You might be surprised by how some everyday items that were once inexpensive have become valuable collectibles over time. Things you may have overlooked or tossed aside can now hold significant worth.
Understanding which items have increased in value can help you spot potential treasures in your own home. This article will guide you through 13 such items that went from cheap to pricey collectibles, offering insight into what makes them sought after today.
First-Gen Pokémon Cards
If you held onto your first-gen Pokémon cards, you might be sitting on a small treasure. Some 1st Edition cards, especially rare ones like Charizard, have become valuable collectibles today.
Not all vintage cards are worth a fortune, though. The condition and rarity of your cards will mostly determine their price.
Even some common cards from the original sets have gained surprising value, so it’s worth checking your collection. Your cards’ worth might be more than you think!
Vintage Metal Lunchboxes
If you kept your metal lunchboxes from childhood, you might be sitting on a nice collectible. Lunchboxes featuring characters like Superman or Mickey Mouse can sell for $150 to over $300 in good condition.
These items often show wear, but that can add to their charm. You might find some familiar designs that remind you of school days and save you money now.
Beanie Babies with Errors
If you have Beanie Babies with tag errors, you might be holding onto a valuable collectible. These mistakes, like misspelled names or incorrect dates, can make your Beanie Baby stand out to collectors.
You might find these rare versions were originally cheap but now fetch higher prices. Checking your Beanie Baby’s tags carefully can help you spot these unique features. Many collectors look specifically for these errors when hunting for special items.
Original Polly Pockets
If you grew up in the ’90s, you might remember the tiny, colorful Polly Pocket sets. These little playsets were once inexpensive toys but have since become valuable collectibles.
You can find some original Polly Pocket sets selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if they’re in good condition and still in the box. Even small accessories from these sets can be worth a surprising amount today.
So, if you still have your childhood Polly Pockets tucked away, it’s worth checking their value.
Classic Funko Pop Figures
If you started collecting Funko Pops early, you might be sitting on some valuable pieces. Many of the first releases were inexpensive but are now sought after by collectors.
Some rare Funko Pops, like certain Freddy Funko editions, can sell for thousands of dollars today. Limited runs or special editions increase a figure’s worth significantly.
Keep an eye on figures tied to popular shows and movies—they tend to grow in value over time. Your old Funko collection could surprise you with its current price tag.
1990s Tamagotchis
You might remember Tamagotchis as cheap toys from the 90s, often costing around $30.
Today, these digital pets have become collectible items, and their prices have gone up as nostalgia grows.
If you still have one in good condition, it could be worth more than you expect. Collectors look for original packaging and working devices.
Early Magic: The Gathering Cards
If you started collecting Magic: The Gathering cards back in the late ’90s, you probably grabbed cards that seemed ordinary at the time. Cards from sets like Mirage or Weatherlight were common and affordable.
Today, some of those early cards have gained value, but most aren’t worth a fortune. Rare cards from that era might sell for $15 to $30, depending on condition and demand. It’s fun to see how your older cards have become part of a collectible history.
Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
You might remember those small Kenner Star Wars figures from the late ’70s and early ’80s. At the time, they were cheap toys you could find in most stores.
Now, some of those original figures, especially mint-in-card condition, can be quite valuable. If you kept yours, it’s worth checking online markets like eBay to see what they’re going for. Even unboxed figures can fetch decent prices if they’re rare or in good shape.
Limited Edition Hot Wheels Cars
You might be surprised how certain Hot Wheels that once seemed common now carry a higher price tag. Limited edition models, especially those from the Red Line Club (RLC), have become valuable collectibles.
These cars were produced in smaller quantities, making them rare. If you have any of these in good condition, they could be worth much more than you’d expect. Keep an eye out for special releases and anniversary editions—they often gain value over time.
Retro Nintendo Game Cartridges
You might remember buying Nintendo games for just a few dollars decades ago. Today, some of those cartridges can be worth thousands, especially rare ones like the Nintendo Campus Challenge from 1991.
If you still have your old NES games, it’s worth checking their condition. Popular titles can fetch a solid price, but rare competition cartridges can be truly valuable.
Dig through your collection—you might be sitting on a small treasure worth exploring. Even less popular games have gained collectible status as nostalgia grows.
1980s Garbage Pail Kids Cards
If you grew up in the ’80s, you might remember Garbage Pail Kids cards. Originally sold cheaply, these humorous trading cards have since become collectible items.
A full 1985 series set can be worth between $1,000 and $1,500. If your cards are professionally graded, their value could increase even more.
Even individual cards mostly trade for a few dollars, but rare ones can reach over $200. Holding onto your old packs might surprise you!
Old VHS Horror Movies
If you loved collecting horror movies on VHS, you might already know some of them have gained value. Most horror tapes still go for around $15 to $20, which keeps them affordable for fans like you.
Certain rare titles, especially from the ’80s, can be pricier. Your favorite cult classics or limited editions might be worth more than you expect. It’s fun to check what your old VHS tapes are worth these days.
Vintage Barbie Dolls from the 60s
If you have a Barbie doll from the 1960s, it might be worth more than you expect. These vintage Barbies, especially early models like the ponytail Barbie, have become prized collectibles.
You can find prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on condition and rarity. Limited editions or dolls with original accessories tend to bring higher prices.
So, if you discover a vintage Barbie in your collection or at a sale, it’s worth checking its value.