10 Common Household Items That Could Be Surprisingly Valuable

Before you start your next big clean-out, you might want to take a closer look at what you’re planning to toss. Many everyday items that seem like clutter could actually be hidden treasures worth a surprising amount of money. This guide will walk you through 10 categories of common household goods that collectors and enthusiasts are actively searching for.

1. Vintage Pyrex and CorningWare

That old casserole dish with the floral pattern sitting in the back of your cabinet could be your ticket to a nice payday. Pyrex and CorningWare from the 1950s to the 1980s are highly sought after by collectors for their nostalgic designs and durability. Not all pieces are valuable, but certain patterns can fetch hundreds of dollars.

What to look for:

Specific Patterns: The most valuable patterns are often those that had a limited production run. Keep an eye out for the “Lucky in Love” pattern (a green design with hearts and clovers), which can sell for thousands. Other valuable patterns include “Gooseberry” (pink on white), “Butterprint” (an Amish-inspired design with turquoise roosters), and “Rainbow Stripe” mixing bowls.
Condition: Items without chips, cracks, or faded patterns are worth the most. Having the original lid significantly increases the value.
Color: Bright, vibrant colors like pink and turquoise are often more popular with collectors than standard white or clear pieces.

A single rare Pyrex bowl can sell for anywhere from $100 to over $4,000, depending on the pattern and its condition.

2. First Edition Books

Your bookshelf might be hiding more than just great stories. First edition copies of popular or classic books can be incredibly valuable, especially if they are in good condition and have their original dust jackets. Many people own first editions without even realizing it.

What to look for:

Copyright Page: This is the best place to start. Look for the words “First Edition” or “First Printing.” Another key indicator is a number line on the page. A true first edition will typically have a full number line that includes “1” (e.g., “1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10”).
Famous Examples: A first edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (the UK version) can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. First editions of classics like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee are also extremely valuable.
Dust Jacket: For modern books (published in the 20th century onwards), the original dust jacket is crucial. A book with its jacket can be worth ten times more than one without it.

3. Old Video Games and Consoles

That box of old video games in your attic or basement is a potential goldmine. Retro gaming has seen a massive surge in popularity, and collectors will pay top dollar for games and consoles from their childhood. The original packaging can dramatically increase the value.

What to look for:

Original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Games: Cartridges for games like Super Mario Bros. 3 or The Legend of Zelda can be valuable, but rare titles like Stadium Events are worth thousands.
Sealed Games: An unopened game in its original plastic wrap is the holy grail for collectors. A sealed copy of a popular game like Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64 can sell for over $1,000.
Consoles in the Box: An original NES, Super Nintendo, or Sega Genesis console in its original box with all the manuals and accessories is highly desirable.

4. Vintage T-Shirts

Don’t throw out those old t-shirts just yet. Shirts from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, especially concert tees, promotional shirts, and brand shirts, can be worth hundreds of dollars. Their value comes from rarity, nostalgia, and the story they tell.

What to look for:

Concert Tours: T-shirts from iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, or Nirvana from their original tours are highly collectible.
Movie & Brand Promos: An original t-shirt promoting the 1977 release of Star Wars or an old promotional shirt from Apple or Microsoft can be extremely valuable.
Tags and Fabric: Authentic vintage shirts often have a single-stitch seam on the sleeves and hem. The tag can also help date it, and the fabric is often much thinner and softer than modern shirts.

5. Costume Jewelry

Before you dismiss a piece of jewelry as fake, check the back for a maker’s mark. Many costume jewelry pieces from the mid-20th century were beautifully crafted by well-known designers, and collectors actively seek them out.

What to look for:

Designer Marks: Look for names like “Trifari,” “Coro,” “Napier,” or “Chanel” stamped on the piece. Signed pieces are almost always more valuable.
Specific Designs: Elaborate and unique designs, such as “figural” brooches (shaped like animals or people) or pieces with intricate glasswork, are often worth more.
Condition: Check for missing stones, worn plating, or a broken clasp, as these will decrease the value. A piece in excellent condition can be worth anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.

6. Old Stamps and Coins

While it’s a classic cliché, there is real value to be found in old stamp and coin collections. Many people inherit these collections and don’t know what to do with them. While most individual stamps and coins are not worth much, certain ones can be very valuable.

What to look for:

Coins: In the United States, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars minted before 1965 are made of 90% silver and are worth significantly more than their face value. Look for rare mint marks or errors.
Stamps: Rare stamps, especially those with printing errors (like the famous “Inverted Jenny”), can be worth a fortune. Look for stamps that are in mint condition and have never been used. Old collections in albums are worth getting appraised by a professional.

7. Vintage Toys and Action Figures

Toys you or your parents played with as children could now be valuable collectibles. Original toys from popular franchises, especially if they are still in their packaging, can fetch incredible prices.

What to look for:

Star Wars (1977-1985): Original Kenner action figures of characters like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader in their original packaging can be worth thousands. Even loose figures in good condition are valuable.
Hot Wheels: Look for cars from 1968 to 1977 with a red stripe on the tire, known as “Redlines.” Certain models, like the 1969 “Beach Bomb” prototype, are worth over $100,000.
LEGO Sets: Retired LEGO sets, particularly large ones from popular themes like Star Wars or Harry Potter, can double or triple in value if they are unopened.

8. Outdated Tech

That first-generation iPod or brick-like cell phone might seem like junk, but to a collector, it’s a piece of history. Early and iconic tech gadgets are becoming increasingly popular collectibles, especially if they are in working condition and have their original box.

What to look for:

First-Generation Apple Products: An original iPhone from 2007, still sealed in its box, has sold for over $60,000. First-generation iPods in their packaging are also worth hundreds.
Vintage Computers: Early personal computers like the Apple II or the Commodore 64 are sought after by hobbyists and collectors.
Original Packaging: For tech items, the original box, manuals, and accessories are critical. They can make the difference between an item being worth $20 and being worth $2,000.

9. Old Vinyl Records

The resurgence of vinyl is not just about new music. Collectors are paying high prices for original pressings of classic albums. The value of a record depends on the artist, the album’s rarity, and the condition of both the vinyl and the album cover.

What to look for:

First Pressings: The very first batch of a record that was produced is the most valuable. You can often identify these by checking the serial number etched into the vinyl near the center label.
Rare Covers: Some albums were released with controversial or limited-edition covers that were quickly pulled. The most famous example is The Beatles’ “Butcher Cover” for their album Yesterday and Today, which can be worth over $10,000.
Condition: Scratches on the vinyl or damage to the cover will drastically reduce the value.

10. Vintage Advertising and Signs

Old metal or porcelain signs that advertised products like Coca-Cola, motor oil, or beer are considered decorative art by many. These were once common in garages, barns, and old general stores, and they can now be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

What to look for:

Brand and Graphics: Signs for iconic brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, John Deere, and oil companies like Texaco are always popular. Bold colors and interesting graphics increase the appeal.
Material: Porcelain enamel signs are generally more durable and valuable than tin or cardboard signs.
Authenticity: Reproductions are common, so look for signs of genuine age, such as slight rusting, patina, and the specific type of lettering used in that era.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine the condition of my items? Generally, “mint” or “near-mint” condition means the item looks brand new, often with original packaging. “Excellent” condition may show minor wear, while “good” condition shows visible use. Damage like cracks, chips, tears, or heavy stains will significantly lower the value.

Where is the best place to sell these items? Online marketplaces like eBay are great for reaching a global audience of collectors. For very high-value items, you might consider a specialized auction house. Local antique stores or collector groups can also be good options, though they may offer you a lower price since they need to resell the item. Always do your research on recent sale prices before you sell.