Popular Old British Items That Collectors Love Today

Made by: DC Thompson
Est. Original Cost: 10p/$0.12*
Est. Value Today: £195/$240*

Beano Comics was a classic comic first printed in the UK in 1938 and quickly became a staple in British households due to its humour and imaginative storytelling. Not to mention, they were filled with stories of mischievous children, wild pranks, and zany takes on historical events. 

Beano Comics ©mundissima/Shutterstock.com

Some of the comic’s more popular strips include fan favourites like Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx,  and The Bash Street Kids. The stories often ended with a funny twist, encouraging readers to think outside the box.

Made by: Pinky and Perky Enterprises Ltd
Est. Original Cost: 5p/$0.05*
Est. Value Today: £20/$25*

The Pinky and Perky books were a series of children’s books that have been popular in the UK since the 1960s. The books were based on the popular BBC puppet show featuring pig brothers Pinky and Perky that ran from 1957-72, then revived in a computer-animated form in 2008. 

Pinky and Perky Books @etsy_UK//Pinterest

The books contained stories about Pinky and Perky’s adventures with their friends. Like Franklin books in North America, the Pinky and Perky series helped teach a generation of children to read. Each book was filled with positive messages about friendship and courage, encouraging children to be kind to others and remain optimistic.

Made by: Various
Est. Original Cost: £1/$1.50*
Est. Value Today: £5-£100/$6.25-$123*

Growing up in the UK, Christmas was a magical time, and vintage Christmas ornaments were a big part of that. People would hang up glass baubles and glittery decorations to adorn their trees every year. These decorations were often hand-me-downs from generation to generation, with each family adding unique touches. 

Vintage Christmas Ornaments @vintagehandmade/Pinterest

From colourful glass stars and twinkling snowflakes to wooden Santas and paper angels, each ornament held a special place in the hearts of those who hung them. These ornaments may not have been flashy or expensive, but they represented the love and warmth of the season like no other. These days, vintage ornaments can be resold for a surprisingly large amount. 

Made by: BBC
Est. Original Cost: N/A
Est. Value Today: N/A

The Blue Peter Medal is a prestigious award given to children who made a lasting impression with their appearance on the BBC’s longest-running children’s program, Blue Peter. The gold version of the medal was first introduced in 1971 and is only given to a select few extraordinary individuals annually.  

Gold Blue Peter Medal @ebay/Pinterest

While the Blue Peter Medal was created to reward children for their achievements and inspire them to dream big, it’s not unheard of for an adult to win the award as well. In 2001, soccer star David Beckham, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, and Queen Elizabeth II were all honoured with gold Blue Peter medals.

Made by: Petite
Est. Original Cost: £25/$31*
Est. Value Today: £46/$57*

The 90s Post Office Set was a favoured toy when it came out — many kids dream of being postal workers, apparently. The set consisted of a post office counter, a telephone, a till and various accessories for children to make-believe buying stamps, making phone calls, and other real-world post-related activities.

90s Post Office Set @amynelsonaspies/Pinterest

The popularity of this post office set was due to its fun, interactive nature. These days, kids use iPads and video games from such a young age that post office toys aren’t in as high demand. Good luck selling a Royal Mail video game to a bunch of kids.

Made by: Wade Ceramics
Est. Original Cost: £1-£2/$2-42.50*
Est. Value Today: £5-£230/$6.25-$285*

Wade Whimsy figures were popular ceramic figurines created by Wade Ceramics. While Wade Ceramics was established in 1867, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Wade’s Whimsies made their first appearance. These hand-painted figurines were often made from porcelain. They depicted animals, people, mythical creatures, and pretty much anything else the artists at Wade could think up. 

Wade Whimsy Figures @etsy_UK//Pinterest

Collectors worldwide look for these whimsical pieces and are willing to pay a few quid for the piece that will complete their collection. Something to keep in mind the next time you’re sorting through the boxes in the crawl space.

Made by: Pyrex
Est. Original Cost: Unknown
Est. Value Today: £32/$40*

These brightly coloured, hard-wearing plates had a distinctive geometric design that instantly caught the eye and seemingly hypnotised the British public. Pyrex was well known for its reliable and high-quality kitchenware products, and its Chelsea dinner plates were no exception. 

Pyrex Chelsea Dinner Plates @etsy_UK/Pinterest

Pyrex dinner plates were especially popular because they were affordable yet still looked stylish and sophisticated on the dinner table. Used by families throughout the UK since the 1960s and still going strong, every grandparent’s house is sure to have at least one set.

