Dust off those boxes in the attic and peer behind the curtains in the basement. Your parents’ house might be a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed. From childhood board games to that old record player in the corner, here are 18 potential hidden gems in your parents’ house that could be worth a small fortune.
Clocks
Don’t dismiss that dusty grandfather clock in the corner. Antique clocks, from towering floor models to delicate pocket watches, can be valuable finds. Their age, intricate craftsmanship, and rarity contribute to their worth in the collector’s market. So, next time you visit your parents, take a closer look at their clocks – they might just be ticking with hidden fortune.
Old Eyeglasses
Peek into those forgotten nightstand drawers. Vintage eyeglasses, especially designer brands over 25 years old, can be surprisingly valuable. A pair that once corrected your parents’ vision might now fetch them a cool $1,000 on the collector’s market.
Vintage Posters and Artwork
Your parents’ attic might hold more than just cobwebs and forgotten furniture. Vintage posters and artwork, especially limited-edition prints, iconic images, or pieces by renowned artists, can be surprisingly valuable. Don’t dismiss those dusty landscapes or seemingly generic travel posters. These hidden gems could fetch a high price in the art market.
Silverware
Think twice before relegating that tarnished silverware to the back of the drawer. It could be a treasure trove waiting to be rediscovered, especially if it’s an heirloom passed down from generations. Antique silverware sets, particularly those crafted from sterling silver, can be quite valuable due to their quality craftsmanship and timeless material. Intricate designs, rare patterns, and complete sets with all the pieces further increase their worth to collectors.
Comic Books
Don’t underestimate the power of those dusty comic books gathering in the basement. The older a comic is, especially if it features a character’s first appearance or is a rare edition, the more it could be worth. If your parents held onto your childhood collection, those well-loved comics might be a windfall waiting to happen.
Christmas Ornaments
There’s more to those Christmas boxes than just cherished memories. While the decorations hold a special place in your heart, some ornaments might be valuable treasures in disguise. Antique ornaments and hand-blown glass pieces are highly sought-after by collectors, sometimes fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So, look at those sparkling heirlooms carefully next time you unpack the holiday decorations. You might unearth a piece of Christmas magic worth more than a trip down memory lane.
Vinyl Records
Dig out those dusty record crates. The vinyl resurgence means serious cash for specific finds. Your parents’ basement might hold a goldmine of rare LPs waiting. Those old records from before the CD era could be valuable collector’s items.
Vintage Toys
Vintage toys can be collector’s gold, particularly those from famous lines like Star Wars or Barbie. Especially valuable are those in original packaging or rare variations. Dig out those old playthings from your parent’s garage; they might be worth a mint in today’s market.
Vintage Typewriters
Those vintage typewriters gathering dust in the corner might be more than relics of the past. While computers reign supreme today, these ancient writing tools can still bring in a surprising sum for collectors. The value depends on a few key factors: age, brand, and condition. Generally, older models (pre-1940s) that are still functional fetch the most, reaching up to $800. But even common typewriters can bring in an excellent $50-$200.
Crayola Crayons
Even the tools of childhood creativity can hold hidden value. Believe it or not, those old boxes of Crayola crayons in your parents’ attic could be worth a small fortune. Original, vintage sets, particularly those featuring colors that have been retired, can fetch up to $500 with collectors.
Vintage Luggage
Those old suitcases overflowing your parent’s attic are more than forgotten travel companions. Vintage luggage, especially well-crafted leather pieces, can be incredibly valuable to collectors. Their timeless style and durable materials make them perfect candidates for a makeover. With a little TLC, these vintage beauties can be transformed into stunning decorative pieces or functional storage for keepsakes.
Board Games
Don’t relegate those old board games to family game night anymore. Vintage editions can be collector’s items, particularly from iconic brands like Parker Brothers or Milton Bradley. Complete sets with all the pieces and original packaging, especially rare editions, might be the board game gold your parents never knew they had.
Jadelite Kitchenware
Nestled amongst the forgotten treasures in your parents’ attic might be a collection of green gems – jadeite kitchenware! This iconic glassware from the 1940s and 50s has become a hot commodity for collectors. While a set of plates might not make you a millionaire, pieces like salt and pepper shakers can fetch nearly $50, and some baking pans can reach almost $150.
Retro Kitchen Appliances
Those dusty appliances gathering cobwebs in your parents’ kitchen might be more than meets the eye. Retro gadgets like toasters, mixers, and even fridges can be collector’s gold. Well-maintained pieces, especially from legendary brands like KitchenAid or Oster, can sell for hundreds after a little TLC. So, don’t just reminisce about childhood meals next time you visit your folks. Those vintage appliances could be a delicious opportunity waiting to be discovered.
Perfume Bottles
Don’t underestimate the beauty (and potential value) of those decorative perfume bottles on your mom’s vanity. While the perfume itself might not be worth a king’s ransom, the bottle it came in could be a hidden treasure. Believe it or not, collecting perfume bottles is a real thing, and some exquisite bottles can fetch hundreds of dollars at the right sale.
Old Camera And Lenses
Old cameras and lenses, particularly from well-respected brands like Leica or Nikon, have become coveted collector’s items. Today’s photographers and enthusiasts actively seek vintage film cameras and specialty lenses that are in good working condition. Reselling this kind of equipment can bring in a surprisingly hefty sum. So, if you find a dusty camera bag or a box of old lenses tucked away in a corner, don’t be too quick to dismiss them. Research the brand and model – those vintage treasures could be worth keeping.
Rotary Phones
Remember those chunky rotary phones everyone used to have? Believe it or not, some models are considered antiques now and can be worth hundreds of dollars. While not every rotary phone is a goldmine, rarer models in good condition can be surprisingly valuable. So, before you toss that old phone out, take a closer look – it might be a blast from the past worth saving.
Retro Video Games
Those dusty consoles and forgotten game boxes gathering cobwebs in your parents’ garage could be a treasure trove. The market for vintage video games has gone into overdrive, with collectors offering serious cash for rare or pristine cartridges. That forgotten NES game or boxed Sega Genesis title could be a hidden gem. Before you fire up the emulator, take some time to research the specific game, its condition, and the console it belongs to. A little online digging could reveal its potential value. Who knows, those hours spent conquering digital worlds might pay off in a big way.