These Rare Items Can Be Lying Around Your Home, Sell Them and Make a Fortune

This is why you never throw your old stuff away. We all have things at home that are probably just collecting dust in the garage, basement, or attic. Keep in mind that some of those seemingly meaningless items you're hoarding might have more value than you realize.
We're not just talking about a few bucks here. What we are saying is that you might make thousands of dollars off some of them. Suffice to say, it's time to dig up the old treasure trove. Let's find out which items can land you a big payday.
Game Boys
Once upon a time, Game Boys were all children asked for from their parents. For the fortunate few of us who actually got one, it's probably been years since we actually played with them. The good news is that the resale market on these things has increased dramatically.

Each handheld console can now sell between $750 and up to $2,000. An unopened new Game Boy once went for just a little over $4,000 on eBay. Suffice to say, they were not a waste of money, mom and dad!
Antique Cookie Jars
Cookie jars from the '40s and '50s have now become collector's items. PBS Antiques Roadshow evaluator Reyne Hirsch claims that one vintage cookie jar that was sold back in 2018 went for about $1,200.

What we should look out for are the ones that are made in the style of famous cartoon characters. A Little Audrey cookie jar sold for a whopping $3,400 on eBay in 2019. Maybe grandma's old cookie jars aren't so creepy, after all, especially when they are worth this much dough.
Vintage Perfume Bottles
While those old Chanel No.5 bottles are valuable, vintage perfume bottles from the 19th and 20th century can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000, or maybe even higher. Perfumery bottles used to be an art form in itself, thanks to skilled glassblowers back in the day.

That is why people have started to see their value. On eBay, some antique bottles sold for about $4,000. Apart from eBay, you can sell these things through auction houses that focus on vintage perfumery exclusively.
VHS Tapes
There is a good chance that a lot of us haven't thrown our VHS tapes away. They are more than likely sitting somewhere in the household, untouched for years, decades even. Most of us don't even know what to do with them with the advent of digitization and streaming services.

But don't throw them away just yet. Those VHS tapes you used to love can now sell for more than $1,000 if you find the right buyer. Films that were never converted into DVDs or any digital platform hold an even higher value.
Christmas Ornaments
We all have those Christmas ornaments that go unbothered for nine months a year. Our first instinct is to leave them in the storage box, and for good reason. Be sure to look out for the older ones though. There are some people who would pay good money for them, especially when they are antiques.

For reference, some vintage blown-glass ornaments can go for as much as $1,700. German-made Kugel pieces that came out between 1840 and 1940 can sell for a staggering $18,000. You better check the garage now!
Vintage Lunch Boxes
Are old lunchboxes worth anything these days? The answer is yes. For collectors like Thad Reece, vintage lunchboxes can be worth more than ten thousand times their original price. The 1963 Jetsons lunch box has been estimated to cost anywhere between $1,000 and $1,650.

Meanwhile, there was a 1962 Dudley do-right lunchbox that once sold for roughly $2,200. The most valuable lunchbox, however, is said to be the 1954 Superman luncheon box, which could sell for as much as $13,000. Better get your lunch money now.
Pokémon Cards
Your old Pokémon card trade hobby is a lot more profitable than it once was 20 years ago. If you haven't thrown your cards away, you are in luck. Past card retailers are always on the lookout for Pokémon Mill cards.

Rare, individual cards can fetch up to tens of thousands of dollars. For instance, the first edition of Charizard 1999 was sold for $12,499.99 back in 2019. On eBay, a PSA 9 Mint card from the 2001 Tropical Wind Trophy was up for sale once for a massive $500,000.
Vintage Advertising Signs
Before there was social media, advertising signs used to be the norm for all the big brands. They used to be all over the place, including in shops, bars, and many local establishments. These days, those vintage advertising signs can land you a hefty check.

On August 1st, 2019, a rare Coca-Cola vintage sign sold for $5,700 on eBay. Some say that these things can go for a whole lot more. There are signs that actually reach the four-digit mark.
Apple iPod 1st Generation
You can always buy the next Apple product at your local store, but your old Apple devices hold more monetary value than you think. The first-generation Apple iPod Touch is a great example of this. eBay customers are willing to pay as much as $2,200 dollars or more for it.

