Mia Warner The electronic chirps and mechanical blinks of the original Furby captivated children and frustrated parents across America in the late 1990s. These interactive toys weren’t just playthings—they became cultural phenomena that sparked shopping frenzies, news coverage, and even security concerns at government facilities. But amid the Furby fever, a simple question remains: what was the original Furby price when these chatty creatures first hit store shelves? We’re diving into the nostalgic world of Furby economics to uncover their original cost, what made them worth the money, and how their value has evolved over the decades.
Original 1998 Furby in retail packaging with $35 price tag
The Original Furby Price: Historical Context
When Tiger Electronics (later acquired by Hasbro) released the first Furby in October 1998, it carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $35. This price point positioned Furbies as premium toys—more expensive than basic dolls or action figures, but still within reach for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
Adjusted for inflation, that $35 price tag in 1998 would be equivalent to approximately $62 in 2023. This adjustment helps us understand that while Furbies weren’t the most expensive toys on the market, they represented a significant purchase for many families.
| Year | Original Price | Inflation-Adjusted (2023) |
| 1998 | $35.00 | $62.18 |
| 1999 | $29.99 | $51.83 |
| 2000 | $24.99 | $41.85 |
Interestingly, as production ramped up to meet demand, the retail price of Furbies actually decreased slightly in subsequent years. By 1999, many retailers were selling them for $29.99, and by 2000, the price had dropped to around $24.99 as newer models were introduced and the initial frenzy subsided.
Why Did Furbies Cost $35? Breaking Down the Price Factors
The $35 price tag for the original Furby wasn’t arbitrary—it reflected several factors that made these interactive toys revolutionary for their time. Understanding these elements helps explain why Furbies commanded a premium price compared to other toys of the era.
Internal technology that justified the original Furby price of $35
Advanced Technology for the Time
The original Furby featured technology that was quite sophisticated for a late-90s toy. Each unit contained:
- A microprocessor that controlled movements and responses
- Light sensors that detected environmental changes
- Touch sensors that responded to petting and handling
- A proprietary language (“Furbish”) that gradually transitioned to English
- Mechanical components for eye, ear, and mouth movements
- Infrared sensors that allowed Furbies to communicate with each other
This combination of features made Furbies seem almost alive, creating an interactive experience that justified the higher price point compared to static toys.
Manufacturing Complexity
Each Furby required assembly of over 150 individual parts. The manufacturing process was labor-intensive, involving both electronic components and detailed exterior elements like custom-colored fur, plastic parts, and fabric elements. This complexity contributed significantly to the original Furby price.
Marketing and Development Costs
Tiger Electronics invested heavily in both developing and marketing Furbies. The extensive advertising campaigns, including television commercials and print advertisements, added to the overall cost that needed to be recouped through retail pricing.
Furby Price Evolution: Original Models vs. Later Releases
Evolution of Furby designs from 1998 original to modern releases
The Furby has undergone several major redesigns since its 1998 debut, with each new generation featuring technological improvements and corresponding price adjustments. Let’s compare the original Furby price to its later incarnations:
| Furby Generation | Release Year | Launch Price | Key Features |
| Original Furby | 1998 | $35.00 | Basic sensors, mechanical movement, Furbish language |
| Furby Friends | 1999 | $29.99 | Similar to original with new fur patterns |
| Emoto-Tronic Furby | 2005 | $39.99 | Improved voice recognition, facial expressions |
| Furby Boom | 2012 | $59.99 | LCD eyes, app connectivity, expanded vocabulary |
| Furby Connect | 2016 | $99.99 | Bluetooth, LED antenna, regular content updates |
2012 Furby Boom: The Digital Revolution
The 2012 Furby Boom represented a significant technological leap from the original model. Priced at $59.99 at launch, these Furbies featured LCD screens for eyes that displayed various emotions and patterns. They also connected to a companion app that allowed owners to name their Furby, feed it virtually, and even raise virtual Furby babies called “Furblings.”
2012 Furby Boom with LCD eyes and companion app functionality
2016 Furby Connect: The Premium Experience
The 2016 Furby Connect pushed the price point even higher at $99.99. This significant increase from the original Furby price reflected the advanced technology packed into these toys:
- Bluetooth connectivity for regular content updates
- A glowing LED antenna that changed colors
- More expressive LCD eyes with over 150 animations
- Advanced speech recognition and responses
- Compatibility with an immersive app experience
The price evolution from $35 to nearly $100 demonstrates how Furby transformed from a novelty toy to a sophisticated interactive entertainment platform over two decades.
From Retail to Collectible: Current Prices for Vintage Furbies
Rare vintage Furbies commanding premium prices in today’s collector market
While the original Furby price was $35 in 1998, today’s collector market tells a very different story. Original Furbies have transformed from toys to nostalgic collectibles, with prices varying dramatically based on condition, rarity, and whether they remain in their original packaging.
