As nostalgia for the 2000s surges, collectors are turning their attention to items which were once considered everyday essentials that now carry serious resale value.
From early tech to forgotten fashion, many things you may have boxed up — or still use — could be worth a small fortune.
Here are some common 2000s items that could be worth thousands in the years to come.
First generation iPhone
Apple collectors are paying a premium for mint-condition first generation iPhones from 2007.
The first iPhone represented the dawn of modern tech culture, making it a digital relic with huge cultural and collectible significance.
A factory‑sealed 4GB original iPhone sold at auction in July 2023 for $190,373 (£145,383).
To be worth tens of thousands in the UK market, a first‑gen iPhone must typically be factory sealed and never opened or used.
It must also have the correct box with original labels, inserts, and accessories intact.
Pokémon cards
You probably know about the 1990s Pokémon boom, but 2000s-era cards are heating up fast—especially as Gen Z enters the collector space.
At London Auctions, a sealed Japanese Pikachu Rayquaza Poncho Special Box sold for £2,880. While a complete 102‑card Unlimited Base Set sold for £726.
A “good” vintage card in decent or graded condition can cross into the low hundreds or low thousands of pounds.
Rare books like the first-edition Harry Potter
First UK or US editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone can command $10,000+ (around £7.5k).
Buyers look out for first-print run details on copyright pages and original dust jackets.
Book collectors are after first-edition prints of popular 2000s novels—especially those that launched major franchises.
Harry Potter isn’t the only series buyers are after, other valuable series include Twilight, Eragon and Artemis Fowl.
Lego sets
Lego sets from the 2000s, especially those tied to big franchises, are highly appreciated by those who collect.
High value sets include Star Wars, Harry Potter, Bionicle and Modular Buildings.
The Star Wars 10123 Cloud City Lego set sold for £4,655 in 2024, while the Taj Mahal set sold for £1,444 in 2018.
Y2K-era fashion
The Y2K aesthetic has officially made a comeback, and original pieces are now vintage gold.
Von Dutch, Ed Hardy, Baby Phat, Rocawear, Juicy Couture are some of the most sought after brands.
Limited pieces or collabs can fetch hundreds to thousands. This includes shoes as well, so anything from Nike SB Dunks to early Supreme items.
Early 2000s gaming consoles
Gamers and collectors are snapping up retro consoles and titles from the 2000s.
Some of the hot items include Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Game Boy Advance SP while valuable games include Pokémon Emerald, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.
Factory-sealed or mint copies can go for $500–$5,000+ (£376-3,769.35+)
VHS tapes
Most people dumped their VHS collections in the early 2000s—but certain late releases are surprisingly rare.
Check your collection to see if you have Cars (2006), Saw (2004), The Incredibles, and other titles released just before VHS died.
Sealed or graded tapes can fetch $1,000+ (£753+), especially Disney “Black Diamond” editions or cult horror.
If you’ve got boxes tucked away in your attic or old drawers full of 2000s relics, now might be the time to start digging.
With the rise of nostalgia-driven collecting, even items that once felt disposable—like your old iPhone or worn-out PS2—might end up being worth more than you think.
