You might be surprised to learn that some everyday things around your home could be worth more than you think. Many common items often go unnoticed but have hidden value that collectors and buyers are willing to pay for.
Knowing which household items hold value can help you discover unexpected treasures without needing to buy anything new. Taking a closer look at your belongings might just turn up something valuable you didn’t realize you had.
Carnival glass pieces
If you have carnival glass in your home, it might be more valuable than you expect. These iridescent glass pieces were popular decades ago and now some are sought after by collectors.
Most carnival glass items are worth a few hundred dollars, but rare pieces can fetch thousands. Look for unique colors and patterns to spot valuable ones.
You can learn more about the value of carnival glass by checking out this carnival glass price guide.
Vintage Christmas kugeln ornaments
You might have vintage Christmas kugeln ornaments sitting in your attic. These German hand-blown glass balls are known for their delicate craftsmanship and can be quite valuable.
If your kugeln ornaments are in good condition, they could fetch a good price among collectors. Look for unique shapes or hand-painted details to boost their worth.
Finding these vintage treasures could add a charming and potentially profitable touch to your holiday decor collection. Check out more about valuable vintage Christmas ornaments here.
Depression-era glassware
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You might have Depression-era glassware tucked away without realizing its value. These colorful, pressed glass pieces were mass-produced during the 1920s and 1930s.
Collectors look for popular patterns, like “Cameo” or “Princess.” Even small items like bowls or plates can be worth more than you think. Check online marketplaces to see what similar pieces are selling for.
If your glass has chips or cracks, it could affect its value, so condition matters. You can find more about valuable pieces by exploring this guide on vintage Depression glass.
Old soda bottles
You might be surprised, but old soda bottles can be worth more than you think. Collectors often look for unique designs, brands, and years.
Bottles made before the 1950s tend to be the most valuable, especially if they are in good condition with original labels or embossing.
If you have some vintage soda bottles, consider checking prices on sites like eBay to see how much similar ones sell for. Collecting them can turn into a fun and rewarding hobby.
Vintage canning jars
You might have vintage canning jars tucked away that are more valuable than you think. Older jars from brands like Ball, especially those made before 1937, can fetch a good price because of their unique colors and designs.
Clear glass became popular later, but jars with original colors or rare markings stand out. Checking sites like eBay can help you see what collectors are paying for these jars. Some special editions even sell for over $70 each.
Action figures from the 80s
If you have action figures from the 80s like He-Man, Transformers, or GI Joe, they might be worth more than you think. Collectors often seek out these figures, especially if they’re in good condition or still in their original packaging.
Even popular lines like Power Rangers can catch attention. Take a quick look at your collection—you could have a hidden treasure from your childhood. For more details, check out 80s collectibles that have gained value over time.
McDonald’s Happy Meal collectible toys
You might have some McDonald’s Happy Meal toys tucked away without realizing their value. Certain vintage toys from the 90s and earlier can be worth more than you think.
If your toys are in good condition or still in original bags, they could attract collectors. Popular sets or limited editions often sell for higher prices.
Vogue Laroche fashion magazines
If you have old issues of Vogue Laroche fashion magazines, they might be worth more than you think. Vintage fashion magazines often attract collectors interested in classic style and iconic photography.
Your magazines from specific years or featuring famous models can be especially valuable. Keep them in good condition to maintain their worth over time.
Check for rare editions or limited prints to spot hidden gems in your collection.
Rotary dial phones
You might have an old rotary dial phone tucked away that’s worth more than you think. These phones, especially vintage ones from the 1960s, are popular with collectors and home decorators.
If it’s in good condition or has a unique design, it could sell for a decent price. You can find models like the classic corded rotary phone on sites like eBay or Amazon. Check out vintage rotary telephones for sale to see what people are paying.
Beanie Babies with tags
If you have Beanie Babies with the original tags still attached, you might want to hold onto them. Tags, especially the yellow heart-shaped ones, help confirm authenticity and can increase value.
Most Beanie Babies only sell for a few dollars, but rare ones or those with tag errors can fetch more. Check out listings like this most valuable Beanie Babies to compare. Keep your tags in good condition!
Jadeite kitchenware
If you have Jadeite kitchenware tucked away, it might be more valuable than you think. These vintage pieces, popular in the 1940s, are known for their milky green color and sturdy feel.
Common items like plates or bowls usually sell for $15 to $30 each. However, rarer pieces can fetch over $150. Collectors love them for their nostalgic charm and durability. More details can be found on how Jadeite reached celeb status from Taste Cooking.
Silverware sets from the early 1900s
If you find silverware sets from the early 1900s in your home, they might be worth more than you think. Collectors often seek sterling silver patterns made by well-known makers like Tiffany & Co. or Gorham.
Even if your set isn’t complete, individual pieces can still hold value. Look for markings that indicate sterling silver to help identify worth. Some patterns from this era are popular and collectible, making your silverware a hidden treasure.
Check listings of silver flatware sets from 1900-1940 to compare what similar items sell for.
Vinyl records from classic rock bands
You might have classic rock vinyl records tucked away that hold more value than you realize. First pressings or limited editions from popular bands can be especially worth something.
If your collection includes well-known names, it could catch the eye of collectors. Some vintage records are sold for serious amounts, particularly if they are in good condition.
Checking out listings of valuable vinyl, like this random vintage vinyl collection, might give you a better idea of what yours could be worth.
Arcade game cabinets
If you have an arcade game cabinet at home, it could be more valuable than you think. Certain classic models, like Donkey Kong, are especially sought after by collectors.
Even if your cabinet looks used, some buyers treasure the nostalgia and factory-fresh condition.
Building your own arcade machine cheaply is also popular, but original vintage cabinets carry the highest value. You can learn more about these cabinets and collections through dedicated gaming communities online.
Air Jordan sneakers from the 1980s
UnitedShoesOfAmerica/eBay.
If you have a pair of Air Jordan sneakers from the 1980s lying around, they could be worth a lot. Early models, especially the ones worn during Michael Jordan’s rookie years, are highly collectible.
Some pairs have sold for thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity. Even used ones can attract serious buyers. Checking their value online can give you an idea if your sneakers are a hidden treasure.
You might find surprising offers by listing them on specialized sites like eBay or sneaker marketplaces.