Made by: The Lego Group
Est. Original Cost: £2/$2.50 per set*
Est. Value Today: £28/$35*

Lego, the world-famous building blocks kids have been playing with for over 70 years. The toy that has occupied the empty time between activities. The Lego brand was introduced decades ago. The first generation of Lego-playing children are now great grandparents, and their children’s children’s children are building creations of their own. 

Original Lego ©Lumella/Shutterstock.com

Spaceships, castles, giant wizards, or sporting stadiums with Lego, there are no limits to what can be built. Regardless of the cost, it’s clear that Lego is still one of the most beloved toys in the world. Simply put, it’s a classic that never goes out of style.

Made by: The Royal Mint
Est. Original Cost: 2p/$0.025*
Est. Value Today: £4,000/$4,953*

The new two-pence coin, or 2p for short, was introduced in 1971 as a replacement for the older ‘tuppenny bit’. The design of the new coin was larger and thinner than its predecessor. It featured a kite shape that was designed to fit comfortably into the palm of your hand. 

1971 New 2p Coin @etsy_UK//Pinterest

It featured the Queen’s head on the obverse and the words ‘NEW PENCE’ with a rose and oak branch below on the reverse. A perfect condition 2p coin from the 1971 pressing is now worth £4,000. Otherwise known as a first-class ticket to a gorgeous beach getaway.

Made by: Unknown
Est. Original Cost: £5/$6.25*
Est. Value Today: £30/$37*

The Wombles were a British children’s television show that first aired in 1973, ran until 1975, and was remade in the ‘90s. The series featured a family of furry creatures who lived underground, created order out of chaos, and recycled rubbish into useful items. 

Rare Vintage Womble Hand Puppets @etsy_UK/Pinterest

Needless to say, once The Wombles hand puppets hit the market, kids everywhere had to have them, and a knock-off would not suffice. The vintage hand puppets of Great Uncle Bulgaria, Orinoco, and Tobermory were particularly popular with kids at the time and hold even more meaning with the adult versions of those kids.

Made by: Fisher-Price
Est. Original Cost: £50/$62*
Est. Value Today: £150/$185*

Do you remember playing with the classic Fisher-Price Dollhouse in the 90s? It was a staple of childhood, providing hours of imaginative fun. When this iconic dollhouse was first introduced by Fisher-Price, it quickly became a must-have toy for children across the UK. 

90s Fisher-Price Dollhouse @imgur/Pinterest

Kids could explore each room of the three-level house, filled with brightly coloured furniture and accessories. With a two-storey porch and winding staircase, it was the perfect backdrop for playing make-believe. Mattel produced a lot of dollhouses over the years, but Fisher Price’s from the ‘90s was arguably the best. 

Made by: Royal Albert
Est. Original Cost: Unknown
Est. Value Today: £100-£1000/$123-$1,238*

This classic pattern of china is a timeless classic that has been around since the ‘60s and is still popular today. Its vibrant, colourful design featuring roses and lush foliage makes it the perfect addition to any dining table. 

Royal Albert Old Country Roses China @HisForever/Youtube

The pattern is available in various sets, from teacups to dinner plates and platters, meaning you can find something to suit any occasion. It’s a favourite amongst collectors and those who grew up with it, as it is a reminder of fond childhood memories. Its combination of style and sophistication makes it the perfect choice to add a touch of elegance to any home.

Made by: Mills & Boon
Est. Original Cost: Unknown
Est. Value Today: £7.95/$9.90*

Often found in second-hand bookstores or tucked away in the back of family members’ bookshelves, Mills & Boon romance novels have been quite popular since the 1930s when the company first switched its focus toward escapist fiction for women. 

Mills & Boon Romance Novels @etsy_UK/Pinterest

While the stories have changed over time, they always involve strong and captivating characters, drama, and a happy ending. Whether you love them or loathe them, Mills & Boon novels were part of growing up in the UK. You either read them secretly or knew someone who did.

Made by: Gilbert
Est. Original Cost: Unknown
Est. Value Today: £1,288/$1,595*

The iconic James Bond Aston Martin toy car was released in the mid-1960s, and it was a must-have for any bond fan, whether they’re a child or an adult. The car featured an array of cool features, similar to what 007 had at his disposal in the films.

James Bond Aston Martin Toy Car @albertvandijk/Pinterest

The toy was modelled after the Aston Martin Bond drove in Goldfinger and Thunderball — two of the franchise’s best instalments. Like the real thing, owning one of these Aston Martins won’t come cheap. Sellers have given the car a high price tag because they understand its worth.