Our childhood homes were treasure troves of vintage items that, at the time, we probably didn’t realize would be worth much more decades later. Whether it’s due to nostalgia, the rising trend of vintage fashion, or the rarity of these items, some of things you may have tossed away or sold at a garage sale could now be worth a small fortune. Here are 14 vintage items from your childhood home that you might regret throwing away.
1. Vintage Lunchboxes
Remember those metal lunchboxes with your favorite cartoon characters emblazoned on them? Well, they’re now considered vintage items and can fetch a hefty price. Some rare designs can even go for hundreds of dollars. It’s a shame if you used yours roughly, because those in mint condition are the ones that fetch the highest price. But even if it’s battered and worn, it could still hold some value for a nostalgic collector.
2. Old Cereal Boxes
You might think it’s odd, but old cereal boxes can be highly collectible. If you have a box that’s been unopened and kept in good condition, it could be worth a lot more than you’d guess. Some collectors are willing to pay a pretty penny for a taste of nostalgia, especially if the box features a beloved character or a popular promotion from yesteryears.
3. Vintage Board Games
Your old Monopoly or Scrabble game could be worth something, especially if you have the original version. Vintage board games that are in good condition and complete with all their pieces can fetch a handsome price. Some of the most sought-after games include the first editions of popular franchises, rare promotional editions, or games that were only on the market for a short time.
4. Comic Books
If you were a comic book lover and managed to keep your collection in good condition, you could be sitting on a gold mine. First editions, rare issues, and comics with well-preserved covers are particularly valuable. Comic books are one of the most common collectibles, and the value of older, rarer issues continues to rise.
5. Old Coins and Stamps
Most people know that old coins and stamps can be worth a fair bit. If you ever collected these as a child, it might be worth digging them out again. Even if they don’t have a huge monetary value, they could still fetch a decent amount from the right collector.
6. Vintage Postcards
Whether they were from family vacations or sent by pen pals, vintage postcards can be surprisingly valuable. The worth depends on many factors including age, condition, and rarity. Some collectors specialise in postcards from specific locations or featuring certain themes.
7. First Edition Books
First edition books are highly sought after by collectors, especially if they’re from popular authors or notable works. If you have a first edition of a famous book, it could be worth quite a lot. The value increases if the book is signed by the author.
8. Old Vinyl Records
Despite the digital age, vinyl records have made a major comeback. Old records, particularly those from popular artists or rare pressings, can be worth a good deal of money. If you’ve kept your records in good condition, you could be in for a nice surprise.
9. Vintage Toys
Remember those action figures, dolls, or stuffed animals you used to play with? Some vintage toys, especially those still in their original packaging, can fetch quite a high price today. Even if they’re not in the box, but in good condition, they could still be of interest to collectors.
10. Old Video Games
Video games have become a huge part of pop culture, and old games can be worth a lot of money. If you’ve got vintage games, especially if they’re in their original packaging, they could be worth a small fortune. The most valuable ones tend to be games that were made in limited quantities or were only released in certain countries.
11. Vintage Cameras
Film photography has been gaining popularity again, and with it, the value of vintage cameras. If you have an old camera lying around, it might be worth more than you think. Some collectors are willing to pay good money for models that are in working condition.
12. Classic Novelties and Advertising Memorabilia
Items like old soda bottles, metal signs, or even vintage packaging can be worth a significant amount. These items are a window into the past, and can be highly sought after by collectors. The value often depends on the condition and rarity of the item.
13. Trading Cards
Whether it’s baseball, Pokemon, or Magic: The Gathering, trading cards can be worth a lot of money. Especially if they’re rare or in mint condition. Some rare cards have been known to sell for thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
14. Vintage Clothing
Last but not least, vintage clothing can be quite valuable, especially if it’s from a notable designer or era. Even if it’s just a random piece from your childhood, it could be worth something to someone looking for that perfect retro look. The value is usually determined by the condition, age, and rarity of the piece.
