Don’t ditch your vintage kitchen gear just yet.
You probably know the old adage “what’s old is new again,” but did you know there’s actually a market for vintage tupperware on sites like Etsy and eBay? Turns out, some pieces can retail for quite a bit of money (though you probably won’t make as much off them as you would selling your vintage Pyrex.)
Select sets from Tupperware’s Wonderlier line orServalier line could retail for hundreds of dollars. Other vintage Tupperware pieces typically sell online for $2 to $20 each, but could be more, depending on the condition and age of the items.
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Stacy Verdick Case sells vintage Tupperware in her store, Peony Lane Designs, and on Etsy. Case told TODAY she recommends checking out garage sales and estate sales for vintage pieces. According to Case, those most popular Tupperware comes in the “Crystal” color, since the company still makes replacement lids in that shade. The midcentury “Millionaire” line of pinks, greens, and blues are still highly sought after, too.
Whether you inherited your storage containers from your mom, or found a set at the thrift store, there’s something inherently cool about using vintage Tupperware. By buying vintage, you’re practicing sustainability and reusing something from a different generation. Plus, Tupperware is one of those kitchen workhorses that still functions perfectly after decades of use.
If you’re interested in scooping up some vintage Tupperware, but aren’t sure if it’s legit, there’s an easy way to tell. Case said, “To authenticate any piece of Tupperware, look for a two-part number (its mold number) stamped somewhere on the product and make sure the word "Tupperware" is also visible.”
FAQs
Though no one is likely to become a millionaire from selling old Tupperware containers (the pieces aren't going for hundreds of dollars like vintage Pyrex dishes), select sets from the pastel-hued Wonderlier line or the Servalier line (which features bolder opaque tones) could certainly net the seller a few hundred ...
Is Tupperware from the 70s worth anything? ›
Classic Tupperware of the 1970s
One of the most coveted sets from this era is the nesting Servalier canisters, which sell for around $75 for a set of three in mint condition.
How can you tell if Tupperware is vintage? ›
Look at its colors: pieces from the 1940s and '50s are white or pastel, while later items are saturated in bright hues. Each of the storage canisters in the Servalier line, which nested within one another in graduated sizes, came with a decorative flower emblem on its smudge-proof textured exterior.
What is the oldest Tupperware product? ›
1940s. Tupperware products are first debuted by chemist Earl S. Tupper in Massachusetts, including the still-iconic Wonderlier® Bowl.
Does anyone buy old Tupperware? ›
What can I do with old plastic Tupperware? Sell it at the flea market, or the swap meet, or have a yard sale. Whatever doesn't sell, donate to a thrift shop.
Should you keep old Tupperware? ›
While there is no set timeframe for replacing plastic food containers, experts say they should be tossed out when they show visible wear, chips, cracks, or signs of stains and odors. In place of plastic containers, experts recommend opting for glass or stainless steel instead.
What made Tupperware so special in 1954? ›
In the 1950s, plastic became indispensable--especially in products for the home. Foremost were Tupperware's "Wonderlier" bowls--lightweight, flexible, and unbreakable, with a patented air-tight seal to keep foods fresher longer.
Does vintage Tupperware contain lead? ›
Vintage tupperware may contain lead and arsenic in pigments that were used. The degree to which these tupperware containers leach the lead would vary depending on the quality of the tupperware and the things stored in it.
What happened to Tupperware 1951? ›
Tupper himself eventually heard about Wise's success. In 1951, he hired her to be vice president of marketing for Tupperware. Tupper remained focused on the manufacturing side of the business, while Wise built out Tupperware's network of dealers and most public-facing parts of the company.
Is 40 year old Tupperware safe to use? ›
Is 40 year old Tupperware® safe? Vintage Tupperware as we like to call it is not bad for you. If your containers are still in mint condition from 1960 – well done! We do recommend a kitchen refresh as our products are regularly updated and made with more durable, environmentally friendly and sustainable materials.
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
In the event of a product's failure to meet the foregoing warranty, Tupperware, at its election, will either replace the affected product with a like or similar product or provide toward future purchases of Tupperware® brand products.
What do the numbers mean on the bottom of Tupperware? ›
On the bottom of most plastic packaging and containers is a number surrounded by a triangle. Many assume this is means the item is recyclable, but this isn't always true. Those numbers represent different resin identification codes that indicate what plastic the product was made from.
Why did Tupperware go out of business? ›
Sales have been declining at Tupperware for years, as competition in the plastic storage container business has increased dramatically, with competitors offering products at substantially lower prices.
Is it safe to use 1970s Tupperware? ›
The Tupperware® brand didn't nix BPA until 2010, and truly vintage Tupperware may even leach heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic into stored food. Suddenly those leftovers don't sound very appetizing…
What Tupperware should I throw out? ›
If any of your containers have a #3, #6, or #7, those should be disposed of because they are considered high-risk plastics. If you're going to use one of the safer plastics, it's best not to store acidic or greasy foods in them.
What does the number on Tupperware mean? ›
Most containers have the Tupperware symbol of three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. This means that you can recycle your Tupperware, and it tells you the specific plastic it is! Even if you destroy your Tupperware, you can still be earth friendly and let it die responsibly in the recycling bin.
