12. The A-Team Lunchbox
If you ever strutted into school with Mr. T on your lunchbox, you were part of an elite squad. Released in the mid 1980s, The A-Team lunchbox came packed with action, literally and visually. The metal version, especially with its original thermos, regularly sells for $300 to $700. Of course, condition is key. A few scratches? That’s charm. A pristine look? That’s dollar signs. It’s a hit among collectors who love nostalgic TV icons. As one eBay listing put it: “You can almost hear the theme music when you open it.”
11. Knight Rider
There was something cool about KITT, the talking car that felt smarter than half the adults we knew. Lunchboxes from the Knight Rider series are tough to find in top condition, which is why values have jumped. If you spot one without rust or major dents, it can easily go for over $500. The black and red color combo made it stand out even back then, and collectors now call it “a sleeper favorite that always surprises at auction.”
10. Six Million Dollar Man
Back when Steve Austin was more than just a name on a wrestling show, he was The Six Million Dollar Man, and kids loved every slow motion, action packed second. The lunchbox carried that energy with dramatic graphics of Austin mid leap or stare down. These days, a complete set from the late ’70s is listed anywhere between $500 and $900. “It’s a reminder of simpler times and bionic dreams,” one collector wrote in a forum. Not bad for a box that once carried apple slices and PB&J.
9. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Let’s be honest, most of us cried at least once during E.T. The lunchbox was just as unforgettable. Covered in glowing bike scenes and alien stares, it was a staple for early ’80s kids. Today, if it’s in good shape, it can fetch $400 to $600. Original thermos included? Even better. As one fan on Reddit wrote, “Opening it still smells like bologna sandwiches and recess.” That kind of memory? Priceless and apparently profitable.
8. Scooby-Doo
Jinkies. The 1970s Scooby-Doo lunchbox is now one of the most sought after cartoon themed collectibles. If you’ve got one that hasn’t faded into oblivion and maybe still has that classic mystery van artwork, it could be worth up to $800. Fans love it for its timeless look and bright colors. According to WorthPoint, “Boxes with original latches and thermoses are the first to disappear from vintage fairs.” Ruh-roh if you gave yours away.
7. Peanuts
You could never go wrong with Snoopy on your side. Peanuts lunchboxes from the early ’70s were bright, sweet, and wildly popular. The ones that feature the gang in their classic Sunday strip style sketches have become collector’s darlings. Complete sets can go for $800 to $1,200 depending on condition. “Every collector seems to want Snoopy first,” says one antique dealer on YouTube. That’s probably because Peanuts always made lunchtime feel like a warm comic strip break.
6. Star Wars (1977)
There’s Star Wars merch, and then there’s first edition Star Wars merch. The 1977 Star Wars lunchbox, especially the one with the matching thermos, has fetched as much as $1,450 in collector sales. The artwork is classic, with Luke, Leia, Vader and space battles that still hold up. According to Heritage Auctions, “Unopened sets in mint condition are nearly impossible to find and command sky high bids.” If you saved one in the attic, you may be sitting on your own little Jedi treasure.
5. Jetsons Dome-Top
There’s something timeless about the Jetsons, even if their version of the future didn’t quite play out. Released in the 1960s, the Jetsons dome-top lunchbox is known for its unique shape and vivid, space themed design. That rare shape alone has helped push its value to around $1,400 today. A vintage seller once posted, “This is the unicorn of character lunchboxes. If you find one with a thermos, don’t let it go.” Rosie the robot would definitely approve.
4. Star Trek (1968)
With its striking orange and red tones, the 1968 Star Trek Aladdin lunchbox beamed its way into many classrooms. Today, that same lunchbox, especially in mint or near mint condition, is worth about $1,500. It’s one of the most treasured TV tie ins from the ‘60s, thanks to its vibrant imagery and sci-fi cool factor. “Collectors say this is the one that always starts bidding wars,” according to a blog from Nostalgia Central. A lunchbox this legendary deserves its place among the stars.
3. Superman (1954)
If Superman was your childhood hero, you may have carried this 1954 lunchbox without knowing it would someday be worth $1,000 to $2,000. As one of the earliest superhero boxes ever released, it’s become a grail piece for comic lovers and collectors alike. The artwork shows the Man of Steel mid flight, just the way fans remember him. “It’s part of lunchbox royalty,” one collector wrote on Etsy. If your parents had the foresight to store it carefully, you might be flying high too.
2. Mickey Mouse (1935)
Before licensing was even a thing, Mickey Mouse launched what would become the lunchbox craze. Made in 1935, it’s considered the very first licensed character lunchbox. Simple and classic in design, this piece of history now sells for around $2,500. Museums and private collectors both eye it when it pops up. “It’s not just nostalgia, it’s Disney history in metal,” according to The Vintage News. Think of it as the mouse that started it all, long before lunchboxes had compartments and logos.
1. The Beatles (1965)
If you carried your PB&J in a Beatles lunchbox, you were cooler than most kids on the playground. The 1965 Beatles box with the original thermos is now worth a whopping $2,700 to the right collector. It’s got a timeless look, bold portraits, band logo, and fan screaming energy. According to collectors on Reverb, “There are fewer than a dozen in mint condition known to exist.” Not bad for something that once held cookies. Turns out, All You Need Is Lunch and a little foresight.
This story 12 Vintage Lunchboxes That Once Cost $3, Now They’re Worth Up to $2,700 was first published on Daily FETCH
