The Comeback Categories
Turns out that time travel doesn’t require a DeLorean, you just need your phone and the Whatnot app. Nostalgia is making a comeback more than ever in 2025 with shoppers searching for throwback treasures. Here are the categories and items you can lean into on Whatnot that will strike that nostalgic chord for your audience.
Physical Media
Blow the dust off that old machine because the dawn of physical media is upon us again. Whether it’s VHSs, DVDs, vinyl records, books, CDs, or cassette tapes, the demand for these items has been steadily rising with audiences worldwide. While streaming networks are handy and widely accessible, many people are reverting back to old ways due to increasing subscription costs and limited catalogs. Here are a few sellers to check out that have been on the Physical Media train for a while.
Action Figures, Toys, & Comics
Older action figures, Toys, and comics are not only collectibles but they are like treasure for collectors. With vaulted items that are no longer being made, the value of them keeps increasing with time. A few examples of highly sought-after toys are TMNT figures and comics, Beanie Babies, G.I.Joes, Barbies, older Funko Pops, Star Wars retro figures, WWE figures, and vintage comics. If you're looking for some seasoned pros in Action Figures and Comics, check out these sellers.
Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing is having a major resurgence as shoppers embrace the thrill of thrifting, upcycling, and getting great deals. With sustainability top of mind and a desire for unique pieces, more people are turning to Whatnot sellers to refresh their wardrobes without breaking the bank. Thrifted finds offer a chance to not only snag timeless fashion but also contribute to a more eco-friendly approach to shopping. Want to find the best in vintage clothing? Start with these sellers.
Retro Trading Cards
Old trading cards are back in a big way with cards such as vintage baseball cards, vintage Pokémon cards, and classic movie cards leading the charge. Collectors are on the hunt for rare, high-value finds, driven by both nostalgia and the potential for big returns. Whether it's the excitement of the search or the memories of childhood favorites, these retro cards are more coveted than ever, proving that some treasures only improve with time even if it is made of cardboard and paper. Check out these sellers who’ve been riding the retro cards wave for quite some time.
In a digital world, there's something uniquely satisfying about holding onto a piece of history, making these items more popular than ever in 2025. Nostalgia is not just a trend, it’s shaping the way we shop, collect, and live. There's no better time than the present to lean into the past and sell it on Whatnot.
