Remember those dusty boxes tucked away in your attic? They might contain hidden treasures from the 1960s that collectors are willing to pay big money for today. The booming nostalgia market has turned everyday items from this groovy decade into valuable collectibles worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Before you toss out those old toys, gadgets, or records during your next cleaning spree, check out this list of forgotten 60s gems that could fund your next vacation.
1. Brannock Shoe Size Foot Measurer

That metal contraption for measuring feet at shoe stores has become an unexpected collector’s item! Original Brannock Devices from the 60s, especially those with the distinctive art deco styling and intact sliding mechanisms, can fetch upwards of $300 today.
Serious collectors prize models with original company logos and manufacturing stamps. The condition matters tremendously—look for minimal rust and working measurement components.
Check the underside for manufacturing dates and model numbers, as certain limited production runs are particularly valuable. What once seemed like ordinary retail equipment now represents both industrial design history and practical Americana.
2. Original Barbie Dolls

Ken’s girlfriend has grown into quite the investment! First-generation Barbie dolls from the early 60s in their original packaging can command prices between $5,000 to $25,000 depending on condition, accessories, and rarity.
The 1964 Swirl Ponytail Barbie and 1965 American Girl Barbie rank among the most coveted versions. Collectors particularly value dolls with their original outfits, shoes, and accessories intact.
Even incomplete or played-with dolls from this era can be worth hundreds. Look for the early “Made in Japan” markings on the bottom of the feet and the distinctive eyebrows on earlier models that disappeared in later versions.
3. Slinky

That simple metal coil that walks down stairs has surprising value! Original 1960s Slinkys in their vintage packaging, particularly those made by James Industries with the blue box featuring the iconic logo, can be worth $100-$300.
The value skyrockets for unopened toys or promotional versions. Some rare variations like the “Slinky Dog” or “Slinky Train” from this era can fetch even more from serious collectors.
Look for the classic metal versions rather than later plastic models. The original receipt or any promotional materials included with your Slinky significantly increases its worth in today’s nostalgia-driven collectibles market.
4. 1960s Vinyl Records

Music fans are paying premium prices for first pressings from the psychedelic era. Early Beatles albums, especially those with unique cover variations or printing errors, can sell for thousands—the “butcher cover” version of Yesterday and Today remains the holy grail.
Mono pressings of Pink Floyd’s first album and original Rolling Stones LPs command hefty sums. Even lesser-known garage bands and one-hit wonders from the 60s can fetch surprising amounts if they’re rare regional pressings.
Condition is everything in vinyl collecting. Records graded “mint” or “near mint” with original inner sleeves, inserts, and unblemished covers are worth substantially more than well-played copies.
5. Tinkertoys

Far from just wooden spools and sticks, vintage Tinkertoys from the 60s have constructed themselves quite a market! Complete sets in their original cylindrical containers, especially those with colorful graphics and instruction booklets, regularly sell for $75-$200.
The most valuable sets include special pieces like wheels, flags, or unique connectors. Sets manufactured by Playskool during this period are particularly sought after for their quality and distinctive packaging.
Collectors prize sets with minimal play wear and all pieces present. Even partial sets can have value if they contain rare or discontinued pieces from limited edition versions that were only available during the psychedelic decade.
6. GI Joe Action Figures

America’s movable fighting man marched into homes in 1964 and now commands attention from serious collectors. Early GI Joe figures with “painted head” features (1964-1969) in good condition can sell for $200-$500, while mint-in-box examples might fetch thousands.
Military outfits and accessories often exceed the value of the figures themselves. Rare items like the 1967 Nurse Action Girl or the 1969 Astronaut with authentic space capsule are particularly coveted.
Even damaged figures hold value for parts or restoration. Look for the square hands on early models and check for original dog tags, weapons, and uniforms that significantly boost collectability in this ever-growing market.
7. Rotary Dial Phones

Ring up some serious cash with that old telephone gathering dust! Colorful rotary phones from the 60s—especially in pink, turquoise, yellow, or red—regularly sell for $100-$350 depending on condition and model.
Western Electric’s Princess phones and sleek Trimline models are particularly desirable. The rarest models feature unusual shapes, clear parts, or novelty designs that can command even higher prices from dedicated collectors.
Phones still in working condition with original cords and no cracks or chips are worth substantially more. Bell System-branded models with intact number cards and minimal wear represent both functional decor and valuable telecommunications history that continues to appreciate in value.
8. Hot Wheels Redline Cars (1968–1972)

Those tiny die-cast cars with the distinctive red line on their wheels have raced to astonishing values! First-generation Hot Wheels from 1968-1972 can sell for hundreds, with rare colors or variations fetching thousands.
The “Sweet 16” original cars released in 1968 are especially valuable. The holy grail remains the 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb Rear-Loader prototype, which has sold for over $100,000.
Mint condition cars still in their original packaging command premium prices. Look for the distinctive red line on the wheels, spectraflame paint (the metallic finish that gives a candy-like appearance), and Hong Kong base markings to identify these valuable early models.
9. Polaroid Cameras

Instant photography has made a comeback, making vintage Polaroid cameras highly collectible! Models from the 60s like the Polaroid 100, 250, or the iconic SX-70 (introduced in 1972 but designed in the late 60s) can sell for $150-$500 depending on condition and functionality.
Working cameras with clean lenses, functional electronics, and minimal wear command the highest prices. The leather cases, original boxes, and instruction manuals significantly increase value.
Collectors particularly treasure limited edition colors or promotional versions. Even non-working cameras have value as display pieces or for parts, making these instant memory-makers a smart attic find worth investigating before discarding.
10. Singer Sewing Machines

Grandma’s old sewing machine might be your ticket to unexpected cash! Singer machines from the 60s, especially the stylish Slant-O-Matic 500 (the “Rocketeer”) with its space-age design, can fetch $300-$700 in good working condition.
Limited edition models or those with distinctive colors beyond basic black command premium prices. Completeness matters—machines with original accessories, bobbins, attachments, manual, and cabinet significantly increase value.
Even decorative elements like gold detailing or unique decals affect pricing. The enduring quality of these machines means many still function perfectly after decades, making them both practical tools and valuable collectibles for sewing enthusiasts and mid-century modern design lovers alike.
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