1. Vinyl Toys and Designer Figurines
Not everything collectible is “old”—some modern finds have skyrocketed in value too. Vinyl toys from brands like Kidrobot or artists like KAWS are incredibly hot. They often come in limited runs, making scarcity a huge factor. Even small figurines can resell for hundreds.
These appeal to a younger generation of collectors who grew up with pop culture. Original packaging is essential for top value. The crossover between art, design, and toy culture keeps demand strong. So if you see a quirky little figure on a shelf, don’t write it off as a novelty.
2. Vintage Vinyl Records
Those dusty bins of records aren’t just nostalgia—they’re investments. First pressings from major artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, or even niche jazz musicians can command impressive sums. Condition is key: scratches or damaged sleeves will slash value. But a clean copy with original artwork can make a casual dig into a small windfall.
Collectors aren’t just chasing music; they’re chasing history. Album art, unique label variations, and even misprints add to desirability. Some records that sold for $3 in the 70s now go for hundreds. So if you’re thumbing through vinyl in a thrift shop, keep an eye out for those original pressings.
3. Cast Iron Cookware
That heavy, rusted skillet in a junk shop may look like scrap, but it could be treasure. Brands like Griswold and Wagner were once household names, and their pieces are prized by chefs today. With proper cleaning and seasoning, cast iron lasts for generations. Even worn pans can be brought back to life with some elbow grease.
Modern cooks value these for their durability and heat retention. They also carry a certain nostalgia that makes them more desirable than new store-bought versions. Prices for rare sizes or logos are climbing steadily. Picking up a $10 pan might turn into a $100 flip.
4. Vintage Cameras
Film photography is having a resurgence, and old cameras are part of the movement. Brands like Leica, Nikon, and Pentax still hold their charm, especially for enthusiasts who prefer analog shooting. Even less prestigious brands can be collectible if the model is rare. Accessories like lenses and light meters add to the appeal.
Collectors value both working cameras and display pieces. The artistry of the build—metal bodies, precision dials—makes them as much decor as tools. Some models are worth several hundred dollars on resale sites. If you stumble across a forgotten SLR, don’t dismiss it as obsolete.
5. Costume Jewelry
While not fine jewelry, vintage costume pieces can be surprisingly valuable. Designers like Trifari, Miriam Haskell, and Monet produced items that are highly collectible today. These pieces often feature intricate designs and were made to last. A brooch that once sold for a few dollars might now command a hefty premium.
Collectors prize signed pieces, especially those with intact stones and clasps. Art Deco and mid-century styles are especially popular. Costume jewelry is also easy to store and ship, which makes reselling more practical. The right rhinestone necklace could quietly be your best thrift find yet.
6. First Edition Books
That old hardback with a torn dust jacket might not look impressive, but it could be a first edition. For collectors, first editions of beloved authors are the holy grail. Condition matters a lot, but even worn copies can hold value if the title is iconic. Think of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, or Toni Morrison’s debut works.
Dust jackets can multiply value, sometimes by thousands. Even modern authors like Stephen King or J.K. Rowling have collectible early editions. The key is knowing how to spot those subtle printing identifiers. If you find one for a couple bucks, you’ve potentially struck gold.
7. Pyrex and Vintage Kitchenware
Those cheerful patterned mixing bowls? They’re not just retro—they’re investments. Pyrex collectors pay a premium for complete sets or rare designs like “Lucky in Love.” Prices for certain patterns have skyrocketed in recent years. A set that once lived in grandma’s cupboard might now fetch hundreds online.
People love these because they’re both functional and nostalgic. They remind buyers of family meals and mid-century kitchens. Condition and completeness matter most, but even single pieces can be desirable. If you see a $5 bowl with a funky print, it’s worth a second glance.
8. Antique Tools
Hand-forged hammers, wooden planes, and brass measuring tools may look like junk, but they’re surprisingly collectible. Craftsmen appreciate the quality of old tools, often better made than modern equivalents. Certain brands, like Stanley, are especially sought-after. Even rusty tools can be restored and resold.
