Ah, the early 2000s! A time, not so long ago, when flip phones were all the rage, Myspace ruled social media, and DVDs were our primary entertainment source. While it may feel like recent history, items from that era are already starting to gain value. With nostalgia in full swing, collectors and enthusiasts are driving up the prices of some unexpected artifacts. Who would’ve guessed that your old PlayStation 2 or those limited-edition Beanie Babies could actually be worth something today?
Now, not everything from those years has turned into treasure. But certain items have collectors and vintage lovers shelling out serious cash. We’re talking about things you may have stashed in your basement or attic, or maybe even left at your parents’ house. You’d better dust them off because you might just be sitting on a small fortune.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see which pieces of the early 2000s are now highly sought after. Here are 12 items from the era that are starting to gain real value.
1. First-Generation iPods
Remember those chunky, click-wheel iPods? The ones that could hold a “staggering” 1,000 songs? It turns out that those first-generation models are highly collectible now. Mint-condition iPods, especially those in their original packaging, can fetch several hundred dollars, sometimes even up to $1,000.
These iPods represent the dawn of portable music as we know it. In a world dominated by streaming, having a tangible, iconic piece of Apple’s history is coveted. If you happen to have one lying around, it might be time to see what it’s worth.
2. Harry Potter First Editions
If you were a Potterhead growing up, you might want to check your bookshelf. First editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, especially those with the original covers, can bring in a significant amount of cash. Depending on their condition, these books can sell for thousands of dollars.
What makes them so valuable? The early editions mark the beginning of a cultural phenomenon, one that shaped the childhoods of millions. For die-hard fans, owning a piece of this magical history is worth every penny.
3. Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire
Pokémon games have always had a devoted following, but there’s something extra special about the Game Boy Advance titles like Ruby and Sapphire. Sealed, these can go for a few hundred dollars, and even opened versions in great condition are sought after by collectors.
As Pokémon continues to thrive, fans are willing to pay top dollar to own the games that shaped their love for the franchise. It’s all about nostalgia and having the chance to play these classics on the original hardware.
4. Juicy Couture Tracksuits
If, once upon a time, you were all about that “casual glam” look, you’re probably familiar with Juicy Couture’s iconic velour tracksuits. Once the epitome of early 2000s fashion, these tracksuits are back and coveted by vintage fashionistas and collectors. Some of the rarer, well-preserved sets can fetch a couple of hundred dollars.
It’s funny to think about, but these once-common tracksuits now have a retro-chic appeal. For many, wearing Juicy Couture again is like reclaiming a bit of that early 2000s pop culture magic.
5. Polly Pocket Compact Sets
Before Polly Pockets were revamped, they were teeny-tiny dolls in even tinier cases. The compact sets from the late ‘90s and early 2000s can sell for hundreds of dollars, particularly if they’re complete. Limited-edition sets, or those with rare characters, are especially valuable.
Many people’s childhoods were filled with these miniature toys, and collectors are looking to recapture that. Their intricate little worlds and details represent a simpler, more creative time in the toy industry.
6. Bratz Dolls
These sassy dolls with exaggerated features and edgy fashion were all the rage in the early 2000s. While Barbie might’ve had a reputation for being all-American, Bratz dolls represented a rebellious, modern take on the fashion doll. Now, certain editions and rare versions are selling for big bucks, especially if they’re still in their original packaging.
The Bratz phenomenon has found new life among collectors and fans of Y2K culture. With their unique aesthetic and bold style, these dolls have become a fun throwback for Millennials and Gen Z alike who want to relive their Bratz days.
7. PlayStation 2
Sony’s PlayStation 2 is the best-selling gaming console of all time, and it’s still beloved by gamers. Released in 2000, it was the go-to console for games like Final Fantasy X, Kingdom Hearts, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Original, unopened units can go for up to $1,000, while used ones in good condition still hold decent value.
The PS2’s immense library of games and lasting influence on gaming culture makes it a collector’s dream. For many, it’s about reliving those early days of immersive gaming experiences. For others, it’s about finally owning a piece of gaming history they once missed out on.
8. Beanie Babies With Errors
Beanie Babies may not be the cash cows we once thought they’d be, but some are still worth a pretty penny, particularly those with rare errors. It could be a misspelling on the tag or a unique production defect. Certain Beanie Babies can fetch hundreds or, sometimes, even thousands of dollars from dedicated collectors.
These stuffed animals have maintained their allure among niche collectors who are fascinated by these quirky little errors. While most Beanie Babies won’t bring in a fortune, it’s worth checking those old boxes for any rare, flawed treasures that might be lurking.
9. Original Xbox Games
Although the original Xbox didn’t achieve the legendary status of the PS2, it still has a very dedicated fanbase, and certain games are worth a lot today. Titles like Halo: Combat Evolved and Conker: Live & Reloaded can fetch a surprising sum, especially if they’re in pristine condition or in their original packaging.
The appeal here is twofold. For one, it’s a nostalgic trip back to the beginning of Microsoft’s console journey. And two, some of these games are getting harder to find, which makes them desirable for collectors looking to complete their Xbox libraries.
10. Tamagotchi Digital Pets
These little egg-shaped devices were everywhere in the early 2000s, challenging kids to feed, clean, and play with their digital pets. Original Tamagotchis, especially rare editions, are now sought after by collectors, with some fetching upwards of $100.
Why the resurgence? Nostalgia, of course. Tamagotchis were one of the first portable digital pets, capturing the hearts of an entire generation. Today, people are eager to reconnect with that part of their childhood, making these vintage digital pets a hot commodity.
11. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
While the TMNT franchise started in the ’80s, it saw a huge popularity boom in the early 2000s, and a new line of action figures and merch was introduced. Today, collectors are willing to pay top dollar for figures from this era, especially if they’re unopened.
The TMNT figures capture the essence of a time when Saturday morning cartoons were a weekly ritual. For fans, owning a piece of this iconic series is a way to relive those childhood memories, and the scarcity of certain figures only drives up their value.
12. Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
The Game Boy Advance SP was the handheld console of choice for gamers in the early 2000s. Its flip screen and rechargeable battery were big deals at the time! Today, units in great condition, especially limited-edition models, can sell for a surprising amount.
The Game Boy Advance SP holds a special place in the hearts of gamers who grew up in the early 2000s. Its portability and impressive library of games make it a nostalgic favorite, which explains why collectors are now willing to pay a premium for one in good condition.
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Looking to make some extra cash as soon as possible? It might be a good time to break out those vintage treasures in your storage unit or attic from the 90s to see if they’re worth a fortune now! You never know what valuables might be tucked away.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