The price has steadily increased over time, as well. Other newer first-generation versions can sell for more than $15,000. Yes, you read that right. Keep this in mind whenever you think a gadget is obsolete.
Old CDs
Saying CDs are old makes us feel, well, old. They almost feel ancient now. Nevertheless, for those of us who kept them through the years, we definitely should look up their worth. These tracks are now worth a lot of cash.

According to various outlets, the track of the 1993 signature series by Michael Jackson is worth $1,500. This goes for the 1998 protection EP by Coldplay, too. Even Paris Hilton's old London CD can sell for upwards of $10,000 on eBay, depending on the album sleeve.
Boy Scout Badges
People collect Boy Scouts memorabilia, too. According to Collectors Weekly, some of the more collectible badges can cost more than $1,100. A Boy Scout sash was once listed on eBay for $4,500 in August 2019. Why did it cost this much?

Well, that is because it had 18 patches on it, coming from the '30s and the '40s. Air Scot memorabilia also sells big. If you are not ready to sell them just yet, you may wait as long as you can. The older, the better, after all.
Old Coins
Coins can be worth thousands of dollar bills. By now, you have probably heard that coin collections are a thing. It's never too late to join the fun. In 2007, a 200-year-old coins stash uncovered by former dealer Jedd Bidelman fetched an estimated $200,000.

Yes, those are insane numbers for a piece of silver. The special Kansas state quarter, for instance, is highly coveted, especially the ones with the error, "In God, We Rust" on them. That's a $100-coin right there.
Weathervanes
Weathervanes are now outdated because we have apps to collect weather metrics for us. These metal ornaments once sat atop barns and houses. Today, they are probably tucked away somewhere in our basements.

They have taken an entirely new direction, thanks to the collectibles market. If you happen to have 19th-century weathervanes laying around, you should know that they can sell for $7,000 on eBay. A 2006 Sotheby auction sold off a Native American weathervane for $5.84 million.
Pyrex
Pyrex cookware is known for its formidable character. They are a pioneer in many ways. Not to mention, cookware historians are starting to figure out how much they are worth. First introduced in 1915, the cookware was one of the first that could be both heated and cooled at ease without shattering.

Its bright colors were fun, too. This is part of the reason why Pyrex has now gained a cult following. Full vintage Pyrex sets can sell for thousands of dollars while lids alone can get you $50 and above on eBay.
Costume Jewelry
We all know that diamonds are a timeless classic. But they are not the only gems that have stood the test of time. Old costume gems can be just as valuable. This is the case with pieces made between the '20s and the '50s.

In this market, you can get them appraised for thousands of dollars. Elsa Schiaparelli jewelry, for example, can be worth anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000. If you find the right buyer, then you might just be sitting on a goldmine.
Tiffany Lamps
Tiffany lamps were once a staple in the Art Nouveau movement. They are a hybrid of art and beauty that was a statement piece in homes. No wonder this item happens to have one of the largest online markets in the world.

The vibrant-colored and floral motifs are among the most popular. Tiffany lamps can go for as low as $4,000 or as high as $1 million, depending on the model. Their light fittings are said to be worth more than the foundations.
China Sets
Okay, the fancy dinner sets mom used to hide are more expensive than you would believe. Those china sets were only used for special occasions for a reason. They go way back, too, with some of the earliest hand-painted porcelains dating back to the 1500s.

These collectibles have an estimated value in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Early antiques from the early 19th century can be sold for approximately $5,000 online. Sadly, there are a lot of fakes circulating. Just be careful before you empty out your cupboard.
Old Stamps
Collecting stamps used to be one of the most popular hobbies back in the day. So it does make sense that some of us have grandparents or parents that have their own personal collections at home. The tradition has only continued.

A new generation of stamp collectors are now paying big for rare stamps. While these stamps may feel insignificant in today's age, they can be incredibly valuable online. In 2019, sets of vintage stamps on eBay sold for about $90,000. They are not just some pieces of paper, okay?
Rocking Chair
Rocking chairs started to gain popularity among American houses in the 1700s. They were not only a way to help babies fall asleep, but also a great piece for your living room. A lot of us might know someone who still owns one.

For those of us who do, you should let them know that they are sitting on a fortune. Even rocking chairs made in the '50s or '70s can get you a cool $5,000. Of course, this antique chair is only going to skyrocket in value over time.
Boom Boxes
There is now a generation or two of people who don't even know what a boom box is. These things were all the rage back in the '80s, along with the introduction of CDs in popular culture. Boom boxes have seen a resurgence today because of the retro aesthetic.