There’s a strong market among both collectors and practical users. Decorative appeal also boosts value—many people display them in workshops or as rustic decor. Rarity and condition will always push prices higher. That box of tools in a thrift store could hold hidden gems.
9. Advertising Signs
Old tin or enamel signs for soda, gasoline, or tobacco often end up in dusty corners. These were once everywhere but are now scarce, and collectors love them for their bold graphics. Coca-Cola, Mobil, and Texaco signs can be particularly valuable. Even smaller, local brands have niche followings.
Condition is important, but even worn signs can sell well if the brand is desirable. Many people use them as decor in bars, restaurants, or man caves. The demand for authentic vintage signage continues to climb. Don’t pass up that beat-up Pepsi sign too quickly.
10. Board Games and Toys
That battered Monopoly set might actually be worth something if it’s an early edition. Vintage toys, especially from brands like LEGO, Fisher-Price, or tin wind-up makers, are hot collectibles. Even incomplete sets can fetch money if rare parts are included. Childhood nostalgia drives much of the demand.
Collectors look for original packaging, which boosts value significantly. Toys from the 80s and 90s are now hitting their prime collectible phase. Action figures, especially Star Wars or Transformers, can skyrocket in price. The toy aisle in a thrift store might hold more treasure than you think.
11. Typewriters
Once written off as obsolete, typewriters are now enjoying a revival. Writers, artists, and collectors alike are snapping them up for both use and display. Brands like Smith-Corona, Underwood, and Royal are especially prized. Condition matters, but even non-functional models can be decor pieces.
The tactile experience of typing on an old machine appeals to many. Restored models can easily sell for several hundred dollars. Unique colors or portable versions are particularly desirable. If you find one at a flea market for $30, it might be worth ten times that.
12. Military Memorabilia
Medals, uniforms, and field gear often surface in secondhand shops. Collectors value authentic pieces tied to specific wars or units. Even seemingly ordinary items like mess kits or helmets can hold historical weight. Authenticity and condition make all the difference.
There’s a strong market among both military historians and casual collectors. World War II items, in particular, remain highly collectible. Provenance—knowing who used the item—adds another layer of value. If you see a box of old military patches, don’t assume they’re worthless.
13. Ceramic Figurines
Small ceramic animals or decorative pieces might look kitschy, but they have a market. Brands like Royal Doulton, Hummel, and Lladro are especially collectible. Rarity, detail, and condition drive value. Even a chipped figurine can be worth salvaging if it’s a sought-after line.
Collectors often look for limited editions or retired designs. Nostalgia plays a role here, too—many people remember these from their grandparents’ homes. Online marketplaces reveal how high prices can go for certain figurines. So don’t dismiss that little porcelain dog too quickly.
14. Pocket Watches
Though they may seem old-fashioned, pocket watches are timeless collectibles. High-quality makers like Elgin, Waltham, and Hamilton are especially sought after. Gold or silver cases add value, but craftsmanship is often the real draw. Even broken watches can be worth restoring.
Collectors admire the mechanics and intricate designs. Engraved cases or unusual dials push prices higher. Many watches were family heirlooms, which adds sentimental appeal to buyers. Spotting one in a junk shop is like uncovering a little piece of history.
15. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
That Danish teak side table you see shoved in the corner? It might actually be worth hundreds, even thousands, depending on the designer. Pieces from the 1950s and 60s—especially those with clean lines and tapered legs—are in high demand. Collectors and interior designers alike are driving up prices for authentic mid-century items.
The trick is spotting originals, which usually have markings from makers like G-Plan, Eames, or Lane. Even if a piece looks worn, a little refinishing can transform it. Don’t underestimate chairs or coffee tables—smaller items are easier to sell and still fetch good money. Next time you see a $40 credenza, know that it might actually be someone else’s $800 centerpiece.
This post 15 “Junk Shop” Finds That Are Quietly Becoming Investment Pieces was first published on Greenhouse Black.
