1. Vintage Pyrex Dishes
Those colorful Pyrex mixing bowls your grandma used every day? They’re now collector’s items, with rare patterns fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Designs like “Lucky in Love” and “Turquoise Snowflake” are especially sought after. The more pristine the condition, the higher the value, especially if the original lids are intact.
Pyrex was once just a durable kitchen staple, but its nostalgic charm has driven up demand. Many of the most valuable pieces were promotional or seasonal releases. Some colors, like pink and aqua, are particularly prized by mid-century enthusiasts. If you’ve got a full set in good condition, you could be sitting on a small fortune, according to House Beautiful.
2. Vintage Board Games
That old Monopoly or Clue game in your closet could be worth far more than its original price. First-edition board games, especially those from the early 20th century, are highly collectible. Games with wooden pieces, metal tokens, or unique packaging are especially desirable. If you have a complete set with all the original parts, it could be worth a lot to collectors, according to the Austin Woman’s Club.
Many classic board games went through multiple design changes, making early versions rare. Even mass-produced games like Scrabble or Risk have valuable early editions. Special limited editions or games that were quickly discontinued can be particularly lucrative. If you’ve got an old board game from your childhood, it’s worth checking before you donate it.
3. Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Those delicate glass ornaments you pull out every holiday season? Some of them could be worth hundreds of dollars. Vintage ornaments from brands like Shiny Brite, Kugel, and Radko are highly sought after, according to The Ornament Factory. Hand-painted or mercury glass ornaments from the early 1900s are especially valuable.
Many of these ornaments were fragile and easily broken, making surviving pieces rare. Collectors look for unique shapes, bright colors, and original boxes. The more detailed and intricate the design, the more valuable the ornament. If you have old Christmas decorations tucked away, they could be more than just sentimental treasures.
4. Coca-Cola Memorabilia
Coca-Cola has been a beloved brand for over a century, and its vintage memorabilia is highly collectible. Old Coke signs, trays, and bottles can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Items from the early 1900s, especially those with unique designs or discontinued logos, are the most valuable. Even vintage Coke glasses and advertising posters can fetch a good price, according to Collectors Weekly.
Many people kept these items as decorations, but over time, they became rarer. Collectors love pieces that are in good condition with bright colors and minimal wear. Certain promotional items, like old vending machines and clocks, are especially desirable. If you have an old Coke sign in your garage, it might be worth more than you think.
5. Depression Glass
During the Great Depression, manufacturers produced inexpensive glassware in bright colors to lift people’s spirits. Today, those once-cheap dishes are highly collectible, with some pieces selling for hundreds, according to Invaluable. Patterns like “Royal Lace” and “Cameo” are especially rare and valuable. Collectors love pink, green, and cobalt blue glass the most.
Depression glass was often given away in cereal boxes or gas station promotions, making it feel common at the time. However, many pieces were fragile and didn’t survive, making intact sets hard to find. Scratches and chips lower the value, but even a single rare plate can be worth good money. If you’ve got a box of old glassware, it’s worth taking a closer look.
6. First-Edition Cookbooks
That tattered old cookbook tucked away in a drawer could be worth far more than you think. First editions of classic cookbooks, like Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, can sell for thousands. Books by Betty Crocker, Fannie Farmer, and even the iconic Joy of Cooking are highly collectible. If they still have their dust jackets and minimal wear, they’re even more valuable.
Cookbooks were once seen as purely functional, so many early editions were well-used or discarded. Collectors love pristine copies because they’re rare, especially with handwritten notes from famous chefs. Some limited-run community cookbooks can also be valuable, particularly those from famous restaurants or organizations. If you’ve inherited a box of old cookbooks, it might be worth flipping through them.
7. Typewriters from the Early 20th Century
Once a household staple, vintage typewriters are now hot commodities among collectors and writers. Brands like Underwood, Royal, and Remington, especially those from the early 1900s, can fetch high prices. Some models, like the Olivetti Lettera 32, are prized for both their aesthetics and functionality. The older and rarer the typewriter, the more valuable it tends to be.
People love these machines for their nostalgic appeal and mechanical craftsmanship. Certain colors, like mint green or bright red, can make them even more desirable. Some collectors seek out typewriters that famous authors used, adding to their intrigue. If you’ve got an old typewriter gathering dust, it might be worth more than you think.
8. Mid-Century Tupperware
That old pastel-colored Tupperware set in your kitchen cabinet could be worth a surprising amount. Collectors adore vintage Tupperware, particularly pieces from the 1950s and 1960s. Items like the Wonderlier bowls or the iconic cake carriers can sell for well over $100. Limited edition colors, like pink and turquoise, fetch even higher prices.