On eBay, a SharpGF-999 Stereo Boombox was sold for $3,000 in 2019. Meanwhile, a 1988 VTG 2 LasonicTRC-975 Ghetto Blaster Boombox went for about $8,000. It can be quite an investment if you haven't gotten rid of yours ages ago.
Trunks
Trunks used to be an essential part of traveling. Today, the last time we have probably seen them was when we went to the attic to look for something that one time. But don't let anyone tell you that they're junk.

After all, vintage trunks will always have a market, especially branded ones. Trunks from the 1870s can now be worth more than $700. If you have a luxury French fashion house truck, you should expect to get a few thousand dollars in return.
Typewriters
Authors from a bygone era have each owned some version of the typewriter in their lifetimes. It is a relic of a somewhat familiar time. In the early 21st century, typewriters now feel like a hipster thing. Still, buyers pay a lot of money for vintage typewriters.

For instance, back in 2018, a special Hooven Automatic Typewriter sold for $7,500. Other versions of the typewriter can cost double. The Rolls Royce of typewriters, the Malling-Hansen Writing Ball, is said to be worth approximately $100,000.
Signed Yearbooks
Who knew those old yearbooks can be so valuable? Well, they always have been, in a sentimental sense. But most of these things end up getting stored away somewhere around the household. We only really think about them when we do, which is rarely.

Nevertheless, our grandparents' or parents' yearbooks might be worth more than ours, especially if they went to school with someone famous. It's better if they would have signed it, too. A yearbook with a signed photo of James Dean can easily be sold for $10,000 or more.
Vintage Comic Books
If you were a fan of superheroes as a kid, chances are you still have your old comic book collection lying around somewhere. There is no better time to appraise these things than today. In the age of superhero movies, these comic books are only going to become even more expensive.

Prices vary depending on the serial number, date, and condition. A mint-condition Incredible Hulk comic book once sold for $320,000. Hold on to yours a little longer and you might just fetch figures higher than that.
Original 'Star Wars' Toys
These prequel toys have been the subject of Star Wars forums for years. With each passing year, their value increases. The reason why they are so precious is that they were first released during the original Star Wars trilogy.

When A New Hope was released in 1977, nobody really expected these toys to last. But because of the success of the franchise, they have now become one of the most coveted collector's items ever. An original Luke Skywalker toy can be sold for $25,000 now! May the force be with you.
American Girl Dolls
American Girls dolls were iconic toys back in the '80s and '90s. If you ever played with one of these as a kid, you will probably remember the show and those big eyes. Kids used to get accessories for these dolls, too. We're here to tell you that it might be time to let them go.

On eBay, a Samantha doll was once sold for roughly $4,200. Unless you plan on having your kids inherit them, now is a good time to cash in. They can be just as valuable even without their original packaging!
Air Jordans
No respectable shoe collection is complete without a couple of Air Jordans. These shoes have taken on a life of their own since Michael Jordan retired. They used to be the coolest sneakers in school. For the people who have kept their original pairs over the years, they can now sell their Jordans for a fortune.

Of course, the price all depends on the style, number, and condition. There are literally 26 versions of the shoe, to be exact. Air Jordan models can be sold for approximately $20,000 and more. Just be sure to clean your sneakers before you sell them.
Video Games
Do you still remember the time you used to blow the cartridges out just to make sure the game works? We do, too. Nobody ever forgets their first videogame collection. PlayStation and Nintendo cartridges can now be sold for a pretty penny.

You never know how much money you can get for your personal stash. Just take all the old Mario Kart 64 cartridges for instance. These things can get upwards of $1,000 online. Don't you dare throw them out!
Cell Phones
Everyone is always waiting for the next phone and companies are always looking to upgrade their current devices. It's just the way things are. While our old cell phones are now outdated and obsolete, they have more value in today's world than we realize.

These gadgets can be sold in the market for a hefty price. If you really want to attract buyers, you should dig up your oldest cellular phone. In 2014, a 1983 DynaTAC 8000X was sold at an auction at $550. You can easily buy the latest phone with that money.
Antique Guitars
Does the guitar make the musician or does the musician make the guitar? Nobody really has a straight answer to this. For older generations, guitar models mattered, especially the ones from the '60s. These guitars always come up at auctions and you can sell yours for quite the price.

