We are here on the Blind Side, There is nothing wrong with spending a little money on your children from time-to-time, particularly when it comes to their birthdays and Christmas, but there is usually a limit to your generosity. Not for some parents, it would seem, as these extravagant toys take spoiling children to a whole new level! From the diamond-encrusted Hot Wheels car to the $8.5 million doll house, here are 15 Most Expensive Toys in the World.
15. $140,000 Hot Wheels car
Forget spending a few dollars on a Hot Wheels car for your darling son or daughter, why not buy one that is more expensive than your family vehicle, or for that matter, a good portion of your home!
To commemorate the 40th Anniversary and the production of the 4 billionth Hot Wheels vehicle, Mattel produced a diamond-encrusted one-of-a-kind version.
With an 18-carat white gold frame, covered in 2,700 blue, black, and white diamonds, and rubies for the brake lights, the toy car was unveiled at the 105th American International Toy Fair in New York in 2008.
The custom jeweled 1:64 scale replica model was designed by celebrity jeweler, Jason Arasheben, president and CEO of Jason of Beverly Hills, and was the most expensive Hot Wheels vehicle in history.
The diamonds on the one-of-a-kind toy car, weighed nearly 23 carats, and even the custom-made case that housed it had 40 individual white diamonds, representing each year of Hot Wheels production.
Considered a collector’s piece, not surprising, given its value, the vehicle was unveiled by multi-platinum recording artist and car enthusiast, Nick Lachey, who grew up playing with the die-cast car line.
The vehicle was auctioned off for US $140,000 with the benefactors Lachey’s charity of choice, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
14. $8.5 million Dollhouse Castle
If you are looking for a gift idea that is certain to thrill and amaze its young recipient for at least a month longer than the usual throw-away gift, then this nine-foot-tall dollhouse, could be worth considering.
Priced at just $8.5 million, this over-the-top gift will have you scrambling for every credit card in your wallet, a second, third, and maybe fourth job, plus a hefty personal loan.
According to the New York Times, the Astolat Dollhouse Castle is considered amongst the most expensive toys in the world, with its cost rivalling that of most family homes!
A little fancier than your stock-standard dollhouse, the Astolat boasts an interior fit for royalty, with 29 rooms, including an armory and ballroom, plus thousands of miniature pieces of furniture throughout. The castle is said to have taken over a decade to build and weighs in at a whopping 800 pounds! It might be an idea to anchor this miniature mansion to the wall for fear it will crush its young owner.
Created by renown miniaturist, Elaine Diehl, the dollhouse design is based on the fictional one featured in English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem ‘Lady of the Shallot’.
The upscale interior includes real parquet flooring, marble and gilt trim, several exact replicas of famed paintings, miniature books with writing inside, and a cocktail bar with real liquor.
13. Nintendo Wii Supreme – $485.000
Is your son or daughter a fan of the original Nintendo Wii? Are they always keen followers of the latest gadgets? Well here is one they won’t have asked for, guaranteed! The Nintendo Wii Supreme.
It might not be the latest gaming device on the market, but it is one of the most expensive.
Coated in a layer of gold and sprinkled with diamonds, this unique game console can be purchased for just £300,000 or approximately US $484, 818.
Surely at that price, you could buy one for each child. Not likely.
Six months of precise workmanship went into creating the Nintendo Wii Supreme. Considered the ultimate gaming station, the device was created by Stuart Hughes in 2009 and featured over 2,500 grams of solid 22 carat gold.
Unlike its inexpensive predecessors, this flashy console has flawless diamonds adorning the buttons on the front.
With just three of these limited-edition Nintendo’s made, the lucky buyer would need to use their normal Wii remote to play the Supreme version. A little bit disappointing really, given how much buying one is likely to set you back.
We’re also going to assume that addition Wii games won’t be thrown in for free.
12. Stefano Canturi Barbie – $302,500
A blonde bombshell with an enviable figure, the Barbie doll first hit toy stores in 1959.
Back then, the doll cost just $3, and is now considered one of the most lucrative toys ever made. Barbie is also a collector’s item, and not just the pristine, vintage version, but the newer models too.
Just imagine if the Barbie, long since forgotten in the back of your wardrobe, was worth a small fortune?
One doll, originally created to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, fits into this category.
