Old Cookbooks
Need another reason to love Julia Child? If your parents snagged a copy of her original cookbook published by Knopf in 1961, it could be worth hundreds this year.
Antique Tools
Your dad’s old woodworking tool might work better than its modern equivalent—which means it’s also worth more money if sold today. Certain saws, hand drills, and wrenches are widely sought-after by collectors.
Vintage Lunchboxes
Who knew the metal lunchbox you used in elementary school would become a hundred-dollar novelty? (Especially if you still have the Thermos to match!)
Vintage Purses
If your mom’s outgrown her vintage Chanel, she might want to put it back on the market. Designer handbag styles often come and go, which means secondhand purses can sell for more than double their original price.
Old Magazines
Referred to as “ephemera” by collectors, some limited-edition magazines can be sold for hundreds today. Consider important factors like popular culture, historic events, and the issue date before you sell. And when in doubt, ask for an appraisal.
Musical Instruments
Grow up with a guitar player at home? His or her instrument could be worth a small fortune—especially if it was part of the Fender family. Many 1960s Fender Stratocasters sell for nearly $2,000 or more.
Jewelry
When was the last time you went through your mom’s jewelry box? From brooches to pendants, bracelets, and earrings, chances are there are a few pretty pieces she still owns—and rarely wears—worth thousands.
Signed Yearbook
If you went to high school with a famous athlete or celebrity and there’s a chance they signed your yearbook, dig it out of the closet and talk to an expert. You might be able to sell it for a small fortune.
Clocks
If your parents still have that old fancy wall clock, consider taking it down for an appraisal. Antique clocks with trademarks are especially valuable to collectors and often sell within the thousand-dollar range.
Vintage Toys
Your favorite old toy may be a (play)thing of the past, but it could be worth some nice pocket cash today. Some vintage pogo sticks are sold for close to $50 and original Cabbage Patch Dolls are worth hundreds.
Patchwork Quilts
Does one of these cozy beauties still line the foot of your old bed? If so, it might be time to fold it up for sale. The most rare and sought-after patchwork quilts are worth thousands today.
Old Tupperware
Any chance your mom kept her first set of Tupperware? If so, she could sell it for close to $200 today. Check the kitchen cupboards for vintage Pyrex, too. Some pieces are reportedly worth thousands.
Porcelain Dolls
Doll collecting is a serious market. If the gals in your family kept a certain vintage or antique doll in pristine condition, she could be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
Vintage Eyeglasses
Keep an eye out for old eyeglasses lying around in nightstand drawers. Some name-brand pairs more than 25 years old could be worth nearly $1,000 today.
VHS Tapes
Streaming services are great and all, but are we the only ones who miss those warm and fuzzy VHS tapes? Apparently not—some collectors will still buy them for hundreds of dollars.
Chest of Drawers
Whether it was used for clothes, toys, or as a decorative armoire, an old chest of drawers can hold some serious value—especially if it was passed down from another family member. In fact, some antique pieces sell for thousands today.
Rocking Chair
If the rocking chair that sat in your baby room came from a previous generation, it could be worth hundreds to a collector. Windsor rockers are among the most popular models.
Sewing Machine
Here’s to hoping your mom held onto her old Singer. Some vintage sewing machines can be sold for more than $1,000 today.
Christmas Ornaments
We know—you just put the Christmas ornaments away. But here’s your reason to take them back out! Some antique ornaments and hand-blown glass pieces are worth hundreds—if not thousands—to collectors.
Artwork
You don’t have to be a descendant of Picasso to reap the benefits of fine artistry. If your family has an old antique painting sitting in the attic, bring it to an appraiser. You could have an unknown masterpiece on your hands.