A classic Gibson ES-175, together with its original case and all, was estimated to be around $5,500 back in 2014. Even before that, a 1953 Fender telecasting company was valued at about $10,000. Imagine those numbers today.
Happy Meal Toys
There was something about those vintage McDonald's Happy Meal toys that got us excited. Sometimes, it was not even about the meal anymore. The toys had us hooked. Our childhood memorabilia can now be sold for a large amount of money on forums and online communities.

Happy Meal toys can be sold for $500 or more. A 1995 Happy Meal gadget once got $350 while a group of children from Potato Head was sold for $100 online. Needless to say, these things just make people nostalgic.
Flip Clock Radios
Trust us when we say that you have seen this before. How many opening movie scenes have had this clock by the protagonist's bedside? A lot, actually, especially during the 1980s. Today, the flip clock radio is a collector's dream.

Arguably its most famous version is the one introduced by Panasonic. The brand's flip clock radio was reportedly sold at an auction for an estimated $300. If you aren't really using yours, then why not make money off of it?
Vintage Band T-Shirts
Ah yes, band shirts. They were one of the ultimate symbols of youthful rebellion. We all wanted to be edgy once. There is a good chance we still have one of them in our wardrobe. The only question is: How much is yours worth?

A Nirvana Tour Tee in Utero once sold for nearly $7,000 alone. What is even more shocking is the price tag on the Beatles' banned Yesterday and Today album shirt. An original t-shirt from the '70s surfaced back in 2011. It was sold for $20,000.
Polly Pocket Toys
Polly Pockets started to gain a following in the '90s. They started out as high-end toys and soon became an integral part of any child's playroom. Today, they are being auctioned off for thousands of dollars.

Polly Pocket toys on eBay are valued as expensive collector's items. Beginning 2019, bigger packages cost roughly $2,000. This is not only limited to the figures. The Polly Pocket accessories are valuable, too. For instance, a Polly Pocket pencil case can fetch around $800 online.
White Furby
Yes, everyone in the late 1990s asked for Furbies. Whether it was because of the noises or the eyes, they were the perfect distraction for little children. While Furbies have long fallen out of favor among the kids of today, a lot of adults still insist on buying them.

Of all the Furbies, its first set's extremely rare and white Furby is the most valuable. Collectors are willing to pay $800 or more just for one of white Furby. Now, think about that before you give them away for free.
Vintage Soda Crates
Apparently, collecting crates has become quite the hobby. Don't just let those old soda crates clog up space in your basement or garage. You should profit off them, too. Wooden soda crates are extremely valuable, especially if they come from a popular brand like Coke or Pepsi.

You can actually get a few hundred dollars out of it on eBay. Coca-Cola crates, for example, can be more expensive. A yellow wooden crate from 1948 was once sold for $199.
Polaroid Cameras
Instagram has changed how we view photography as a medium. But nothing can ever change people's affinity for polaroid cameras. Old polaroids are a hipster must-have. They are also always in style. It's all for the love of photography, of course.

That is why it sells big online. The older your Polaroid is, the more people are going to want to buy it. Some of them are prepared to pay hundreds even if the unit isn't working. One Polaroid 120 manufactured in 1960 was sold for $430.
Beer Cans
Would you believe us if we told you that those old beer cans in your home can be worth thousands of dollars? It is hard to wrap your head around it at first, but you'll surely get over it once you learn about the amount people pay for these cans.

Collector Jeff Lebo's collection of 87,000 vintage beer cans have an estimated worth of $1.6 million. This is because any beer can that was manufactured in the U.S. between 1935 and 1941 is worth a lot of money.
Mason Jars
Mason jars can be a great way to organize your living or dining space. Households and restaurants use them as a cool replacement for containers or cups. Back in the late 19th century and the start of the 20th century, mason jars were mainly used to store fruits and perishables.

If you have old jars at home, there is a great possibility that they might be highly valuable. Collectors are usually on the lookout for brands between the 1840s and the 1920s, including Cork-Top Jar and the Upside Down. They can sell for thousands!
Cereal Boxes
Out of all the items we have on this list, old cereal boxes are arguably the most surprising. If a box is in good condition, it isn't far-fetched to say that it could get $1,000 in the market. But Collectors are picky. They want unopened vintage boxes.

