1. PEZ Dispensers (Especially the Rare Ones)
You might remember PEZ dispensers as a cute way to eat chalky candy, but collectors have turned them into serious business. Some dispensers—like the 1982 “Astronaut B” PEZ—have sold for over $30,000, according to Kate Hagan Gallup of Mashed. That one was a prototype, which explains the jaw-dropping price. If you stumble across a vintage PEZ with a unique head design, it might be worth checking before tossing it in a garage sale bin.
The quirkiest ones often come from limited test runs or were never released to the public. Dispensers from the 1950s and 60s are especially valuable, particularly if they’re still in their packaging. Believe it or not, there’s an entire PEZ convention circuit dedicated to these little plastic oddities. Yes, candy has cult status now.
2. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys from the 1980s and 1990s
Those tiny toys you begged your parents for in drive-thru lines? Some of them are now collector gold. Complete sets from special releases—like the 1988 McNugget Buddies or the Changeables series—can fetch upwards of $100–$300, depending on condition, according to Nicole Pyles of Mental Floss. Even individual toys in mint packaging have jumped in value thanks to nostalgia-fueled demand.
The market is driven by millennials eager to reclaim childhood memories (or just decorate their shelves with tiny plastic robots that used to be hamburgers). Rarer international variants or promotional sets can be worth even more. If you find a sealed 1990s McDonaldland toy box in your attic, don’t open it—auction it. It’s fast food meets finance.
3. First-Edition Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Gross, weird, and completely irresistible to ‘80s kids, Garbage Pail Kids were originally spoof trading cards made by Topps. The first series debuted in 1985 and included characters like “Adam Bomb” and “Nasty Nick.” A mint-condition Adam Bomb from that first run can sell for over $4,000. Even beat-up ones fetch surprising prices.
Collectors value these for their crude humor and iconic artwork, but rarity is key, according to Jason Garvin and Elaine Heredia of WikiHow. Cards that are die-cut (meaning they have a sticker-like border) from the original run are especially sought-after. Complete first-series sets? Easily over $10,000. Trash never looked so valuable.
4. Vintage Pyrex Dishes
That old casserole dish your grandma used? It might be worth hundreds now, according to Brittany Anas and Jessica Cherner of House Beautiful. Certain Pyrex patterns—especially the turquoise “Butterprint” or the pink “Gooseberry”—have become cult favorites. Full sets in excellent condition can fetch upwards of $500 to $1,000 on sites like eBay and Etsy.
Collectors love the nostalgia and durability, but the quirky mid-century patterns really seal the deal. Limited-run colors and shapes drive up the value even more. If you’ve got a stack of mismatched Pyrex in the kitchen cabinet, it’s time to do a little research. You might be cooking with gold.
5. Original Beanie Babies (but Only the Right Ones)
No, not every Beanie Baby is worth a fortune—but a few absolutely are. The Princess Diana bear, Peanut the royal blue elephant, and Claude the crab are among the most coveted, with values that can reach into the thousands if they have the right tags and are authentic. The original “first generation” tags are a huge part of what collectors look for.
A pristine Princess Diana bear, for instance, has sold for over $10,000—but plenty of fakes flood the market, so authentication is key. The Beanie Baby bubble may have burst in the early 2000s, but niche demand remains for rare, mint-condition ones. So if you’ve got a plastic bin full of plushies in your basement, it’s worth combing through them carefully.
6. Lunchboxes from the 1950s and 1960s
Metal lunchboxes featuring pop culture icons were a rite of passage for American schoolkids—now they’re prized collectibles. A 1954 Superman lunchbox can sell for over $13,000 if it’s in good shape. Rarity, condition, and graphics are what determine the value. Bonus points if you still have the matching Thermos.
Collectors adore the vibrant illustrations and pop nostalgia—from Hopalong Cassidy to The Jetsons. These were often thrown out or dented beyond recognition, which makes surviving examples rare. Even more recent lunchboxes, like early 1980s Star Wars designs, can net serious cash. If yours is rust-free and colorful, it’s a keeper.
