Many of us have boxes tucked away in the attic or basement, filled with items we were told (or hoped) would one day be valuable. While the big payday might never arrive for that collection of figurines or vintage kitchenware, their value isn’t just about money.
For home and garden lovers, these so-called “worthless” collectibles are hidden gems waiting for a second life. They carry stories, character, and a unique charm that new, mass-produced items simply can’t match. This is your guide to seeing the treasure in the trinkets and creatively repurposing these beloved items in your home and garden.
1. Longaberger Baskets
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These handcrafted maple wood baskets were once a direct-sales sensation, with collectors eagerly awaiting new releases. However, after the company closed in 2018, the market became flooded, and most common baskets lost their high resale value. But their sturdy construction and classic look make them perfect for home and garden use.
You can use them as stylish planters for herbs on your kitchen windowsill or for housing potted flowers on the porch. The larger baskets are great for organizing garden tools, harvesting vegetables, or storing extra blankets by the fireplace. To keep them looking their best, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them air dry completely.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Market saturation after the company’s closure.
- Repurpose Idea: Use as a chic planter, a harvest basket for your garden, or stylish home storage.
- Care Tip: Clean with a damp cloth; avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
2. Serving Platters
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Grandma’s giant turkey platter often feels too formal for modern dining. While unique, antique patterns from famous makers can be valuable, most everyday china platters from past decades don’t command high prices. Their large size and often ornate designs can seem impractical today.
However, these platters are fantastic canvases for creative decor. Use one as a base for a tabletop centerpiece, arranging candles, pinecones, and greenery on it. In the garden, a beautiful platter can become a unique bird bath or a feeder for ground-feeding birds. Just ensure it’s shallow enough for safety.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Changing dining habits and an abundance of vintage patterns.
- Repurpose Idea: Create a stunning centerpiece base or a decorative bird bath.
- Care Tip: Hand wash to preserve patterns. If using outdoors, bring it inside during freezes to prevent cracking.
3. Hummel Figurines
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These sweet, cherubic porcelain figures of children were once staples in display cabinets across the country. Based on the drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, they were produced by the Goebel company in Germany. As collecting tastes have shifted toward more modern aesthetics, the demand for Hummels has declined significantly.
Instead of letting them gather dust, bring them into the garden! Create a whimsical scene in a sheltered part of a flowerbed or inside a large container garden. A few Hummel figurines peeking out from behind hosta leaves or nestled among moss can add a touch of unexpected magic. They can become the charming inhabitants of your own miniature world.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Fallen out of favor with younger collectors; changing design trends.
- Repurpose Idea: Place them in fairy gardens or as whimsical accents in container arrangements.
- Care Tip: Place in a protected spot away from direct, harsh weather to preserve their delicate paint.
4. ‘Brown Furniture’
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This term refers to the dark, heavy wood furniture popular from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries, think sturdy sideboards, buffets, and dressers. While incredibly well-made, these pieces fell out of fashion in favor of lighter, mid-century modern, or minimalist designs.
Don’t dismiss that old dresser! With a good sanding and a fresh coat of paint in a bright, modern color, it can become a statement piece. A vintage sideboard can be transformed into a brilliant potting bench for your patio or a drink station for outdoor entertaining. The quality craftsmanship means it will stand the test of time.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Seen as dated and bulky compared to modern furniture trends.
- Repurpose Idea: Paint it a bold color for a modern look or convert it into a potting bench or outdoor bar.
- Next Steps: Clean thoroughly, sand lightly, and use a primer before applying exterior or furniture paint.
5. Cookie Jars
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Once a cheerful fixture on kitchen counters, whimsical cookie jars from classic characters to simple ceramic jugs have become less common. While Andy Warhol’s famous collection sold for a fortune, the average thrift store find won’t make you rich.
These jars are perfect for more than just cookies. Use a fun, figural jar to store dog treats by the back door or birdseed on a covered porch. In the craft room or shed, they are great for holding twine, plant markers, or seed packets. Their tight-fitting lids help keep contents dry and organized.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Mass production and changing kitchen decor trends.
- Repurpose Idea: Store pet treats, birdseed, or garden supplies in a fun and functional way.
- Care Tip: Hand wash and ensure the jar is completely dry before storing items to prevent mold.
6. Vintage College Pennants
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These felt flags were once a staple of dorm room decor. While they hold plenty of sentimental value, the most common college pennants from past decades aren’t worth much financially. There are simply too many of them out there.
Group several old pennants together in a frame to create a unique piece of wall art for a den or a covered porch. Their bold graphics and colors can add a fun, retro vibe. You could also sew them into a one-of-a-kind quilt or pillow cover that celebrates family history or favorite places.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Extremely common and holds mostly sentimental value.
- Repurpose Idea: Frame a collection for wall art or sew them into decorative pillows.
