This article was originally published on RetroWays
Chatty Cathy - Estimated Value $300-$1,500
The 1960s brought us something we'd never had before: a talking doll. Mattel brought out Chatty Cathy in 1960, and it wasn't long before it took the world by storm. It quickly became the second-most popular doll of the decade, just after the success of Barbie. And while most parents could pick up a Chatty Cathy doll for their child in a catalog for around $10, it's now a seriously valuable item.
If you have a Chatty Cathy sitting in the attic, you could be sitting on a small fortune. That's because some collectors of these dolls are willing to pay up to $1,500 for one of these in mint condition.
Etch-A-Sketch - Estimated Value $1,500
Before the 1960s, kids could easily draw whatever they wanted with pencils and paper. But when the Etch-A-Sketch was released during that decade, drawing became even more exciting. This toy allowed kids to draw by turning the two dials on the front of the product, and with one simple shake, they could erase everything they'd drawn and start again. And while it wasn't a valuable item at the time, it is now.
If you have an Etch-A-Sketch from the 1960s sitting in the attic, you might want to grab it and put it up for sale. These vintage toys have been known to sell for around $1,500.
Wonder Woman Dolls - Estimated Value $8,000
Although Gal Gadot has recently made Wonder Woman popular again, there's no doubt about the fact that many people associate this action woman with the 1970s. After all, Lynda Carter took this character to the small screen in a big way. However, Wonder Woman actually first made her mark in the 1960s, when a doll of this character was created by Ideal Toys. She was part of a much larger "Super Queens" collection.
Today, these dolls are considered to be the ultimate 1960s memorabilia - and that's why superhero collectors are willing to pay a huge amount of money for them. $8,000, to be exact.
Typewriters - Estimated Value $800-$1,000
Before laptops, tablets, and desktop computers became a common sight in offices and homes across the globe, typewriters reigned supreme. They were hugely popular during the 1960s, as this allowed everyone, from office workers to students, the chance to write up their documents and homework. And while they were groundbreaking at the time, there's no doubt about the fact that typewriters had their limitations. But despite this, people still want them.
This vintage piece of 1960s memorabilia is now a much-desired collector's item. And if you have a brand such as IMB or Underwood, you could fetch up to $1,000 for your old typewriter.
Fuzzy Logic Calculators - Estimated Value $3,000-$5,000
Who really uses a separate calculator anymore? Most people calculate sums on their phones, which makes the Fuzzy Logic Calculator even more impressive. These calculators first debuted in the 1960s and made their mark as impressive pieces of technology at the time. The program worked by understanding a set of rules and then working out the probability of an event occurring. They weren't everywhere, but they were desirable.
It seems as though they're still pretty desirable today, too. Although there's a niche market for this product, Fuzzy Logic Calculators have been known to sell for up to $5,000.
Goody Two Shoes Doll - Estimated Value $249.95
The toy market was extremely saturated during the 1960s, and only the best designs managed to break the mold. Fans of the Goody Two Shoes doll will say that Ideal Toys did just that when they bought their doll to the market. The doll was based on a vintage children's story, and her blonde hair and walking ability made her the must-have doll of the moment. Plus, she didn't even cost a lot!
But while this doll was cheap back in the day, there's no doubt about the fact that she's a valuable item today. Doll collectors mean business when it comes to their collections, which is why they are willing to pay almost $250.
Kennedy Half Dollar - Estimated Value $1,295
If you didn't know already, coins are huge collector's items. Pennies can now be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and dollars can be worth even more. This is also the case for the Kennedy Half Dollar, which first made its way into the public domain after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And while this half-dollar didn't stay in circulation for too long, it's still considered to be an impressive piece of memorabilia.
Most of these half dollars made their way into circulation, but if by chance you happen to have an uncirculated Kennedy Half Dollar lying around, you could be sitting on a $1,295 gold mine!
Easy Bake Oven - Estimated Value $300
If you grew up in the 1960s, there's a high chance that you love baking - and that's probably all thanks to the Easy Bake Oven. This toy was first released in 1963, but there's no doubt about the fact that this was so much more than just a plaything. Kids who used the Easy Bake Oven could bake their own cakes thanks to the two incandescent light bulbs that served as a heat source.
The Easy Bake Oven went through a period of change over the years in terms of color and the heat source. And if you have the classic turquoise color in good condition, collectors could give you up to $300 for it.
