6 of the Most Valuable Vintage Lisa Frank Items

Back-to-school shopping was always a fun late-August tradition for me. Who else remembers loving the crisp smell of new highlighters and the fun of selecting colorful binders for the school year ahead? It was a moment that made the start of the school year feel full of possibility.

Of course, some back-to-school products stood out against the rest. You could go minimalist and opt for a plain binder, but plenty of kids found themselves entranced by more unique options. Few brands outshone Lisa Frank, though, in terms of just how colorful and bold their designs actually were.

Founded in 1979, Lisa Frank was known for their rainbow-colored lettering and highly saturated images of animals and magical creatures. From the signature leaping unicorns to dolphins soaring above purple and orange skies, Lisa Frank’s designs could transport you to a world of sparkles and magic, and were coveted additions to any ‘80s or ‘90s kid’s back-to-school haul.

The store closed its physical factory in 2013. Today, this brand is much more difficult to find in stores and has also been subject to some controversy. Some Lisa Frank merchandise is still on sale, but vintage or discontinued products from this company have become collectors’ items that can now fetch a pretty penny online. Here are some of the more expensive Lisa Frank items on sale today.

1. Lisa Frank Zoomer & Zorbit Crossbody Purse
2. The Rainbow Reef Skeeter Watch 
3. Lisa Frank Bean Buddies - Complete Collection
4. Lisa Frank Fleece Pullover
5. Astro Blast Prismatic Zoomer & Zorbit Journal
6. Lisa Frank Vintage Luggage

Lisa Frank Zoomer & Zorbit Crossbody Purse

This item would have set you apart from the crowd in the heyday of Lisa Frank, and also likely would have cost you around $20 to $40 in the ‘90s—but now is listed for $2,500 on eBay. This clear miniature crossbody purse is emblazoned with neon-green aliens driving in a car that looks like something out of a Woodstock hippie’s fever dream. There’s also a smiley face with a rainbow halo and a bold blue disco ball for an added pop. A backpack with a similar design is listed on Lisa Frank’s website for $90, though it is currently sold out, but this particular purse's clear design clearly sets it apart.

The Rainbow Reef Skeeter Watch 

This Lisa Frank watch will cost you around the same as an entry-level Rolex. But truly, who wants a plain old fancy adult watch when you could make your inner child happy with Lisa Frank’s leather Rainbow Reef Skeeter watch?

This vintage item is on sale for $6,500 on eBay. With a green strap and a brightly colored sketch of a pink-spotted seal, this is the perfect splurge for someone with a case of serious nostalgia and a paycheck to back it up. The watch is still working, so it could also come in handy if you decide to leave your cell phone at home for a true trip back to the '80s. 

Lisa Frank Bean Buddies - Complete Collection

Back in the day, Lisa Frank made their own “bean buddies”—a name seemingly perfectly calculated to not infringe on “Beanie Babies.” Today, you can acquire a full set of the Series 1 and 2 Lisa Frank bean buddies for $2,050 on eBay.

These stuffed critters include blue dolphins, rainbow-striped bees, and of course, the classic unicorns with rainbow manes and tails. Vintage stuffed animals have become expensive collectors’ items over the years, with the most expensive Beanie Baby valued at over $25,000, so it’s no surprise that Lisa Frank’s own line is also coveted today. These stuffed creatures were released in 1998, five years after the launch of Beanie Babies.  

Lisa Frank Fleece Pullover

Head right back to styles of yore with this fleece pullover, which as a sweet cat duo on its upper left side and shines shades of bright green, blue, maroon, and of course, sunshine yellow. This rare find is on sale for $1,999 on eBay and is sure to feel like a warm, ‘90s-scented hug. Other jackets, like the famous jean jackets with animal designs on the back, have also sold for close to $1,000.

Astro Blast Prismatic Zoomer & Zorbit Journal

Few Lisa Frank products were more beloved than their journals, which added a splash of exuberant sparkle to any school day. Fortunately, there are still some vintage notebooks from your school days on sale, such as this $1,500 journal, which comes with a themed calendar and sticker book. According to the Etsy seller, there are no others like it on the market. Emblazoned with the classic green Zorbit aliens, this is a whimsical find—and even if you can no longer use it for third-period math, it’ll certainly add some shine to any work-from-home setup or office desk.

Lisa Frank Vintage Luggage

Lisa Frank items weren’t just for school. They could also accompany you on vacations—and with this suitcase, you’d definitely run zero risk of someone mistakenly taking your luggage at baggage claim.

Lisa Frank luggage is on sale for a variety of prices, but one bright pink suitcase is on sale for $450 at Mercari. This suitcase is decorated with bright flowers, a mother and baby horse, and of course, a rainbow and a butterfly in the background. The world may not be all rainbows and butterflies, but Lisa Frank products certainly were—and can still be, if your devotion to vintage is strong enough.