Tupperware revolutionized food storage, and its durability means many vintage pieces are still around. The original “burping” seal and space-age design make it a nostalgic favorite. Collectors love pieces that still have their lids and show minimal wear. If you’ve got a complete set, it might be time to cash in.
9. Mechanical Wristwatches
Before smartwatches took over, mechanical wristwatches were essential accessories. Vintage brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe have always been valuable, but even lesser-known names like Seiko and Hamilton are gaining traction. Unique dials, rare designs, and limited editions can send prices soaring. A well-maintained watch, especially with its original box and papers, can be a serious investment.
Mechanical watches are beloved for their craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Many collectors seek out watches with specific movements or historical significance. Even watches that were once considered affordable, like old Timex or Bulova models, are now sought after. If you have an old wristwatch sitting in a drawer, it might be worth checking its value.
10. Rotary Phones
Those clunky rotary phones that once sat on every desk and nightstand? They’re now collector’s items, especially in bright colors. Western Electric’s classic Model 500, especially in colors like pink or turquoise, can sell for several hundred dollars. The rarer the color, the higher the demand among retro enthusiasts.
Rotary phones are popular with both vintage decor lovers and tech collectors. Many people buy them not just for aesthetics but to actually use them in their homes. Some early models were built to last for decades, making them a fascinating piece of functional history. If you still have an old rotary phone tucked away, it could be worth more than you expect.
11. Old Video Game Consoles
That dusty Atari or Nintendo system in your basement might be worth a lot more than you think. Early gaming consoles like the Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Sega Genesis are highly collectible. If you have a working console with original controllers and cables, you could be sitting on hundreds of dollars. Limited edition consoles or rare game cartridges can fetch even more.
Many people threw out their old consoles when newer models came along, making vintage ones harder to find. Collectors especially love factory-sealed games and rare releases that had limited production. Games like Stadium Events for the NES or EarthBound for the Super Nintendo can be worth thousands. If you still have a box of old games, it’s worth checking their value before getting rid of them.
12. Cast Iron Cookware
That heavy cast iron skillet your grandmother used every day? It could be worth a small fortune if it’s from a coveted brand like Griswold or Wagner. Older cast iron pieces were made with a smoother finish and better craftsmanship, making them highly desirable. If the brand stamp is visible and the pan is in good condition, collectors will pay top dollar.
Many of these vintage skillets were passed down through generations, but some ended up in thrift stores or yard sales. Restored pieces with minimal rust and a good seasoning layer are especially valuable. Some rare models, like the Griswold “Erie” skillet, can sell for over $1,000. If you’ve got an old cast iron pan, it might be worth researching before you use it for your next meal.
13. 35mm Film Cameras
Before smartphones took over, 35mm cameras were a must-have for capturing memories. Now, brands like Leica, Nikon, and Canon have become highly collectible, with certain models fetching thousands of dollars. Even lesser-known brands can be valuable, especially if they have rare lenses. A camera in good working condition with its original case and accessories can be worth a surprising amount.
Film photography has made a huge comeback, especially among younger generations who love its vintage aesthetic. Many professional photographers seek out older cameras for their unique image quality. Some models, like the Nikon F2 or Leica M6, are considered legendary in the photography world. If you have an old camera lying around, it could be worth way more than you paid for it.
14. Hand-Stitched Quilts
Those handmade quilts passed down through generations? They could be worth a lot of money if they’re old and well-preserved. Quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially those with intricate patterns and hand-stitching, are highly valuable. Certain designs, like the “Baltimore Album” or “Double Wedding Ring,” are especially prized by collectors.
Many of these quilts were one-of-a-kind pieces, making them rare finds today. Collectors look for quilts with bright colors, detailed craftsmanship, and minimal damage. Some antique quilts have even been displayed in museums for their historical significance. If you have an old family quilt, it might be worth more than just sentimental value.
15. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records have made a huge comeback, and rare editions are fetching serious money. First pressings of albums from legendary artists like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Pink Floyd can be worth thousands. Records with misprints, special artwork, or limited releases are even more valuable. Condition is key—scratches and worn covers can significantly reduce their worth.
Many people tossed out their vinyl collections when CDs and streaming took over. Now, collectors and music lovers are hunting for rare and high-quality records. Even lesser-known artists can have valuable albums if the release was limited. If you’ve got an old box of records, it might be time to check their value before selling them at a garage sale.