The toy’s creator, Mattel, was known for occasionally launching a limited-edition doll, collaborating with famous clothing and jewelry designers to ensure something truly special.
One of these limited-edition masterpieces was considered the most expensive Barbie ever sold. The stylish blonde wore a Stefano Canturi designed necklace, featuring emerald-cut Australian pink diamonds surrounded by white diamonds.
The necklace was an absolute showstopper and rivalled jewelry worn by most humans.
It took six months to make the special edition doll that fetched a remarkable US $302,500 at auction, the highest auctioned Barbie of all time. All proceeds were donated to breast cancer research.
11. Kämmer & Reinhardt Life-Like Doll – $395,750
An extremely rare German, Kämmer & Reinhardt character doll was sold by Bonham’s at an auction in Knightsbridge, for a record US $395,750 in September 2014.
An exquisite life-like doll, its record-breaking sale price, bought applause from the audience as the winning bid went through.
Depicting a little girl with auburn hair woven into two plaits and blue-grey eyes, the delightful doll was said to be a one-of-a-kind, having been created with an experimental mold.
Wearing a lace-sleeved white dress, straw hat, bloomers, white cotton petticoat, stockings and white shoes, the unique little doll also had pierced ears and an unusually mature expression, belying her apparent age.
The doll was first sold at auction in 1994, and no other examples have been found.
Ernst Kämmer and Franz Reinhardt, established the Kämmer & Reinhardt doll factory in Germany in 1886, with their first creations made of wax. They soon moved onto bisque dolls, however, did not have their own porcelain factory to manufacture them in, so had to contract out to the Simon & Halbig Company.
In fact, most of the dolls manufactured by Kämmer and Reinhardt up until 1902 had the Simon & Halbig mark on their heads.
In 1902, Kämmer & Reinhardt purchased the Heinrich Handwerck doll company and in 1920 they acquired the Simon & Halbig company as well. Made famous by their doll’s expressive faces, the Kämmer & Reinhardt factory still stands in Germany today, with a slogan over its door that translates to ‘For children, only the best is good enough’.
10. Masterpiece Rubik’s Cube – $2.5 MILLION
A popular puzzle that hit the market in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube of old can be purchased for a mere $3 online.
A cryptic and colorful puzzle that has kept both children and adults amused for hours, the Rubik’s Cube is one of the world’s most iconic toys.
In fact, at least one in every seven people on the planet are familiar with this toy, with many of those having solved it on occasion.
If you consider yourself a die-hard aficionado and you have money to burn, forget the cheap version, get yourself the glitzy US $2.5 million limited edition one instead.
A true masterpiece, the costliest Rubik’s cube in the world was designed and crafted by expert diamond cutter Fred Cueller to commemorate the cubes 15th anniversary.
Each side of the 18-carat yellow gold cube is encrusted with precious gems, including amethysts, emeralds and rubies, and although fully functional, it’s doubtful with this price tag you’d be keen to have it out on display.
The Masterpiece cube is said to have taken 8,500 hours to produce and is recommended for display-purposes only, considered too precious to handle.
Not surprising at all.
9. Steiff Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear – $2.1 million
German teddy bear maker and seamstress, Margarete Steiff is known for overcoming serious health issues to become the manufacturer of the world’s most sought-after hand-crafted bears.
The beloved plush toy company was founded by Steiff back in 1880.
While most Steiff bears retailed for up to US $200, a special edition version made history in 2000 when it sold at an auction in Monaco for a whopping US $ 2.1 million.
The bear was the result of a collaboration between Steiff and luxury brand Louis Vuitton.
Dressed in Louis Vuitton attire and accompanying luggage and with a gold mouth and sapphire and diamond eyes, the bear was purchased by Jessie Kim of Korea.
It is now on display at the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju, Korea.
8. Shimansky Soccer Ball – $2.59 million.
If you’re looking at trading in your old soccer ball for a newer model, we might just have the deal for you.
For just US $2.59 million, you can score yourself the most expensive soccer ball ever made.
Aside from the over-the-top price tag, there is one other catch. You won’t be able to kick this ball around the park, it’s far too delicate for that.
Ideal for the bling-loving soccer fan, this unique, diamond-studded ball is made up of 6620 white and 2640 black South African diamonds. Weighing slightly more than your average soccer ball, this beauty is 2.2kgs.
