That old box in the attic? The furniture you thought about donating? Turns out, some of the stuff lying around your house could be worth way more than you ever expected. People are paying serious money for things you’d never think to sell—things like vintage cookie jars, books, and even old Christmas ornaments.
The stuff you grew up with—the things that felt ordinary at the time—are now hot collectibles. Before you toss, donate, or give something away for cheap, take a second look. You might be sitting on a small fortune without even realizing it.
Vintage Cookie Jars
That old cookie jar sitting on your counter or tucked away in storage might be worth a lot more than you think. Collectors love vintage cookie jars, especially ones from the ‘40s and ‘50s. If yours features a well-known cartoon character or a nostalgic design, it could be worth anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars.
The best-selling ones tend to be in good condition with minimal wear. If yours has chips or cracks, it might still be valuable, but pristine jars bring in the highest prices.
Fender and Gibson Guitars
If you’ve got an old Gibson or Fender guitar gathering dust, you might want to have it appraised before letting it go. Vintage models, especially those from the ‘50s and ‘60s, can be worth tens of thousands—or even more. A well-kept Gibson Les Paul from the 1950s, for example, can sell for hundreds of thousands, making it one of the most valuable instruments out there.
Even if your guitar isn’t a rare model, certain features—like original parts, limited production runs, or famous past owners—can boost its value.
First Edition Books
That dusty stack of books on your shelf could be hiding something valuable. First editions—especially of classic novels—can sell for way more than their later printings. The trick is knowing what to look for. Check the copyright page for the words “first edition” or a number sequence that starts with “1.” If the publishing year matches on both the copyright and title page, you might have something special.
Not every first edition is a jackpot, but some can go for serious money. Early copies of The Great Gatsby, The Hobbit, or even the first Harry Potter book have sold for thousands. Even newer books can be collectible if they had a limited first run.
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
If you’ve got a box of old Christmas ornaments tucked away, you might be sitting on more than just sentimental value. Vintage glass ornaments, especially hand-blown ones from Germany, can go for hundreds if they’re in good shape. The older ones were made of thick glass and had rich, metallic colors—much different from the lightweight, mass-produced ones today.
Even ornaments from the ‘70s and ‘80s can be valuable, especially Hallmark Keepsake editions or anything with pop culture ties. The more unique and well-preserved, the better.
Old Packaging
That old tin of cookies or vintage cereal box in the back of your pantry could actually be worth something. Collectors love old packaging, especially from brands that are still around today. Whether it’s an antique glass soda bottle, a quirky mid-century coffee can, or a discontinued snack box from the ‘90s, there’s a market for it.
Logos and branding have changed a lot over the years, and nostalgic packaging is in demand. Some old Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola items have sold for hundreds, and unique designs can fetch even more.
Furniture From the 80s and 90s
For years, mid-century modern was everywhere, but now? Chunky, oversized furniture from the ‘80s and ‘90s is creeping back into style. The stuff you grew up with—think overstuffed leather couches, glass-top coffee tables, and bulky entertainment centers—is becoming collectible. People are chasing nostalgia, and that means prices are climbing.
If you’ve got an old sectional sitting in storage or a vintage La-Z-Boy, don’t assume it’s worthless. Some of these pieces, especially from brands like Ethan Allen or Broyhill, can sell for hundreds, sometimes even thousands.
Vinyl Records
If you held onto your old records, you might be sitting on a nice little payday. Vinyl’s popularity has skyrocketed, and collectors are willing to shell out serious cash for rare or first-edition pressings. Some records won’t fetch more than a buck, but certain albums—especially classic rock, early hip-hop, and limited releases—can go for hundreds or even thousands.
The trick is knowing what’s valuable. Condition matters, and original sleeves, inserts, and special pressings add to the price. If you’re curious, check sites like Discogs or eBay to see if your old favorites are worth more than you think.
Old Arcade Games
If you’ve got an old arcade machine stashed away in the garage, you might be sitting on a goldmine. Even non-working machines can sell for a few hundred dollars, while working ones can go for thousands—especially if they’re classics like Pac-Man, Asteroids, or Street Fighter.
The demand is high because people are looking to relive their childhoods, and collectors are snatching up original cabinets. Before you assume yours is junk, check resale values. Even a rough-looking machine can be restored, and that beat-up game in your attic could be worth way more than you ever expected.
Air Jordans
If you begged for a pair of Air Jordans as a kid, you might be glad you held onto them. Early models, especially the original Jordan 1s, are huge in the sneaker world, with some selling for thousands of dollars. Even if yours aren’t in mint condition, they could still be worth a good chunk of change.
Limited editions, rare colorways, and collaborations are especially valuable. Sites like StockX and GOAT make it easy to check prices, and some people are even restoring old Jordans to resell them.
Boy Scouts Memorabilia
If you still have your old Boy Scouts gear stashed away, don’t assume it’s just sentimental clutter. Collectors pay serious money for complete uniforms, old patches, and rare badges. Even well-worn items can be valuable, especially if they’re from a National Jamboree or a specific scouting event.
The rarer the piece, the higher the price. Some patches and medals sell for hundreds, and full uniforms from decades ago can go for even more.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.