In the face of mounting cost-of-living pressures, Australians are increasingly turning to the sale of vintage items, according to new data from eBay. The online marketplace has reported a significant uplift in sales across a range of retro collectibles, suggesting a nostalgic response to economic strain.

The data reveals a marked increase in sales of vintage film cameras (up 208%), Nintendo 64 consoles (up 63%), CorningWare (up 51%), and vintage stamps (up 51%). These items, once commonplace, are now fetching high prices due to their rarity and nostalgic appeal.

Among the most expensive retro collectibles sold on eBay.com.au were a Rolleiflex Film Camera ($5,699 AUD), a Billionaire Beanie Baby ($2,800 AUD), a CorningWare 3 Piece Cornflour Blue Set ($900 AUD), and a Mimic the Monkey Pez Dispenser ($247.50 AUD).

Other vintage items seeing a surge in demand include Pez dispensers (sales up 39%), VCR players (sales up 36%), Le Creuset (sales up 34%), and digital cameras (sales up 20%).

"Collectibles have been at the core of eBay's identity since we arrived in Australia nearly 25 years ago and our data reveals that they're just as important to Aussies now as they were on day one," said eBay Australia's Head of Collectibles, Alaister Low. "We're seeing spikes in classic collectibles but also surprising items such as VCR players, CorningWare and Pez dispensers emerge, driven by nostalgia from people's childhoods. Australia is a diverse nation with a vibrant set of hobbies - and it's great to see people getting an opportunity to buy what they love or make some extra cash from what they already have at home. So rummage through those cupboards and garages to see what treasures you have hidden away."

Low said cost-of-living pressures were making consumers more critical of where they spend their money, and were prioritising their hobbies and passions. 

"This, in turn, creates extra opportunity for those looking to make some extra cash from what they may already have," he said.