Unlike its rubber counterparts, the sparkling soccer ball took more than three months to make.
Designed by jewelry designer Yair Shimansky, the ball was unveiled in front of spectators, players and viewers from across the world at the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Considered one of the most priceless souvenirs of the coveted tournament, the bespoke creation was replicated in crystal, with each auctioned off for local charities.
A useless ornament really, with most soccer fans preferring to spend less than US $10 on a ball, they can at least kick around a field.
7. The Bugatti Veyron Diamond Edition – $2.93 million
A fully operational 1:18 scale model of the high-performance Bugatti Veyron, is considered the most luxurious and expensive model car on the planet. The replica of the French automobile, named after racing car driver Pierre Veyron, was designed and manufactured by Robert Gulpen of Munich and Stuart Hughes of Liverpool.
Bespoke luxury designers, the pair are both well respected in their individual fields.
The solid 24 carat gold and platinum model is said to have 7.2 carats of single cut flawless diamonds included in its design, fully functional and operational parts, a certificate of authenticity and an aluminum and glass case.
Said to be a mammoth effort for both its creators, the intricate scale model took two months to complete and weighs in at a solid 7kg.
And in a bizarre turn of events, the ornamental car cost US $2.93 million to produce, whereas the drivable Veyron, just US $1.7 million.
No need to guess which option most would choose to spend their hard-earned cash on, certainly not the gold-plated dust collector that’s for sure.
6. Original G.I. Joe Action Figure – $200.000
The world’s first action-hero figure, G.I. Joe invaded American households as the latest in little boys’ toys, back in 1964.
The prototype, produced a year prior to its release, was auctioned off to the highest bidder in 2013, having emerged from what we can only assume was an undercover mission of 50 years.
Dallas-based Heritage Comics Auctions put the battle-weary G. I. Joe on the auction-block, with a starting bid of US $125,000.
Standing 11 ½-inches high, the handmade action figure was purchased by book distributor Stephen Geppi who was said to have been thrilled to acquire the one-of-a-kind prototype.
Geppi won the auction, spending US $200,000 on his new treasure, a cool US $50,000 less than the minimum bid required at a San Diego auction the month prior.
The comic book tycoon and collector who admitted playing with a similar doll as a child, took home the miniature US soldier and his various accessories, all handmade by G.I. Joe creator Don Levine.
Experts described the foot-tall figure as the ‘holy grail’ of toy collecting and ‘the most valuable action figure every sold’.
The little soldier is now residing in Geppi Museum in Maryland.
5. Gundam Fix Platinum Toy Robot – $250.000
If you have a pocket full of money and are keen to spend it on something relatively useless, this 12.5 centimeter, 1.4kg toy robot, might be worth a look.
Priced at US$250,000, the toy robot is purely a promotional gimmick and destined for a life on the shelf.
Why is this you may ask? Well, aside from the ludicrous price tag, the robot is simply a replica of the commercially available version, but is made from 1400 grams of platinum and has 0.15 carat diamonds for eyes.
Not really the sort of toy you want little Johnny playing with each day, particularly if he tends to throw his toys out of the cot, so to speak.
The Gundam figurine was exhibited at Baselworld 2007 in Basel, Switzerland and was the brainchild of toymaker Bandai, who suggested that well known jewelers Ginza Tanaka help them out with a new project.
The result was a useless robot, designed to promote Ginza Tanaka’s platinum jewelry business and create more exposure for Bandai’s Gundam characters.
Designed by Hajime Katoki, an experienced Gundam model designer, the Gundam Fix Platinum robot, featured 89 parts and took two years to complete.
So, next time you question spending $40 on a Transformer toy, remember this story about the US $250,000 robot, and count yourself lucky your child doesn’t have expensive taste.
4. Madame Alexander Eloise – $5 million
She’s a fashion icon from head to toe, a blue-eyed blonde child with a cute little smile, a chubby appearance and an adorable dog to match, what’s not to like? Well, the price tag for one.
Certain to be the apple of any little girls’ eye, the Madame Alexander Eloise doll can be purchased for a staggering US $5 million.
Yes, she’s cute, but not that cute!
