Garage sales can feel like a mix between a treasure hunt and a history lesson. Between stacks of old books, kitchen gadgets, and dusty boxes, you never quite know what gems are hiding in plain sight. The best part? Some of the most valuable finds are the ones everyone else passes by.
Using current resale trends, collector insights, and market data, we’ve rounded up the items that often sell for just a dollar but can be worth far more to the right buyer. Keep your eyes open—your next Saturday morning stroll through a yard sale could turn into a serious payday.
1. Vintage Costume Jewelry
While real gold and silver jewelry are usually priced higher, vintage costume jewelry often goes unnoticed. These pieces can be quite valuable, especially if they’re from a renowned designer or brand like Miriam Haskell, Coro, or Trifari.
Costume jewelry from the mid-20th century can fetch a high price, especially if it’s in good condition or has a unique design. So, next time you spot a box of old jewelry at a garage sale, take a moment to look through it. You might just find a treasure that costs only a dollar.
2. Old Video Games
Old video games, particularly from retro consoles like the NES, Sega Genesis, or Atari, can be highly sought after by collectors. Even common games can sell for more than you might expect.
Make sure to check the condition of the game cartridge and if possible, the game’s box and manual. While these items often sell for a dollar or less at garage sales, they can often be sold online for much more. Always check sold listings on eBay to gauge what games are currently selling for.
3. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and certain albums can be worth a lot of money. Look for records from popular artists, especially if they’re in good condition or are limited editions.
Check the condition of the record itself and the album cover. A record that’s scratched or warped won’t be worth much, no matter how rare it is. And remember, just because a record isn’t worth much money doesn’t mean it isn’t worth buying. You might find something you love listening to!
4. Vintage Advertising
Old advertising materials, like metal signs, posters, or even product packaging, can be quite valuable. Look for items related to popular brands or products. The older and rarer the item, the more it can be worth.
Always check the condition of the item. While some wear and tear can add to the charm of a vintage piece, significant damage will decrease its value. Use online resources like WorthPoint to research potential finds.
5. Comic Books
Old comic books can be worth a lot of money, especially if they’re in good condition or feature the first appearance of a popular character. However, even more common comic books can sell for more than a dollar, particularly if they’re from the 1980s or earlier.
Look for comic books that are in good condition, without tears, stains, or significant wear. Always handle comic books carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like Comic Book Realm to check the value of potential finds.
6. Postcards
Old postcards, especially those featuring famous landmarks or historical events, can be quite valuable. Even more common postcards can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for postcards that are in good condition, without tears, stains, or significant wear. Always handle postcards carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like CardCow to check the value of potential finds.
7. First Edition Books
First edition books can be quite valuable, especially if they’re from a famous author or are in good condition. However, even more common first editions can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for books that are in good condition, without tears, stains, or significant wear. Always handle books carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like AbeBooks to check the value of potential finds.
8. Vintage Board Games
Vintage board games, especially those that are no longer in production, can be quite valuable. Even more common games can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition and have all their pieces.
Look for games that are in good condition, with all their pieces and instructions. Always handle games carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like BoardGameGeek to check the value of potential finds.
9. Old Magazines
Old magazines, especially those featuring famous individuals or historical events, can be quite valuable. Even more common magazines can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for magazines that are in good condition, without tears, stains, or significant wear. Always handle magazines carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like Vintage Magazine Shop to check the value of potential finds.
10. Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing, especially items from popular brands or in sought-after styles, can be quite valuable. Even more common items can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for clothing that is in good condition, without tears, stains, or significant wear. Always handle clothing carefully, as it can be quite fragile. Use online resources like Etsy to check the value of potential finds.
11. Old Photographs
Old photographs, especially those featuring famous individuals or historical events, can be quite valuable. Even more common photographs can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for photographs that are in good condition, without tears, stains, or significant wear. Always handle photographs carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like iCollector to check the value of potential finds.
12. Vintage Glassware
Vintage glassware, especially items from popular brands or in sought-after styles, can be quite valuable. Even more common items can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for glassware that is in good condition, without chips, cracks, or significant wear. Always handle glassware carefully, as it can be quite fragile. Use online resources like Kovels to check the value of potential finds.
13. Collectible Toys
Collectible toys, especially items from popular brands or in sought-after styles, can be quite valuable. Even more common items can sell for more than a dollar, especially if they’re in good condition.
Look for toys that are in good condition, with all their pieces and original packaging if possible. Always handle toys carefully, as they can be quite fragile. Use online resources like ToyWorth to check the value of potential finds.
