While in the process of culling old belongings at home, don’t be so quick to toss out your old toys, or throw your worn-out books in the bargain bin – your house may just be a treasure trove full of items worth a fortune. Maybe it’s something hidden inside an old toy box, or perhaps stuff that has collected dust inside your TV cabinet – these nostalgic finds can bag you more than just happy memories. Ahead, ten things that may make you rich… well, sort of.
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1. Happy meal toys
Believe it or not, some of the plastic toys that came with your McDonald’s ‘happy meals’ all those years ago, are now worth pretty pennies. They are best sold in bulk as, apparently, the compulsion to collect these trinkets doesn’t end in childhood. This collection is currently up for sale on Ebay for $70, while complete sets can go for $500-plus.
Photo: Ideastoys
2. Vintage quilts
You know that old quilt that your grandma passed down to you that you deemed ugly? Well, you might want to reconsider, because homemade quilts are one of the most sought-after items by antique appraisers. In the 19th century, quilt-making was a common hobby for many women and works from this period can be valued in excess of $5,000.
Photo: Ebay
3. Pokémon cards
If you grew up in the 1990s, you might agree that finding a holographic Charizard Pokémon card was the ultimate life goal. Turns out, not much has changed. Take this first edition card currently up for grabs for a whopping $3,500. Gotta catch ’em all!
Photo: Ebay
4. Old cameras
Forget about your iPhone camera for a moment, back in the 1970s, Pentax cameras were all the rage. Today, keen photographers will pay good money for certain vintage cameras, including this Asahi Pentax K1000 SLR, selling for $125. Even if some of the parts are no longer working, these cameras are still worth some cold hard cash.
Photo: Ebay
5. Original Furbies
Was it a bird? A hamster-owl-hybrid? A furry alien? To this day, we’re still not sure. Regardless, Furbies became stupid-popular during the holiday season of ’98. And should you own an original (particularly if it is unopened), you can sell these babies for $500-plus a pop.
Photo: Wikimedia
6. First edition books
A lot of old books aren’t worth much, but before you toss any from your dusty shelf, check the edition. First editions like this copy of The Great Gatsby can sell for upwards of $2,950. While other first editions, such as Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (previously sold for $35,000) and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (fetching $83,780) are hot ticket items.
Photo: Ebay
7. Game Boys
We’ve all got an old Game Boy laying around, but don’t get too excited – the real value lies i the original 1992 model, which will fetch up to $2,000, especially if unopened. But honestly, what monster would buy a Game Boy and leave it unopened?
Photo: Ebay
8. Vintage jewellery
Clip-on earrings were big during the ’40s, a time before pierced ears became mainstream. You may have come across them whilst tinkering in your grandma’s jewellery box, but before you go asking to borrow them for a dress up party, check that they are not in fact a designer brand. Like this vintage Chanel pair, currently selling online for $800-plus.
Photo: Ebay
9. Old newspaper ads
Don’t go chucking out those old newspapers just yet, flip through them first to see if you can find any old advertisements. Coca Cola ones in particular hold quite a bit of value, like this one from a 1915 newspaper in the US, selling for almost $150.
Photo: Ebay
10. Disney VHS tapes
Every kid growing up had their favourite Disney movie, which they watched over and over again (after rewinding the tape of course). These days, Disney VHS tapes can be worth thousands of dollars. Take this rare Beauty and the Beast tape for example, it currently has a ‘Buy It Now’ price for $12,500 on Ebay (yes, you read that right), with over 120 people ‘watching’ it.
Photo: Movie Pilot
