9 Things Hiding in Your Grandma's Attic That Could Be Worth Serious Money

Train Sets and Toys

Rare toys from previous generations—especially vintage trains and complete model sets—are prized possessions for many collectors.

"Some pieces go for hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the scale, detail, and subject matter," says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, founder of secondhand home décor shop Portland Revibe. "The individual items can be displayed on shelves or hung from the ceiling to create a unique look."

Vintage Tupperware

Tupperware may seem more like a kitchen staple than a collector's item, but older pieces are surprisingly valuable. "The early ones from the '50s to the '70s have this retro charm that’s suddenly in demand again," says Nicolas Martin, founder of Flea Market Insiders and Fleamapket. "The pastel colors, quirky shapes, and the memory of those home parties—it’s very much part of midcentury culture."

Most pieces sell for $40 to $150, and they can be hiding anywhere in homes, from kitchen cabinets to garages or moving boxes. "I once met a seller who found an entire box of mint-condition Tupperware behind her mom’s Christmas decorations!" he adds.

First-Edition Books

First-edition books, especially well-known classics, can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars online. "There are also special releases of specific books that may be rarer to find," adds Jochim-Smoot. "Research any special-looking books or complete sets before simply donating [them]."

Picture and coffee table books can also be scraped for original art and photography. "Pages can be sold individually to those who wish to frame them for everyday décor," Jochim-Smoot says. "These pieces can sell for $15 to $25 or more per page."

Christmas Ornaments

Don't let your old Christmas ornaments go stale—they could still hold hidden magic. "The shiny glass ones from the 1940s and '50s—especially German kugels or handmade figures—are delicate and gorgeous, and because they’re fragile, they’ve become pretty rare," Martin says. "Collectors love their whimsy."

He notes that a typical midcentury ornament might be worth $30 or $40, while special ones can reach $200 or up to $1,000 if they’re pristine.

"Most of the time, they’re found exactly where you’d expect, buried in a box labeled 'Xmas' somewhere in the attic," he says. "I’ve seen people rediscover them after decades, wrapped in old tissue paper, and it’s like opening a time capsule."

Antique Tools

Homeowner tools today don't have the same quality or craftsmanship as they used to. This makes old versions packed away in home shops or sheds covetable.

"These tools are in incredibly good shape for their age and are generally easy to repair if required," Jochim-Smoot says. "Tools that are older and made in Europe may be more highly valued and go for hundreds of dollars depending on the quality."

Nostalgic Records

While common LPs might be worth just a few dollars, Martin notes that rare first pressings can climb into the range of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The value also depends on the record's condition and cultural importance.

"A famous example is The Beatles’ Yesterday and Today with the recalled butcher cover. Prince’s The Black Album from 1987 is another great example," he notes. "Most copies were destroyed before release and surviving ones have sold anywhere from $15,000 to over $30,000."

Bath & Body Products

Vintage fragrances and packaged bath products aren't always meant to be thrown away. "I’ve seen discontinued, new-in-package vintage dental floss sell on eBay for up to $25, and a set of vintage mini fragrances sell for over $100!" Jochim-Smoot says.

Pyrex and Corningware

What used to be grandma's favorite food storage is now a cult collectible thanks to Pyrex and Corningware's unique patterns.

"Pink Daisy, Turquoise Snowflake, and the ultra-rare Bluebelle Delphite still make collectors’ hearts race," Martin says. "Common bowls are modestly priced [at] $20 to $30, but rarities can climb a lot higher—one Bluebelle Delphite bowl reportedly sold for around $3,000."

As for where they might be sitting? "I still find both Pyrex and Corningware in older kitchens, tucked behind modern cookware, or packed away after a remodel," he says.

Blow Molds

These old Christmas figurines have a unique appeal and steep secondhand prices.

"While some holiday décor may not be worth holding on to, vintage blow molds are highly collectible," Jochim-Smoot says. "Larger molds can sell for hundreds of dollars."