Everyday items that could be worth a fortune

Gumtree, the UK’s #1 classifieds website, has teamed up with 21^st Century collectables expert, Tracy Martin, to predict the ‘top 10’ everyday items of today that are likely to be worth a small fortune in years to come. So now is the time to get searching online to see what bargains you can find that could be your nest-egg for the future!

Topping Tracy’s list of collectables for tomorrow is first-edition modern books, with The Da Vinci Code, Twilight and Game of Thrones her top three titles to hunt down online if you are a budding book collector. Books are followed by licensed toys and figures, such as Power Rangers Dino Charge, Harry Potter Lego and Bratz, with toys always doing extremely well in the collectables market as “many people want to recapture their youth by rebuying toys they had as children” Tracy explains.

When scouring the shelves for fashion finds that will provide funds in the future, Tracy advises tracking down high-street collaborations – such as Kate Moss for Topshop and Balmain for H&M – as she claims “they have all the right ingredients to make them highly prized possessions in the future,” thanks to a “good designer name,” their “original affordable price” and “unique style that epitomises the era”.

Tracy Martin’s ‘Top 10 New Collectables’:

1. First Edition Modern Books (Dan Brown – Da Vinci Code; Philip Pullman – Northern Lights; Stephenie Meyer – Twilight; George RR Martin – Game of Thrones)
2. Licensed Toys and Figures (Bratz; Power Rangers Dino Charge; Ninjago LEGO; Harry Potter LEGO; Star Warz LEGO)
3. 1^st Generation Apple iPod Shuffle
4. Nintendo DS (Original Release)
5. Designer and High Street Clothing Collaborations (Kate Moss for TopShop; Balmain for H&M)
6. Amazon Echo (First Release)
7. Dyson Supersonic™ Hairdryer
8. Emma Bridgewater Home Accessories (particularly the Portable Radio)
9. Cath Kidston Furniture (especially the Shabby Chic Chairs)
10. First Edition Board Games (Perfection, Crossfire, Jumanji, Omega Virus)

Technology doesn’t always increase in value over time, but there are a few gadgets worth keeping an eye out for – including the 1^st Generation Apple iPod Shuffle. More recently launched voice-activated home audio speaker system, Amazon Echo Voice (First Release), and the revolutionary Dyson Supersonic™ hairdryer are also likely to be money-makers.

Ceramics and furniture will remain highly desirable in collectors’ circles, as Tracy states modern designers Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston are the ones to watch out for, thanks to their renowned distinctive patterns and prints.

Finally, if you come across an original version of a board game, including Perfection, Crossfire, Jumanji or Omega Virus, make sure it’s in pristine condition before purchasing, as it’s likely to be worth a pretty penny in decades to come.

Tracy’s Top Tips for First-Time Collectors:

1. Look out for merchandise that is associated with a blockbuster film or hit TV series, for example Game of Thrones or the latest Star Wars franchise, as these items have an increased chance of becoming collectables in years to come.
2. If you’re not sure how to start your collection, the it’s worth keeping an eye out for any unique items you come across on sites like Gumtree. Think about searching for items that epitomise the era you live in and that have a strong design concept, as they’re more likely to make their way onto collectors’ radars in the future.
3. Buy or hold onto items that had a short manufacturing run or are only available for a limited period, as the small production numbers will ultimately boost their potential worth.
4. Sites such as Gumtree are a great way to hunt down collectable items from the comfort of your armchair. When searching, remember to use key words such as ‘original’, ‘nearly new’ and ‘limited edition’ as these items will be in good quality to hold on to for the future.
5. Take care of your possessions, as their future value is ultimately always dependent on their condition. Keep them in waterproof and mould resistant storage containers where possible, especially when packing away toys and technology. They should also be stored in a room with a controlled temperature – think of these items as food! If they are stashed away in a loft or garage, then they could become damaged due to the varying hot and cold temperatures.