Polaroid Cameras - Estimated Value $200-$300
Nowadays, we have the ability to capture photos with the click of a camera phone. But back in the 1960s, people had to use a Polaroid camera instead. This camera offered the chance to instantly take a photo, and the self-developing aspect of the product meant that a physical copy of your photo was in your hands in seconds. They became hugely popular during this era and, strangely, have become popular again in recent years.
Although Polaroid cameras aren't as popular as they once were, vintage lovers still search for cameras from the '60s. In the past, cameras from this era have sold for up to $300.
Barbie Dolls - Estimated Value $50-$1,000
You probably don't need us to tell you that Barbie reigned supreme in the 1960s. In fact, these dolls are still popular today! But when Mattel first introduced this doll in 1959, it became a staple of the next decade. Young girls around the world wanted to dress their Barbie up in all kinds of different clothes, and they wanted to use their imagination to bring Barbie's existence to life.
While re-inventions of Barbie can be bought today, collectors are always on the lookout for original and vintage dolls. Those in perfect condition can even sell for up to $1,000.
Rotary Dial Phones - Estimated Value $200-$2,000
Today, phoning friends and family has never been easier. You can make phone calls through smartphones, cars, and even your watch! But in the 1960s, rotary dial phones were all the rage. These phones could be found in every single house across the globe, and users had to turn the dials to input the number of the person they were calling. Of course, technology has progressed, but collectors still understand the value of these old phones.
As these phones are now incredibly rare, they're considered to be a valuable item. If you have an old rotary phone that's in pretty good condition, a collector could buy it from you for up to $2,000.
China Sets - Estimated Value $100+
During the 1950s and 1960s, you could bet your bottom dollar that every house in America had a set of china dishes. From plates to teapots, these sets became hugely popular during this era. And while some people used them all the time, other families only used them for special occasions. But what you might not realize is that sets in good condition can sell for a huge amount of money.
If you have a decent set of china dishes in the attic, you'll be happy to know that they're now considered to be a collector's item. And some people will pay almost $100 for the set.
Troll Dolls - Estimated Value $700-$1,000
Although many people associate Troll Dolls with the 1990s, these dolls first came into our lives back in the late 1950s. Because of this, they took the United States by storm during the '60s, and almost every kid in the country wanted one of these big-haired dolls with a tell-tale goofy smile. There were so many different dolls to choose from, and everyone had their favorite hair color - but do you know how much they're worth today?
If you happen to have a vintage Troll Doll sitting in your attic, you'll be happy to know that you'll be coming into money. That's because they're collectibles and can sell for around $1,000 each.
Record Players - Estimated Value $500-$1,000
Music formed a huge part of 1960s popular culture. Youngsters and adults alike loved attending concerts and then listening to music in their homes, and many of them did this on their record players. These music players came in so many different shapes and styles, and countless different companies came out with their own versions. But it doesn't matter which one you have in your attic today, as most of them are worth a small fortune.
Although modern record players exist today, vintage lovers are always on the lookout for authentic record players that were built in the 1960s. Some even sell for around $1,000 at auction!
Rolling Stones Decca Promotional Album 1969 - Estimate Value $17,100
The Rolling Stones formed in London in 1962, and while it took a few years to garner momentum and make their mark across the pond, they eventually managed to take over the music world entirely. In 1969, they were still planning their world domination - and to help them do that, they released these free sampler albums. Called A Special Radio Promotion Album, the aim of this album was to get their name out there.
As they're now remembered as one of the most iconic bands of all time, you probably don't need us to tell you that these albums are now worth a small fortune. Some have sold for over $17,000!
Telex Machines - Estimated Value $100-$500
Coding is something that many young people are learning today, but coding was also popular back in the 1960s. In fact, companies and businesses across the world often made use of their Telex machine, which allowed them to transmit coded signals to another machine. It was then translated - almost like a fax machine! Of course, we don't see these at all anymore, so they're more of a 1960s piece of memorabilia.
Although many of the items on this list have increased in price, the Telex machine has actually reduced. Companies bought them for around $5,000, but now they're worth just $500.
GI Joe Dolls - Estimated Value $100-$250
The 1960s provided us with a major distinction between "girl" toys and "boy" toys. While girls had the Barbie doll, boys were encouraged to play with G.I Joe dolls. These toy soldiers were designed to be from all walks of military life and hoped to inspire young boys to focus on the strength and physical attributes of the male form. Of course, this did result in a lot of criticism, but they still proved popular.
