11 Budget Items from the ’70s That Are Now Collectibles
These 11 low-cost items from the 1970s have become collectibles that are now valued by fans and collectors.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
During the 1970s, many everyday items were sold at low prices and were widely used or gifted. Over time, some of these items gained value due to rarity, nostalgia, or design. This list looks at 11 budget-friendly products from the past that now have a place in the collector market.
1. Pyrex Dishes
ParentingPatch on Wikimedia Commons
Pyrex glassware was a common kitchen item in the 1970s and was sold at affordable prices in many stores. Some patterns, like “Butterprint” or “Gooseberry,” were used daily and stacked in cabinets. Today, complete sets or rare colors can sell for high amounts. Collectors often look for pieces in good condition with original lids.
2. Fisher-Price Toys
John Kratz on Wikimedia Commons
Fisher-Price toys were known for being safe, simple, and low-cost. Toys like the Chatter Telephone, Little People sets, or the Music Box Record Player were popular with young children. Many families gave them away or threw them out. Now, original versions in clean condition are collected by adults who grew up with them.
3. Vintage Lunchboxes
Ellie308 on Wikimedia Commons
Metal lunchboxes featuring TV shows, cartoons, or movies were popular with schoolchildren. They were often sold with matching thermoses and featured characters like Batman or The Bionic Woman. These lunchboxes were inexpensive and meant to be used daily. Today, well-preserved ones with bright artwork are sought after by collectors.
4. Avon Bottles
Alexander Grey on Pexels
Avon released cologne and aftershave in glass bottles shaped like cars, animals, and tools. They were priced low and often bought as gifts or decorative items. Many people collected them casually without thinking they’d become valuable. Some rare designs are now collected, especially if the bottles are full and include original boxes.
5. Bean Bag Chairs
Tarek Ali Taha on Wikimedia Commons
These soft chairs were a popular home accessory in the 1970s. They were cheap to make, filled with plastic pellets, and came in bright vinyl or fabric covers. Most were used heavily and eventually thrown away. Today, original models in good condition are rare and collected for vintage interior design.
6. Record Albums
Hornormusic on Wikimedia Commons
Vinyl records were the standard format for music and could be bought at low prices in stores or mail-order clubs. Albums from well-known artists, especially in original pressings, have become collectibles. Some versions include rare covers or inserts that raise their value. Record collectors pay attention to condition, sound quality, and pressing details.
7. Tupperware
Tupperware Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
Tupperware was used in almost every kitchen and was sold through parties and catalogs. Containers were lightweight, low-cost, and made in bright colors like orange, avocado green, and mustard yellow. Many were used daily to store food or leftovers. Today, some of the older pieces, especially full sets or rare colors, are collected for their design and nostalgia.
8. Costume Jewelry
Friedrich Haag on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1970s, many people bought low-priced jewelry made of plastic, resin, or glass. Bold colors and large shapes were in style. These items were often sold at department stores or through catalogs. Some pieces from known brands or with unique designs are now collected as examples of vintage fashion.
9. McDonald’s Glasses
Cheryl on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s released collectible glass cups in the 1970s featuring characters like Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Ronald McDonald. These were sold at low prices as part of meal deals or special promotions. Many people bought them for fun or as gifts. Today, complete sets are popular with collectors, especially if the designs are clear and unchipped.
10. Board Games
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Classic board games like “Mystery Date,” “Masterpiece,” or early versions of “Clue” and “Monopoly” were common in homes. They were low-cost entertainment for families. Many sets were lost, broken, or thrown out over time. Now, complete vintage games with all the pieces and original boxes are collected for both play and display.
11. Promotional Glassware
Polina on Wikimedia Commons
Gas stations, grocery stores, and food brands gave away or sold low-cost glasses with designs like Looney Tunes, NFL teams, or movie logos. These were often given out with purchases or bought for under a dollar. They were made to be used daily and often ended up scratched or broken. Today, full sets in good condition are collected for their pop culture value.