Boxed vs. Unboxed: The Packaging Premium
One of the most significant factors affecting vintage Furby values is whether they remain in their original, unopened packaging:
New in Box (NIB)
Original 1998 Furbies still sealed in their factory packaging command the highest prices, often selling for $200-$900 depending on the model and condition of the box.
Unboxed but Working
Furbies that are out of the box but in excellent working condition typically sell for $50-$150, with price varying based on appearance and functionality.
A Special Furby Angel edition in exceptional condition recently sold for $800 on eBay, while a “Kids Cuisine” promotional Furby still in its unopened box fetched $520. These sales demonstrate the significant premium collectors place on rare variations and mint condition.
Rare Color Variations and Their Premium Values
While standard Furbies from 1998-1999 came in numerous color combinations, certain patterns have become particularly valuable to collectors:
| Furby Variation | Distinguishing Features | Approximate Value (2023) |
| Rainbow Furby | Multi-colored vertical stripes | $300-$400 |
| Millennium Furby | Special 2000 edition with silver/blue fur | $400-$4,500 |
| Bejeweled Furby | Adorned with crystals, extremely limited | $500-$1,000 |
| Presidential Furby | Red, white and blue coloring | $200-$350 |
| Hi-C Promotional Furby | Special edition for Hi-C promotion | $150-$300 |
The rare Millennium Edition Furby that commanded over $4,500 at auction
Black Friday 1998: The Furby Frenzy
During the 1998 holiday shopping season, Furbies became nearly impossible to find at their original $35 price. The shortage led to a secondary market where desperate parents paid scalpers $100-$300 per Furby. Some retailers reported customers camping overnight outside stores for a chance to purchase the must-have toy of the season. This frenzy helped cement Furby’s place in toy history alongside other holiday crazes like Cabbage Patch Kids and Tickle Me Elmo.
Where to Find Vintage Furbies Today
For collectors interested in acquiring original Furbies at various price points, several marketplaces specialize in vintage toys:
Explore Vintage Furby Collectibles
Ready to start or expand your Furby collection? These platforms offer authenticated vintage Furbies at various price points, from common models to rare limited editions.
Other popular marketplaces for finding original Furbies include Mercari, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace, where prices can sometimes be more negotiable than formal auction sites.
The Enduring Value of Furby: More Than Just a Price Tag
The cross-generational appeal of Furbies transcends their original price
From their original $35 price tag to today’s collector market, Furbies have maintained a special place in toy history. Their journey from holiday must-have to nostalgic collectible demonstrates how certain toys transcend their initial retail value to become cultural artifacts.
The original Furby price represented more than just the cost of plastic and electronics—it was an entry fee to a revolutionary interactive experience that changed how we think about toys. Today’s collector prices reflect not just rarity or condition, but the emotional connection many adults have to these chattering companions from their childhood.
Whether you’re a serious collector seeking rare editions or someone who simply wants to reconnect with a beloved childhood toy, understanding the evolution of Furby pricing helps appreciate both their historical significance and their enduring appeal across generations.
Discover Your Vintage Furby’s Value
Have an original Furby tucked away in storage? Professional appraisal services can help determine its exact value based on model, condition, and rarity. Get started with a free initial assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Original Furby Prices
How much did the original Furby cost when first released?
The original Furby price was $35 when first released by Tiger Electronics in October 1998. During the holiday shopping season, however, scarcity drove secondary market prices up to $100-$300.
What makes some vintage Furbies worth hundreds of dollars today?
The most valuable vintage Furbies are those that are still new in their original sealed packaging, rare color variations, limited editions (like the Millennium or Presidential Furbies), or promotional versions that had limited production runs. Condition is also crucial—working electronics and clean, undamaged fur significantly increase value.
How can I tell if my original Furby is valuable?
Check for rare color patterns, limited edition markings, or promotional tags. Furbies still in sealed original packaging are typically most valuable. Research recently sold listings for similar models on auction sites, or consider getting a professional appraisal for potentially rare editions.
Why were Furbies so expensive during the 1998 holiday season?
While the original Furby price was set at $35, unprecedented demand combined with limited supply created a secondary market where prices soared to $100-$300. Retailers couldn’t keep them in stock, and the toy became the must-have gift of the season, similar to other toy crazes like Tickle Me Elmo.
Quick Navigation
- The Original Furby Price: Historical Context
- Why Did Furbies Cost $35? Breaking Down the Price Factors
- Furby Price Evolution: Original Models vs. Later Releases
- From Retail to Collectible: Current Prices for Vintage Furbies
- The Enduring Value of Furby: More Than Just a Price Tag
- Frequently Asked Questions About Original Furby Prices
