Mia Warner Remember that fuzzy, electronic pet that took the world by storm in 1998? Those big eyes, moving ears, and strange language called “Furbish” created a frenzy unlike anything the toy industry had seen before. Fast forward to today, and Furbies have transformed from must-have holiday toys to serious collectibles that can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Whether you’ve got a dusty Furby in your attic or you’re looking to start a collection, I’ve created this comprehensive Furby collectors guide to help you navigate this quirky and potentially valuable hobby.
The Fascinating History of Furbies (1998-Present)
The original 1998 Furby lineup that started the global craze
The Furby story begins with inventors Dave Hampton and Caleb Chung, who created this interactive electronic pet that could seemingly learn English over time (though it was actually pre-programmed). When Tiger Electronics released the first Furby in 1998, they couldn’t have predicted the absolute madness that would follow. The initial batch of 500,000 units sold out before Christmas, and by the end of 1999, over 14 million Furbies had found homes worldwide.
The Evolution of Furby Generations
Furbies have gone through several distinct generations, each with unique features that collectors should know about:
| Generation | Release Period | Key Features | Collector Appeal |
| Original (Gen 1-8) | 1998-2002 | Basic movement, Furbish language, no off switch | High nostalgia value, many color variations |
| Furby Babies | 1999-2002 | Smaller size, higher-pitched voice, faster English learning | Cute factor, complementary to original Furbies |
| Emoto-Tronic | 2005-2007 | More expressive face, improved speech recognition, off switch | Limited production run, technological advancement |
| Furby 2012 | 2012-2013 | LCD eyes, app connectivity, more personalities | Modern features, bridge between vintage and new |
| Furby Boom | 2013-2015 | Digital eggs, expanded app features, new patterns | Pattern variety, technological integration |
| Furby Connect | 2016-2018 | Bluetooth antenna, color-changing eyes, content updates | Most advanced features, limited market presence |
Each generation marks a significant evolution in the Furby story, with collectors often specializing in specific eras. The original Tiger Electronics Furbies (1998-2002) remain the most iconic, while later Hasbro generations introduced technological advancements that changed how these fuzzy friends interacted with their owners.
Rare Furby Models That Drive Collectors Wild
The ultra-rare Kid Cuisine Furby (1999) – only 500 were ever produced
While common Furbies can be found relatively easily, certain rare models have achieved legendary status among collectors. These special editions, promotional releases, and limited runs can command eye-watering prices in today’s market. Let’s explore some of the holy grails of Furby collecting:
The Most Valuable Special Edition Furbies
Special Furby Angel
Released in 2000 with only 14,000 units produced, the Angel Furby features white wings, a golden halo, and unique phrases like “Me believe you special like angel!” Recent sales have reached $425 for mint condition examples.
Bejewelled Furby
The ultimate Furby collectible, adorned with 156 Swarovski crystals and genuine precious gems including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Only 5 were made, with an original retail price of $100,000 in 1999 (over $190,000 today).
Rainbow Furby
The rarest Furby of all time, with only 3 ever created. Designed by contest winner “Brittany from Missouri” in 2000, this rainbow-colored Furby has achieved mythical status among collectors. One was allegedly sold on eBay for an undisclosed sum.
Promotional and Limited Edition Variants
Beyond the ultra-rare models, several promotional Furbies were created for specific campaigns or retailers:
- Kid Cuisine Furby (1999) – Only 500 made for a food promotion, now worth up to $2,500
- Hi-C Furby (1999) – 5,000 units for the fruit drink contest, selling for $37-700
- Millennium Furby (1999) – Special New Year’s edition, now fetching $200-400
- President Furby (2000) – Patriotic variant with only 36,000 made, worth $86-239
- Chicago Cubs Furby (2000) – 500 units given at a baseball game, selling for $80-150
- Tropical Furby (1999) – Toys R Us exclusive with 36,000 units, worth $30-150
Promotional Furbies have become some of the most sought-after collectibles
Key Factors in Furby Valuation: What Makes Yours Valuable?
Understanding what drives Furby values is essential for both buyers and sellers in the collector market. Several key factors determine how much your fuzzy friend might be worth:
Condition Is Everything
The single most important factor in Furby valuation is condition. Collectors use these general categories:
- Mint in Box (MIB) – Never removed from packaging, pristine condition, highest value
- New in Box (NIB) – Packaging opened but Furby unused
- Mint – Perfect condition but no box
- Excellent – Very minor wear, fully functional
- Good – Some visible wear, fully functional
- Fair – Noticeable wear, may have minor issues
- Poor – Significant wear or functionality problems
The dramatic value difference between mint-in-box and used Furbies
Original Packaging and Accessories
Original boxes, instruction manuals, and tags can significantly increase a Furby’s value. A common Furby worth $30-50 used might fetch $150-200 with its original packaging intact. Factory seals can double or triple the value for serious collectors.
