You might have old belongings tucked away in your home that seem like just dusty keepsakes. Many of these items, especially those passed down from grandparents, can actually hold surprising value today.
Knowing which of these forgotten treasures are worth something can help you uncover unexpected opportunities right in your own house. It’s not only about money but also about discovering pieces of history that have stood the test of time.
Old VHS Tapes
You might be surprised to find that old VHS tapes collecting dust can have value. Certain titles, especially rare or limited editions, attract collectors.
Take care to store your tapes away from sunlight and humidity to keep them in good condition. Some Disney VHS tapes are especially sought after and can fetch a decent price. If you dig through your grandma’s collection, you might uncover a hidden treasure among those old movies and recordings. Consider checking their value before tossing them out.
Depression Glass Dishes
If you dig through your grandma’s old cabinets, you might find some Depression glass dishes. These colorful glass pieces were once inexpensive but now can hold some value.
You’ll often see them in shades like pink, green, or amber. If they’re dusty or grimy, soaking them in warm soapy water helps clean them gently. Having a full set or rare patterns can make your collection more interesting to collectors.
Vintage Majolica Pottery
If you find some colorful pottery with a glossy, enamel finish in your grandma’s collection, it might be vintage Majolica. This type of pottery often features rich greens and textured designs, making it eye-catching.
Majolica pieces are made from heavy clay, coated with enamel, and painted. They have become collectible because of their unique look and age. Keep an eye out for fruit or nature shapes, like pineapples. Such items can hold value beyond what you might expect in old pottery.
Stained Glass Lamps
You might find a dusty stained glass lamp sitting in your grandma’s home. These lamps often have colorful pieces of glass arranged in beautiful patterns.
Because of their craftsmanship and vintage charm, they can be worth more than you expect.
If you come across one, it’s worth checking its condition and style. Some designs are especially popular with collectors.
Murano Glass Figurines
If your grandma kept Murano glass figurines, you might have some valuable pieces. These colorful, hand-blown glass collectibles are known for their craftsmanship and unique designs.
You can find animals, flowers, and sea creatures like seahorses among them. Some Murano pieces can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if they are in good condition.
Ornate Grandfather Clocks
If you have an ornate grandfather clock at home, it’s likely more valuable than you think. These tall, elegant timepieces often feature detailed woodwork and intricate mechanisms.
Caring for your clock is important. Regular cleaning and oiling help keep it running smoothly and preserve its value. Grandfather clocks can be family treasures, passing down both memories and worth. If you’re curious, learning about its history might surprise you.
Silver Serving Sets
If you find a silver serving set from your grandmother’s collection, it could be quite valuable. These sets, especially if marked sterling and dating back to the 1800s, can attract interest from collectors and buyers.
You don’t need to keep them just for sentimental reasons either. Many sellers list antique silver flatware and serving pieces online, making it easier to check current market values.
Antique Wooden Storage Boxes
If you find an old wooden storage box in your grandma’s house, it might be worth more than just a keepsake. These boxes were often handmade and passed down through generations.
Depending on the craftsmanship and age, some antique wooden boxes can be valued between $500 and over $1,000. Look for unique carvings or brand marks, as these details can increase the value.
Vintage Vinyl Records
If your grandma kept a box of vinyl records, you might have a hidden treasure. Some records from the 1950s to the 1970s can be worth a good amount, especially if they are rare editions or by famous artists.
Look for test pressings, white label promos, or albums by popular names like Miles Davis or Pink Floyd. These details can increase the value significantly. Checking your family’s collection could turn up some valuable vinyl worth exploring further.
First-Edition Novels
If you find a first-edition novel on your grandma’s shelf, it might be worth more than you think. Books without their original dust jackets generally hold less value, but first editions can still fetch a good price.
Look closely at authors like Ray Bradbury, whose limited copies are especially prized. Swapping or losing dust jackets can affect value, so condition matters a lot. Check details if you decide to explore selling or preserving these treasures further.
Signed Yearbooks
You might have signed yearbooks tucked away from your grandparents’ school days. These can be surprisingly valuable, especially if they include signatures from notable classmates or teachers.
Old yearbooks offer a glimpse into the past and can attract collectors or history enthusiasts.
If your family saved grandparent yearbooks, it’s worth checking if they have unique inscriptions or rare photos. Some are considered collectible, depending on their age and condition.
Decorative Oyster Plates
You might find decorative oyster plates among your grandma’s dishware collection. These plates were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for serving oysters and other seafood.
Many feature intricate designs and multiple compartments, making them quite unique. If yours are in good condition, they can be appealing to collectors and might hold more value than you expect.
Vintage Rugs
If your grandma left you a handmade rug, it could be worth more than you think. Rugs that are over 100 years old often qualify as antiques and may hold real value.
Even rugs from the mid-1900s, like handwoven Persian ones, can be valuable if they’re in good condition. It’s worth having your vintage rug appraised, especially if it’s large or finely crafted. You might find a treasure hiding under the dust.
Rare Vintage Kitchenware
You might find some hidden gems tucked away in your grandma’s kitchen. Items like vintage Pyrex, Corningware, or old-fashioned salt and pepper shakers can be worth quite a bit today.
Collectors especially prize unique glassware and cocktail shakers from the mid-20th century. These kitchen tools, once everyday items, are now sought after and can fetch good prices.
If you spot copper pots or silver utensils, these could also add value to your collection. It’s worth checking what you have before tossing anything.
Antique Typewriters
Old typewriters, especially those from brands like Underwood, Remington, and Royal, are popular with both collectors and decor enthusiasts. Working models with minimal rust can be worth a few hundred dollars, while rare models or original cases fetch more.
Costume Jewelry from the 1950s
Don’t dismiss grandma’s flashy clip-on earrings or brooches. Mid-century costume jewelry from designers like Trifari, Weiss, or Eisenberg can be surprisingly valuable, especially if it’s in good condition and retains original stones.
Antique Sewing Machines
Sewing machines from the early 1900s—particularly treadle or hand-crank models—can be worth hundreds, especially if they still function or come with original cabinets. Singer machines with ornate decals are especially prized.
Blow Mold Holiday Decorations
Those plastic Santa or pumpkin lawn decorations from the ‘50s through ‘80s are now beloved by collectors. Look for markings like Empire, General Foam, or Carolina Enterprises—some rare pieces sell for hundreds during the holiday season.
Embroidered Samplers
Handmade cross-stitch samplers, especially those dated or signed by the maker, are gaining interest from vintage textile collectors. Frames, motifs, and even spelling quirks can make certain samplers especially charming—and valuable.
