Marie Kondo convinced many a packrat that parting with unnecessary material possessions can spark joy. You know what sparks even more joy? Learning some of those vintage items you’ve been hanging on to may be worth a decent amount of money. That is if you kept any of them.
How Many of These 31 Vintage Items Do You Have Tucked Away?
There’s a hot market for antique and vintage items in good, working condition. Remember that Singer sewing machine Grandma held on to all those years, only to pass it on to you? It could sell for as much as $1000 today. You may not have enough to pay for a trip to Hawaii, but then again, maybe you do! Take a look and see how many of these collectibles you have.
1. Typewriters
If your grandparents passed down a working, pre-1940s model typewriter, it could be worth as much as $800 today. When it comes to typewriters, the older it is, the more value it has.
2. Silverware
Did your Mom keep her polished silverware ready for holiday use? If she inherited a set from her parents or grandparents, it could be worth a lot. A complete antique set of real silverware can be worth hundreds of dollars today.
3. Rotary Phones
Chances are your parents held on to one of these, just in case they needed it. If they gave you one of the rarer models, hang on to it! It could be worth several hundred dollars nowadays.
4. Beanie Babies
If you’ve saved yours all these years thinking it was worth thousands, you’re probably going to be disappointed. However, if you get your hands on any of these Beanie Babies, you could sell them and make a small fortune.
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5. Vinyl Records
You don’t need an excuse to dig out old vinyl records and enjoy great music. Just know that some of the records you’re listening to could be worth thousands if you choose to sell them.
6. Vintage Wedding Dress
If your Mom held on to her wedding dress hoping to pass it down to future generations, it could be worth more than she originally paid. Not your style of dress? You could offer to sell it for her and make $250 or more.
7. Record Player
If you have a working, vintage turntable, you may want to polish it up and sell it. Good ones sell for $500-$600, but great ones can sell for up to $3,500.
8. Original Fiestaware
Many people owned a set, but did your family have a real set or a knock-off? Some of the original Fiestaware made in the ’30s have been discontinued and now sell for hundreds. Have a complete vintage set? It can go for as much as $1500.
9. Retro Video Games
Remember all that time you spend playing video games? If you kept any of them, they might just pay off. Games like Mario Cart 64 sell for hundreds now, and if you never opened the package, it could be worth several thousand.
10. Boy Scout Memorabilia
Was your dad a Boy Scout? If he earned any merit badges, collectors will pay hundreds of dollars for them. If he never used the patches, they’ll be worth even more.
11. Crayola Crayons
Did Grandma keep a set of crayons in her cabinet to entertain the grandkids? If passed down a box with vintage colors, it could be worth as much as $500 today.
12. Old Magazines
It may be worth hundreds of dollars if you have a limited-edition magazine. Depending on the issue date, current events (at the time), and other important factors, you may want to get it appraised first.
13. Jewelry
Have you taken a close look at your Mom’s jewelry box? If she collected necklaces, brooches, bracelets, and earrings, some could be worth thousands. It could be worth taking them to an appraiser to find out.
14. Signed Yearbook
Did you go to school with someone who later became famous? If they signed your yearbook, it could be worth a lot of money. Consider taking it to an appraiser to find out.
15. Vintage Cookbooks
As if we didn’t already love Julia Child enough, there’s a chance she could make you some money. If your parents kept a copy of her original cookbook published by Knopf in 1961, it could be worth several hundred now.
16. Antique Tools
Old woodworking tools were built better then than they are now. That means they may be worth more money than modern tools are. If you have any vintage hand drills, saws, or wrenches, collectors will pay hundreds for tools in good working order.
17. Antique Lunchboxes
Did you keep your vintage, metal lunchbox from your childhood school days? Who knew it could be worth a hundred dollars or more? If you kept the Thermos, it’s worth even more!
18. Vintage Purses
Does your Mom have a vintage Chanel purse in her closet that she no longers uses? Don’t let it grow old alone! Used handbags can be worth more than twice their original price.
19. Pyrex and Tupperware
Almost every mid-century kitchen had a set of Tupperware, and if your Mom kept hers, it could be worth upwards of a thousand dollars. Pyrex bowls are also in hot demand. Depending on the year and style, some Pyrex dishes fetch up to a thousand dollars by themselves.
20. Antique Quilts
Does Grandma’s quilt line the back of your couch? You may be holding on to a rare find. Some of the most sought-after patchwork quilts sell for thousands today. Consult an appraiser to see what yours is worth.
21. Porcelain Dolls
Do you have any vintage or antique dolls tucked away in a box somewhere? If it’s in perfect condition, there’s a serious market for it. Some of the most valuable porcelain dolls go for $1000 to $3000 or more.
22. Clocks
Remember that fancy wall clock at Grandma’s house? If you inherited it, you might want to take it for an appraisal. Antique clocks are especially valuable if they have a trademark and can sell for several thousand dollars if they’re in perfect working condition.
23. Vintage Toys
It may surprise you which vintage toys are valuable these days. If you kept any name-brand dolls (think Cabbage Patch) or figurines (think Barbie or Star Wars characters), you could be holding on to a small fortune. Some vintage toys can be worth hundreds to several thousand dollars.
24. Mid-Century Small Appliances
Who knew your Mom’s old toaster could be worth hundreds of dollars? And that Oster blender she’s had for decades? If it’s been fully restored, it’s worth several times what she paid for it back then.
25. Vintage Advertising Signs
Replicas of vintage advertising signs are all the rage now, but if your parents happen to have kept an original sign, it could be worth some money. Vintage metal signs from name-brand companies can go for several hundred dollars.
26. VHS Tapes
Believe it or not, some of those VHS tapes you were tempted to toss could be worth serious money. Be glad you hung on to them because some collectors will pay hundreds of dollars for certain videos.
27. Rocking Chair
Windsor rockers are especially popular, and if the one in your house was passed down through the generations, you could be sitting on a small treasure—quite literally. Some vintage rockers are worth hundreds of dollars.
28. Artwork
Many treasures have been discovered in attic boxes, so if you’ve got old artwork stored in yours, take it to an appraiser. You could be holding on to the next unknown masterpiece that could be worth thousands.
29. Cookie Jars
Talk about a sweet deal! If you’re the proud owner of an antique cookie, it may be worth up to $300. Better yet, a truly rare vintage cookie jar from the 1940s-1960s can go for a few thousand.
30. Vintage Luggage
Most people have ditched their old luggage for new, modern versions with wheels. If your family kept their mid-century set and it’s in good condition, it could be worth hundreds now.
31. Fine China
While porcelain dinnerwear is usually inexpensive, a set of fine china could be worth quite a bit. Take Grandma’s collection to an antique appraiser to get an expert opinion.
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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.