This could be something that you bought for a higher price than what most people would guess based on the item, or it could be something you bought for a normal price that has gained significant value as time has gone on.
What made me think of this question is a LEGO minifigure I got with my “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” disc. It is Bilbo Baggins in a blue coat that was apparently only sold in that movie box only at Target stores. Even considering the exclusivity, I would have guessed maybe $10-20 for such a tiny piece of plastic, but there are sold listings on eBay from $80 to $225. I could possibly even get towards the higher end of that number since I still have everything in the original box in good condition. It’s not worth a ton compared to some other items people may own, but I think most people would not expect nearly that amount.
This isn’t a high price, but higher than what I expected when I first thought about it. Growing up, my family had this chrome GE Bakelite toaster. Very dependable, never broke. The very definition of “they don’t make 'em like they used to”. I took a liking to it, so my parents gave it to me.
I started getting the history of it. My father had bought it at a garage sale in about the 1970’s or 1980’s. Before that, it was sold in the mid 1950’s. I don’t know what this one would actually go for since it’s seen around 70 years of constant use, but similar toasters on eBay are going for $25-$70. Not bad, considering that people can’t even give away many newer toasters.
That’s really cool. Such a non-descript item that still holds some value all these years later.
I’m honestly not that surprised. It has a cool vintage look because it’s, well, vintage.