From the eerie to the bizarre, the world of toy collecting is filled with treasures that can fetch a pretty penny. Let’s explore some of the creepiest toys throughout history that have turned into valuable collectibles.
1. Victorian Mourning Dolls
These dolls, often dressed in black, served as a tangible reminder of the deceased, making them a poignant symbol of the era’s attitudes towards death and mourning. Collectors today value them not only for their rarity but also for their historical significance and the intricate craftsmanship they exhibit. Victorian Mourning Dolls are a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the solemn rituals of the Victorian age.
2. 1960s Remco’s Baby Laugh-A-Lot
This doll’s mechanical laugh, once a source of joy, can now seem chillingly repetitive and unnatural. The value of these dolls lies in their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and, paradoxically, their slightly disturbing nature. Collectors are drawn to the unique character of Baby Laugh-A-Lot, seeing it as a quintessential representation of the era’s innovation in toy making.
3. Wind-Up Clapping Monkeys
These toys, with their clashing cymbals and grinning faces, are a perfect example of mid-century toy design. Their simple yet captivating mechanism and the joy they brought to children have made them memorable. Now, these toys are highly prized for their vintage charm and the sense of nostalgia they evoke.
4. 1930s Composition Dolls
Their glazed eyes and stiff expressions, intended to mimic human features, now give them a ghostly appearance. These dolls are a testament to the evolving nature of toy manufacturing techniques in the early 20th century. Collectors and historians alike value them for their unique blend of artistry and the eerie beauty they possess.
5. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong, first introduced in 1976, quickly became an iconic toy of the era with its unique and novel design. This action figure, filled with a gooey, corn-syrup-like substance, could be stretched to extraordinary lengths, returning to its original size and shape when released. The novelty of Stretch Armstrong lay in its tactile, almost indestructible nature, which fascinated children and represented a significant innovation in toy manufacturing at the time.
Over the years, Stretch Armstrong has seen various re-releases and has remained a beloved toy, capturing the imagination of new generations. Today, original Stretch Armstrong dolls from the 1970s, especially those in pristine condition, are highly valued by collectors for their nostalgia and innovative design, making them sought-after collectibles in the toy market.
6. 19th Century Hand-Painted Papier-Mâché Dolls
These dolls’ hauntingly realistic eyes were designed to reflect the soul and depth of a real child. They stand as a remarkable example of the artisanal skill and creativity of the 19th-century toy makers. The fragility of these dolls adds to their value, making well-preserved pieces especially rare and sought after.
7. 1950s Blythe Dolls
Their oversized heads and changeable eyes were a novel concept at the time, and now they exude a vintage appeal. The Blythe Dolls, particularly those from the 1950s, are admired for their unique design and the way they challenge traditional notions of doll aesthetics. Their popularity has surged in recent years, making them a major collector’s item.
8. 1980’s Cabbage Patch Dolls
While not inherently creepy, the intense demand and unique, hand-stitched features of the original Cabbage Patch Kids have made them valuable collectibles. Certain limited-edition dolls from the 1980s are now worth a significant sum. In Helen, GA. They even have a Cabbage Patch Kids Hospital. You can come and experience the birth of the new Cabbage Patch Kids. Now that’s creepy!
9. Garbage Pail Kid Cards
The Garbage Pail Kids Cards, a series launched in the mid-1980s, swiftly became a phenomenon among children for their outrageous and often grotesque humor. Created as a parody of the popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, these cards featured characters with exaggerated, comical deformities or in absurd situations, each bearing a pun-laden name that played on their appearance or predicament.
Not only were they a hit among kids who delighted in their irreverence and shock value, but they also became a target of criticism from parents and educators for their often crude content. Despite, or perhaps because of, their controversial nature, Garbage Pail Kids have endured as a nostalgic collectible, with original cards from the earliest series now sought after by collectors, sometimes fetching impressive prices.
Their lasting popularity is a testament to the unique and edgy humor that defined a subversive side of 1980s pop culture.
10. 1970s Kenner’s General Mills Monster Cereals Action Figures
These action figures, born from the partnership between Kenner and General Mills cereal, have grown from breakfast table companions to valuable collectibles. Each figure, representing a different monster-themed cereal mascot, is a unique blend of food marketing and toy production.
Their distinct, colorful designs and association with popular breakfast cereals have made them especially appealing to collectors. Today, original, packaged figures from the 1970s are highly sought after and can command impressive prices in the collectibles market.
11. Vintage Marionettes
Marionettes from bygone eras are not just toys but works of art. Their handcrafted nature and the skill required to manipulate them have given them a special place in the world of collectibles. They are valued both for their artistic merit and for the storytelling possibilities they represent.
12. Steiff Bears
The Steiff Bears are revered for their quality craftsmanship and the innovation they brought to toy design. Each bear, with its unique facial expressions and high-quality materials, tells a story of the meticulous art of toy making. They are more than just teddy bears; they are cherished heirlooms that symbolize the enduring appeal of plush toys.
Treasured Artifacts
The world of creepy and unusual toys is a fascinating realm where nostalgia, artistry, and history converge. These toys, once playthings of the past, have now become treasured artifacts, fetching impressive sums in the world of collectors.