1. Lava Lamps
Back in the ’70s, lava lamps weren’t just home décor, they were a mood. Whether yours was casting a groovy glow in a teenager’s bedroom or serving as a conversation piece in the living room, the hypnotic blobs inside made everything feel a little more laid-back. Today, collectors love finding original models, especially those with unique color combinations or original packaging. A vintage Crestworth or Mathmos lava lamp in mint condition can fetch hundreds of dollars, and even more if it’s a rare design.
The key to value here is authenticity. Many companies still make lava lamps, but the true ’70s versions have a certain charm modern ones can’t quite match. If you’ve got one in the attic that’s still working and hasn’t lost its liquid color, it could be worth far more than you paid. Just be sure to double-check for brand markings on the base to confirm it’s the real deal.
2. Pyrex Mixing Bowls
Pyrex wasn’t just for baking, it was practically a family heirloom in the ’70s. Those colorful mixing bowls and casserole dishes, especially in patterns like “Butterprint” or “Gooseberry,” were as much a part of the kitchen as the smell of fresh coffee brewing. While they were built to last, many sets were used daily and show their age, making pristine examples rarer than you’d think.
Today, certain Pyrex pieces can sell for hundreds or even thousands to dedicated collectors. The more unusual the color and pattern, the more valuable it can be. If yours has been tucked away in a cupboard for decades, you might just have a small fortune in glassware. Bonus points if you still have the matching lids, as those are notoriously hard to find.
3. Rotary Telephones
Before smartphones took over, the rotary phone was the centerpiece of home communication. In the ’70s, they came in cheerful colors like avocado green and harvest gold, blending right in with the decade’s bold décor. They weren’t just practical, they were a style statement, and hearing that mechanical click as you dialed was oddly satisfying.
These days, original rotary phones—especially in rare colors—are highly collectible. Some even still work with modern phone systems or can be rewired for display purposes. The value depends on condition, originality, and whether the handset cord is still intact. If yours still rings with that classic metal bell chime, it could be worth much more than you expect.
4. McDonald’s Glassware
If you remember sipping soda from a McDonald’s glass with Grimace or the Hamburglar smiling back at you, you’ve got a piece of fast-food history. In the ’70s, McDonald’s offered promotional glassware featuring characters from their ad campaigns, as well as tie-ins with popular movies like Star Wars. These sets were meant to be everyday drinkware, but few survived in perfect condition.
Collectors now seek out complete sets, especially with bright colors and no fading. The Star Wars glasses from 1977 can bring in impressive prices, as can the earlier McDonaldland character glasses. If yours have been sitting in the back of a cabinet for decades, they could be a nostalgic payday. Just remember, chips and scratches will bring the value down.
5. Fisher-Price Toys
In the ’70s, Fisher-Price toys were built for heavy play, and many of us still remember the cheerful Little People sets or the chatter of the pull-along phone. The bright colors and sturdy design made them favorites for years. What’s surprising is how much they can fetch today—especially if you’ve got them in their original packaging.
Sets like the Play Family Farm or the Airport are especially sought-after. Even loose pieces can sell for decent amounts if they’re part of a beloved set. Collectors often look for complete accessories, so if you’ve got the barn with its sliding doors and the tiny cow still inside, you could be holding onto a valuable piece of toy history.
6. Velvet Paintings
Velvet paintings might have been kitschy in their day, but they were pure ’70s cool. Whether it was a majestic tiger, a serene landscape, or the ever-popular Elvis portrait, these works had a soft texture that made the colors pop dramatically. They were sold at roadside stands and souvenir shops, often as affordable art for the home.
Now, collectors of mid-century kitsch are paying attention, especially for well-preserved or signed pieces. The more unusual the subject matter, the higher the price can climb. If your velvet masterpiece has been hanging in a dark hallway all these years, it might have stayed in surprisingly good condition—making it more appealing to buyers.
7. Beaded Curtains
In the ’70s, beaded curtains weren’t just for doorways, they were for making a statement. Walking through one felt like entering a different world, whether it was your bedroom or a makeshift “chill zone” in the basement. They came in endless designs, from simple wood beads to colorful patterns that practically told a story.
