10 Items Gen X Kept That Could Be Worth More Today
Sandwiched between boomers and millennials, Generation X refers to the population born between 1965 and 1980. The MTV Generation. The Forgotten Generation. And if you’re a Gen Xer with an attic filled with items from your childhood and teen years, you could be sitting on some valuable “junk.”
Take a look at some classic Gen X collectibles that, in the right condition, could be worth far more today than they were during a time when personal computers were a novelty and “Star Wars” was the hottest flick in theaters.
1. Original VHS Tapes
Back when Blockbuster was part of your weekend plans, VHS tapes reigned supreme. Today, certain rare VHS tapes — like this original “Star Wars” VHS that sold for more than $20,000 at auction — are valuable collectors items.
2. Nintendo Entertainment Systems
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was first released in 1983, giving Gen X kids and teens a front-row seat to gaming’s hottest new console. Certain systems have been known to sell for over $1,000. Time to clean out your garage?
3. Boomboxes & Walkmen
Before millennials listened to music on a discman or MP3 player, Gen Xers jammed out on boomboxes and walkmen. Today, you can find some walkmen that sell for close to $1,000. Let’s hope the sweet, sweet sounds of Van Halen sound pretty good on that pricey relic.
4. MTV Memorabilia
Generation X was the MTV Generation, a time when teens and young 20-somethings would gather ’round the TV to watch R.E.M. music videos and “120 Minutes.” Collectors who are nostalgic for the days when MTV used to actually play music will shell out big bucks for related memorabilia, like this MTV Headbanger’s Ball jacket signed by Sam Kinison.
5. Vintage Swatch Watches
First released in 1983, Swatch Watches were a colorful accessory for Generation X. Though you won’t find most of the watches particularly valuable today, some limited-edition versions like this Sam Francis watch can sell for close to $350.
6. Apple Macintosh
Vintage Apple products are catnip for some collectors, and Gen X was the first generation to truly embrace personal computers. The initial Apple Macintosh came out in 1984, and still holds value for Mac fans across the world.
7. Magic: The Gathering Trading Cards
Alpha and Beta, the first sets of Magic: The Gathering, came out in 1993, meaning Gen X teenagers and young adults had their hands all over these trading cards. If you still have a set, inspect it closely: A complete Beta set sold for a cool $105,000 in 2022.
8. Vintage Concert Tees
Got a vintage T-shirt from your concert-going glory days? It might be worth seeing how valuable it is. This 1983 Iron Maiden tour tee sells for close to $1,000.
9. Comic Books
Comic books — particularly first-edition issues — that are in good condition are a hot commodity for collectors. Comics from the Gen X era, like X-Men, Spider-Man, or Star Wars, are especially coveted, to the tune of thousands of dollars shelled out at auction.
10. Starter Jackets
Starter jackets were a fashion statement in the ’80s and ’90s. Originally launched by the clothing company Starter, the jackets often highlighted major league sports teams, and were meant to model the parkas coaches wore on the sidelines. Today, you can find plenty of vintage Starter jackets on eBay, with some selling for more than $800.