20 household items from the ’70s that are surprisingly valuable today
That avocado-colored blender gathering dust in your basement might be worth more than you think. “The 1970s were a pivotal decade for collectibles, shaped by the intersection of mass production, pop culture, and design,” says Jeremy J. J. Allen, director of popular culture at Heritage Auctions. From shag rugs to Tupperware, certain household items from the 1970s have experienced a surge in value due to nostalgia, rarity, and the resurgence of retro design trends.
Image Credit: Pyrex.
Pyrex mixing bowls
Colorful Primary Colors and Friendship patterns are especially sought after by collectors. These vintage mixing bowls can fetch impressive prices, with complete sets in rare patterns commanding $300 or more among enthusiasts seeking authentic mid-century kitchen pieces.
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Tupperware sets
Vintage sets with rare colors, such as burnt orange or avocado green, command premium prices. Those distinctive harvest colors from the 1970s, especially in complete Servalier canister sets, can fetch between $75 and $200 depending on condition and completeness.
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Crock-Pot slow cookers
Early models in mint condition fetch high prices among vintage appliance collectors. Original 1970s models with their distinctive harvest gold or avocado finishes represent the dawn of convenient home cooking.
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Retro fondue sets
Sets with enamel or copper bases, especially with all original components, are highly collectible. Complete vintage fondue sets appeal to collectors seeking authentic 1970s entertaining pieces that capture the era’s social dining culture.
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Orange or avocado-colored appliances
A Sunbeam Mixmaster in unique colors with original pieces can net $100 to $250. These colorful kitchen staples represent the era’s bold design philosophy and commitment to coordinated décor.
Image Credit: Lava lamps by Dean Hochman (CC BY).
Lava lamps
Authentic 1970s models sell for $75 to $375, with rare colors commanding the highest prices. Original Century brand lamps in unusual hues fetch premium prices among collectors of psychedelic-era home décor.
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Shag rugs
Vibrant, long-pile styles in good condition have become valuable vintage items. Collectors prize these iconic floor coverings for their authentic period appeal and connection to 1970s interior design trends.
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Teak or walnut furniture
Mid-century pieces in original condition command premium prices from serious collectors. Scandinavian-influenced designs, characterized by clean lines and high-quality craftsmanship, remain particularly desirable among vintage furniture enthusiasts.
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Avocado bathroom sets
Complete sets with original fixtures appeal to homeowners renovating vintage properties. These coordinated ensembles showcase the era’s commitment to bold, cohesive color schemes throughout the home.
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Macrame wall hangings
Handmade, intricate designs showcase the era’s craft-oriented aesthetic and are increasingly valuable; large-scale pieces featuring intricate knotwork command the highest prices from collectors of fiber art.
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Rubik’s Cube
Original 1974 versions in vintage packaging command premium prices from collectors. Early Hungarian-made cubes in unopened boxes represent significant investment pieces for puzzle enthusiasts.
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Star Wars action figures
First wave figures from 1977 to 1978 in mint-in-box condition can fetch thousands. Rare variants, such as vinyl-capped Jawa figures and double-telescoping lightsaber versions, command extraordinary prices at auction.
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Barbie dolls and playsets
Early 1970s editions in original packaging are particularly valuable among collectors. Limited-edition dolls and discontinued playsets fetch premium prices, especially when still in the box.
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Board games in original boxes
Vintage Monopoly and Risk editions with all pieces intact represent nostalgic investments. First editions and special commemorative versions prove especially valuable to game collectors.
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View-Master reels and viewers
Complete sets with viewers and multiple reels are highly sought after by vintage toy collectors. Rare reel sets featuring discontinued themes command premium prices from enthusiasts of vintage optical toys.
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Vinyl records
First pressings of classic rock, disco, or pop albums can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Original pressings with promotional stamps or rare cover variants prove exceptionally valuable to serious music collectors.
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Vintage cameras
Polaroid SX-70 and Kodak Instamatic models are particularly collectible among photography enthusiasts. Working models in their original boxes, complete with instruction manuals, fetch top prices from analog camera enthusiasts.
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Glassware sets
Fostoria, Blenko, and colored Depression-style pieces appeal to collectors seeking authentic period settings. Complete matching sets in rare colors command premium prices at antique shows and online auctions.
Advertising memorabilia
Branded signs, tins, and promotional items from major brands command high prices. Original point-of-purchase displays and store signage prove especially valuable to collectors of vintage advertising.
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Clothing and accessories
Polyester disco shirts, bell-bottom jeans, and platform shoes in mint condition are increasingly collectible. Unworn items with original tags represent the most valuable finds for fashion historians.
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Time really does make some things priceless
Before you toss that avocado-colored blender or donate those vintage Tupperware containers, research their potential value. You may be sitting on hidden treasures that could fund your next vacation.
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