They were once the irresistible reason countless kids pleaded with their parents in grocery store aisles for just one more box of sugary cereal that promised something special inside.

Back in the days before breakfast became all about nutrition and clean eating, those brightly colored boxes often hid tiny plastic treasures that turned mornings into mini adventures.

Now, decades later, a handful of those long-forgotten trinkets are quietly resurfacing on auction sites—and believe it or not, a few are commanding prices that would’ve seemed unimaginable at the time.

So before you declutter that old toy bin in the attic or garage, it might be worth taking a closer look at what’s actually buried in there.

Cap’n Crunch Bo’sun Whistle​

This unassuming blue whistle came tucked into boxes of Cap’n Crunch in the 1960s. At the time, it was just a fun way to annoy your parents at the breakfast table.

Today, it’s a collector’s item, with some selling for up to $139.99 on eBay. If it’s in good condition—and especially if it still works—collectors are eager to scoop it up.

Cheerios ‘Lone Ranger’ Frontier Town​

In the 1940s, Cheerios ran one of the most ambitious cereal toy promotions of its time. Kids could build entire towns using cut-out paper models found inside each box.

A full four-section set of Frontier Town pieces is currently listed for $295.00 online. Even individual structures from the set can hold surprising value.

Freakies​

Found in boxes of Freakies cereal in the 1970s, these weird, brightly colored figurines now have a cult following. A full set of 11 characters is going for $299.00—but some rarer pieces go much higher.

One Hamhose character ring is currently listed for $599.99, while a full 40-sticker set is priced at $850.00. These weren’t just toys — they were the start of a collector’s obsession.

General Mills Monsters​

Count Chocula, Boo Berry, Franken Berry, and the gang weren’t just mascots—they were action figures too. These mini-monsters, sold mostly in the ’70s and ’80s, can be worth a serious chunk of change today.

A set of four rare black-colored figurines is currently listed for $2,500.00. Even the more common full-color versions in mint condition are listed at nearly the same price.

Kix Atomic ‘Bomb’ Ring​

Back in the 1940s, Kix cereal offered a secret compartment ring styled like a miniature bomb. Kids could twist off the red tailfin to hide messages or treasures, and the etched “lightning blasts” made it a standout.

That tiny ring now sells for up to $650.00—and if you’ve got the cereal box that advertised it, that alone is going for $2,500.00. Proof that sometimes, the packaging matters as much as the toy.

Read next:

• 6 dietitian-approved cereals that can help lower your cholesterol
• Boost your brainpower with these 4 cereals – experts expose ones you must avoid!

If you grew up tearing open cereal boxes just for the prize inside, you might be sitting on more value than you think. Have you held onto one of these gems—or discovered an old favorite worth cash? Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever found treasure in your childhood collection.