8 Vintage Halloween Decorations That Sell for Hundreds on eBay

Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy — it can also be an easy way to make extra money. Believe it or not, certain vintage Halloween decorations are in high demand, with collectors willing to pay hundreds of dollars for the right pieces.

From papier-mache pumpkins to retro black cat cutouts, these nostalgic finds can turn your attic clutter into serious cash.

Take a look at this list of vintage Halloween valuables and see if your favorite spooky decor piece could take a bite out of your financial stresses.

Market value: $153

Some of the most valuable Halloween decorations available are from Beistle, a Pennsylvania-based company established in 1900. The firm was famous for making toys and calendars, and partnered with the Paper Novelty Company to create die-cut paper seasonal decorations.

These decorations were intended to be temporary and were often taped or tacked up, only to be ripped down. So, finding one in great condition is rare. A realistic bat with movable wings and unpunched hanging holes recently sold for around $153 on eBay.

Market value: $457

Halloween witches are often portrayed as scary, but this one looks quite cute, singing along with her cat as they both hold the music sheet. Another die-cut Halloween decoration, this one is from Dennison. During the 1920s, this company specialized in pre-made seasonal crepe and paper decorations, along with instructions on how to create your own.

The witch and cat decoration probably fetched such a high price thanks to almost zero fading. Its original bright orange is still vibrant. Plus, it's a large piece, measuring over 15 inches in height.

Market value: $518

New Jersey-based Kirchoff, founded in 1852, produced Braille printers and ticker-tape machines. But they'll probably be remembered for the toys and seasonal novelties they also made, including fun Halloween noisemakers.

Genuine Kirchof items will be tin but with a wooden mouthpiece, which may be loose. Even with some scratches and wear, a noisemaker bearing the painted Kirchof name sold for over $518.

Market value: $1,026

The Dolly Toy Co. began by making kites and later expanded into toys and decor. It famously survived the Great Depression, and although the company is now defunct, Dolly Toy Co. items can be highly valuable.

A Halloween skull lantern with an alarming grin and actual candle wax residue inside sold for $1,026. So, even well-used vintage decor can fetch high amounts.

Market value: $175

George Whitney ran a large Valentine's greeting business in the 18th and 19th centuries, which later expanded into Halloween postcards. A collection of 10 Whitney postcards in various states of wear recently sold for $175.

Some individual cards can fetch higher prices from collectors. Always look for the "Whitney Made" logo under the "Post Card" text on the back.

Market value: $2,005

Identifying genuine vintage papier-mache pumpkins is tricky. Because the material is easy to make, the market is rife with reproductions. Experts suggest that a strong paint smell is a red flag, as are deep cracks that wouldn't normally form on genuinely old items and may be added by over-enthusiastic reproduction artists.

One with reassuringly faded paint and stained glue recently sold for over $2,000, demonstrating the high value collectors place on the genuine article.

Market value: $2,253

German paper, card, and papier-mâché decorations can be very valuable, according to Mark B. Ledenbach, author of "Vintage Halloween Collectibles." The better the condition, the more they'll sell for, like this cat popping out of a pumpkin that's actually a sweet candy holder.

Reproductions typically feature a narrow pumpkin base and minimal detail. However, faded colors and some marks in the paint are to be expected on items of this age. Even with imperfections, decorations like this sell to collectors for thousands of dollars.

Market value: $4,900

Unused place cards in immaculate condition from nearly 100 years ago are extremely rare. One collection, in striking orange and black, shows cats, pumpkins, and other cute yet creepy Halloween characters, with a space to write a guest's name on each.

The seller mused that the artist, named merely Gertrude on the place cards, could be the famous Gertrude Kay. Gertrude Kay illustrated books like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" in 1923, and produced other pieces of Halloween art so that the seller could be correct.

Either way, these place cards were sold to one collector for an astonishing $4,900.

Older Halloween decorations made from paper, cardboard, or other fragile materials are hard to find in good condition, which makes them more valuable. Limited-edition pieces, especially those with original packaging, can also fetch higher prices.

If you have vintage items tucked away, take care to store them properly so they stay in good shape. Selling them online can be a simple way to make extra money on the side, turning old seasonal decor into real cash.