13 Household Items from the ’80s That Are Worth a Fortune Today

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The mid to late ‘80s was a bold, colourful, funky era and for many, a dash of nostalgia. Many gadgets were used during this time and became somewhat obsolete as time passed. As we’ve grown older, these items that used to fill our homes are now becoming rare gems that collectors and enthusiasts drool over. These pieces might just be dusted off and a hidden fortune revealed.

If you’ve ever wondered what old cassette player or retro lamp from your childhood is worth today, you’re in luck. From everyday items to collectible, many household items from the ’80s have skyrocketed in value. Whether you’re looking to declutter or just reminiscing, this list of ’80s household items may just get you to dig deep into your memory — and storage.

Rubik’s Cube

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The ‘80s are represented in a way few other items can, thanks to this colorful puzzle. Vintage versions of the classic color scheme of the original Rubik’s Cube have been capturing the hearts of collectors. It’s a fun challenge, but it can be a valuable one as well. If you have one lying around, a good twist will sell some rare cubes upwards of hundreds of dollars.

Beanie Babies

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Beanie Babies were launched in the ‘90s but the hype was really in the late ‘80s. Almost immediately, these plush toys quickly became the darling of collectors, with some editions selling for astronomical prices. If you have a first generation Beanie Baby or one that’s especially rare, you may own a tiny fortune. But remember to look at the tags and condition, as those have a huge impact on the value!

Atari 2600

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If you were lucky enough to have an Atari 2600 as a kid, you might want to dust it off and put it back together. As the very beginning of home gaming, this classic gaming console has since become a collector’s dream. In the market, old complete sets, especially with controllers and games can be sold at prices that are impressive. Why not cash in on a bit of gaming history and relive some pixelated adventures?

Polaroid Cameras

Vintage Electronics in Your Attic Worth a Fortune Today
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Instant photos, anyone? In the ‘80s, there was no better party accessory than the Polaroid camera. It was a must have for creating tangible memories in seconds. Vintage Polaroid cameras are very much sought after, particularly those that produced square prints. If you have one gathering dust, maybe it is time to snap a photo of your newfound treasure.

Tupperware

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Many homes were filled with this colorful cheap plastic that became all the rage in the ’70s — Tupperware parties were the talk of the town. Many vintage Tupperware items are surprisingly valuable, especially if you have rare pieces or have an entire set. People love the nostalgia and practicality of these items, so if you have any kicking around in your kitchen cabinets, grab them.

Sony Walkman

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The invention of the Sony Walkman had shifted how we listen to music—portable music from headphones and earphones. If you’ve got a vintage Walkman that still works, you could be sitting on a nice chunk of cash. One of the things collectors look for is original models, and more specifically for models with unique traits.

Fisher Price Toys

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Many hearts have a special place for Fisher Price toys from the ‘80s. The iconic Little People figures or Play Family House can sell for a pretty penny today, if they’re in good shape. It will be a pleasant surprise to parents who kept their children’s toys to see how much some of these nostalgic items are worth now!

Crystal Pepsi

Crystal Pepsi
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In the ‘80s this clear cola was a marketing experiment that caught people’s attention but fizzled out fast. If you have an unopened bottle of Crystal Pepsi lying around you may have an item of beverage history. Rare sodas are often bought for top dollar by collectors, so check you dusty shelf in your garage—you never know what could lurk there!

VCRs

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Ah, the beloved VCR! These devices were once, a staple in every living room, making life easier for us in the way our media was consumed. If you’ve kept a working model, especially one from JVC or Sony, you could have a gold mine sitting in your hands. In the age of streaming, collectors have been jockeying to get their hands on these nostalgic gadgets. The most rare VCR models have sold for hundreds of dollars if they are original, with packaging or an instruction manual.

Cabbage Patch Kids

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Remember those wild lines outside toy stores in the ’80s? The Cabbage Patch Kids were the must have dolls that drove kids and parents insane. Original editions can be on sale but carry impressive prices today, especially if they have unique features or have only few existing markings. If you still have one hiding in your closet, it’s time to pull it out and find out how much it’s worth.

Game Boy

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In the late ‘80s, the Nintendo Game Boy changed portable gaming. If you have an original model (with the box and accessories) you might be surprised how much it’s worth. Retro gaming enthusiasts are wanting to get their hands on these vintage devices and prices for well maintained units can be surprisingly high.

Tamagotchis

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In the ‘90s, these were all the rage, but they first came about in the late ‘80s. Original Tamagotchis, and especially those still under their packaging or very limited edition models, can be fairly valuable today. The nostalgia collectors love about these quirky virtual companions, so check if you still have one lurking in the deep recesses of your drawer!

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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