- Care Tip: Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent the felt colors from fading over time.
7. Salt-and-Pepper Sets
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Those novelty salt-and-pepper shakers shaped like everything from kittens to cowboys were popular souvenirs and gifts. Due to their mass production and often kitschy nature, most sets are not valuable collectibles.
Give them a new purpose in your garden. The small holes are perfect for gently dispensing seeds when planting. Fill a set with diatomaceous earth to sprinkle around plants as a natural pest deterrent. A collection of cute shakers lined up on a shelf can also add a quirky touch to your kitchen or potting shed decor.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Mass-produced novelty items with low demand.
- Repurpose Idea: Use as a seed dispenser or for sprinkling natural pest control powders in the garden.
- Next Steps: Wash them thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry before filling with seeds or powders.
8. Costume Jewelry
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Grandma’s jewelry box might be full of sparkling brooches, clip-on earrings, and chunky necklaces. While pieces from high-end designers can be valuable, most mass-produced costume jewelry has little monetary worth, especially if it has missing stones or a worn finish.
Get creative! An old brooch can be used to add a bit of sparkle to a plain garden hat or a canvas tote bag. Clip-on earrings can be attached to plant markers to add some glam to your herb garden. You can also glue an assortment of colorful pieces onto a plain picture frame or terracotta pot for a beautiful mosaic effect.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Mass-produced and often in less-than-perfect condition.
- Repurpose Idea: Decorate garden hats, planters, or frames for a touch of vintage glamour.
- Next Steps: Use a strong, waterproof adhesive like E6000 for outdoor projects.
9. Precious Moments’ Bride & Groom Sets
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These teardrop-eyed figurines were popular wedding gifts and cake toppers in the ’80s and ’90s (not pictured here due to copyright concerns). Their sweetness was part of their charm, but overproduction means that most of these sets have very little resale value today.
Instead of keeping them packed away, give them a place of honor in a romantic-themed container garden. Place the couple among soft, trailing plants like sweet alyssum or lobelia to create a scene reminiscent of a wedding arbor. It’s a lovely way to celebrate a memory in a living, growing display.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Overproduction and a decline in popularity for figurine collecting.
- Repurpose Idea: Use as a focal point in a romantic container garden or terrarium.
- Care Tip: Position them where they are sheltered from heavy rain and direct sun to protect the delicate paint.
10. Norman Rockwell Collector Plates
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In the ’70s and ’80s, collector plates featuring the wholesome, all-American scenes of artist Norman Rockwell were marketed as investments. Unfortunately, they were produced in such large quantities that their value never appreciated.
Don’t hide them in a box. These plates can make wonderful wall art when hung in a group. For a garden-themed twist, use strong plate hangers to display them on a fence or the wall of a covered porch. Their nostalgic imagery can add a layer of warmth and storytelling to your outdoor living space.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Produced in massive quantities as “collectibles,” which suppressed their value.
- Repurpose Idea: Hang in a gallery wall arrangement indoors or on a protected outdoor wall.
- Care Tip: Use secure plate hangers and place them where they won’t be exposed to harsh weather.
11. Old Farm Tools
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Rusty hand plows, sickles, and pitchforks often show up at flea markets and yard sales. While they were once essential for agriculture, these tools are now considered more decorative than functional. Their value is often low unless they are particularly rare or unusual.
These items add incredible rustic character to a garden. Mount a collection of old hand tools on a shed wall or a fence for an instant farmhouse vibe. An old pitchfork can be repurposed as a unique trellis for a climbing vine. The weathered wood and rusted metal tell a story of hard work and connection to the land.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Replaced by modern equipment; more decorative than practical today.
- Repurpose Idea: Mount on a wall for rustic art or use as a unique garden trellis.
- Care Tip: You can leave the rust for an authentic look or use a wire brush to clean it off and apply a clear sealant to prevent further corrosion.
12. Unremarkable Vintage Clothing
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You might find old dresses, shirts, and aprons in a family trunk. Unless it’s a designer piece or a pristine example of a desirable style, most everyday vintage clothing has little value. The fabric may be worn or the style outdated.
The fabric itself, however, can be a treasure. Cut vintage floral dresses or aprons into strips to create beautiful, rustic ties for staking tomato plants or bundling herbs to dry. The soft, worn fabric is gentle on plant stems, and the patterns add a charming, cottage-core touch to your garden chores.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Not a designer label; condition issues or outdated styles.
- Repurpose Idea: Cut into fabric strips to use as soft plant ties for tomatoes or climbing flowers.
- Next Steps: Wash the clothing before cutting it up to ensure it’s clean and ready for garden use.
13. Thomas Kinkade Collectibles
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The “Painter of Light,” Thomas Kinkade, produced a vast amount of art, from prints to music boxes and village miniatures. Because his work was so widely distributed, most items are not rare and have not increased in value.