Rarity and Production Numbers
Limited production runs naturally lead to higher values. First-generation Furbies with unusual color combinations or special editions with documented low production numbers command premium prices in the collector market.
Get Your Free Furby Value Guide
Wondering what your Furby collection is really worth? Download our comprehensive price guide with current market values for every Furby model from 1998 to present day!
Functionality and Working Condition
A Furby that still works properly will always be worth more than one with mechanical or electronic issues. Buyers typically test for:
- Proper startup and shutdown sequences
- Responsive sensors (light, sound, touch)
- Clear audio without distortion
- Smooth mechanical movements
- Battery compartment free from corrosion
| Furby Type | Poor Condition | Good Used | Excellent | Mint in Box |
| Common Original (1998) | $10-20 | $30-50 | $60-100 | $150-300 |
| Rare Original Color | $20-40 | $50-80 | $100-200 | $300-500 |
| Special Edition | $40-80 | $100-200 | $250-400 | $500-1000+ |
| Promotional (Limited) | $50-100 | $150-300 | $350-700 | $800-2500+ |
| Ultra-Rare (Kid Cuisine, etc.) | $100-300 | $400-800 | $1000-1500 | $2000-3000+ |
Creating professional photos is essential when selling collectible Furbies online
The Furby marketplace has evolved significantly since these electronic pets first appeared. Today’s collectors have multiple options for buying and selling, each with distinct advantages:
Online Marketplaces
eBay
The largest marketplace for Furbies with the widest selection. Auction format often reveals true market value, but beware of inaccurate listings and condition descriptions. Always check seller ratings and ask questions before bidding.
Etsy
Great for finding custom and restored Furbies. Many sellers specialize in Furby repair and customization. Prices tend to be higher than eBay but often include professional restoration work and better customer service.
Mercari & Facebook Marketplace
Often have lower prices than dedicated collector sites. Local pickup options can save on shipping costs for these bulky toys. However, listings may lack detailed information about model and condition.
Collector Forums and Communities
Specialized Furby communities often have marketplace sections where knowledgeable collectors buy, sell, and trade. These can be goldmines for rare finds:
- Reddit r/furby – Active community with buying/selling threads
- Furby Fandom Discord – Real-time chat with dedicated marketplace channels
- My Furby World – Specialized forum with knowledgeable collectors
- Instagram #furbyforsale – Many collectors sell through Instagram
Pro Tip: Authentication
When buying rare or expensive Furbies, always request multiple detailed photos including the bottom stamp, battery compartment, and any identifying marks. Counterfeit Furbies exist, particularly for valuable models. Join collector groups to learn authentication techniques before making significant purchases.
Preservation and Maintenance: Keeping Your Furbies in Top Condition
Regular gentle cleaning helps preserve your Furby’s value
Proper maintenance is essential for preserving both the appearance and functionality of collectible Furbies. Follow these expert tips to keep your fuzzy friends in pristine condition:
Cleaning and Fur Maintenance
- Gentle Brushing – Use a soft-bristled brush to carefully groom fur
- Spot Cleaning – Use a barely damp cloth with mild soap for stains
- Avoid Saturation – Never soak a Furby as water damages electronics
- Fur Refreshing – Use compressed air (low pressure) to fluff fur
- Odor Removal – Place in a sealed bag with baking soda nearby (not directly on fur) for 24-48 hours
Electronic Preservation
- Battery Removal – Always remove batteries during long-term storage
- Corrosion Cleaning – Use white vinegar on a Q-tip for battery corrosion
- Contact Cleaning – Electronic contact cleaner for battery terminals
- Regular Exercise – Power up stored Furbies every few months
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Store between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
Display and Storage Solutions
How you store your Furbies significantly impacts their long-term condition:
A proper display case protects Furbies from dust, UV damage, and humidity
Recommended Storage
- UV-protected display cases
- Climate-controlled environment
- Acid-free tissue for padding
- Original boxes stored flat
- Silica gel packets to control humidity
- Regular dust removal with soft brush
Storage to Avoid
- Direct sunlight exposure
- Attics or basements (temperature fluctuations)
- Plastic bags (trap moisture)
- Stacking Furbies on top of each other
- High humidity environments
- Storing with batteries installed
Joining the Furby Collecting Community
Furby conventions and meetups are great places to connect with fellow collectors
The Furby collecting community is vibrant, welcoming, and full of knowledge. Connecting with fellow enthusiasts can enhance your collecting experience through shared expertise, trading opportunities, and friendship.
