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10 Vintage Lunch Boxes Worth Way More Than You'd Expect

The time of collectible, metal lunch boxes decorated with classic characters may be behind us, but the resale market certainly isn't.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Eric McWhinnie

Updated Dec. 6, 2024

These days, many people are peddling vintage items — from clothing to furniture to toys — to earn extra income. It can be a lucrative endeavor if you happen to own or get your hands on some valuable collectibles. Even your old lunch box may be worth a pretty penny.

You may be surprised how much vintage lunch boxes can go for on resale sites like eBay (think upward of $1,000). Below are 10 of the most valuable we've found.

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1983 Rainbow Brite

It's not quite as vintage (or as rare) as some of the other lunch boxes on this list (and it's plastic rather than metal), but you could still nab quite a bit for a "Rainbow Brite" lunch box from the early '80s.

There are currently a few options for purchasing the colorful lunch box and thermos featuring the characters from the classic '80s TV show on eBay, with asking prices up to $95 for good condition.

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1954 Howdy Doody

Some fans of the classic "Howdy Doody" TV show are willing to shell out some serious cash for a lunch box from 1954 when the children's show was in its heyday.

Asking prices for the lunch box in solid condition range from around $150 to more than $300 on eBay.

1954 Mickey Mouse

Disney collectors are willing to shell out some serious dough for vintage lunch boxes, including a 1954 edition featuring Mickey and friends. The pricing for the lunch box on eBay seems to average around $100, but one never-been-used option in pristine condition is listed for $275.

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1965 The Beatles

Shortly after the so-called British Invasion in the U.S., a fantastic, bright blue Beatles lunch box was released in 1965. The lunch box features cartoon versions of the Fab Four performing and even includes their signatures on top near the handle.

The going rate on eBay seems to be around $500 — and some of the listings include the original thermos that came with the box as well.

1965 The Munsters

A rare vintage lunch box featuring the characters from "The Munsters" TV show, along with an accompanying thermos, could also net you some serious cash on the resale market.

Even in less-than-mint condition, these classic lunch boxes are listed for a few hundred dollars on eBay. In good condition, eBay sellers are asking for nearly $600.

1968 Star Trek Dome

Like many fandoms, Trekkies have been known to shell out the big bucks for Star Trek memorabilia. If you happen to have the Star Trek Dome lunch box that was released in 1968, it could be worth well over $1,000.

There are several of the lunch boxes listed on eBay for hundreds of dollars — and one in solid condition, with the original accompanying thermos, for just over $1,000.

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Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.

Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:

Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.

Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.

1954 Superman

A hot item for vintage comic collectors, a 1954 Superman lunch box in decent condition could net you over $1,000 on eBay. You may be able to net even more if the lunch box is in good condition and comes with the original thermos.

One ambitious eBay seller is even asking $2,200 for the lunch box alone (sans thermos).

1963 The Jetsons

It might be shocking to find out just how much people are willing to pay for a vintage "Jetsons" lunch box from the early '60s. The 1963 collector's item appears to be pretty rare — each listing on eBay for the product is well over $1,000.

A product in excellent condition with an accompanying thermos is listed for more than $3,000 on eBay.

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André 3000 'Class of 3000'

Another gem that could net any seller several thousand is the André 3000 "Class of 3000" lunch box. The lunch box, featuring characters from the Cartoon Network show co-created by the Outkast singer, is a rarity that fans and collectors will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

It's currently listed for $5,000 on eBay.

Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty

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A proactive approach to your personal finances can make the difference between struggling and success. Uncertain times call for a careful review of spending habits, prioritization of expenses, and strategic planning that goes beyond simple cost-cutting.

Here are some tips for creating change on a short-term and long-term basis:

Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize building this above other financial goals.
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Delay major purchases when possible, buying only after thorough research and assessing your “needs” versus “wants.”
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Remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight. Small adjustments can create powerful results over time. Even during challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control: your spending, saving, and earning decisions.

1950s Toppie

The Toppie metal lunch box, given out as a prize by Kroger in the 1950s, is one of the rarest lunch boxes — and highly sought after by collectors. If you happen to have one, you may be able to resell it for a not-so-small fortune.

The only one even listed on eBay currently is part of a collection (of 600+ collectible lunch boxes) with an asking price of $1.7 million.

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Bottom line

Selling collectors' items online is a great way to make extra cash — particularly if you have some just lying around your house. Baseball cards, coins, and even vintage bakeware can net you some serious cash online if you can find the right collector to sell to.

Before you get rid of your old toys or kitchen appliances in a garage sale, consider looking some of those items up on eBay to see if you could net more on the resale market.

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