15 Nostalgic Collectibles That Are Actually Worth Nothing
Here’s a hard truth to swallow: Not all collectibles are worth something. Maybe you grew up thinking those Beanie Babies stuffed into plastic bins, shelves lined with porcelain figurines, or stacks of collector plates were going to (literally) pay off at some point. Fast-forward to today, and most of those “investments” are about as valuable as pocket lint. While some items might still fetch a decent price, these worthless collectibles are flooding eBay for next to nothing.
Here are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to popular collectibles that actually turned out to be worthless.
1. Lladró Porcelain Figurines
Lladró porcelain figurines have been cherished collectibles for decades. Originating in Spain, these hand-painted porcelain pieces often feature graceful women, serene animals, and sentimental family scenes. While some older or rare designs hold significant value among collectors, the general market for Lladró vintage figurines has softened recently, with fewer people actively seeking them out. Individual figures are widely available on eBay for as little as $5.
2. Encyclopedia Britannica
Everyone and their grandma (or maybe just their grandma) had one of these encyclopedia sets on its own, dedicated bookshelf somewhere in their house. Why? “Because someday they’ll be worth tons of money!” Yeah, no. That didn’t exactly manifest, Grandma. Thanks to Google, the usefulness of these books is lost on people, and you can grab a complete vintage set on eBay for as low as $20.
3. Commemorative State Quarters
If you (or a well-meaning relative) meticulously collected every single state quarter, hoping they’d be worth a fortune one day, bad news. Unless you have an error coin or a rare misprint, those quarters are still worth… well, 25 cents. But hey, at least they’re still money!
4. Beanie Babies
While the 1990s craze saw collectors scrambling to snag these stuffed toys as investments, expecting them to pay for college or even early retirement, the reality hasn’t lived up to the hype. Sure, some Beanie Babies are worth money, but typically only if they’re rare, in mint condition, or have errors. Today, most Beanie Babies are worth little more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane; plenty of them go for as little as $1 on eBay.
5. Longaberger Baskets
Once the ultimate status symbol of home decor catalogs and “investment” parties, Longaberger baskets were handcrafted, expensive, and supposedly destined to increase in value. Unfortunately, the market has tanked, and today you can grab them at thrift stores for a few bucks — or from eBay and Etsy sellers desperate to offload their collections.
6. Norman Rockwell Plates
Norman Rockwell collector plates were a big hit back in the day, and featured classic, heartwarming artwork. Unfortunately, thanks to mass production, they’re not worth a whole lot anymore. Plenty of plates sell for just a few dollars apiece on eBay.
7. Hess Trucks
Hess trucks were first sold as holiday toys in the ’60s and have become a favorite among collectors. These battery-powered trucks, usually decked out with cool lights and holiday designs, were once the perfect gift for kids. Nowadays, collectors hunt down older models, especially the limited edition ones, which can go for decent prices. But, spoiler alert: Some of the newer ones from the early 2000s aren’t worth much at all.
8. Precious Moments Figurines
Don’t look at us with those pouty faces, Precious Moments — it’s not our fault you’re not top-dollar these days. With their signature teardrop-eyed characters, Precious Moments figurines are one of the most well-known collectible figurines. But being well known does not make them automatically valuable. While they were once highly collectible, their market value has declined due to mass production and changing trends. Today, you can score these figures for less than $10 apiece (on the lowest end) on eBay.
9. Vintage McDonald’s Glasses
Vintage McDonald’s glasses, featuring iconic characters like Grimace and the Hamburglar or themes like Star Wars and Coca-Cola, are nostalgic reminders of the glory days of fast food (the 1970s and ’80s, duh). While they once came with every Happy Meal or for a small upcharge, these glasses now appeal to collectors for their retro charm. As appealing as they are, though, they’re still not worth a whole lot — there are some individual glasses being sold for a penny apiece on eBay!
10. Dreamsicles Figurines
Not to be confused with the orange popsicles filled with vanilla ice cream, Dreamsicle figurines were known for their cherubic faces and whimsical charm. Though they were a popular collectible in the 1990s, nowadays you can find them for $1 each on eBay.
11. Disney VHS Tapes
At some point, a rumor spread that Disney’s “Black Diamond” VHS tapes were worth thousands of dollars. Spoiler alert: They’re not. While a few rare misprints might sell for slightly more, and while plenty of off-their-rocker eBay sellers list them for tens of thousands, most of these tapes are practically worthless. You’ll find them at thrift stores for a dollar or less, right next to the dusty VCRs no one uses anymore.
12. Cherished Teddies Figurines
I would have been sent to my room with no dinner if I had told my mother in the ’90s that her beloved Cherished Teddies figurines would be on eBay for less than $5 apiece in 2025. But I would’ve been right.
13. Cabbage Patch Kids
Remember the chaos of the ’80s when parents were literally fighting in stores to get their hands on these chubby-cheeked dolls? While some ultra-rare editions can fetch eye-catching prices, the majority of Cabbage Patch Kids are worth next to nothing. You can find plenty of them listed for under $10 on eBay — some still in their boxes!
14. Bradford Exchange Plates
From sports stars to wildlife, Bradford Exchange plates became popular in the ’80s and ’90s. While they aren’t as sought after today (we found one for as little as $1 on eBay), they still hold sentimental value for collectors who appreciate the memories tied to them — nostalgia, after all, doesn’t have a price tag.
15. Hummel Figurines
Once the crown jewels of Grandma’s curio cabinet, Hummel figurines were supposed to be valuable heirlooms. Unfortunately, they’re now mostly collecting dust in estate sales and thrift stores, with many selling for $5 to $20. Like many things, though, some rare figures are worth something.