You might be surprised at how much value is hiding in your home, often in places you’d never think to look.
That old gadget in the kitchen drawer, a childhood toy tucked in a box, or even something hanging on your wall could be worth a lot more than you realize.
Whether you’re cleaning out a closet or just feeling curious, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you already own. Here are 20 everyday items that could actually be worth some serious cash.
1. Vintage Pyrex Cookware
Grandma’s old casserole dishes might fund your next vacation. Those colorful Pyrex bowls from the 1950s and 60s with patterns like Butterprint or Pink Gooseberry can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Collectors go nuts for these kitchen classics, especially rare colors or limited edition designs. Some complete sets have sold for over $4,000 on auction sites.
The older and less used they are, the more they’re worth, so check your cabinets for these glass treasures.
2. First Edition Books
Those dusty novels on your bookshelf might contain a hidden jackpot. First editions of popular books, especially those with author signatures or printing errors, can be incredibly valuable.
For instance, first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone have sold for up to $50,000. Even more recent bestsellers in mint condition might fetch surprising sums.
Look for copyright pages showing “First Edition” or “First Printing” text to identify potential treasures.
3. Vintage Video Games
If you’ve kept your childhood Nintendo games, you might be sitting on serious cash. Unopened vintage games from the 80s and 90s can sell for thousands, while even used cartridges fetch hundreds.
Games like Stadium Events for NES have sold for over $10,000. Limited editions or games with production errors are especially valuable.
Though condition matters tremendously, even those dusty cartridges in your attic might pay for a nice dinner out.
4. Mid-Century Furniture
That “old” chair your spouse wants to throw away could be worth thousands. Furniture from designers like Eames, Herman Miller, or Knoll from the 1950s-70s has skyrocketed in value.
Authentic pieces often have maker’s marks or labels underneath. The clean lines and functional design of these pieces never seem to go out of style.
One lucky couple found an authentic Eames lounge chair at a garage sale for $50 that was later valued at $5,000.
5. Original Star Wars Toys
Luke Skywalker figures gathering dust in your basement might fund your retirement. Original Star Wars toys from the 1970s and 80s, especially those still in their packaging, can command astronomical prices.
A rare Jawa figure with vinyl cape sold for $27,000 at auction. Even common figures can be worth hundreds if they’re in good condition with accessories.
Look for “Made in Hong Kong” markings and original weapons to identify the most valuable pieces.
6. Vintage Band T-Shirts
That ratty concert tee from your wild years could pay this month’s rent. Original band shirts from the 70s, 80s, and 90s have become hot collectors’ items, with rare examples fetching thousands.
Shirts from iconic tours like Led Zeppelin’s 1977 American tour or Nirvana’s In Utero can sell for $500-$1,500. The older, rarer, and more iconic the band, the more valuable the shirt.
Authentic vintage shirts usually have single-stitched seams and tags from brands like Screen Stars or Hanes.
7. Vintage Cameras
Your grandfather’s old camera might be worth more than your new smartphone. Vintage film cameras, especially certain Leica, Rolleiflex, or Hasselblad models, can sell for thousands of dollars.
Working condition matters, but even broken cameras from prestigious brands hold value for parts or display. Limited edition models or those with unusual features command premium prices.
Some collectors pay top dollar simply for the craftsmanship and history these mechanical marvels represent.
8. Comic Books
Sometimes childhood hobbies turn into gold mines. Comic books from the 1960s-80s, especially first appearances of popular characters, can be extremely valuable.
A copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 featuring Spider-Man’s debut sold for $3.6 million. While most collections won’t contain such rarities, even common issues from the Bronze Age can be worth $20-100 each.
Condition is crucial, so those well-preserved comics your mom didn’t throw away might fund your next vacation.
9. Vinyl Records
Music lovers rejoice. Those dusty records in your attic might contain some serious treasures. Original pressings, limited editions, or records with errors can be worth hundreds or even thousands.
The Beatles’ “White Album” numbered below 10,000 can fetch $1,000+. Jazz, blues, and rock albums from the 50s-70s tend to hold the most value, especially if they’re in mint condition.
Check for original pressing marks and matrix numbers etched near the label to identify the most valuable specimens.
10. Vintage Watches
Grandpa’s old timepiece might be ticking away a small fortune. Watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe appreciate significantly, with some vintage models worth tens of thousands.
