It is hard to find something more nostalgic than the memories of childhood Christmas presents. Although most games and toys are of sentimental value only, there is no denying that some popular items can fetch high prices.
Numerous childhood favorite toys, including board games and action figurines, are now valued at thousands of pounds higher than their original unwrapped value.
Board games
The Christmas Day tradition of playing board games dates back decades. Many of its earliest editions are still in demand and can be purchased for as high as hundreds of pounds. Sarah McClure who runs Vintage Playtime says, “Board games have always been a part of Christmas memories.”
Roll of the dice: Pre-war Monopoly sets, which originally came in a black box, sell for more than £100
Monopoly may be the most beloved, however there are others that are cherished and whose values have risen in recent times.
Pre-war Monopoly sets, which originally came in a black box, sell for more than £100. You can identify the age of the set by its player pieces. The iron, thimble and cannon as well as the purse, lantern, rocking horse, purse, lantern, and cannon have all been changed over time. The earliest editions can change hands for £800.
Buccaneer is another popular game among collectors. Escape From Colditz is also a favorite. Buccaneer was a 1938 pirate game. Early sets complete with a roll-up scroll are worth about £200.
Escape From Colditz is based on Major Pat Reid’s story about his escape from a prisoner-of war camp in the Second World War. Early sets complete with a swastika logo on the lid change hands for at least £100.
Construction toys
It’s been common to fill Christmas evenings with building projects using a Meccano set or a Lego set. Family members are especially fond of their childhood favourites this year.
Vicky Weall, managing director of toy auctioneer Vectis, says: ‘Because people have been spending more time at home over the past year or so, they have been reflecting on the past – and what they used to enjoy playing with as children.
People who have lost their sets or want to experience the joy of owning them again often search for ‘Early Meccano’ and Lego.
Weall warns that value is determined by condition. Highest prices are paid for those with all pieces. For example, a pre-war Meccano Constructor Car No2 sold for £360 in November – double its estimate. The set was complete and included the spanner and screw driver needed to build it.
As it’s rare to find complete sets, the largest sets are most desirable. For example, you can pay £2,000 for a No10 set from 1939, as it contains enough components to enable you to build a working crane.
Because of the limited production, even relatively new Lego sets may sell at high prices.
In October, an unopened The Beatles Yellow Submarine set sold for £160 at a Vectis auction. These same box sets sold in shops five years ago priced at £55.
A Café Corner set, which cost £90 when released in 2007, now sells for up to £2,000.
Teddy bears
Since more than a century, Teddy Bears have been a favorite holiday gift. Sue Pearson, who runs Bears & Bygones in Lewes, East Sussex, says: ‘Many of us received our favourite bear as a child at Christmas many years ago. Collectors tell me it’s wonderful to have a bear who’s been there for them throughout their lives.
Teddy bears are a result of Richard Steiff’s observation at circus bear performances in 1902. This is where the origins of teddy bears can been traced. Collectors love the earliest examples of this German-made bear.
Early Edwardian Steiffs are the most valuable – with even wellworn teddies going for £500.
Pearson said that the First World War saw anti-German sentiments leading to an increase in British-made toys. JK Farnell is one of our most popular soft toys makers. We have a 1930s’ Farnell called Buster for sale at £400.’
Shropshire teddy maker Merrythought is still going strong after 91 years in business – its oldest bears sell for £100 or more.
Pearson added: “Vintage toys are great for older people, but they should not be used for younger children because they do not meet the safety and health standards for cuddly toys of today.”
Plastic toys
Even plastic figurines can fetch hundreds of pounds – but they need to be in pristine condition to command the highest prices.
Barbie is now 62 years old and an early model in which she wears a black and white swimsuit can sell for £8,000 if in its original box. When first sold, they retailed at £1.70.
Action Man began as an American GI Joe figurine in 1964. He then joined the British Armed Forces (RAF) in 1966. Although not worth as much as Barbie, a boxed early example can sell for as much as £600.