How to invest your $1,000 all depends on you...
what sort of investment horizon are you looking at? You could put the $1,000 into an index fund (the djia, s&p, nasdaq, etc) and leave it there for several years. This is *almost* a sure way of making money, as in general the markets tend to grow. On average, the dow has returned 11% over the past 75 years, with some years seeing returns as low as -30%. But like i said, depending on your horizon this may be an attractive option (ie put in the 1000 and leave it there for 5 - 10 years).
The key to that strategy is diversification. By diversifying you can lower your risk while keeping a relatively attractive level of return.
On the other hand, you could choose to put all $1,000 into one or two stocks and opt for the high risk high return scenario. This strategy can ONLY be employed when you realize there exists some chance you will lose your money, and are willing to accept that risk.
Or you could try a totally different investment vehicle. For instance, bonds. High grade bonds (A, AA, AAA) tend to have low yields but are fairly safe bets. Lower grade bonds/junk bonds (B and below) are high risk high return. I would only recommend opting for bonds if you want a steady stream of income, as opposed to capital gains (ie an increase in stock price).
just as a general rule, avoid mutual funds.
Also, you should avoid antiques as they tend to be illiquid. In other words, you'll have an easier time selling a stock than a 200 year old rocking chair. Along that note, one should also avoid jewels, art, or anything of the like. You will most likely not be knowledgeable enough in such things to make a decent appraisal, nor even know where or how to sell them. In the end you would probably end up having to pay someone else for these services, and it would cut into your profit margin.
As others have mentioned, cds are an option and if nothing else you should get at least some interest on your money - don't just let it sit under your mattress.
