Remember those objects we all had during our childhoods that always sat around, usually on shelves collecting dust, and we didn’t know what to do with them?
Well, you would be surprised to know that some of those objects we disregarded and maybe even sold at yard sales are worth a fortune now.
Here is a list of the items that might still be in your basement, waiting to be rediscovered and bring you some extra cash.
1. Vintage Pyrex Mixing Bowls
These colorful bowls were once just practical dishware that we got from our grandmas.
They were practically everywhere back then, but today, certain patterns like “Lucky in Love” or “Gooseberry” could sell for hundreds or even thousands.
Their retro look and durability are very popular among collectors, and they are ready to pay a lot of money for them.
If you ever made cookies in one as a kid, and you left it somewhere in your kitchen, you might be actually sitting on a small fortune.
2. First Edition Harry Potter Books
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Harry Potter made every kid who read the book obsessed with the magic world. Back in the day, these books were bedtime favorites, and many kids (and adults) have fond memories of them.
But if you happen to have the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, you could earn a fortune by selling it.
At auction, some copies sold for over $100,000. Pretty magical, isn’t it?
3. Original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Games like Mario and Duck Hunt made Nintendo very famous among children and teens, and they brought hours of pixelated joy into homes.
Although they were popular and fun, most were discarded once newer and sleeker versions of consoles came around. However, with people reminiscing about past times today, boxed sets in good condition now command thousands.
So, if you happen to find your old NES in a box somewhere in your basement, know that you are sitting on a lot of cash.
4. Vintage McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
We all loved receiving McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, and some of us loved keeping them in our toy boxes.
These toys were little surprises that we sometimes forgot about after the next one came.
However, some of the Happy Meal toys ( like the McNugget Buddies) are becoming very popular now, and if you happen to have some in your old toy box, you could earn a lot of money by selling them.
5. Beanie Babies (Yes, Some Are Actually Valuable)
Most Beanie Babies aren’t worth much, but a rare few can actually bring you a lot of money.
Look for tag errors, limited editions like “Princess the Bear,” or certain early-generation models that might be sitting around your old room.
Some collectors will surely pay thousands if the plush is in good condition.
So, before you donate that toy bin, double-check it and make sure you are not throwing away a small fortune.
6. Polaroid Cameras
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What is more retro than a good old Polaroid camera? Instant photos that you can gift someone or put on your fridge make every moment memorable. These chunky instant cameras were a must at family parties and in teenage bedrooms.
Now, vintage Polaroids (especially the SX-70 or rainbow stripe models) are very valuable items. If you got them, and if they still work, you are about to earn some extra money for sure.
These cameras are definitely proof that nostalgia and aesthetics are a winning combo.
7. Old Vinyl Records
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As many people turn back to gramophones and old-school ways of listening to music, Vinyl records are rising in popularity again. When you think about it, Vinyl never truly died, and some records are worth more than their weight in gold.
If you want to earn some extra cash, go through your old Vinyl box, and try to find some rare albums. For example, first pressings of iconic albums (like The Beatles’ “White Album” or rare punk singles) sell for thousands.
Also, lesser-known artists can surprise you, because collectors value them a lot. Who knew holding onto some old records could be helpful in 2025?
8. Comic Books From the Silver Age
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If you were a comic book fan back in the day and you picked up a Spider-Man or X-Men comic for a quarter, you might’ve really struck gold.
Comics from the 1960s and ’70s that are rare or of first appearances are worth a small fortune now.
A well-preserved issue could very much sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
So, if your old comic book box was sitting under a pile of dust in your basement, it is time to go through it yet again.
9. Cabbage Patch Kids (Originals Only)
During the 1980s, they were all the rage. Each one had a name, a birth certificate, and the power to start store fires.
These days, early soft-sculpture Cabbage Patch dolls or some foreign versions are worth a lot of money.
Find the original Xavier Roberts marks on the bottom and make sure it’s in good shape.
Not every doll is important, but the right one could be the big win.
10. Vintage Lunchboxes
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Remember the time when you would bring your retro metal lunchbox to school and eat that P&B sandwich with your friends?
Well, that lunchbox could probably be worth more than your weekly groceries now.
If you had boxes that featured iconic movies or musicians (such as Star Wars, Michael Jackson, The Beatles), they would be highly collectible.
Original thermoses also make them even more valuable.
These serve as a reminder that what we had back in the day was way more valuable than we thought at the time.
11. LEGO Sets From the ’80s and ’90s
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You probably hated stepping on them, loved playing with them, and lost some parts along the way, but those colorful bricks could be a true profit for you now.
Retired LEGO sets (especially in original packaging) are wildly popular among adult collectors these days.
If you happen to have the original Star Wars sets, pirate ships, and similar, you are at the top of the list.
So, dig into that old bin full of plastic nostalgia, and find your next vacation sponsor.
