Your Old VHS Tapes Could Make You a Lot of Money

As we enter a new decade, it might be in our best interest to revisit the past. Why? There are a few things from your childhood worth cashing in on. Though it's always good to organize, de-clutter, and get rid of stuff you don’t need, there's sometimes value in holding on to old items—and mom and dad's house is the perfect spot to find hidden treasures.

Can’t remember the last time you rummaged through your parents’ attic? This list will show you exactly what to look for. From first-edition novels to Cabbage Patch Kids and signed yearbooks, there are tons of items you grew up with that may sell for a small fortune today. The patchwork quilt that lines the foot of your old bed could even be worth thousands. Have a hoarder at home? Their magazine collections might help pay for your next family vacation. And while some things are more predictable—jewelry, vinyl records, and china—others are not. Take rotary phones, for instance. Or family board games. You can even sell Crayola crayons for cash. Trust us: You'll never look at that vintage cookie jar the same way again!

The older the typewriter, the more valuable it is. If your parents inherited a pre-1940s model—and it’s still in working condition—it could be worth up to $800 today.

Need an excuse to dust off your family’s record collection? If your parents still own any of these valuable vinyls, they could be worth thousands.

Contrary to popular belief, the critters we once knew and loved are not actually worth thousands of dollars today. But if your family kept a first-edition Princess Diana Bear in pristine condition, she could be worth close to $50 or more.

Everyone had these and now they’re basically antiques! Some rarer models can be worth hundreds, so you might not want to throw them out after all.

If your family held onto an antique box of vintage hues, it could be worth up to $500 today. Read more about the iconic brand’s (colorful!) backstory to learn why.

Didn’t wear mom’s wedding dress like she hoped? Don’t feel guilty—if it’s still hanging in her closet, you can help her sell it for up to $250 or more.

Remember that silverware your parents only used for special occasions? If it came from your grandparents or great-grandparents, you might be in luck: a full antique set can sell for hundreds today.

If your family inherited this signature ‘40s kitchenware, certain pieces might be worth reselling. Salt and pepper shakers go for close to $50, while loaf pans are worth almost $150.

When the dinner party days are over, it’s time to sell the china. Bring your parents’ collection to an appraiser who specializes in antiques for an expert opinion.

Stick your hand into this: vintage cookie jars have monetary value. A collector’s favorite is the National Pottery Co.’s “Cookies All Over,” which can sell for up to $75 per jar. Other rarer jars are worth more than $250.

Collectors love luggage. If your family owns a mid-century set in good condition, it could be worth hundreds today.

Did your parents keep copies of your favorite children’s books? First-edition classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Velveteen Rabbit can sell for anywhere between $100 to more than $1,000.

The same idea goes for first or collector’s-edition board games. If you kept a family favorite in mint condition, it could be sold for the same price or more today. The rarest board games are worth thousands.

Your mom’s signature scent isn’t worth a fortune, but the glass bottle it came in might be. Yes, perfume bottle collecting is a real thing—and the right sales make hundreds.

If your parents used one of these for basement décor, you might want to put it back on the market. Vintage metal signs from brands like Coca Cola and John Deere are worth up to $300 today.

That old toaster your mom tucked away? Bring it back out. A select few vintage toasters are worth hundreds now. The same goes for mid-century Oster blenders, as long as they’re fully restored.

If you kept an old record player in the family, consider refurbishing it. Most vintage working turntables fall between the $500 to $600 range today, but some can sell for up to $3,500.

The hours you spent gaming from the family room couch weren’t a waste, after all! Collectors will pay thousands for retro video games these days.

We all love Fiestaware—but did your family own the real deal? Original Fiestaware from the ‘30s can be sold for hundreds now, since some of the original colors were discontinued. A full vintage set can even go for close to $1,500.

If your brother was a Boy Scout, his merit badges could be worth hundreds to collectors. Sewn or used patches are valued a bit less than those in pristine condition.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s to hoping your mom held onto her old Singer. Some vintage sewing machines can be sold for more than $1,000 today.

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.

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.