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!
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