Kids today probably aren’t dreaming of antique china or your VHS collection. Instead, they’re into unique things with sentimental value and stuff that’s still useful. If you’re planning, it might be time to think about what they’d actually want, not just what’s been collecting dust.
Old-School Vinyl Collection
Credit: Getty Images
Have crates of vinyl? Those records could hit the jackpot. A rare Beatles album or first-pressing Nirvana LP can sell for hundreds, even thousands. Gen Z has reignited interest in turntables and analog sound.
Handwritten Recipes In A Notebook
Credit: Getty Images
That stained old book with grandma’s chili recipe is pure gold. Kids love a sense of connection, and food is memory. A well-worn recipe book feels personal because it practically equates to important family events, like birthdays and holidays. Stuff like that doesn’t come from Pinterest.
Digital Photo Library With Commentary
Credit: Canva
Thousands of images live on phones, but nobody knows the stories behind them. Sort through yours, add captions, dates, names, and save them to an external hard drive or cloud folder. It’s like handing over a time machine. They’ll actually use it, and probably laugh at your Y2K fashion choices.
Well-Maintained Tools
Credit: SEOPACK’s Images
Decent tools are pricey. A quality hammer, power drill, or socket wrench set could save them serious money. Tools also carry legacy—maybe you built the treehouse with that saw or fixed the car together. Pass them down in good shape, and they’ll stay useful for decades.
Your Playlist Or Mix CDs
Credit: Pexels
Burned CDs might feel outdated, but those 2005 road trip playlists are practically family history. Toss in commentary or a printed list of songs with notes about what each one meant. Music carries moments. Kids get curious about what you loved at their age, even if they make fun of it.
The Family Dog’s Collar And Tag
Credit: Africa images
This one might sound weird, but sentimental keepsakes like a favorite dog’s collar hit hard. It represents years of loyalty and companionship. It’s usually the simple things that spark the most memories.
Old Comic Books Or Manga
Credit: Canva
Depending on the titles, your stash could be worth more than you think. A mint condition “X-Men” from the 1980s or early editions of “Naruto” might rake in hundreds. Even if they’re not collectors, they often like flipping through what entertained their parents back in the day.
Your High School Yearbook
Credit: Getty Images
Sounds like a cringe-fest, but high school yearbooks are fascinating once enough time passes. Your kid will laugh at your hair and marvel at how different everything was. It’s similar to a social media feed from the 1990s, but printed.
A Journal, Even A Messy One
Credit: Getty Images
Journals don’t have to be poetic to matter. A beat-up notebook with half-thoughts, to-do lists, and notes from when they were babies can be weirdly powerful. It gives them insight into your headspace at different times.
Well-Loved Board Games
Credit: Getty Images
That old Monopoly set or dog-eared “Scrabble” might seem basic, but if you played it every Thanksgiving, there’s weight to that. Board games hold stories, and they’re tactile, which is kind of rare now. Plus, replacement pieces exist online.
A Cool Jacket Or Hoodie You Always Wore
Credit: Getty Images
Clothing with memories beats new. If your old leather jacket or college hoodie shows up in every holiday photo, your child probably already associates it with you. Passing that down can feel special. They might wear it, stash it, or turn it into something else—but it won’t get tossed.
A Real Camera That Still Works
Credit: Pexels
Film cameras are trendy again. If you’ve got a decent 35mm camera in the closet, hang onto it. Brands like Canon AE-1 or Nikon FM2 are hot with Gen Z photographers. They’ll love it for the aesthetic and the fact that it doesn’t come with filters or instant deletes.
A Favorite Mug Or Cup
Credit: Rizel Designs
This one’s easy to overlook. But if you always drank coffee from that chipped Batman mug or tea from a floral cup, it becomes a symbol. Personal objects that were “yours” hold more power than anything shiny or new.
Your Old Backpack Or Travel Bag
Credit: Getty Images
If your bag went through a lot, from college to your first job, then there’s a story behind every stain and scuff. Give it a clean-up and maybe slide a letter inside detailing the trips it went on. Durable old bags often outlast the newer ones anyway.
Your First Car’s Keys Or Emblem
Credit: Getty Images
Even if the car’s long gone, keeping the keys or nameplate can be a fun reminder. Especially if your child remembers road trips and sitting in the backseat while you belted out questionable song choices. Mount it in a shadow box with a photo—they might not say it, but they’ll love it.
