5 Old-School Collectibles That Could Cash In Big Now

If you’ve got a stash of nostalgic '90s collectibles gathering dust, you could be sitting on a surprisingly easy way to earn some extra cash. According to Jennifer Furnari, a marketing associate at Ruby Lane, an online retail vintage store, many brands behind these beloved items launched special collectors' clubs, helping fans build extensive collections over the years. Now, as those original collectors begin to downsize, their figurines are resurfacing on the market.

“Some people who are downsizing open a shop on our website to sell their collections; others might hold an estate sale or try to sell a whole collection to a single buyer in their local community via social websites,” Furnari explains. “Whatever way you choose to share the collectibles that brought you joy with a new generation is a win in our book!”

Here, the vintage-resale pro shares the top '90s collectible figurines worth money—just in case you, too, are looking to downsize.

1. Precious Moments

“Precious Moments created its first gift set of hand-painted porcelain bisque figurines from the artwork of founding artist Samuel J. Butcher,” explains Furnari. “These child-inspired figurines were later collected by families when they signed up for a special Precious Moments Collectors’ Club.” Today, the figurines are flooding the market as the original owners look to decrease their collections. Furnari says you can expect to find vintage Precious Moments priced between $20 and $50 each, though some might be priced at $100. The teardrop-shaped eyes on the figurines can help ensure their authenticity, Furnari advises.

2. Goebel Hummels

Goebel created Hummel figurines based on the drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, a Franciscan nun and talented children’s painter. Her drawings of pastoral childhood scenes caught the eye of Franz Goebel, who decided to bring these charming moments in time to life. “Goebel also created a collectors' club in 1977, which expanded internationally in the 1980s,” says Furnari. These collectibles are widely available on Ruby Lane, ranging in price from $25 to $95, though rarer options can command prices over $100. Look for the full bee trademark on the bottom of the figurine.

3. Boyds Bears

Boyds Bears' iconic, hand-painted resin figurines were inspired by the plush bears that had already established the company's reputation. The resin collectibles were sold throughout the 1990s at a variety of stores, Furnari says, and sometimes new pieces were released on the home-shopping network, QVC. They typically range from $15 to $35, making them a lower-cost option compared to other items on this list. To identify an authentic Boyds Bears figurine, Furnari says to look for hand-written numbers (edition and figurine number) on the bottom of the piece. If you come across one numbered between 1 and 50, you've likely found a first edition piece that was reserved for employees and received exceptional care during painting," she says.

4. Lladró Figurines

“Lladró figurines are the serene porcelain sculptures of people and animals, famous for their elongated lines and the muted pastel colors that are a result of their single-firing method,” says Furnari. “There was a Lladró Collectors’ Society of more than 100,000 active collectors during the 1990s, and now many shops on Ruby Lane sell these elegant Spanish figurines.” She says you can expect to see prices anywhere from $75 to $350, though rarer or more intricate designs could fetch over $1,000. To identify an authentic Lladró figurine, look for the Lladró logo on the piece's base.

5. Herend Figurines

While not all Herend figurines feature its trademarked hand-painted fishnet design, it’s one of the brand’s most notable features. In the United States, the most popular are the animal figures, says Furnari. While they can add charm to many decor styles, they also work cohesively as a collection, thanks to their fishnet motif. “These high-quality porcelain pieces tend to hold higher value, with most of the examples on Ruby Lane priced in the $100-$500 range,” she says. “Look for the authentic Herend Hungary logo that includes two crossed paintbrushes on the bottom of the piece.”