The 10 Best Collectibles To Invest in This Year
This year is shaping up to be an exciting and lucrative year for collectibles, with emerging trends and vintage classics leading the charge. As technology evolves (please don’t come for us, robots) and cultural interests shift, certain items are gaining steam. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, this year could be your chance to diversify your portfolio and cash in big. From vintage tech to limited-edition art, here are 10 collectibles worth considering this year to boost your net worth.
1. Limited-Edition Sneakers
Sneaker culture continues to thrive, with collaborations between brands and celebrities driving demand. Limited-edition or vintage releases, like Air Jordans from Nike or Yeezys from Adidas, can appreciate quickly due to their exclusivity. In 2025, expect hype around retro designs that are both fashionable and sustainable as future-proof investments.
2. Vintage Video Games
As gaming nostalgia grows, original copies of classic games — especially for retro consoles like the NES, Super Nintendo, or PlayStation 1 — are once again getting their time in the spotlight. Titles like Super Mario Bros. or Final Fantasy VII in their original packaging can fetch thousands at auction. Wondering which other games are valuable? We’ve got you covered.
3. NFT Art With Utility
While the NFT (digital artwork) market has cooled some, pieces with real-world utility or those stemming from established artists are still gaining traction. In 2025, look for NFTs that offer exclusive access to things like events, physical art, or membership perks that offer value beyond the digital realm.
4. Rare Spirits
Fine spirits and aged wines remain a stable investment, with rare bottles from renowned distilleries like Macallan or wineries like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti consistently appreciating. Limited releases and single malts can also drive demand.
5. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Acclaimed designs from the 1950s-1970s, such as mid-century pieces by Eames or Saarinen, are seen as timeless and functional. As minimalist aesthetics dominate interior design, these items are increasingly valuable, especially those with provenance.
6. Space Memorabilia
With private space exploration making headlines, items related to space missions — both historic and contemporary — are skyrocketing in value. Think Apollo mission patches, autographed photos, or even fragments of meteorites. In 2025, as space tourism gains traction (thanks to some of these billionaires), these collectibles will become even more coveted.
7. Luxury Watches
Luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet continue to outperform traditional investments because of their exclusivity and potential for appreciation. In 2025, vintage models and limited editions are particularly attractive and appeal to both vintage collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
8. Comic Books
First appearances of iconic characters, like Spider-Man or Batman, remain highly valuable (especially issues in mint condition). In 2025, expect renewed interest as new movie adaptations are released. If you’ve got any of these vintage comic books stashed in the attic or garage, they could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
9. Sustainable Fashion
As eco-consciousness grows, limited-run pieces from sustainable brands or recycled collections are gaining popularity. In 2025, look for items from designers like Stella McCartney or collaborations that emphasize ethical production and sustainability. After all, few things resonate more with today’s consumers than products that align with their values.
10. AI-Generated Art
While controversial, AI art is gaining traction in the art realm. In 2025, art pieces with historical or cultural themes are gaining momentum. To harness the power of AI, try tinkering around with popular (and free) platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, or Google’s Gemini to explore how you can create art that resonates with different audiences.