We’ve all been there—mid-declutter, feeling virtuous as we load up boxes for donation. But before you drop that last one off at the thrift store, pause for a second. Some of those “outdated” items might not just be old—they might be valuable. With collectors paying big money for certain pieces, a moment of decluttering haste could turn into serious seller’s remorse.
So before you give away something that could’ve paid for your next weekend getaway, take a peek at this list. These seven antiques are the kind of hidden gems you’ll wish you’d researched before donating.
1. Pyrex Dishes
It’s hard to imagine your mom’s casserole dish being a collector’s item, but here we are. Vintage Pyrex, especially patterned sets from the 1950s and ’60s, can fetch hundreds or even thousands. Patterns like Gooseberry, Butterprint, and Lucky in Love are some of the most sought after.
Collectors love sets in bright colors and pristine condition. Even single mixing bowls can bring in good money, especially if the design is rare or discontinued. Before you part ways with Grandma’s bakeware, check the pattern—it might be worth far more than that tuna casserole ever was.
2. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
That low coffee table or odd-looking credenza might not match your current style, but mid-century furniture is in its prime. Pieces from the 1950s and ’60s—especially teak, walnut, and rosewood designs—are commanding high prices.
Makers like Eames, Knoll, and Lane are collector favorites, but even unmarked pieces can be valuable if they capture the right silhouette. Check for solid wood, tapered legs, and minimal ornamentation. Replacing it with something “modern” might just cost you thousands in lost value.
3. Sterling Silver Flatware
We get it—polishing silver is a chore. But donating sterling silver flatware is like donating cash. Sets from brands like Gorham, Reed & Barton, and Wallace can sell for hundreds or even thousands, depending on the pattern.
Look for “sterling” stamped on the handle—it’s pure silver, not just plated. Even mismatched pieces or partial sets have melt value. That silverware chest you’ve been ignoring might just be a hidden treasure chest.
4. Vinyl Records
Your old LP collection might seem outdated, but collectors are paying big money for certain albums. First pressings from artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Fleetwood Mac are especially hot right now. Even classic rock and jazz albums from the ’60s and ’70s are seeing a resurgence in value.
Condition and rarity are key—scratches hurt, but original sleeves and inserts add value. Before you toss those records into the donation pile, look them up online. That old box of vinyl might be worth a lot more than nostalgia.
5. Costume Jewelry
Not all jewelry needs diamonds to be valuable. Vintage costume pieces from designers like Miriam Haskell, Trifari, and Weiss are fetching impressive prices online. Collectors love their bold designs, high-quality materials, and intricate craftsmanship.
Sets in original boxes, or pieces featuring rhinestones or enamel in excellent condition, can sell for hundreds. Even unsigned pieces are worth checking—many were made by the same artisans. That “cheap” brooch from the 1940s might just be a hidden gem.
6. Vintage Typewriters
That heavy old typewriter collecting dust in the closet? It’s a collector favorite. Brands like Royal, Smith-Corona, and Underwood are prized for their design and mechanical durability.
Even non-working models have value as decorative pieces. Rare colors, intact keys, and original cases can push the price into the hundreds. Before you donate it, hit a few keys—you might just be typing out the sound of money.
7. Depression Glass
Those pastel glass dishes that once seemed old-fashioned are suddenly chic again. Depression glass, made in the 1920s and ’30s, is beloved by collectors for its delicate patterns and soft hues. Colors like pink, green, and amber are especially sought after.
Complete sets can sell for hundreds, and even single plates in rare patterns bring good money. Check for raised designs and subtle imperfections—those tiny bubbles are part of the charm. What once filled your grandmother’s hutch might just fill your wallet.
The Takeaway
Donating is generous—but donating something valuable by mistake? That one stings. From Pyrex to mid-century furniture, antiques like these deserve a little research before you let them go. Because one person’s thrift store find might just be another’s four-figure flip—and that “junk” could have been yours.