1. Metal Lunchboxes
Lunchboxes in the 70s were more than just a way to carry your sandwich—they were mini works of art featuring everything from superheroes to popular TV shows. Today, collectors are willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for well-preserved metal lunchboxes from the era. For example, a Smokey Bear lunchbox from the early 70s recently sold for over $1,000, according to Orion’s Attic. The key to their value lies in the condition, rarity, and nostalgic factor of the design.
Lunchboxes featuring characters from Star Wars, The Six Million Dollar Man, or The Bionic Woman tend to fetch the highest prices. If you find one in excellent condition with its matching thermos, it’s a jackpot. Even heavily used lunchboxes can hold some value, especially if they feature rare designs. So, if you’ve been hanging on to your childhood lunchbox, now’s the time to cash in. Who knew your old PB&J carrier could be worth a small fortune?
2. Vintage Vinyl Records
If you grew up in the 70s or had parents who did, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a stack of vinyl records lying around somewhere. While they seemed to fade out of popularity during the CD and MP3 eras, vinyl made a huge comeback in recent years, with collectors and music enthusiasts shelling out serious cash for vintage albums. The most valuable records tend to be first pressings, rare limited editions, or albums that were influential in shaping the music industry. For instance, early works by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd are coveted items. A sealed first pressing of The Beatles’ “White Album” once sold for $790,000, according to Rolling Stone.
Even less famous artists can command impressive prices if the album has a unique pressing or features iconic cover art. Condition is key—scratches, wear, and tear can devalue a record significantly, but even imperfect copies of rare albums are worth something. So if you have an old box of records gathering dust in the attic, it’s worth digging through to see if you’ve got a hidden gem. Who knew that the vinyl you danced to at house parties might now be worth more than your car?
3. Star Wars Action Figures
The late 70s marked the release of a little indie film called Star Wars, and with it came a flood of merchandise, including action figures. While millions of these toys were made, certain figures have become rare due to limited runs, packaging errors, or being sold in specific regions. One famous example is the “vinyl cape” Jawa, which was only released briefly before being replaced with a cloth cape. Today, an unopened vinyl cape Jawa can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. In Ireland, one sold for €18,500, The Irish Sun reports, a jaw-dropping return for something originally bought for less than a pound.
Collectors also seek out early prototypes, like “double-telescoping” lightsabers that were part of the first Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader figures. Condition and packaging are crucial, and even minor damage can drastically lower the value. If you still have your old toys stashed away, dig them out and check for rare versions. The galaxy far, far away might just be sitting in your attic.
4. Matchbox Toy Cars
Matchbox cars were a staple in many kids’ toy collections during the 70s, but those tiny cars you zoomed across the carpet are now big money for collectors. A complete collection of 450 Matchbox Regular Wheels cars recently sold for £46,000 at auction, according to The Sun. That’s right, cars that once cost a couple of bucks are now worth more than some actual vehicles! Limited edition models, unique paint jobs, and hard-to-find releases are the most valuable. For example, a Matchbox Regular Wheels 55a DUKW Amphibian fetched £760 on its own.
Condition matters here too, but even well-loved cars can be worth something if they’re rare enough. Complete sets or cars in their original packaging are worth significantly more. So, before you dismiss those old toys as clutter, take a second look. That shoebox of Matchbox cars might be the ticket to an incredible payday.
5. Vintage Levi’s Jeans
It turns out your parents’ favorite pair of Levi’s might be more valuable than you think. Jeans from the 70s, especially iconic styles like 501s and 505s, are worth big bucks today. Some vintage Levi’s have sold for over £2,000, The Sun reports, especially if they feature unique details like the “Big E” on the red tab (a telltale sign of pre-1971 jeans) or single-stitch seams. Even worn-out pairs can fetch high prices if they’re rare enough, as buyers often view the wear and tear as part of their charm.
Denim collectors also value care labels that were introduced in the 70s, which help authenticate the jeans. Vintage Levi’s are especially popular in fashion circles, with buyers in places like Japan willing to pay a premium. If you’ve got a stack of old denim hidden away, now’s the time to check for those telltale details. Your old jeans might be worth more than you ever imagined.
6. Comic Books
The 70s were a golden age for comic books, with the rise of new characters and the evolution of iconic storylines. Issues from this era are now incredibly collectible, with some first appearances selling for thousands of dollars. Take, for instance, The Amazing Spider-Man #129, which introduced The Punisher in 1974. A copy of this comic in excellent condition recently sold for over $4,000. Other comics, like the first appearance of Wolverine in The Incredible Hulk #181, are also worth a fortune.
The value of a comic depends on its condition, rarity, and cultural significance. Graded comics (professionally appraised for quality) tend to fetch the highest prices. If you’ve got a box of old comics from the 70s lying around, it’s worth taking the time to look up their value. You never know which issue might turn out to be a hidden treasure.
7. Blythe Dolls
When Blythe dolls were introduced in 1972, their oversized heads and big eyes were a little too weird for the mainstream, leading to poor sales and a quick discontinuation. But decades later, their unique look made them a cult favorite, and original Blythe dolls now sell for thousands of dollars. One mint-condition Blythe doll from the 70s recently sold for $1,100, and the rarest ones can fetch even higher prices.