Even lesser-known brands can hold surprising value if they’re mechanical and in good condition. The history and provenance of a watch can dramatically increase its worth.
Military-issued watches or those with unusual features like special dials or limited production runs are especially coveted by collectors.
11. Old Apple Products
Your outdated tech might be worth more than the latest iPhone. Original Apple computers, especially the Apple I or early Macintosh models, can sell for astronomical sums.
A working Apple-1 from 1976 sold for $905,000 at auction. Even more recent products like sealed original iPhones or iPods can fetch thousands.
The older, rarer, and better condition the item is in, the more valuable it becomes to tech collectors and museums.
12. Perfume Bottles
Those pretty glass bottles on your vanity might hold more value than the scent they once contained. Vintage perfume bottles, especially those from luxury brands or with unusual designs, can be worth hundreds.
Art Deco Baccarat crystal bottles from the 1920s-30s are particularly valuable. Some collectors focus solely on bottles from specific eras or designers.
Even empty bottles with their original boxes and labels can command impressive prices from collectors worldwide.
13. Vintage Lunchboxes
Remember carrying your PB&J to school in a metal box with your favorite character? Collectors now pay hundreds for these nostalgic items.
Metal lunchboxes from the 1950s-70s featuring superheroes, TV shows, or bands are especially valuable. A 1954 Superman lunchbox recently sold for over $16,000.
The rarer the design and better the condition, the higher the price. Having the matching thermos can double or triple the value, so check your attic thoroughly.
14. Antique Fishing Lures
Grandpa’s old fishing tackle might reel in more than memories. Vintage wooden fishing lures from brands like Heddon or Creek Chub can be worth hundreds or even thousands to collectors.
Rare colors, unusual designs, or limited production runs command the highest prices. Some lures from the early 1900s have sold for over $10,000 at specialized auctions.
Even common lures in original boxes can fetch surprising sums, so don’t toss that old tackle box without checking its contents carefully.
15. Vintage Cereal Boxes
Who knew your breakfast packaging could be worth something? Empty cereal boxes from the 1950s-80s featuring popular characters or limited editions can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Boxes with contest offers, especially those featuring Star Wars or other pop culture tie-ins, are particularly valuable. Condition matters tremendously, with flat, unfaded boxes commanding the highest prices.
Some collectors focus on specific brands or themes, creating niche markets for even obscure cereal boxes.
16. Antique Christmas Ornaments
Those fragile glass baubles passed down through generations might contain hidden value. Antique Christmas ornaments, especially German Kugel ornaments from the late 1800s, can sell for hundreds each.
Hand-blown glass ornaments with rare colors or unusual shapes are particularly prized. Shiny Brite ornaments from the 1940s-50s have also become collectible, especially those with wartime designs.
Original boxes and packaging can significantly increase the value of vintage holiday decorations.
17. Unexpired Domain Names
Not all valuable items are physical. Digital assets like domain names can be worth astronomical sums. Short, memorable, or keyword-rich domains can sell for millions.
Insurance.com sold for $35.6 million, while Cars.com was valued at $872 million. Even seemingly ordinary domains with commercial potential can fetch thousands.
Check if you registered any domains years ago and forgot about them, as they might now be valuable digital real estate.
18. Vintage Polaroid Cameras
Once considered obsolete, instant cameras are now hot collectors’ items. Vintage Polaroid models, especially the SX-70 or rare models like the Polaroid 20×24, can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
Working condition adds value, but even broken cameras are sought after for parts or display. The recent resurgence in instant photography has driven prices up significantly.
Special editions or cameras in original packaging command premium prices from both photographers and collectors.
19. Grandma’s Cast Iron Cookware
Those heavy pans gathering dust might contain centuries of value. Antique cast iron cookware from manufacturers like Griswold or Wagner made before 1950 can be worth hundreds or even thousands.
Rare patterns, unusual sizes, or pieces with clear markings tend to be most valuable. Collectors prize the smooth cooking surfaces of vintage cast iron, which differs from modern manufacturing.
Even rusty pieces can be restored and hold significant value for the right buyer.
20. Vintage Board Games
Family game night relics might fund your next vacation. Complete board games from the 1950s-80s in good condition can sell for hundreds, especially first editions or games with pop culture connections.
Original Monopoly games from the 1930s have sold for thousands. Rare editions, promotional versions, or games with manufacturing errors tend to be most valuable.
Games with all pieces intact and boxes in good condition command the highest prices from nostalgic collectors.