From AI relics to rare novels, these are the nostalgic items collectors should keep an eye on now
Key Findings
- Book expert reveals six surprising vintage finds that could become high-value collectibles in the years to come
- Items include sealed 90s video games, early AI models, and even old band tees linked to major cultural moments
- Expert explains how to spot future treasures and why everyday items might be worth holding onto
Whether it’s a box in your parents’ loft or an old drawer in your own home, vintage items gathering dust could one day pay off – literally. With collectors constantly on the hunt for rare pieces of cultural history, certain forgotten relics from the 1990s and 2000s are quietly gaining value.
That’s according to Taskeen Ahmed, book collector and founder of Awesome Books, a UK-based sustainable bookseller that has rescued over 130 million books from landfill since 2003. The company is built on the idea that one person’s old paperback might be another’s prized find – and it turns out that applies to more than just books.
“We’ve always believed in giving things a second life,” says Taskeen. “That applies to literature, but also to tech, toys, and pop culture. Some of today’s most ordinary items could become tomorrow’s collector’s gold.”
So, what should people be holding onto? And what might be worth hunting down at a car boot sale or charity shop?
Below, Taskeen reveals six surprising items that are already catching the eyes of collectors – and could fetch even more in the near future.
1. Old AI Models Stored on External Drives
Early artificial intelligence tools like GPT-2, GPT-3, and DALL·E mini might sound recent, but to tech historians and collectors, they’re already artefacts.
“These early AI models marked a turning point in technology,” explains Taskeen. “Think of them as the vinyl records of the tech world; currently outdated, soon to be iconic.”
Collectors are seeking original downloads or locally stored copies saved on external hard drives or USBs – especially those dated to the time of initial release. If you were experimenting with AI back in 2019 or 2020, don’t throw out those old files just yet.
2. 1990s and 2000s LEGO Sets (Still in the Box)
Unopened LEGO sets from the late 90s and early 2000s are already fetching impressive prices, especially those from the Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Technic ranges.
“What makes these valuable is the combination of nostalgia and scarcity,” says Taskeen. “Collectors want the exact sets they played with—or missed out on—as kids.”
Try local marketplaces, vintage toy shops, or even old family storage boxes. Sealed boxes are the dream, but even gently used sets with instructions can attract attention.
3. Prints from Early Digital Artists
NFTs may have dominated headlines for a while, but physical prints by digital artists – especially those involved in meme culture, crypto art, or early AI art – are proving surprisingly collectible.
Collectors are particularly drawn to artists who gained cult status online or who captured a defining cultural moment. Think low-fi internet humour meets gallery wall.
“Digital art from this era captures a mood,” Taskeen explains. “It’s playful, ironic, and very of-its-time – exactly what future generations will want to revisit.”
Look for signed or limited edition prints on resale sites, or directly from the artists if they’re still selling.
4. Vintage Band Tees from the 90s and Early 2000s
If you’ve got a faded Nirvana shirt from ’94 or a Britney Spears tour tee from the millennium era, don’t bin it.
“Tour merchandise is hugely sentimental,” says Taskeen. “It’s a wearable piece of music history.”
T-shirts with original labels, authentic tour dates, or those sold at gigs are the most sought-after. Rummage through vintage shops or your old bedroom drawers—some shirts are now selling for hundreds.
5. Sealed 90s and 2000s Video Games
Think PlayStation 1, Game Boy, or early Nintendo DS. If it’s still in its packaging, it could be a jackpot.
The key here is condition. Sealed or ‘mint’ games that were never opened are especially valuable to collectors. Titles from major franchises like Final Fantasy, Zelda, or Pokemon often top wishlists.
“If you’ve held onto a childhood favourite without opening it, that’s gold dust,” Taskeen adds. Look on auction sites to get a sense of what’s rising in value.
6. First Editions of Modern Bestsellers
We’re not talking Shakespeare—first editions of contemporary authors like Sally Rooney, Colleen Hoover, and Brandon Sanderson are already gaining traction.
Signed copies, special editions, and low print-run releases are especially worth seeking out. And they’re often still affordable (for now).
“Book collectors know how fast these values can jump,” says Taskeen. “One bestseller today could be tomorrow’s literary icon.”
Check charity bookshops, independent bookstores, or early release bundles from publishers and authors’ websites.
Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, comments:
“We often think of collectibles as rare coins or antique furniture, but value can hide in the everyday. Items like video games, books, or even digital files may seem ordinary now, but with time, cultural context can transform them into historical markers.
“What I always say to collectors, experienced or new, is this: keep an eye on quality, scarcity, and cultural impact. It’s often the items tied to a very specific moment in time that end up becoming valuable later on.
“Even something as simple as a signed book, a worn-out tee, or an old USB can hold meaning – and monetary value – if it captures the spirit of its era. That’s what makes collecting so fascinating. You’re not just holding onto stuff. You’re holding onto stories.”
ENDS
Credit
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About Awesome Books
Awesome Books is a UK-based sustainable bookseller founded in 2003, dedicated to reducing waste and promoting literacy. Rescuing over 130 million books from landfills, they offer a vast selection of new and used books while ensuring no book goes to waste. Through initiatives like ‘Buy One-Give One,’ they donate books to schools and literacy programs worldwide.