The small, illuminated cottages from his Christmas village collections can be repurposed beautifully in the garden. Tuck one into a large terrarium or a shaded container garden to create an enchanting focal point. At night, the soft glow from the tiny house adds a magical ambiance to your patio or balcony.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Extreme mass production across many different product types.
- Repurpose Idea: Use lighted village pieces in terrariums or large, shaded planters for a magical effect.
- Care Tip: Use battery-powered models for safety outdoors, and bring them inside during wet weather.
14. Carnival Chalkware
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These plaster-of-Paris figurines were common prizes at carnivals and fairs from the 1920s to the 1950s. They are typically lightweight, fragile, and were painted in bright, simple colors. Because they damage so easily, pristine examples are uncommon, but even then, they don’t fetch high prices.
Their kitschy, retro charm is perfect for a sunroom or a covered porch. Line up a few chalkware dogs or Kewpie dolls on a shelf among your houseplants. They add a splash of color and a dose of playful nostalgia. Just be sure to keep them dry, as moisture will cause the plaster to degrade.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Fragile, easily damaged, and considered kitsch by many collectors.
- Repurpose Idea: Display on an indoor shelf or covered porch as quirky, colorful decor.
- Care Tip: Keep them dry at all times. Dust with a soft, dry brush.
15. Hess Trucks
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An annual holiday tradition for many families, Hess toy trucks were well-made and fun to play with. But because they were collected year after year by so many people, most models, especially from the ’80s onward, are not particularly rare or valuable.
These toy trucks are perfect for a child’s garden or a playful corner of your own. A dump truck can become a fun and movable planter for succulents. A tanker truck can be a whimsical water feature in a miniature garden. They are durable enough for outdoor use and inspire creative play.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Collected by many, leading to a large supply on the secondary market.
- Repurpose Idea: Use as a quirky planter for succulents or a fun decorative element in a child’s garden.
- Care Tip: Drill drainage holes in any truck used as a planter. The plastic is sturdy and holds up well outdoors.
16. Wheat Pennies
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Many people saved these old pennies, which feature a wheat design on the back and were minted from 1909 to 1958. While they are worth more than one cent, most common dates are only worth a few cents each. You would need a huge number of them to have any significant value.
Use them to create a unique mosaic surface. Glue them to a plain terracotta pot, a stepping stone, or the top of a small garden table. Over time, the copper will develop a beautiful green patina, adding to the character. It’s a creative way to use a jar of old coins that’s just sitting around.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Most dates are extremely common.
- Repurpose Idea: Create a mosaic on a planter, stepping stone, or tabletop.
- Next Steps: Clean the pennies with a mix of vinegar and salt to make them shine before gluing them down with a strong, waterproof adhesive.
17. Stamps
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Casual stamp collections, filled with common stamps from the last 70 years, rarely have significant monetary value. Serious philatelists look for rare, old, and perfectly preserved stamps, which are not what most of us have in our albums.
The beautiful miniature art on stamps can be repurposed. Use decoupage medium to decorate a set of plain wooden plant markers or a small watering can. Select stamps with floral or nature themes to coordinate with your garden. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the intricate designs up close.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Most collections consist of common, modern, and used stamps.
- Repurpose Idea: Decoupage them onto plant markers, small pots, or a watering can.
- Next Steps: Use a product like Mod Podge to both glue the stamps down and seal them for protection.
18. Vinyl Records
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While some rare records are worth a fortune, the average collection of LPs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s especially those that have been well-loved and played often are not highly valuable. Scratches, worn covers, and mass pressings keep prices low.
Vinyl records can be used to create unique garden decor. You can heat them gently in an oven (on a heat-safe bowl) until they become pliable, then shape them into a fluted bowl to use as a planter or a catch-all dish. You can also hang them from trees as bird scarers; their reflective surface and movement can help deter birds from your berry bushes.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Most records are common pressings in less-than-mint condition.
- Repurpose Idea: Melt and shape into a bowl-shaped planter or hang as a bird scarer.
- Care Tip: Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area if you choose to heat vinyl.
19. Beanie Babies
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The Beanie Baby craze of the 1990s is a classic example of a collectible bubble. People bought them by the dozen, believing they would fund their retirement. While a few ultra-rare models are valuable, the vast majority are worth very little today.
These small, colorful plush toys can find a new life as quirky garden decorations. Tie them to the branches of a tree or a trellis to add a pop of color and personality. They can be fun, unexpected friends peeking out from behind foliage, especially in a garden space designed for children.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Massive overproduction led to a market crash.
- Repurpose Idea: Use as fun, colorful decorations tied to tree branches or trellises.
- Care Tip: They will get weathered outdoors, so use ones you are not sentimentally attached to. Bring them in during winter to prolong their life.