7. Vintage Disneyland Tickets
Old Disneyland ephemera, especially tickets, are major collector bait. Before 1982, Disney used an A-E ticket system—E-tickets were for the biggest rides like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion. A complete, unused E-ticket can go for over $100, and full ticket booklets can exceed $500. First-year (1955) Disneyland tickets? Thousands.
They’re tangible snapshots of Disney history—and because people used or tossed them, mint ones are super scarce. Some collectors build shadowboxes or frame sets to display. If you inherited an old drawer full of family trip souvenirs, it’s time to dig through it. Your parents’ old park pass could pay for your next vacation.
8. Tupperware from the 1950s
Yes, Tupperware—those colorful plastic containers your mom swore by—are now stylish collectibles. Particularly sought-after are pastel-colored pieces from the 1950s and 60s. Complete sets or rare colors like pink and mint green can go for $100 to $300, sometimes more for special-edition items. And they’re often still usable, which only adds to their appeal.
Collectors are drawn to the retro charm and nostalgic utility. Some people decorate their kitchens around vintage Tupperware collections. The original “Millionaire Line” sets are especially valued. So don’t toss those old burping lids—they might just bring in some extra cash.
9. Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls (Original 1983 Soft Sculptures)
These quirky-faced dolls were a full-blown cultural phenomenon in the ‘80s. The original soft sculpture versions created by Xavier Roberts before the mass-market versions hit shelves can be worth thousands. Even mass-produced 1983 dolls with original birth certificates and packaging can go for $100–$500. One early model even sold for $3,000 at auction.
The demand is driven by Gen X nostalgia and the uniqueness of each doll’s look and “adoption” paperwork. If you’ve got one with a signature on the butt and intact packaging, you’re in luck. These aren’t just childhood relics—they’re investment dolls now. Creepy, but lucrative.
10. Vintage Concert T-Shirts
Rock tees from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and early ‘90s are now fashion gold. A Nirvana 1993 tour shirt? That could go for $1,000. Original Led Zeppelin, Metallica, or Grateful Dead shirts in good condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands depending on rarity and size. Faded, cracked graphics are often a plus—proving authenticity.
Collectors and fashionistas alike crave the retro aesthetic and band history. Many were screen-printed in small batches and only sold at specific shows, making them inherently rare. Look for shirts with dates, venues, and tags from brands like Hanes or Screen Stars. If it’s been sitting in your dad’s closet, it could fund a vacation.
11. Vintage Halloween Decorations (Especially from Beistle)
Those crepe-paper and cardboard Halloween cutouts from the early 20th century? They’re spooky… and shockingly valuable. Companies like Beistle made intricate die-cut witches, black cats, and pumpkins that now sell for $50 to $300 apiece—or more if they’re in pristine condition. Some rarer examples from the 1920s or 30s have sold for over $1,000.
Collectors love them because they capture the eerie charm of a bygone holiday aesthetic. These decorations were usually tossed after a few uses, so surviving ones are rare. Bonus if they still have their original folds or packaging. That tattered black cat in grandma’s attic might just be your ticket to a small windfall.
12. Old Crayola Crayon Boxes
You’d think crayons would be worthless once they’re broken or used—but think again. Vintage Crayola boxes, especially from the early 1900s to 1960s, are highly collectible. A full box of unused crayons in the original tin or cardboard can sell for over $100, and rare colors or discontinued designs are even more sought-after. A 1903 box of 8 crayons sold for over $500.
Collectors value the evolution of the packaging and the nostalgia factor. Crayola even had a color retirement event in 2003, and “dandelion” was officially retired in 2017—these discontinued shades also have value. The earliest tins with paper labels and wooden crayons are considered the holy grail. So before you donate that arts and crafts bin, take a second look.
13. 1970s and 1980s Board Games
You might be surprised, but some old board games are worth serious dough. Early editions of games like Dark Tower, Fireball Island, or even Mystery Mansion can sell for hundreds, sometimes even thousands, especially if complete. An unopened 1981 Dark Tower game has fetched over $1,000 due to its cult status and electronic parts.
Collectors go wild for nostalgia and rare parts—often, it’s the little pieces that make or break a set’s value. Even mass-market games like HeroQuest or Omega Virus can command impressive prices if the box art is intact and all cards are present. It’s a reminder that your childhood boredom could become someone else’s treasure hunt. Dust off that closet shelf—you might be sitting on retro gold.
