As we journey through life, there are often things we leave behind in our past. These may be physical items, memories, or relationships. Sometimes, it’s necessary to let go in order to grow and move forward. However, there are also times when we later regret the things we left behind, especially from our childhood.
Childhood holds a precious nostalgia for many of us, as it’s a time of innocence, discovery, and unfiltered joy. Looking back, there are certainly items from my childhood that I wish I’d never parted with, because they held significant sentimental value or would have been great to share with my own kids. Let’s take a walk down memory lane together and explore these long-lost treasures.
1. First Edition Comic Books
As a child, I was an avid comic book reader. Superhero tales filled my imagination and I had quite the collection. As I outgrew the comic phase, I gave them away, not realizing that first edition comics could increase in value over time.
Many of these vintage comics are now worth a fortune due to their rarity and the growing market for pop culture collectibles. For instance, a first edition of Superman’s debut comic from 1938 sold for over $3 million in 2014! While not all comics appreciate so dramatically, they can still hold significant sentimental and monetary value.
2. Vintage Toys
Many of us had a favorite toy or two growing up. For me, it was my collection of Star Wars action figures and my beloved Teddy Ruxpin. I played with them until they were worn out and eventually tossed them out during a spring cleaning spree in my teenage years.
Today, vintage toys can fetch a pretty penny. A 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure, for example, sold for $25,000 at an auction. Even Teddy Ruxpins in good condition are selling for hundreds of dollars on eBay. Beyond the monetary value, these toys also offer a tangible connection to our past, evoking memories of carefree play and imagination.
3. Handwritten Letters
In the era of emails and texts, handwritten letters have become a lost art. I remember exchanging letters with friends and family, and even having a few pen pals. Over time, these letters were discarded, considered clutter.
These letters, however, are a time capsule of sorts. They capture the emotions, thoughts, and events of a particular time in our lives, often in a way that digital communication fails to replicate. They would have been a great way to share a piece of my history with my children, showing them the person I was growing up.
4. Childhood Artwork
As a child, I loved to draw and paint. My parents would proudly display my artwork on the refrigerator. As I grew older, these pieces of art were thrown away, seen as childish scribbles.
Looking back, I wish I had kept some of these pieces. They are a reflection of my creative growth and how I saw the world as a child. They would have been a great way to share my childhood with my kids, letting them see their mom’s creativity at their age.
5. Classic Video Games
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, video games were a big part of my childhood. I spent hours playing Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog on my Nintendo and Sega consoles. Eventually, these games were sold or donated as I upgraded to newer systems.
Today, these classic video games are considered vintage and are highly sought after by collectors. They also provide a nostalgic gaming experience that modern games often can’t replicate. I wish I could share these games with my kids, giving them a taste of the gaming culture I grew up with.
6. Photographs
Before the era of digital cameras and smartphones, photographs were physical, tangible memories. I had albums filled with family vacations, school events, and random moments. Unfortunately, many of these photos were lost or thrown away during moves.
These photos would have been a great way to share my childhood with my kids, showing them what life was like when I was their age. They also serve as a reminder of the people and events that shaped me into the person I am today.
7. Childhood Books
I loved reading as a child, and had a collection of books that I cherished. As I grew older, I donated most of these books to make room for more ‘grown-up’ literature.
Many of these books are now considered classics and would have been a great way to introduce my kids to the joy of reading. They also hold a sentimental value, as they were a huge part of my childhood and helped shape my love for literature.
8. School Reports and Projects
I used to dread school projects and reports, but I put a lot of effort into them. Once they were graded, they ended up in the trash.
Looking back, these school projects are a reflection of my academic journey and the effort I put into my education. They would have been a great way to show my kids the importance of hard work and dedication.
9. Stamp Collection
As a child, I loved collecting stamps. I had a stamp album filled with stamps from around the world. As I grew older, I lost interest and the album was eventually discarded.
Today, stamp collecting is considered a valuable hobby, with rare stamps fetching high prices at auctions. More importantly, my stamp collection was a reflection of my curiosity and interest in different cultures and countries.
10. Old Mixtapes
Growing up in the 90s, creating mixtapes was a big part of my teenage years. I used to record my favorite songs from the radio onto cassettes. Over time, these tapes were thrown away as CDs and digital music became the norm.
These mixtapes are a snapshot of my musical tastes and the popular culture of my teenage years. They would have been a fun way to share the music I loved with my kids.
11. Sports Memorabilia
As a sports fan, I collected baseball cards, match programs, and other sports memorabilia. As I moved and downsized, most of these items were thrown away.
Today, sports memorabilia can be quite valuable, especially if they are signed or rare. More importantly, these items are a testament to my love for sports and would have been a great way to share this passion with my kids.