G.I Joe dolls are still famous today, and many people regard them as vintage collectibles. Because of this, some people have sold these old dolls for almost $250. Do you have any in your attic?
Volkswagen Vans - Estimated Value $55,000-$75,000
When you look at this van, there's a high chance that you immediately think of the 1960s. The Volkswagen van will forever be associated with hippies, festivals, and flower power - and families across the U.S. bought these vans to transport their kids to and from school. They were the "it" vehicle of this decade, and there's no doubt about the fact that it's still popular today. In fact, there's now even an electric version of this van.
While some car enthusiasts are happy to buy new VW vans, there are some people out there who prefer the vintage version. Because of this, they can sell for up to $75,000.
Monkees Talking Hand Puppet - Estimated Value $200-$300
The Monkees are synonymous with the 1960s. This band first made their mark during this decade and quickly became one of the best-selling bands in the world. And while they couldn't quite compete with the number one band, the Beatles, they certainly came close. As a result, merchandise popped up everywhere, and this hand puppet was a particular favorite among fans. They could buy it for just $1, but now it's worth much more.
If you have one of these vintage talking hand puppets in your attic (and it stills works), then you could be sitting on a gold mine for around $300. Pretty good, right?
Candlestick Phones - Estimated Value $500-$1,500
Although candlestick phones first made their mark in the early 1900s, they were still popular during the 1960s - with many people preferring this type of phone to the more modern rotary dial phone. With a separate transmitter and receiver, these types of phones often show up in vintage movies and television shows. That's probably why they've become somewhat of a collector's item over the years. And that's why they're so valuable!
As you won't find this type of phone anywhere today, many people are willing to shell out a lot of money for this phone. Some have even sold for $1,500 over the years.
Stretch Armstrong - Estimated Value $100-$200
The 1960s saw the likes of Barbie and Chatty Cathy reign supreme, but that's not to say that action figures didn't have their chance to shine, either. During this era, the Stretch Armstrong action figure found its way into many young boys' toyboxes. Kids loved to stretch this guy as far as they could, knowing that he'd always fall back into his original shape. In fact, it was so loved that you can still buy them today!
However, it's the original Stretch Armstrong action figures that catch the most money. This piece of memorabilia, in its original box and in mint condition, could fetch you up to $200.
Floppy Disc Drive - Estimated Value $1,000 - $50,300
Nowadays, we have USB sticks, the Cloud, and phone storage. That's more than enough for most of us to keep our files and photos safe, but this wasn't the case back in the 1960s. Instead, people around the world had to save their items on floppy discs and floppy disc drives. And as these were hugely popular back in the day, they've become somewhat of a valuable collector's item over the years.
In fact, anyone who has one of these lying around could be sitting on a small fortune. Collectors have been willing to shell out up to $50,300 on one of these!
Barbie Dream House - Estimated Value $150
What's a Barbie without her dream house? Mattel decided to really expand on its Barbie product during the 1960s, and that's why the Barbie Dream House was born. This three-story product was designed with different rooms for the doll to explore, as well as countless pieces of furniture. This gave little girls everywhere a chance to really lose themselves in the lives of their Barbie dolls. And it was pretty awesome.
Today, the Barbie Dream House is a little more modern than it was back then. But some collectors love this vintage memorabilia and are willing to shell out $150 for this valuable item.
Banana Bikes - Estimated Value $150-$400
Normal bicycles were reinvented in the 1960s when companies realized that they could turn ordinary bikes into fashion statements and toys for the younger generation. Companies like Western Flyer and Raleigh did just that when they introduced the banana bike into our lives. Featuring small wheels and ape hanger handlebars, this bike was the epitome of cool - and kids everywhere begged their parents for one for their Christmas present.
Although these bikes weren't too expensive to buy back in the 1960s, they're now considered to be vintage memorabilia. Because of this, collectors are willing to shell out $400 to get their hands on one.
Hummel Figurines - Estimated Value $1000-$10,000
Most of us have seen these figurines, whether we knew they were valuable or not. They are quintessential "grandma style", something you might find displayed in any elderly person's home that could secretly be worth thousands of dollars. Their value can vary greatly though: you can find old figurines worth as little as $5. Others might be worth as much as a car. It's just the luck of the draw with these adorable figurines.
Another factor in the value of Hummels is the year of manufacture. The same characters were often produced over multiple years, so make sure to pay attention! For example, the 1935 Sunshower may not be worth nearly the same as a 1955 Sunshower even if they look exactly the same.