14. Old Soda Signs and Thermometers
Vintage advertising signs—especially those from Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or Dr Pepper—are highly prized by collectors. A well-preserved porcelain Coke sign from the 1940s can easily sell for $1,000 or more. The most coveted ones are colorful, rust-free, and feature classic logos or slogans. Old soda thermometers, which were often displayed outside diners or service stations, also bring in top dollar.
Collectors are drawn to the Americana vibe and craftsmanship—these were built to last and often feature bold typography and vibrant enamel. Rarity plays a huge role: signs with regional branding or unusual slogans are worth more. Even smaller signs, like vintage bottle caps or menu boards, can surprise you with their value. It’s roadside nostalgia turned art form.
15. Civil Defense Geiger Counters from the Cold War Era
Believe it or not, Geiger counters issued to civilians during the Cold War are hot among collectors and survivalists. These battery-powered radiation detectors were part of fallout shelter kits distributed across the U.S. in the 1950s and ‘60s. Depending on the model and condition, they can sell for $100 to over $400. Models like the CD V-700 or CD V-715 are especially desirable.
They’re valued for both their historical significance and steampunk aesthetics. Some people even use them as functioning devices today, especially in preparedness communities. The government produced thousands—but few remain in working condition with original cases. So if your grandpa had a basement bomb shelter, check the shelves before you clean it out.
16. Wheaties Boxes with Sports Legends
Wheaties has long touted itself as “The Breakfast of Champions,” and boxes featuring big-name athletes can be surprisingly valuable. Unopened boxes with stars like Michael Jordan, Mary Lou Retton, or Tiger Woods in their prime can fetch between $50 and $300. Limited-edition or misprint boxes? Even more.
Collectors look for mint condition and shelf appeal—no dents, no mold, and no fading. Some people go as far as framing them, turning breakfast cereal into wall art. While boxes from the 2000s are more common, earlier editions are getting harder to find. It turns out you really can’t put a price on childhood breakfasts… except you can.
17. Vintage Hotel Key Fobs
These old-school keychains—especially brass or Bakelite ones from mid-century American motels—are a hot niche collectible. People love the vintage typography and quirky room numbers, and certain keys from defunct Route 66 motels or Vegas casinos can go for $50 to $150 each. Keys from infamous or historic locations (like old mob-run hotels) command even more.
There’s a real aesthetic to these—many collectors use them in shadowboxes or as décor. Some fobs even have phone numbers with words instead of area codes, like “KLondike-5” or “BUtterfield-8,” which adds to their charm. It’s a bit of roadside Americana you can hold in your hand. Who knew losing your key back then might’ve saved it for profit now?
18. 1980s and 1990s VHS Tapes
You heard right—some VHS tapes are now worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Early releases of cult classics like Disney’s Black Diamond series, or horror flicks like Halloween or Texas Chainsaw Massacre from small studios, are especially valuable. A sealed copy of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with the Black Diamond label has sold for over $500. Meanwhile, obscure horror tapes from “Video Nasty” lists have gone for thousands.
Condition and rarity matter most—sealed tapes with original shrink-wrap and stickers are top-tier. Collectors love the tactile nostalgia, retro artwork, and clunky charm. Some people even argue that VHS has a “warmer” viewing experience than modern digital. So before you chuck those tapes in the Goodwill bin, do a quick eBay search—you might just be shocked.
19. Vintage Taxidermy
As strange as it sounds, vintage taxidermy—especially with an odd or folksy aesthetic—has become a high-end collectible. Think jackalopes, squirrel scenes, or deer heads with handmade plaques from the early 20th century. A well-preserved jackalope mount can go for $100–$400, and full deer mounts from skilled taxidermists can top $1,000. The more whimsical or bizarre, the more valuable.
Interior designers, artists, and collectors love the strange blend of nature and kitsch. Taxidermy is also popular in the “cabin chic” trend and among lovers of Americana oddities. Authenticity and condition are key—moth damage, fading, or missing features will bring the value down. If it looks like it belongs in a dusty roadside museum, it might belong in your online auction instead.
