They Were Huge In The 80s — Now It's The Sweet Glassware We Want In Our Homes

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There's a lot to be nostalgic about when it comes to the 1980s. Big blockbuster movies like Back to the Future, even bigger hair, and a truly one-of-a-kind childhood that preceding generations just couldn't understand. Any true '80s kid will think back fondly on old school family restaurants like Pizza Hut. The moody stained glass lights, the iconic red cups — it wasn't just dinner, it was an experience.

Occasionally, Pizza Hut would release promotional cups in collaboration with popular television and movie franchises such as E.T. or The Flintstones. Care Bears were a relatively new cultural phenomenon in the early 1980s, but took off in popularity rapidly after the characters were featured in two television specials. Pizza Hut was quick to adopt these beloved pop culture icons for their promotional cups in 1983. They originally produced four cups for their patrons to collect: Tenderheart Bear, Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, and Grumpy Bear. Due to their immense popularity, they went on to produce Good Luck Bear and Friend Bear cups, too.

When these playful cups were first released, you could snag two for just 99 cents with the purchase of a pizza. Over 40 years later, these nostalgic home decor collectibles are worth much more. A set of the original four can run you anywhere from $30 to $90. However, the more rare second release cups are even more valuable. Just for a single Good Luck Bear or Friend Bear cup, you could end up paying anywhere from $70 to upwards of $120. It's clear that these iconic artifacts of '80s history are beloved amongst collectors to serve as quirky vintage decor.

If you're eager to start your own Care Bear glassware collection, you may be able to track them down at the thrift shop if you're lucky. At one point, these glasses were affordable and extremely popular. Although time would inevitably take its toll on a lot of these collectibles, there are still plenty floating around out there on the secondhand market. However, it may still be harder to find them out in the wild. Try your luck at antique shops and estate sales if you don't have any success at thrift shops. If you're hoping to buy the complete collection, you will have better luck shopping online. There are plenty of options on sites like Etsy and eBay.

Keep in mind that these glasses are fun to collect, but they aren't necessarily safe to use as originally intended — especially for children. Unfortunately, the paint on some cups contain lead levels beyond what is considered safe. While there isn't information on all of the different Care Bear cups readily available online, you can test them yourself with a $20 at home kit. Even if you find that the paint contains lead, you can still keep it for display use only. Just handle it with care and be sure to keep it out of reach from children. Even though you can't use these glasses to drink from, they're still worth collecting to use as a whimsical accent in your kitchen or display case. They're the perfect way to infuse your space with playful '80s charm!