Let’s Take a Trip Down Memory Lane Together
The vibrant colors, bold designs, and fascination with animals that filled American homes from the 1950s through the 1980s sparked an explosion of playful, unforgettable collectibles. From toys that captured a child’s imagination to charming home decor pieces, these vintage treasures now stir powerful nostalgia — and often command impressive prices in today’s collector market. Some once-loved toys and whimsical keepsakes are now worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Join us on a joyful journey through 28 beloved animal-themed collectibles, where memories meet surprising value and the magic of childhood lives on.
1. Cookie Jars
Animal-themed cookie jars were a bright, joyful staple in many American kitchens, especially from the 1950s through the 1980s. Companies like McCoy, American Bisque, and Shawnee Pottery created a menagerie of cookie jars shaped like cheerful elephants, playful puppies, sleepy bears, and wise old owls. These jars weren’t just for storing cookies; they were delightful pieces of kitchen art, adding a pop of personality and fun to countertops everywhere. Today, vintage animal cookie jars are highly collectible, with rarer models fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A colorful 1950s McCoy “Mammy Elephant” jar recently sold for over $800, proving that these charming containers are still spreading smiles and sweet memories.
2. Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit Collectibles
Since its first publication in 1902, The Tale of Peter Rabbit has charmed generations with its adventurous bunny and his woodland friends. Vintage editions, ceramic figurines, and collectible Peter Rabbit toys became must-haves for fans. Today, rare first editions or early figurines featuring Peter and his friends can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction, depending on rarity and condition.
3. Kit Cat Clocks
Since the 1930s, Kit-Cat Clocks — with their swinging tails and rolling eyes — have brought a touch of playful charm to American homes. These animated cat clocks became a staple of mid-century kitchens and living rooms, embodying a spirit of optimism and fun. Vintage models from the 1940s through the 1970s are highly prized by collectors today, with early electric versions and rare colors like white, red, or gold often selling for several hundred dollars or more at auction.
4. Weebles
Weebles wobbled their way into American homes in 1971, launched by Romper Room with their now-iconic tagline, “Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down.” These egg-shaped figures, weighted to right themselves, became symbols of resilience and imagination. Playskool expanded their world with playsets like the Weeble Treehouse and Haunted House, creating endless adventures. Today, vintage Weebles — especially complete playsets in good condition — can fetch $100 or more at auction, and the brand’s 2024 revival proves their lasting appeal. Source: The Auction Professor
5. Pound Puppies
Created by Mike Bowling in 1984, Pound Puppies taught kids about love and responsibility, arriving with adoption papers and a cardboard doghouse. Their incredible popularity led to an animated TV special, two cartoon series, and a feature film, with over 200 million sold worldwide. Today, vintage Pound Puppies typically sell for $15 to $20, while rarer or complete sets can fetch $40 or more, keeping their message of love and adoption alive — and collectible. Source: Pound Puppy Database
6. GUND
Founded in 1898, GUND became a household name by the 1970s, delighting families with plush toys made from innovative new textures and materials. Their iconic “Snuffles” bear, introduced in 1980, became one of the brand’s biggest hits, with over 10 million sold. Today, vintage GUND plush from the ’70s can fetch impressive prices, with rare or mint-condition bears selling for $150 or more at auction, proving these cuddly companions never went out of style.. Source: Antiques Arena
7. Fisher-Price Little People
Introduced in the late 1950s, Fisher-Price Little People hit their stride in the 1970s, with millions of chunky, colorful figures filling toy boxes across America. Animal-themed sets like the 1976 Zoo and the classic Play Family Farm turned simple playtime into epic adventures. Today, vintage Little People sets are highly collectible, with early Play Family Farms fetching $100 or more and rare sets like the Play Family Castle selling for over $200 in mint condition. Source: Wikipedia
8. Breyer Horses
Since their 1950 debut, Breyer’s hand-painted model horses have captured the hearts of collectors, galloping into even greater popularity during the 1970s. The “Proud Arabian Stallion” mold remained a bestseller, and limited editions like the 1973 Secretariat became instant classics. Today, vintage Breyer horses can command impressive prices, with rare models like the “Wedgewood Blue” Arabian selling for $1,800 and more common figures fetching $50 to $100 in good condition. Source: Breyerhorses.com
9. Steiff Plush Animals
Steiff, founded in 1880, brought masterful German craftsmanship to the plush toy world, delighting collectors by the 1970s with both classic and quirky designs. Their famous “Petsy” bear remained a bestseller, while limited editions, sometimes capped at just 1,000 pieces, became prized finds. Today, vintage Steiff animals are highly sought after, with rare figures like the 1974 “Jackie” panda selling for $3,500 and more common bears fetching $200 to $500 in good condition. Source: Steiff
10. Avon Perfume Bottles
In the 1970s, Avon brought the animal kingdom to vanity tables with whimsical perfume bottles that became instant conversation pieces. Bestsellers like the 1974 “Charisma Owl” and the “Elegant Elephant” cologne bottle captured the playful spirit of the era. Today, vintage Avon animal bottles are popular collectibles, with most selling for $10 to $20 and rarer sets like the “Bountiful Birds” fetching up to $75 among collectors.