Sunbeam Mixmasters - Estimated Value $100-$200
The 1960s was a great time for bakers of all ages. Young children got to bake in their Easy Bake Oven, and adults were introduced to the impressive Sunbeam Mixmaster. This mixer featured an incredibly powerful motor and came with countless attachments, which made baking easier than ever. And while mixers have progressed with time, this particular mixer has gone down in history as one of the best the world of baking has ever seen.
Because of this, people out there are willing to shell out a small fortune to add one to their collection of vintage kitchen appliances. Some have even sold for $200.
Moon Boots - Estimated Value $145
The 1960s saw fashion take a drastic turn. The A-line dresses and suits of the 1950s were replaced with flared denim and oversized flowing outfits, and even the shoes were a little different. This was certainly the case when it came to Moon Boots. These shoes were designed by the Italian company Tecnica, and these huge boots were extremely lightweight and comfortable. They later fell out of style, but they're considered to be the ultimate '60s memorabilia.
If you happen to have a pair of Moon Boots sitting in the attic, you might want to brush the dust off them. There are still people looking to buy them, and they'll pay you around $145.
Big Wheels - Estimated Value $50-$200
Bicycles have been in our lives for hundreds of years, but in the 1960s, the world was introduced to another ride-on toy. Yes, Big Wheels featured a larger wheel at the front and two smaller wheels at the back for extra stability. Although the design was simple, kids seemed to fall in love with this new mode of transport, and they begged their parents for a Big Wheels model for Christmas.
There were so many different Big Wheels models over the years, and selected models are now considered to be collectors' items. If you have the most desirable model, you could fetch $200 for your old toy.
Pogo Sticks - Estimated Value $50-$200
The 1960s saw the release of a lot of dolls and indoor toys, which is why the pogo stick proved to be such a revelation. The idea behind this toy was to stand on a footrest and use the momentum of your body to bounce up and down on a single point. It challenged children to master their balance and their coordination and offered a chance for them to get some fresh air.
Sure, pogo sticks are still around - but not these vintage designs. If you have one sitting in the attic, you could sell it for $200 if you don't mind getting rid of it.
"Youth for Kennedy" Campaign Button - Estimated Value $249
During the late 1950s and the early 1960s, John F. Kennedy was trying to convince everybody that he was the right man to become the next president of the United States. In an effort to do this, he went on a major campaign run and offered these campaign buttons to the younger generation. At the time, they were completely free of charge. But today, they're actually worth a small fortune.
If you keep hold of one of these campaign buttons, you'll be happy to know that they sell for around $250 online. That's not bad for something that you got for free.
Lava Lamps - Estimated Value $100-$200
During the 1960s and 1970s, lava lamps were all the rage. Groovy youngsters and adults wanted to fill their homes with colorful and unique decorations, and these things fit the bill perfectly. The lava lamps came in all different colors and offered globular patterns that changed and moved all day long. Plus, their ability to produce ambient light meant that they were also extremely practical. But how much do they sell for today?
Of course, you can buy new lava lamps today. But if you have an old lava lamp from the '60s sitting in the attic, it'll fetch even more. How does $200 sound?
Fizzies - Estimated Value $70-$100
It's not just vintage toys that could earn you a small fortune. The 1960s was also full of groundbreaking new additions to the food and drink world, and Fizzies was one of them. This drink took the '60s by storm, and kids and adults alike couldn't get enough of these drink mixes. After all, they came in so many different flavors, including root beer and lemon-lime! But do you have a box lying around?
Although your packet will definitely be past its sell-by date, there are collectors who'd love to see this piece of '60s memorabilia in their collection. Yes, you could get $100 for one!
Rolodex - Estimated Value $50-$100
Hands up if your parents had one of these when you were younger. Maybe you even had one! After all, everyone in the 1960s seemed to have a Rolodex, as they allowed people to keep the information of all of their friends, family, clients, and contacts in one easy place. This rotating file is a staple in television shows and movies from the 1960s, so it's no wonder that they're considered to be collector's items.
Although Rolodex's are no longer needed thanks to modern technology, if you have one of these lying around, you could fetch up to $100 for it. Just remember to remove the personal information!
