It’s fascinating how we accumulate things over time. Recently, I helped my parents downsize from a big house to a cozy condo. As we packed, my mom held onto a box full of National Geographic magazines from the 1970s, convinced they were worth a fortune. I had to remind her that they often sell for just 50 cents at garage sales.
It got me thinking about the collections many Boomers cherish but that younger generations see differently. Here’s a look at some items that many parents believe are treasures but often end up unwanted.
Fine China
Once a marker of adulthood, complete china sets are losing their allure. With smaller living spaces and a preference for practicality, most younger people aren’t interested in these elaborate dishes. Estate sales are overflowing with china sets, often selling for just a fraction of their original cost.Collectible Plates and Figurines
Items like Franklin Mint plates and Hummel figurines were marketed as wise investments. However, their market value has tanked. Those plates that once cost $50 are now often found for just $5. Many still believe in their worth, creating a disconnect between sentiment and reality.Encyclopedias
Physical reference books, like a 1985 set of Encyclopedia Britannica, are practically obsolete. With instant information available online, most people don’t need outdated physical books. Libraries even struggle to find homes for donated encyclopedias; many end up recycled.DVDs and CDs
While parents may have an extensive collection of DVDs, younger people stream everything. The resale value of these discs has plummeted, with many secondhand stores no longer accepting them.Stamps and Coins
Collections of common stamps or coins are generally worth less than the albums they’re kept in. As online collecting becomes more accessible, the interest from younger generations has waned. A father I know confidently built a state quarter collection, only to find it valued at a mere $12.50.Costume Jewelry
Many believe costume jewelry retains value. In reality, only high-quality pieces do. Jewelry from department stores is often worth less than what’s paid at resale shops.Crystal and Glassware
Once a wedding registry staple, crystal is now seen as impractical. Younger folks opt for sturdy, dishwasher-safe alternatives over delicate, hand-wash items.Antique Furniture
Boomers often hold on to furniture they believe is “antique,” but much of it is just mass-produced and lacks real value. Items that seemed essential in the past, like large oak furniture, often don’t fit today’s minimalist lifestyles.
Conclusion
Reflecting on these collections brings up strong emotions. They hold memories and stories but may not hold the financial value their owners think. For many, the true treasure isn’t the item itself but the memories attached to it.
Conversing about this with kindness is crucial. Acknowledging the memories behind each piece can mean more than inheriting them. It’s about cherishing stories and connections rather than the objects.
If you’re part of the Boomer generation, consider using these items more frequently, letting them create new memories instead of storing them away. After all, the riches we leave behind are often in the moments shared, not just the material things.
Recent studies show how preferences continue to evolve, with many younger generations valuing experiences over possessions. Maybe it’s time to embrace that change.