11. Jim Beam Decanters
By the 1970s, Jim Beam’s animal-shaped ceramic decanters turned liquor cabinets into eclectic menageries. Popular series like “Ducks Unlimited” and “Wild Animals of the World” captured America’s love for novelty. Today, vintage Beam decanters remain collectible, with common pieces selling for $20 to $50 and rarer finds like the 1971 “King Cobra” fetching $300 or more at auction.
12. Ceramic Elephant Planters
The 1970s houseplant craze found its perfect match in whimsical ceramic elephant planters, glazed in earthy tones or vibrant colors. These pots ranged from tiny desktop companions to floor-sized statement pieces, often adorned with ornate trunks and painted howdahs. Today, vintage elephant planters remain popular, with small examples selling for $30 to $80 and rare, hand-painted versions fetching up to $250.
13. Owl Pendants
Owl pendants soared into ’70s fashion, blending nature and mysticism with designs ranging from sleek modern styles to intricate, moving-wing creations. Crafted in everything from pewter to gold and gemstones, they suited every budget and taste. Today, vintage owl pendants remain popular, with common pieces selling for $20 to $50 and rare gold-and-diamond designs fetching up to $1,200 at auction.
14. Fenton Art Glass Animals
Fenton Art Glass brought the animal kingdom to life in dazzling color during the 1970s, with iridescent finishes like Carnival Glass setting their creations apart. Limited edition pieces and seasonal colors, like the “Stylized Cat” produced in over 20 variations, sparked collector frenzies. Today, vintage Fenton animals remain prized, with common pieces selling for $30 to $50 and rarities like the “Chocolate Opalescent Hippo” fetching $450 at auction.
15. Precious Moments Figurines
Precious Moments figurines, with their teardrop-shaped eyes, debuted in 1978 and quickly captured collectors’ hearts. Early pieces like “Love One Another” (a child with a dog) and “Make a Joyful Noise” (a girl with birds) were produced in limited runs of just a few thousand. Today, vintage Precious Moments can command serious prices, with rare originals like “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” selling for over $2,000 and more common animal-themed pieces fetching $100 to $200.
16. Lenox China Animals
Lenox, known for exquisite craftsmanship, saw a surge in popularity during the 1970s with its detailed animal figurines. Collections like Woodland Wildlife, featuring gold-accented deer, rabbits, and birds, became must-haves for collectors. Today, vintage Lenox animals remain valuable, with common pieces selling for $50 to $100 and rarities like the “Golden Eagle” fetching over $500 in mint condition.
17. Beanie Babies
Introduced by Ty Inc. in 1993, Beanie Babies became a late-’90s cultural sensation with their bean-filled bodies, clever names, and collectible hang tags. While most common Beanie Babies sell for $5 to $20 today, rare examples like “Princess the Bear” and “Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant” can fetch much higher prices. Some first-edition Princess Bears have been listed for as much as $100,000, though actual sales typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 for the rarest examples.
18. Teddy Ruxpin
Introduced in 1985, Teddy Ruxpin revolutionized toys with his animatronic mouth and eyes that synchronized with story cassettes. He quickly became one of the most popular toys of the decade, until production ended in 1987. Today, original Teddy Ruxpins in good working condition sell for $100 to $300, while mint, never-opened bears have been listed for as much as $5,000, reflecting the powerful nostalgia he still inspires.
19. Kliban Cat Collectibles
B. Kliban’s quirky cat illustrations, first popularized in his 1975 book Cat, sparked a wave of collectibles throughout the late 1970s. Known for their red sneakers and humorous antics, Kliban’s cats appeared on everything from mugs to plush toys. Today, vintage Kliban items are prized by collectors, with original plush toys selling for $50 to $100 and rarer pieces like limited edition figurines fetching several hundred dollars.
20. Royal Doulton Animal Figurines
Royal Doulton’s detailed animal figurines, produced throughout the 1970s, captured domestic and wild creatures in naturalistic, lifelike poses. Known for remarkable craftsmanship and limited editions, these porcelain pieces have become highly collectible. Today, vintage Royal Doulton animals can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, with rarities like the flambe hare commanding especially high prices.
21. Mickey Mouse Watches
First introduced in 1933, Mickey Mouse watches remained beloved through the 1970s, with companies like Bradley and Elgin expanding the designs. The classic version featured Mickey’s arms as the hour and minute hands, charming both children and adults. Today, vintage Mickey watches from the 1970s are highly collectible, with common models selling for around $50 and rarer examples fetching over $500. Earlier or exceptionally rare Mickey watches, particularly from the 1930s, have sold for several thousand dollars at auction.
22. Dakin Dream Pets
First introduced in the 1950s, Dakin’s Dream Pets enjoyed a resurgence in the 1970s with their colorful, velveteen bodies, large eyes, and quirky designs. Stuffed with sawdust for a unique feel, these whimsical animals captured the playful spirit of the decade. Today, vintage Dream Pets typically sell for $20 to $50, with rarer or boxed examples fetching $100 to $200 or more.
23. Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks
Black Forest cuckoo clocks, known for their intricate carvings of animals and nature scenes, became popular decorative pieces in the 1970s. Traditional designs often featured stags, owls, and bears, along with hunter-themed details like horns and rifles. Today, vintage Black Forest clocks are highly collectible, with simpler models selling for a few hundred dollars and elaborate, well-preserved examples fetching several thousand.
24. Fuzzy Wuzzy Soap
Introduced in the mid-1960s and popular through the 1970s, Fuzzy Wuzzy soap added magic to bath time. These animal-shaped soaps grew a fur-like coating when exposed to air, delighting children as their bald pets transformed over days. Today, vintage unused Fuzzy Wuzzy soaps can sell for $30 to $50 or more, making them a quirky and nostalgic collectible.
25. Snoopy Snow Cone Machine
Introduced in 1979, the Snoopy Snow Cone Machine let kids crank out homemade shaved ice desserts, using Snoopy’s doghouse as the machine’s base. Complete with molds, syrups, and paper cups, it became a summertime favorite. Today, vintage Snoopy Snow Cone Machines in good condition sell for $50 to $100, with mint examples in original packaging fetching even higher prices.
26. Russ Berrie Animal Figurines
Founded in 1963, Russ Berrie became a household name in the 1970s with their charming animal figurines and plush toys, known for big eyes and sweet expressions. Their line expanded to include everything from pets to exotic creatures, often carrying sentimental messages. Today, vintage Russ Berrie animals typically sell for $10 to $50, while rarer or larger pieces can fetch $100 or more.
27. Macramé Animal Wall Hangings
In the 1970s, macramé animal wall hangings combined handcrafted artistry with nature themes, featuring owls, lions, and other creatures in intricate knots. Using materials like jute and cotton, artisans created designs ranging from simple silhouettes to detailed, three-dimensional pieces. Today, vintage macramé animal hangings can sell for $50 to over $200, with well-preserved owl designs especially sought after.
28. Animal-Themed Novelty Phones
The 1970s brought a boom in novelty telephones, with animal designs like the Mickey Mouse phone, Snoopy phone, and frog models adding a playful touch to home decor. Companies like ATC produced versions with rotary dials, touch-tone options, and even built-in lights. Today, vintage animal-themed phones often sell for $50 to $250, with a Mickey Mouse phone recently fetching $249 in good working condition.
29. Pet Rocks
Created by Gary Dahl in 1975, Pet Rocks became an instant sensation, sold in boxes complete with air holes and straw bedding. A tongue-in-cheek manual explained their “care and training,” fueling a six-month fad that saw over one million sold. Today, original Pet Rocks in mint condition can sell for over $100, keeping their quirky spirit alive for collectors.
30. Murano Glass Animal Figurines
Murano glass animal figurines, crafted on the Venetian island of Murano, became prized collectibles in the 1970s. These colorful, hand-blown creations featured birds, horses, dolphins, and more, often showcasing signature techniques like millefiori and aventurine. Today, vintage Murano glass animals typically sell for $150 to $200, while larger or rarer pieces like aquarium sculptures can fetch $500 or more.
31. Italian Majolica Animal Statues
Italian majolica animal statues, with their bold glazes and whimsical designs, became vibrant additions to 1970s home decor. Common subjects like roosters, cats, and dogs were hand-painted with expressive faces and intricate details. Today, large vintage majolica roosters typically sell for $200 to $300, while smaller figures often range from $50 to $150.
32. Royal Copenhagen Animal Figurines
In the 1970s, Royal Copenhagen blended fine craftsmanship with rustic stoneware, creating collectible animal figurines featuring bears, birds, and woodland creatures. Designed by artists like Knud Kyhn, these earthy, naturalistic pieces captured the era’s aesthetic. Today, small stoneware animals typically sell for $50 to $100, while larger or rarer figures like bears and foxes can fetch $200 to $500.
33. Kay Bojesen Wooden Animal Figurines
First introduced in the 1930s, Kay Bojesen’s wooden animal figurines saw a resurgence in the 1970s as Scandinavian design boomed. Crafted from teak, beech, and oak, favorites like the Bojesen monkey featured articulated limbs and playful charm. Today, vintage Bojesen monkeys typically sell for $500 to $1,000, while smaller figures like elephants and bears often range from $200 to $500.
34. Marble Hand-Carved Owl Figurines
In the 1970s, marble owl figurines became popular decorative pieces, reflecting the era’s love of nature and the timeless symbolism of wisdom. Crafted from Carrara and other richly veined marbles, these sculptures ranged from small desktop pieces to larger statement works. Today, vintage marble owls typically sell for $50 to $100, while larger or intricately carved examples can fetch $200 to $500 or more.
In Conclusion
Animal-themed collectibles have delighted generations, from playful Weebles to the elegance of Murano glass. These treasures capture a timeless fascination with nature and creativity, sparking nostalgia and inspiring new collectors. Did one of these bring back a memory — or did we miss a favorite? Share your stories in the comments, we would love to hear them.