And you thought Barbie was expensive. At US $302,500, she was a bargain in comparison!
Doll designer Madame Alexander created just five of these little darlings, with the limited-edition doll wearing a combination of Christian Dior and Oscar de la Renta, paired with Swarovski crystals and Katherine Baumann accessories.
If you had US $5 million at your disposal, would you spend it on an Eloise doll? Your child might thank you for it, but it’s doubtful your bank manager would.
3. L’Oiseleur – $6.25 million
Standing four feet tall and dressed in Renaissance garb from top-to-toe, this magnificent porcelain doll was created by French-born Christian Bailly in his Swiss workshop.
Although a fabulous example of late 18th and early 19th century design, L’Oiseleur (The Bird Trainer) won’t be found on a shelf at Toys-R-Us anytime soon. In fact, this doll very rarely leaves Bailly’s workshop.
Twelve craftsmen spent a total of 15,000 hours creating the elaborate device that brings L’Oiseleur to life with the turn of a key.
With an original budget of $400,000, construction soon surpassed that, reaching into the millions, with precious materials, dressmakers, sculptors, jewelers, wigmakers, and other specialists all lending a hand to complete the masterpiece.
To raise the money needed to complete the project, Bailly is said to have sold more than a hundred of the 19th century automation devices he had collected over the years.
Only the finest materials were utilized, and expert craftsmen invited to help with the project, with the work completed in the painstaking tradition of the 18th century doll creators who had come before him.
Once wound up, the doll plays a flute, with its fingers dancing along the instrument and eyes moving back and forth. Birds perched on both its shoulder and hand are also seen to sing along.
Moved just once from its creators’ workshop, The Bird Trainer, was exhibited at the Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show in May 2005, and is now said to be on the market, with Bailly open to offers around US $6,250,000 for the one-of-a-kind collectible.
Relying on its polished steel parts to make it move, one bonus for the new owner will be the savings in batteries! That’s something at least.
2. Swarovski Zebra Rocking Horse – $ 166,670 (incl VAT)
The rocking horse in any shape or form has been a popular addition to many children’s playrooms the whole world over, but this Fernandes Exquisite Creations example takes things to a whole new level.
In fact, if you’re trying to make up your mind between this rocker and a thoroughbred racehorse, the racehorse might prove to be the more lucrative option.
A collaboration with dancers Nuno and Rebecca Fernandes and British rocking horse manufacturer Stevenson Brothers, the Swarovski Zebra Rocking horse is like the one gifted to Prince George at Christmas in 2014, but with a little more sparkle.
Actually, a lot more sparkle. This rocking horse come Zebra is encrusted with more than 82,000 Swarovski crystals, and at a cost of US $1.28 million is far beyond the budget of most doting parents.
With a secret lockable compartment in its belly, a solid oak stand, customized tack and real horse hair, this dapple-grey pony called Crystal was one of only two made, with the second featured in a documentary showcasing the world’s most luxurious toys.
Weighing in at around 36kg, this expensive, handmade rocking horse, is probably right up there with the Gundham robot as far as practicality goes, so a slightly more inexpensive option is probably best.
1. Jonah and the Whale – $414,000
If you’re in the market for a unique money box that is likely to have your child fleeing from the room, rather than depositing any coins within, then this Jonah and the whale mechanized money bank is well worth considering.
Popular among toy collectors, these money banks can achieve phenomenally high prices come auction day.
The ghastly Jonah and the whale money bank, depicting Jonah being swallowed by the whale, was snapped up for a staggering US $414,000 when it went to auction. Considered to be among the rarest examples in existence, the money bank was put up for auction at Morphy Auctions in 2007 and set an all-time record for a mechanical bank sale, proving its enduring popularity.
Designed by well-known US maker J & E Stevens in the late 1800s, it was one of the most sought-after banks on the market, a fact that’s hard to argue, given the sale price.
The piece was presented in excellent condition, with predominantly original paintwork, and just a small repair evident on the central yoke.
If ever you find yourself in possession of a cool million dollars or more, take some time to consider your options. Don’t go spending it on the first million-dollar toy you see. Your children may not even thank you, especially if it can’t be played with. Useless dust collector or collector’s item, the decision is entirely yours. Also, check out our other cool stuff showing up on screen right now. See you next time!