My husband who has been working out of state for several months, just got back a few days ago 🙂 It’s been so nice to just hang out and do the things we like to do together. One of those things is thrift shopping. Most people have no idea how many awesome things you can find at thrift stores. We took a little trip to my favorite thrift shop yesterday and picked up this French Provincial dresser:
This week I’m going to start to refinish/flip it and then I’ll share it with all of you. *UPDATE* Find the dresser makeover HERE. Since visiting thrift stores is something we do fairly often, I thought today I’d share a list of 11 things to buy at a thrift store. These are items I have purchased numerous times and will continue to buy because they’re such a great deal.
1. Furniture
The first of the “11 Things To Buy At A Thrift Store” is furniture. I love buying second hand furniture at thrift shops. See above photo ⇑. There are so many great deals and with a little work, these pieces can be transformed into something that’s better than brand new. Plus, you will pay a tiny fraction of what you would if you were to buy these items new anywhere else.
2. Books
Thrift stores are full of books just waiting to be read by someone, anyone (you). I don’t think I will ever buy another book again for full retail price because I know how many great books are sitting on the shelves of thrift stores. I love reading. John Grisham is my favorite and (at least) the last 5 books of his I have purchased have been from thrift stores and cost less than $2/book.
3. Antiques
This one can fit in quite well in the ‘furniture’ category but there are so many other antiques besides furniture that you can find at a thrift store. I’ve gotten antique lamps, kitchen items, books, and jewelry, all from thrift shops.
4. Kids’ Clothing
Kids grow fast. I cannot imagine buying both of my kids’ clothes brand new, all the time. Not only are new clothes expensive, but kids can be really rough on clothes. What’s more, kids only stay a size a very short while, especially babies. Thrift stores are packed with kids’ clothing in good condition. You’d be surprised at how many name-brand and designer clothes I find for my kids while thrift shopping—items I would never pay full price for, yet are in excellent condition. Just make sure to check for holes, stains, or any imperfections before you purchase as you probably won’t be able to return these items.
5. Seasonal Décor
Just yesterday we saw two full shelves of holiday décor and even purchased some glass ornaments. Before you go out and spend a fortune on decorating your home for the Holidays, check the thrift store.
6. Dishware
Need new dishes? Thrift stores are full of dinnerware sets, stemware, silverware…you name it, they probably have it.
7. Gift Wrap
I have a closet full of wrapping paper, ribbon, gift tags, greeting cards, and gift bags that I have picked up from thrift stores. There is no need to spend a lot on gift wrap when you can stop by a thrift store and buy it for so much less.
8. Wall Décor
Picture frames, wall mirrors, and wall signs are some of my favorite things to buy at thrift stores. I have thrift store wall décor in almost every room in my house—including an 80’s mirror I completely transformed with Annie Sloan chalk paint that now hangs by my front door.
9. Table Linens
Thrift stores usually have a large selection of tablecloths, placemats, and even aprons in good condition. Before you head to a department store, check a thrift store.
10. Candles
I see so many brand-new, never-lit candles at thrift stores. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a thrift store that didn’t have at least a shelfful of new candles. They are also incredibly inexpensive compared to what you would pay for essentially the same thing at another store.
11. Jewelry
Last but not least on this list of “11 Things To Buy At A Thrift Store” is jewelry. Looking for unique jewelry you probably won’t see anyone else wearing? Check a thrift store. They typically have glass displays filled with of one-of-a-kind pieces, even some vintage. (Etsy is also great for unique secondhand jewelry)
That’s my list of 11 things to buy at a thrift store. Have you purchased any of these items at a thrift store? Leave me a comment and let me know!
I have bought all of these things and so much more. My family wouldn’t
know what to do if I came home with something NEW.
Love that!
Jewelry, glass servers, books, two pictures and a coffee coffee cup made by Humphrey, Bogart mother.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT, I HAVE MY FALL CANDELS ALREADY…I LOVE THRIFT SHOPS.SO MANY BEAUTIFUL DISHES…..
