated toy aisles, Fisher-Price created Adventure People, a diverse set of figures designed to encourage exploration and storytelling.
Ranging from deep-sea divers to astronauts, these were some of the first figures that appealed to both boys and girls. While originally costing just a few dollars, a full Adventure People set today can sell for over $600.
These toys are beloved for their inclusive approach to play and are now recognized as a precursor to modern action figures.
6. Shrunken Head Apple Sculpture Kit
In the ’70s, crafting wasn’t just about macaroni necklaces—it was about making shrunken heads out of apples. Yes, really.
The Shrunken Head Apple Sculpture Kit, released in 1975, came with tools to carve apples into grotesque little faces that would dry and wrinkle over time. Originally sold for around $5, a complete kit today can go for $300.
Its morbid yet fascinating appeal has cemented it as one of the strangest, yet most collectible, toys of the era.
7. Mego Elastic Batman
Mego’s Elastic Batman was a stretchy, rubberized take on the Caped Crusader, designed to compete with Stretch Armstrong. Unfortunately, the elastic material didn’t age well, leading to many figures disintegrating over time.
Because of this, surviving figures are extremely rare. If you have one in decent condition, it could be worth over $15,000—making it one of the most valuable toys from the ’70s.
8. Tomy Waterful Ring Toss
Before mobile games, there was Tomy’s Waterful Ring Toss, a water-filled chamber with floating rings that you had to land on pegs by pressing a button.
It was frustrating, hypnotic, and impossible to put down. While originally sold for just a few bucks, nostalgic collectors will now pay over $50 for a well-preserved one.
9. Clackers
Clackers were two acrylic balls attached by a string that kids would slam together to create a clacking sound—or, more often, a bruised wrist.
By the mid-’70s, they were banned in schools due to safety concerns, making them even more desirable. Today, a vintage set can fetch up to $100 from collectors who miss their chaotic fun.
10. Milton Bradley Electronic Battleship
When Electronic Battleship hit toy shelves in 1977, it was a game-changer—literally. Featuring lights, sound effects, and battery-powered gameplay, it was a huge step up from the classic board game.
It originally retailed for about $25, but today, a working version can sell for over $200.
11. Gre-Gory the Bat
With glowing eyes, flapping wings, and an eerie presence, Gre-Gory the Bat was the perfect toy for kids who loved a little scare.
Released in 1979 for around $10, this spooky sidekick is now worth over $100.
12. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong could be pulled, twisted, and stretched up to four times his original size. He was weird, fun, and surprisingly durable—until his outer layer eventually cracked.
If you still have an original 1976 Stretch Armstrong in good condition, it could be worth over $1,500.
13. Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set
The 1977 Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set introduced the world to tabletop role-playing, sparking a movement that still thrives today.
Originally selling for around $10, first edition sets are now worth over $500, making them a holy grail for gaming collectors.