20. Comic Books
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Unless you have a pristine, first-edition Action Comics #1, your stack of old comic books is likely more valuable for the memories than for its monetary worth. Comics from the ’80s and ’90s, in particular, were printed in huge numbers and are not considered rare.
Use the colorful pages for decoupage projects. Cover a boring plastic planter with dynamic action scenes, or decorate a wooden birdhouse with your favorite characters. The bold graphics and colors make for eye-catching and personalized garden accessories.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: The market is flooded with comics from the mass-production era (1980s-90s).
- Repurpose Idea: Use the pages to decoupage planters, birdhouses, or other garden items.
- Next Steps: Apply several coats of an outdoor-grade sealant to protect the paper from moisture.
21. Model Train Sets
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That old Lionel train set might bring back fond memories of Christmas morning, but most common sets that have been played with are not highly sought after by serious collectors. Condition is everything, and missing pieces or worn boxes drastically reduce the value.
Incorporate the tracks and buildings into your garden design. Train tracks can be used to create interesting borders for a flower bed or a path through a miniature garden. The little buildings, like the station or water tower, can be nestled among plants to create a charming, small-scale landscape.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Only rare, pristine, and complete sets hold significant value.
- Repurpose Idea: Use tracks as garden edging and miniature buildings as decor in a fairy garden.
- Care Tip: Metal tracks will rust over time, adding to the rustic look. Plastic buildings hold up well outdoors.
22. Happy Meal Toys
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McDonald’s has produced billions of Happy Meal toys. While a few complete, mint-in-package sets can be valuable, the random assortment of loose toys most of us have from childhood are worth next to nothing.
These small plastic figures are perfect additions to a fairy garden or a terrarium. A tiny movie character can become a resident of a mossy village, or a small vehicle can be parked on a pebble driveway. They are the perfect scale for creating playful and imaginative miniature scenes.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Produced in the billions; most are loose and played with.
- Repurpose Idea: Use as figurines and accessories in fairy gardens and terrariums.
- Care Tip: They are made of durable plastic and can be easily washed when they get dirty.
23. Pez Dispensers
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While a few rare Pez dispensers from the 1950s can be valuable, the millions of character dispensers produced since are common and inexpensive. Most collectors can pick them up for just a few dollars.
Line up a collection of your favorite Pez dispensers on a windowsill in your kitchen or sunroom. Their bright colors and familiar characters create a cheerful, pop-art display. They are a fun way to add a bit of personality and nostalgia to a shelf of houseplants.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Most modern dispensers were mass-produced and are extremely common.
- Repurpose Idea: Display a colorful lineup on a windowsill among your herbs and houseplants.
- Care Tip: Keep them out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the plastic colors from fading over time.
24. Pogs
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This 1990s schoolyard fad involved collecting and playing with small cardboard discs. At the height of the craze, millions of Pogs were produced, making them incredibly common and, for the most part, worthless today.
Use them to add a colorful, retro touch to your garden projects. Glue them in a mosaic pattern onto a birdhouse, a picture frame, or a stepping stone. Their small size and varied designs make them perfect for detailed, imaginative patterns.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: A short-lived fad with massive overproduction.
- Repurpose Idea: Create colorful mosaics on garden accessories like birdhouses or stepping stones.
- Next Steps: Use a strong, waterproof glue and finish with a clear outdoor sealant to protect the cardboard from the elements.
25. Cabbage Patch Kids
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In the 1980s, these “adoptable” dolls sparked a shopping frenzy. While they hold a dear place in many hearts, their mass production means that most dolls, especially those that have been loved and played with, aren’t worth much.
Give your old Cabbage Patch Kid a new job as a scarecrow or garden guardian. Dress them in gardening clothes, put a straw hat on their head, and sit them on a little chair among your vegetable patches. They add a whimsical, friendly presence to the garden and are sure to make you smile.
Quick Look:
- Why it’s ‘worthless’: Huge production numbers during their peak popularity.
- Repurpose Idea: Let one become a friendly scarecrow or a mascot for your vegetable garden.
- Care Tip: Their soft bodies will absorb moisture, so place them in a sheltered spot or bring them inside during rainy weather.
Finding and Using Your Treasures
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The real value of these collectibles isn’t in their price tag, but in their potential. The next time you’re cleaning out your attic or wandering through a local thrift store, look at these items with fresh eyes. Don’t ask, “What is this worth?” Instead, ask, “What can this become?” Start by exploring your own home for forgotten collections.
Once you have your treasures, think about where they could bring a little joy. Could that old platter brighten up a dark corner of the patio? Could those funny salt shakers make planting seeds more fun? The possibilities are endless when you embrace creativity. Let these once-loved items tell a new story in your home and garden, then declutter the rest.