These dolls have become so popular that companies like Hasbro and Takara have reintroduced modern versions, but it’s the vintage models that collectors truly prize. If you find an original Blythe doll in your attic, make sure to do your research before selling—it could be the most valuable toy you never played with.
8. Walk Lively Barbie Dolls
The Barbie brand has had countless iterations over the years, but the “Walk Lively” series from the early 70s stands out as a fan favorite among collectors. These dolls were designed to mimic walking motions, thanks to a unique rolling stand that connected to their feet. The collection included Barbie, Ken, and a doll named Steffie, all of whom came with stylish 70s outfits. Despite their novelty, they were only produced for a limited time, making them highly collectible today. A “Walk Lively” Barbie in its original packaging recently sold for $679.99, and others in excellent condition aren’t far behind in value.
The appeal of these dolls isn’t just their rarity but also the nostalgia they evoke for a time when Barbie wasn’t just a toy but a cultural icon. Collectors look for pristine condition, complete accessories, and original boxes. Even dolls that were gently played with can have value if they’re part of this unique series. If you find one hiding in an old toy box, you might have just stumbled upon a miniature jackpot.
9. Corgi Batmobile & Batboat Gift Set
Corgi Toys was a big name in the 70s when it came to die-cast vehicle models, and their Batman-themed releases were among their most iconic. The Batmobile & Batboat gift set, released in 1976, combined the appeal of the Batman franchise with the high-quality craftsmanship of Corgi. These toys became instant favorites with kids and collectors alike, and today, they’re worth a small fortune. A complete set in its original box can sell for over $2,200, and even loose versions of the toys regularly fetch over $1,000.
The Batmobile, with its sleek black finish and bright red details, is particularly prized, especially if its stickers and decals are intact. The Batboat adds even more value to the set, as it was often lost or damaged over the years. These toys hold a special place in the hearts of Batman fans, and their value has only grown with the franchise’s enduring popularity. If you come across one of these sets, treat it like gold—you might just find a superfan willing to pay a heroic sum for it.
10. The Lord of the Rings Knickerbocker Playset
Before Peter Jackson’s blockbuster adaptations, The Lord of the Rings got its first taste of cinematic fame in a 1978 animated film. To accompany the movie, Knickerbocker released a line of action figures that are now some of the rarest 70s collectibles. The set included characters like Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn, all rendered in a unique animated style. Despite their charm, these figures didn’t sell well at the time, making them highly sought after today. A complete set of these toys has been known to sell for as much as $17,000.
The rarity of these figures is a major driver of their value, as is their connection to Tolkien’s legendary work. Collectors seek out figures in their original packaging, but even loose ones can be worth hundreds of dollars. If you’ve got one of these tucked away in a box somewhere, you might be sitting on a treasure as epic as the One Ring itself. Just don’t let it fall into Sauron’s hands—or worse, a yard sale.
11. PEZ Dispensers
PEZ dispensers were already a hit by the 70s, but some of the designs released during this era have become incredibly valuable to collectors. Certain limited-edition or region-specific dispensers, like the rare “Make-A-Face” PEZ from the early 70s, can sell for thousands of dollars. These unique dispensers let kids create different facial expressions by swapping out pieces—a feature that was both fun and ahead of its time.
Collectors today love PEZ for their quirky designs and nostalgic appeal. The value of a dispenser depends on factors like rarity, condition, and whether it comes with its original packaging. Even if you think your old PEZ dispenser is just a cheap plastic toy, it’s worth looking up—you might find it’s worth more than just a handful of candy. With the growing community of PEZ enthusiasts, you’d be surprised at how much someone might pay for a piece of 70s whimsy.
12. Fisher-Price Little People Sets
Fisher-Price Little People sets were a cornerstone of 70s playrooms, with their chunky, colorful designs and imaginative play potential. Sets like the Little People Airport, A-Frame House, and Parking Garage were especially popular. Today, these toys are prized for their nostalgia and durability, with complete sets in good condition selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, a Little People Family Camper set in its original box recently sold for over $500 on eBay.
Collectors look for original pieces, including the small wooden or plastic figures and accessories that came with each set. Condition matters, but even gently used sets can hold value if they’re rare enough. If you find one in your attic, don’t dismiss it as just an old kids’ toy—these Little People could bring in a big payday.
13. Atari 2600 Game Consoles and Cartridges
The Atari 2600 revolutionized gaming in the late 70s, bringing arcade-style entertainment into people’s living rooms for the first time. If you still have your original console, cartridges, and controllers, they might be worth more than you think. The console itself can sell for hundreds of dollars, while rare game cartridges like Air Raid can go for tens of thousands. In fact, a copy of Air Raid in its original packaging once sold for $33,433.
The value of these items depends on their condition and rarity, with complete sets fetching the highest prices. Even common games can sell for decent amounts if they’re part of a larger collection. If you’ve got an old Atari system lying around, now’s the perfect time to dust it off and see if it’s worth cashing in. Gaming nostalgia is at an all-time high, and collectors are willing to pay big bucks for the tech that started it all.