Online Communities
- Reddit r/furby – Active subreddit with 20,000+ members sharing collections, restoration tips, and marketplace opportunities
- Furby Fandom Wiki – Comprehensive resource documenting every Furby model ever made
- Instagram #furbycollector – Visual showcase of collections and custom creations
- Facebook Groups – “Furby Collectors United” and other groups with thousands of members
- Discord Servers – Real-time chat communities dedicated to Furby collecting
Events and Meetups
While dedicated Furby conventions are rare, these electronic pets often feature prominently at these events:
- Toy Collector Conventions – Events like Toy Con feature Furby collectors and vendors
- 90s Nostalgia Events – Themed conventions celebrating 90s pop culture
- Local Collector Meetups – Often organized through Facebook groups or forums
- Virtual Meetups – Online gatherings via Zoom or Discord have become popular
Join Our Furby Collector Community
Connect with fellow Furby enthusiasts, get expert valuation help, and stay updated on rare finds and marketplace opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions About Furby Collecting
How can I tell which generation my Furby belongs to?
Check the manufacturing date stamp on the bottom of your Furby. Original 1998-2002 models have a Tiger Electronics stamp, while 2005 and later have Hasbro markings. The design also varies significantly between generations – original Furbies have plastic beaks and simple eyes, while 2005 Emoto-Tronic models have rubber beaks and more expressive eyes. The 2012 and later models feature LCD eyes and completely different body shapes.
What’s the most valuable Furby I might realistically find?
While ultra-rare models like the Bejewelled Furby are practically unobtainable, you might realistically find valuable special editions like the Angel Furby (-425), Royal Furby (-150), or President Furby (-239) at estate sales, thrift stores, or from sellers unaware of their value. Limited edition promotional Furbies like the Hi-C Furby can also appear in general toy collections and fetch -700 depending on condition.
How do I fix a Furby that won’t turn on?
First, try fresh batteries and clean the battery contacts with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. If that doesn’t work, check for battery corrosion and clean with white vinegar if present. Sometimes Furbies need a “reset” by removing batteries, holding the Furby upside down, and pressing the reset button (if available) or gently pressing the tongue. For valuable models, consider professional restoration rather than attempting complex repairs yourself.
Are modern Furbies (2012+) worth collecting?
While not as valuable as vintage models yet, modern Furbies (2012 Furby, Furby Boom, and Furby Connect) are beginning to appreciate in value, especially rare colors and patterns. Complete-in-box examples in mint condition are the best investment. The limited production of Furby Connect (2016-2018) makes it particularly promising for future value growth. As with any collectible, rarity and condition will determine long-term value.
What should I look for when buying a vintage Furby?
When purchasing a vintage Furby, check for functionality (all movements and sounds working properly), fur condition (no matting or stains), completeness (all parts present), and authenticity (correct markings on the bottom). Request videos of the Furby operating through a full cycle. For boxed examples, examine the box condition and verify it’s the correct packaging for that specific model. Always research current market values before purchasing to avoid overpaying.
Embracing the Joy of Furby Collecting
A comprehensive Furby collection spanning all generations
Whether you’re drawn to Furby collecting for nostalgia, investment potential, or simply the joy of these quirky electronic pets, there’s never been a better time to start or expand your collection. As we’ve seen throughout this Furby collectors guide, these fuzzy friends have transcended their origins as simple toys to become valuable artifacts of pop culture history.
The most successful collectors approach this hobby with both passion and knowledge. By understanding the history, recognizing valuable models, properly maintaining your collection, and connecting with the community, you’ll maximize both enjoyment and potential value.
Remember that condition is paramount, documentation adds value, and patience often leads to the best finds. Whether you’re hunting for that elusive Kid Cuisine Furby or simply want to preserve your childhood companion, the Furby collecting journey is one filled with discovery, connection, and the special joy that only these chattering, blinking creatures can bring.
Ready to Start or Expand Your Collection?
Download our comprehensive Furby Collector’s Starter Kit with price guides, authentication tips, and marketplace strategies!
Quick Navigation
- The Fascinating History of Furbies (1998-Present)
- Rare Furby Models That Drive Collectors Wild
- Key Factors in Furby Valuation: What Makes Yours Valuable?
- Where to Buy and Sell Furbies: Navigating the Marketplace
- Preservation and Maintenance: Keeping Your Furbies in Top Condition
- Joining the Furby Collecting Community
- Frequently Asked Questions About Furby Collecting
- Embracing the Joy of Furby Collecting