Today, original vintage beaded curtains in good shape are in demand for retro-themed homes and photo shoots. The more intricate the pattern, the better the value. If yours still has all its strands intact and the colors haven’t faded, you might have more than just a funky conversation piece—you might have a collector’s treasure.
8. Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 wasn’t just a gaming console, it was the start of home video gaming as we know it. Released in the late ’70s, it brought games like Space Invaders and Pitfall! into living rooms everywhere. If you were lucky enough to have one, you probably remember the chunky cartridges and the joystick that never seemed to break.
Original Atari consoles, especially in working order with multiple games, can command strong prices. Limited-release games or complete-in-box sets are even more valuable. If you’ve got yours stashed in a closet with the original packaging and manuals, you could have a piece of gaming history worth selling—or keeping for bragging rights.
9. Fondue Sets
The fondue craze of the ’70s was no joke—melty cheese and chocolate made for the perfect party food. These sets often came in bold colors to match the decade’s style, complete with skewers and a stand. They were a must-have for any hostess looking to impress guests.
Today, retro fondue sets are making a comeback, both for their nostalgic charm and actual use. Complete sets in good condition can bring in more than you’d expect, especially if they’re in rare colors or branded by a well-known company. If yours has been gathering dust in a cabinet, it might be time to cash in.
10. Tupperware
Tupperware parties were a social event in the ’70s, and everyone seemed to leave with at least one bright container. From pastel pitchers to stacking canisters, these pieces were made to last—and many of them did. Certain colors and styles have become especially desirable among collectors.
Sets from the ’70s, especially in avocado, harvest gold, and orange, can sell for surprising amounts online. Condition is key, as scratches and stains can lower value. If your set still has matching lids that fit perfectly, you could be looking at a nice return on something you once used for potato salad.
11. Platform Shoes
Platform shoes were more than just footwear in the ’70s, they were a fashion statement. With towering soles and bold designs, they were worn by everyone from disco dancers to rock stars. The more outrageous the style, the more iconic they became.
Collectors now hunt for authentic ’70s platforms in wearable condition, especially from well-known brands. Even if they’re too wild to wear today, they can be displayed as fashion art. If your old pair has been tucked away in a shoebox, you might be surprised at how much a retro-loving buyer will pay.
12. Peanuts Lunchboxes
In the ’70s, lunchboxes were more than just a way to carry your sandwich—they were a way to show off your favorite characters. Peanuts lunchboxes featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the gang were especially popular, often paired with matching thermoses. Kids carried them daily, so finding one in pristine condition today is rare.
Collectors prize lunchboxes with bright colors, minimal rust, and intact thermoses. A mint-condition Peanuts lunchbox from the ’70s can fetch a few hundred dollars. If yours is still packed away from your school days, it could be a delightful surprise to find out what it’s worth now.
13. Marantz Stereos
For music lovers in the ’70s, a Marantz stereo system was the gold standard. Known for their warm sound and sleek design, these stereos were a major investment at the time. Owners often treated them like prized possessions, keeping them polished and carefully maintained.
Today, vintage Marantz systems are highly sought after by audiophiles. Models in excellent working condition can sell for thousands, especially if they include the original knobs and faceplates. If yours still sounds as smooth as it did decades ago, you could be sitting on serious audio treasure.
14. Roller Skates
Roller skating was everywhere in the ’70s, from disco-lit rinks to smooth sidewalks in the suburbs. Quad skates with leather boots and colorful wheels were the style of choice. They were built to last, which is why so many pairs survived long after the fad faded.
Now, retro roller skates are enjoying a resurgence. Original ’70s models in great shape can sell for a tidy sum, especially if they’re from a known brand or in an unusual color. If yours still have their original laces and bearings, you might be rolling into some extra cash.
15. Macramé Plant Hangers
Macramé wasn’t just a craft in the ’70s, it was a way of life. Plant hangers in intricate knots dangled in sunny windows everywhere, often holding spider plants or ferns. Making them was a popular hobby, but store-bought versions in perfect condition are now collectible.
With bohemian décor back in style, original macramé pieces are sought after for their authenticity. The more elaborate the knots and patterns, the more they can fetch. If you’ve still got one hanging in a forgotten corner—or packed away in a box—you might have a vintage gem that’s ready for a comeback.