Fisher Price Little People - Estimated Value $10-$50
The 1960s were full of new and exciting toys for children to let their imagination run wild, and when Fisher Price came out with their line of Little People in the late 1950s, they quickly became hugely popular. Kids wanted to expand their collections, and young people learned so much from these dual-function toys. After all, they weren't just fun. They were also designed to help children develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Although more complicated designs have since popped up, many collectors love the simplicity of these toys. Because of this, vintage sets of Little People can sell for between $10-$50.
Celery-Flavored Jell-O - Estimated Value $50
Everyone loves Jell-O, right? This delicious foodstuff is still available to buy, and there's no doubt about the fact that some extremely unique flavors have been released over the years. During the 1960s, though, people couldn't get enough of celery-flavored Jell-O. This flavor was perfect for families who wanted to add a healthier sweet alternative to their meals, but it wasn't as popular as other flavors out there. So, that's why it's considered to be so rare.
It might be time to check the back of your pantry because if you find a packet of celery-flavored Jell-O in there, you could sell it for at least $50. Not bad, hey?
VCRs - Estimated Value $50-$100
In today's day and age, we have streaming and catch-up services which means that we never have to miss our favorite TV show ever again. However, this kind of technology didn't exist back in the 1960s. To record live television, families had to whip out their VCR recorder and then re-watch the program on a VCR tape. It required precision and perfect timing, but it was all part of 1960s life.
Although most collectors don't need VCRs anymore, sometimes vintage lovers want to play back old video tapes in their collection. Because of this, they do often sell for around $100.
Kodak Carousel Slide Projector - Estimated Value $50-$100
If you grew up in the 1960s, there's a high chance that you're familiar with the Kodak Carousel Slide Projector. This product was particularly popular with families and offices that needed to project a slide onto a wall. It was perfect for family photo nights or for business meetings! And while there's no doubt about the fact that technology has improved since then, collectors are still on the lookout for these things.
If you have one of these slide projectors sitting in your attic and need an extra $50 to $100, then you might want to brush the dust off and sell it.
Silly Putty - Estimated Value $25+
As Silly Putty is still a hugely popular toy for kids in today's day and age, it's hard to get your head around the fact that this product was first introduced back in 1950. And while it took a little while to really break into the mainstream market, almost every child in the 1960s wanted to mold this stuff into their own unique shapes and designs. At the time, it would have set them back $1.
Thankfully, Silly Putty is worth a lot more today - especially if you have a vintage box of it lying around. Its nostalgic appeal means that they sell for around $25+.
Superballs - Estimated Value $30
Hands up if you begged your parents for a dollar so that you could buy some Superballs? We wouldn't blame you if you did, as you were just one of millions of kids and adults enamored by these high-quality rubber balls. Although there was nothing too special about them, they proved to be hugely popular thanks to their ability to bounce extremely high. And it seems as though they're still popular today.
Although you may have bought a pack of these things for $1 back in the 1960s, you'll be happy to know that Superballs are now worth around $30. A small profit, but still a nice one!
Tinkertoys - Estimated Value $50-$100
In the 1960s, the Ohio Art Company decided to bring something new out for the younger generation. They created the Tinkertoys, which allowed kids to build structures and objects using the many wooden sticks and spools inside the packaging. The idea was to get youngsters to use their brains and their imagination to build something they were proud of, and they proved to be extremely popular with kids and parents alike.
Although toys like this are still available today, collectors believe that nothing compares to Tinkertoys. That's probably why some vintage sets can be found for sale online at around $100.
Hot Wheels Cars - Estimated Value $12
Although Mattel is largely known for bringing Barbie into our lives, they're also credited for creating Hot Wheels. These cars were introduced in 1968, and kids around America begged their parents for new cars to add to their collections. And while Hot Wheels are still around today, vintage versions of these cars are considered to be valuable 1960s memorabilia. So, your parents may have paid $1 for one of these cars back in the day, but now they're worth much more.
In fact, most vintage Hot Wheels cars will sell for around $12. And while that's not a huge number, it's still pretty impressive - and there's always someone out there who would pay more.
1950s Pyrex Casserole Dish Worth $4,000
Are you still using your grandma's old Pyrex casserole dish? Well, you might want to give it a second thought because it could be worth a fortune! That's right, vintage Pyrex casserole dishes from 1959 in pristine condition are being sold for as much as $4,000 online. Who knew that something as ordinary as a casserole dish could become a valuable collector's item? So, start digging through your kitchen cupboards; you never know what treasures you might find!
It just goes to show that sometimes the most unexpected items can hold the most surprising value. We guess it's time to start keeping an eye out for casserole dishes.