Before we all became minimalists and started Marie Kondo-ing our lives, American homes were treasure troves of now-valuable items. What seemed like everyday objects in the 1960s and 70s have become sought-after collectibles that could be worth serious money today. Here’s a look at some common household items from yesteryear that might have you wishing you’d never cleaned out that attic.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Vintage Pyrex Mixing Bowls (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $4,000 for Rare Sets
- 2 2. Vintage Lunch Boxes (1960s): Worth Up to $3,000
- 3 3. Original Barbie Dolls (1959-1960s): Worth Up to $27,000
- 4 4. Cast Iron Cookware (Pre-1950s): Worth Up to $1,500
- 5 5. Vintage Turntables (1960s-1970s): Worth Up to $10,000
- 6 6. Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Worth Up to $20,000
- 7 7. Comic Books (1960s-1970s): Worth Up to $100,000+
- 8 8. Star Wars Toys (1977-1985): Worth Up to $45,000
- 9 9. Vintage Cameras (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $5,000
- 10 10. Vintage Cookbooks (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $2,000
- 11 11. Retro Telephones (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $800
- 12 12. Vintage Perfume Bottles (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $1,500
- 13 13. Vintage Board Games (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $1,000
- 14 14. Vintage Christmas Decorations (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $2,000
- 15 15. Vintage Sewing Patterns (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $500
- 16 16. Vintage Radios (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $3,000
- 17 17. Vintage Kitchen Appliances (1950s): Worth Up to $2,500
- 18 18. Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $1,000
1. Vintage Pyrex Mixing Bowls (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $4,000 for Rare Sets
Those colorful nesting bowls that every kitchen had? The “Pink Gooseberry” pattern and “Lucky in Love” design are now highly sought after by collectors. Complete sets in pristine condition can fetch thousands, with even single pieces from rare patterns selling for hundreds.
Save for later
Want to come back to this story? Save it with your email so it is easy to find again.
2. Vintage Lunch Boxes (1960s): Worth Up to $3,000
Metal lunch boxes featuring Superman, The Beatles, or Lost in Space are now valuable collectibles. The 1954 Superman lunch box recently sold for over $2,500. Even common designs in good condition can bring hundreds.
3. Original Barbie Dolls (1959-1960s): Worth Up to $27,000
First-edition Barbies in mint condition command astronomical prices. Even common 1960s Barbies with original outfits can sell for hundreds. The rare 1959 first-edition brunette Barbie recently fetched $27,450 at auction.
4. Cast Iron Cookware (Pre-1950s): Worth Up to $1,500
Those heavy pans from Grandma’s kitchen could be worth serious money. Griswold and Wagner pieces from before 1950 are particularly valuable. A rare Griswold “spider skillet” recently sold for over $1,000.
5. Vintage Turntables (1960s-1970s): Worth Up to $10,000
High-end turntables from brands like Thorens, Garrard, and McIntosh have skyrocketed in value. A Thorens TD-124 from the 1960s in good condition can sell for thousands to audiophiles.
6. Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Worth Up to $20,000
That “old” Danish modern credenza or Eames chair could be worth a fortune. Original pieces by designers like Herman Miller, Knoll, and Danish makers are highly sought after. Even mass-produced pieces from the era can fetch good prices.
7. Comic Books (1960s-1970s): Worth Up to $100,000+
Those comics you read as a kid could fund your retirement. Early Marvel comics featuring Spider-Man, X-Men, or the Fantastic Four are especially valuable. Even non-superhero comics from this era can be worth hundreds.
8. Star Wars Toys (1977-1985): Worth Up to $45,000
Original Star Wars action figures, especially unopened ones, command astronomical prices. A rare Jawa figure with vinyl cape sold for $45,000. Even common figures in good condition can sell for hundreds.
9. Vintage Cameras (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $5,000
Old Leica, Hasselblad, and Rolleiflex cameras can be worth thousands. Even more common brands like Nikon and Canon from this era have significant value. Working condition is crucial for maximum value.
10. Vintage Cookbooks (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $2,000
First editions of Betty Crocker, Julia Child, or regional church cookbooks can be surprisingly valuable. A first-edition “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” in good condition can sell for over $2,000.
11. Retro Telephones (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $800
Colorful rotary phones from Western Electric, especially pink and turquoise models, are sought after by collectors. Princess phones and early push-button models can also command good prices.
12. Vintage Perfume Bottles (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $1,500
Old Chanel No. 5 bottles and other designer perfume containers, especially with original packaging, can be valuable collectibles. Lalique and Baccarat crystal bottles are particularly prized.
13. Vintage Board Games (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $1,000
Original editions of classic games like Monopoly, Clue, and Sorry! can be worth hundreds. First editions and rare versions, especially in mint condition with all pieces, command premium prices.
14. Vintage Christmas Decorations (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $2,000
Shiny Brite ornaments, aluminum trees, and bubble lights from this era are highly collectible. Complete sets of ornaments in original boxes can sell for hundreds or even thousands.
15. Vintage Sewing Patterns (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $500
Original patterns from Vogue, McCall’s, and Butterick, especially those featuring designer clothes or wedding dresses, can be valuable. Patterns from the early 1960s are particularly sought after.
16. Vintage Radios (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $3,000
Tube radios from brands like Zenith, RCA, and Philco can command high prices. Art deco designs and rare models in working condition are especially valuable.
17. Vintage Kitchen Appliances (1950s): Worth Up to $2,500
Pastel-colored mixers, toasters, and blenders from manufacturers like KitchenAid and Sunbeam are highly collectible. Working condition and original finishes significantly affect value.
18. Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers (1950s-1960s): Worth Up to $1,000
Novelty sets, especially complete pairs in original condition, can be worth hundreds. Rare designs and those from high-end manufacturers like Holt-Howard are particularly valuable.