All very good suggestions & I agree w/ you on every item. I am an artist & am always looking for different sized frames w/ and w/o Matt’s. I have also found great beveled mirrors as well that all hang in my home incl a beautiful large one over the fireplace mantel.
I’ve found cedar lined trunks/ chests lately as well as beautiful baskets! However, especially w/ Goodwill, I’ve noticed an increase in sale prices so it’s a bit less fun.
Hello
Question is there an app to this like scanning items if it’s worth something
That’s a good question..I’m honestly not sure.
I see these lists all the time and tend to always agree on the majority but in your opinion, what are the WORST things you can buy at a thrift store besides the obvious stuff like bed linens and bras…..
Oooooh good question! I’ll have to think about that.
Those really are the top things to shop for. I had a booth for 5 years and I would get everything at thrift stores and upcycle and paint things. I just gave up my booth and I miss the thrift store. I guess now I can go for me!!!
Yes, go for yourself and enjoy!
Awesome. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
I have always bought all of the above items at a thrift store. Name brand clothing, anchor hocking casserole dishes, candles that have hardly been used, table linens are my favorite.
I can’t agree more!!! There are very few things that I buy that are new and most of that is clearance. I do buy adult clothes there too.
Thanks for sharing, Windy!
I buy jeweller and if I don’t like it I take it to pieces and rewire with other beads etc.
I always look out for craft things
I love your dresser !
What a great find .
So happy you and your husband are able to get out and treasure hunt together.
Thank you so much, Margie! What a sweet, thoughtful comment. Have a great holiday weekend.
I buy Christmas decor at my local thrift store
There were SO many ads that it was very difficult to read and look at your example items.
I apologize! Will be fixing this.
Clothes! I don’t buy new anymore. If I don’t like it after wash and wear, the cloth is usually pretty enough for making into something else, or cleaning rags. I’m a seamstress and would rather recycle the cloth. A great YouTube, up-cycle, sewing teacher is ‘Catherine Sews’. I learn so much from her 🥰
I love thrifting and yard saling. But thrifting is my favorite bc no matter the weather you can enjoy yourself. I usually go now with my daughter or my husband and sometimes both. This was a thing I started doing as a young child with my granddaddy. So saving money finding deals, and never paying full price is right up my alley. My daughter is following right behind me and my son; does also. If they can save and get a deal that’s what they want and the good thing is they married people that are the same and love thrifting…
Love love love. You inspired me. Thank you.
I definitely do not like the old dresser you painted. Did you fix the bad spots or painted over it? I think sanding it and staining it perhaps a new fresh stain and a varnish would have brought it back to life.
I love it! You can’t please everyone, I suppose. I repaired the flaws before painting.
What a lovely response!
Yes, I have bought children’s clothes at a thrift shop and they have had new labels still attached. My daughter got a fab denim long dress which was also new.
I have bought Ansley China too. All bought from different shops.
I have not bought NEW furniture for home in years. The older furniture was made with Real wood, the craftsmanship is Awesome. The people who made furniture took pride in everything they made, not so today. I have my furniture sanded and stained back to its natural shade by people who take pride in what they do. Then I decorate my room accordingly. I realize that lots of people do not like the older look, however, it is my home, you can talk about after you leave. May God Bless American again, !!
I completely agree! We only have old, solid wood furniture in our home. The new, cheap stuff is also a hazard for babies and young children.
I just picked up a Tommy Hilfiger white denim jacket for my future great grandson. Yeah. So many items I’ve found for my Antique Store in various thrift stores.
Awesome!
The info is inspiring and sooo helpful to me for my shop .
I’m so glad!
Just bought a pair of Chinese porcelain table lamps at my favorite thrift shop this week, $45 for the pair. Very pretty hand-painted pattern. They do need new shades and harps but that’s easy enough.
Awesome!