Childhood Christmas gifts that just keep on giving

There is little more nostalgic than memories of the cherished gifts found under the Christmas tree in childhood. But while most toys and games have purely sentimental value, some of the most popular can also command considerable sums. 

From board games to action figures, several childhood favourites are now worth thousands of pounds more than when they were first unwrapped. 

Board games 

Playing board games has been a traditional Christmas Day activity for decades, and some of the earliest versions now change hands for hundreds of pounds. Sarah McClure, who owns the online shop Vintage Playtime, says: ‘Board games are right at the heart of Christmas memories for many. 

Roll of the dice: Pre-war Monopoly sets, which originally came in a black box, sell for more than £100

‘Despite Monopoly being the most popular, there are many others that are also cherished whose values have crept up in recent years. 

Pre-war Monopoly sets, which originally came in a black box, sell for more than £100. The age of a set can be identified by the player pieces it comes with as the iron, thimble, cannon, purse, lantern and rocking horse have all been replaced over the years. The earliest editions can change hands for £800. 

Other popular games among collectors include Buccaneer and Escape From Colditz. Buccaneer is a pirate game, invented in 1938. Early sets complete with a roll-up scroll are worth about £200. 

Escape From Colditz was based on the story of Major Pat Reid, who managed to break out of the prisoner of war camp during the Second World War. Early sets complete with a swastika logo on the lid change hands for at least £100. 

Building toys 

Many a Christmas afternoon has been whiled away with a building project with a Meccano or Lego set. This year, in particular, has made families especially nostalgic for their favourites. 

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. 

‘Early Meccano and Lego is often sought out by those who may have lost their old sets and want to relive the thrill of ownership.’ 

Weall cautions that condition is key to value. Those with all of the pieces intact go for the highest prices. 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. 

The biggest sets are the most valuable, as it is rare to find them with all of the pieces intact. 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. 

Even relatively modern Lego sets can sell for high prices because many are made in limited numbers.

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 

Teddy bears have been a popular festive gift for more than a century. 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. I have collectors who tell me how wonderful it is to have had a teddy bear that’s always been with them through all the ups and downs of their life.’ 

The origin of teddy bears can be traced back to 1902, when Richard Steiff was inspired after watching bears perform at a circus. It is early examples from this German maker that are the most sought after by collectors. 

Early Edwardian Steiffs are the most valuable – with even wellworn teddies going for £500. 

Pearson says: ‘Anti-German sentiment during the First World War led to a boom in demand for British-made teddies. One of our top soft toy makers was JK Farnell. 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 adds: ‘Vintage teddies are great for older fans but should not be bought for young children as they fail the health and safety standards of cuddly toys 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 started as an American GI Joe figure in 1964 before joining the British Armed Forces in 1966. Although not worth as much as Barbie, a boxed early example can sell for as much as £600.

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk