14 Household Items That Are Secretly Valuable

Many everyday items in your home can have a hidden value that you might not expect. From kitchen tools to vintage decor, some things you see daily could actually be worth more than you think.

This guide will help you spot these secretly valuable objects around your house.

Vintage Vogue Laroche compacts

Open metallic gold highlighter compact with a textured, shimmering powder surface, set against a glossy white background, compact powder
Image credit: Sobia Akhtar/Pexels.

If you come across a Vintage Vogue Laroche compact, it might be worth checking its value. These compacts were popular makeup items and are now collectible.

You can find some selling for around $40 to $125, depending on condition and rarity. Keep an eye out for unique designs or limited editions, as they tend to attract more interest from collectors.

Griswold cast iron skillets

vintage Griswold cast iron skillet base marked with “3”, Griswold cross logo, “ERIE” and number 709B
Image Credit: Modemac, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons.

If you have a Griswold cast iron skillet, you might own a valuable piece. These skillets are known for their quality and are sought after by collectors.

Smaller skillets like the Griswold No. 4 often sell for around $150. Some rare versions, such as those with “Erie” logos, can be even more valuable.

Keep an eye on the condition and markings on your skillet. These details can affect how much it’s worth.

Vintage Pyrex baking dishes

vintage white casserole dish, clear glass lid, yellow starburst pattern around the sides, placed against a dark background, mid-century kitchenware style
Image Credit: LadyCe/ eBay.

Your old Pyrex dishes might be more valuable than you think. Some rare patterns and colors can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Look for unique designs like the Atomic Starburst or holiday-themed bowls. These are especially sought after by collectors.

Even simple Pyrex bowls are popular because they can be used in the oven and on the table. It’s worth checking your kitchen for these vintage gems.

Original Tupperware sets

Stacked set of four round vintage Tupperware containers in red, yellow, and orange with translucent lids
Image credit: Bruin inc/eBay.

If you have original Tupperware sets from decades ago, they might be worth more than you expect. Collectors often look for vintage pieces, especially those in good condition with matching lids.

Certain colors and designs from the 1950s and 60s are more sought after. You can check online marketplaces like eBay to see what similar sets are selling for.

Keep an eye out for complete sets, as they typically fetch higher prices.

Vinyl records from iconic bands

The Beatles "Yesterday and Today" vinyl record with group photo cover, white background, Capitol Records label, stamp on right side
Image credit: Classic Cadillac Records/eBay.

You might already have valuable vinyl records from legendary bands like Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, or Santana. Test pressings and limited editions from these artists can be worth a lot.

Even some common classics, like Bruce Springsteen or Iron Maiden, have rare editions that collectors seek. Look closely at the condition and any unusual features, like colored vinyl or promo labels.

If you find records with unique markings or early releases, they could surprise you with their value.

First-edition novels

Set of six Harry Potter hardcover books in a row, colorful covers, front book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Image Credit: Yakbarfoo/eBay.

If you have first-edition novels at home, they might be worth more than you expect. Books like Pride and Prejudice or The Hobbit often attract collectors.

Even children’s first editions can hold surprising value, especially if they are rare or signed. Condition matters a lot, so keeping your books in good shape helps maintain their worth.

Check your shelves—you could be sitting on a hidden treasure!

Antique roasting pans

Vintage aluminum roasting pan with a fitted lid and side handles, set against a white tiled backsplash on a polished countertop
Image credit: Vele Market/eBay.

You might not realize it, but vintage roasting pans can hold surprising value. Cast aluminum pans from the 1950s, especially heavy and well-made ones, are sought after by collectors.

Enamelware roasters with bright colors or unique designs also attract interest. These pans often show signs of wear, but that adds to their charm and authenticity.

If you have one, it’s worth checking its condition and brand.

Retro arcade game cabinets

Three vintage arcade machines, Donkey Kong Jr., Mortal Kombat, Dig Dug, colorful cabinets, CRT screens, joystick controls
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you have a retro arcade game cabinet at home, it could be more valuable than you think. These cabinets, especially rare or vintage models, are sought after by collectors.

Condition matters a lot. A working cabinet with clean boards and original parts is worth much more than one that needs repairs.

Mini or cabaret-style cabinets can also have value, as some collectors appreciate their size and uniqueness.

Signed yearbooks

stack of Garden Grove High School yearbooks, various publication years, partially opened notebook, wooden surface background
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you have old yearbooks signed by classmates, teachers, or even local celebrities, these can hold more value than you might expect. Signatures from notable people or heartfelt messages add a personal touch collectors appreciate.

Your signed yearbooks tell a story, making them interesting to buyers who want a piece of history. Keep them in good condition, as damage can reduce their worth significantly.

Old-school video game cartridges

Stack of vintage NES game cartridges, Duck Hunt label visible, surrounded by DVDs and colorful cases
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You might have old video game cartridges gathering dust in a drawer. Some of these can be surprisingly valuable, especially if they are rare or in excellent condition.

Games like “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars when preserved well. Even misprinted or unique editions can fetch a high price from collectors.

Collectible Cabbage Patch Kids dolls

Boxed Cabbage Patch Kid doll, curly black hair, colorful outfit, arms raised, original packaging, Mattel branding, sticker advertising free watch offer
Image credit: JP Shoppe/eBay.

You might have Cabbage Patch Kids dolls at home that hold more value than you realize. Some early editions from the 1980s, especially those with original adoption papers, can be worth a good amount.

Look for dolls signed by the creator, Xavier Roberts, or rare limited editions. Condition matters, so dolls kept in good shape and with their boxes tend to be more valuable.

Most dolls sell for $10 to $30, but specific rare ones can be worth much more.

High-quality silverware sets

vintage silver serving utensils including spoons, forks, and pie servers, intricate designs, laid out on a dark fabric background
Image Credit: 2doggies/eBay.

You might not realize it, but some silverware sets can be quite valuable. High-quality flatware made from sterling silver or well-crafted stainless steel often holds worth beyond its everyday use.

If you have a complete set in good condition, especially from known makers, it could be worth more than you expect. Keep an eye out for marks indicating silver content or brand names.

Classic pendulum wall clocks

Grandfather clock, Person winding a wooden grandfather clock, ornate gold clock face, visible pendulum, antique design, warm interior lighting
Image Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels.

If you have a classic pendulum wall clock, it might be more valuable than you think. These clocks often have intricate designs and were popular from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Your clock’s value depends on its brand, condition, and age. Well-known makers like Hermle or Howard Miller tend to be more sought after.

Even if your clock no longer keeps perfect time, its decorative and antique appeal can still attract buyers or collectors. Keep it clean and handle it gently to preserve its charm.

Vintage turntables

Person placing vinyl record on turntable, wooden stand with records underneath, vintage audio setup, retro music scene
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you have a vintage turntable from the 1970s or earlier, it might be worth more than you think. Many collectors look for well-made models, especially those from top brands.

Even if the turntable isn’t in perfect condition, it could still have value for parts or restoration. Just keep in mind that some older models might not play well without upgrades.