These guys put a premium on the seal, design, and cardboard. A Kellog’s Sugar Pops box from 2009 has an estimated value of $1,600. Those old boxes of Nabisco Shredded Wheat can translate into a big payday, as well.
Vintage Handbags
We can bet that you have a bunch of unused handbags at home. Collecting these things is a pretty common hobby. We just want to point out that branded handbags can sell for more than $2,000 apiece.

They become even more expensive as they age. Vintage Chanel bags in good condition are valued at around $3,000. You can even sell the ones that are in poor condition, too. Those things are still worth at least $400.
Postcards
We've talked about stamps earlier. Now, let's discuss vintage postcards. If you have ever been to a garage sale, postcards usually come by the boxes. You might even have some in a drawer somewhere at home. These cards tend to get ignored, but not by those who know their true value.

One vintage postcard can already be worth anywhere between $10 and $50. Postcards that have special signatures can even sell for thousands. At one auction, Prince Charles and Princess Diana's signed Christmas cards were sold for $4,400.
David Bowie's 'Diamond Dogs' Vinyl
Diamond Dogs was one of the most controversial albums of its time. Of course, that's just David Bowie for you. At the time of its vinyl release, people found the cover a little too much for their sensibilities. The label decided to pull it back.

But the more heat it attracted, the more fans wanted to buy it. This controversial limited-edition cover can sell for as much as $7,500. You better check your old records collection downstairs. It's always nice to make a little extra cash.
Yeezys
Much like Michael Jordan, Kanye West built a sneaker empire beginning with his Nike Air Yeezys. Sneakerheads know all too well how this partnership ended. Nevertheless, it was a fruitful collaboration.

West partnered with Nike back in 2009, culminating in the Nike Air Yeezys. The rapper has since moved on to Adidas, but his old Nike sneakers still remain. Their resale value is off the charts. While the original retail price is $245, its resale value is estimated to be as high as $7,500.
Vintage Levi's Jeans
Tip: buy as many Levi's jeans as you can. Levi's jeans are every denim collector's dream. They are always hunting for the vintage Levi's 501s, which happens to be the most famous pair that the brand has ever released.

For Levi's jeans to be considered vintage pairs, they have to at least be manufactured before the 1980s. For instance, a pair of vintage 1950 Anniversary Levi's jeans sold on eBay for $8,000. Rare Levi's jeans with the big letter "E" feature can sell for $900, as well.
Old Microphones
Okay, old microphones might not be the most common thing in a regular household, but if you do have one in the basement or attic, consider yourself lucky. Much like old cameras, old microphones are sought after by dozens of collectors everywhere.

One camera alone can go for $10,000. The Neumann U-47 microphones from the 1940s are arguably the most in-demand microphones there is. Of course, any old mic you can find at home can still sell for about $50 to $100.
Stretch Armstrong Toys
Kenner's Stretch Armstrong was a toy that was well-loved by millions. Since 1976, the toy has cemented its legacy as one of the most fun action figures we have had. It was both unique and entertaining.

In 2016, Hasbro announced the iconic toy's comeback at the New York Toy Fair. Many fans were caught off guard by the news. The buy-and-sell market on the old Stretch Armstrong toys hasn't wavered though. A vintage doll can still fetch upwards of $10,000 at auctions.
Playmobil Adventure Sets
The main draw of the Playmobil set is that kids would have their own indoor adventure. Kids would make up their own scenes, depending on the parts that came with the set. They would even add some of their personal toys to the fun, as well.

These toys were quite trendy between the '70s and the '90s. Playmobil actually comes from the German corporation Brandstätter Group. A Playmobil set can sell for more than $800. We wouldn't do it though. Let your kids play with it!
Vintage Super Soaker Guns
Okay, when we think of water guns, we are most likely going to visualize the vintage Super Soaker Gun. The toy gun was first introduced in 1982 by engineer Lonnie Johnson. Needless to say, these bad boys were some of the most fun toys around.

To think, its prototype was only made out of an empty soda bottle, acrylic glass, and a PVC pipe. There have been a lot of copycats since its release but the original Super Soaker Gun reigns supreme. Collectors are prepared to pay thousands of dollars for them, too.