There is nothing like the high of treasure hunting at the thrift store and finding the most incredible gems. And in order to find those gems you really need to keep your mind open when you are browsing thrift store aisles. There is so much more than just ratty local sports team t-shirts at thrift stores. So much more actually… and below we are going to chat more about that! I want to share and chat about the 40 items that you might not have thought to look for at the thrift store. But that can add so much value and character to your home and style.
So let’s get into it so you can keep your eyes open on your next thrift store run and hopefully this inspired you to thrift a little more and buy new a little less-
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40 Items You Didn’t Think To Thrift For!
Helpful things to look for while thrifting:
Thrift item idea 1: Picture frames– first things first, never pay for picture (including wall art) frames! Thrift stores have endless aisles of frames that will work in every color scheme and home aesthetic.
Thrift item idea 2: Jeans– of all the clothing items I recommend thrifting for instead of buying new its jeans. They are already broken in and soften from washing. Also- guys there is only so many cuts and shades of denim jeans. No matter the current trend I guarantee it already trended before and you can find whatever style of jeans you’re looking for at the thrift store with a little digging.
Thrift item idea 3: Craft supplies– This one surprised me when I started thrifting but you can find so many craft supplies. Yarn, thread, stamps, scrapbooking paper, etc. plus the thrift store is filled with things begging to be upcycled as a fun craft too!
Thrift item idea 4: Sports equipment– Kid decided to try their 4th sport this year? Don’t waste money on expensive equipment because your fellow parents have already donated their kiddos old equipment.
Thrift item idea 5: Table cloths/ runners– Every color, style, etc of table cloths + runners you can dream of are sitting out there at a thrift store somewhere. Make sure to check for stains and give it a good washing when you get home with hot water before putting on your table for sanitization (same with new ones too though!).
Thrift item idea 6: Planters– Stores are out here charger $80 for a piece of terracotta you are going to fill with dirt… save your money and get unique planters at the thrift store. I’ve found so many cool ones for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Thrift item idea 7: Baskets / storage containers– Thrift stores are better than the container store- there I said it! Baskets (especially classic, quality wicker baskets) and really any storage container type fill the aisles.
Thrift item idea 8: Cookbooks– I adore cookbook both aesthetically and for use of course- and secondhand stores are full of ones! Seriously every dietary preference, cuisine, or aesthetic you are looking for you’ll find a cookbook for at a thrift store in your town.
Thrift item idea 19: Serving trays– No need to spend a ton on serving trays you will only use once a year max. Get a gorgeous vintage one secondhand instead!
Thrift item idea 10: Manual appliances- Coffee makers, toasters, fans, etc. Appliances that are simple are perfect to thrift and often they actually last longer and are more reliable than equally priced appliances you can buy new now.
Thrift item idea 11: Luggage– Thrifting for luggage is a great way to keep travel prices down! Make sure to check the zippers or wheels if relevant.
Thrift item idea 12: Wedding decor– I swear by thrifting for wedding decor, we got a huge portion of our wedding decor including all our glass vases/hurricanes:
Thrift item idea 13: Dress shirts– don’t waste money on dress shirts compared to every other type of shirt (okay maybe tied with t-shirts but we all know to thrift for those right?) because thrift stores are packed with them.
Thrift item idea 14: Jackets– Similar to dress shirts, jackets are easy and plentiful at most thrift stores.
Thrift item idea 15: Vintage jewelry– Unless you are experienced in identifying jewelry /jewels/ gems whatever I would recommend not spending much on jewelry at thrift stores BUT that’s not usually a problem and you can find insanely affordable jewelry when thrifting.
Thrift item idea 16: Board games- of course there can be a risk of missing pieces but so many games it doesn’t even matter and for a couple bucks a game it’s worth the risk in my opinion.
Thrift item idea 17: Wall art– Love, love, LOVE shopping for wall art at thrift stores- save money and find unique wall art!
Thrift item idea 18: Clocks– Why do new clocks cost so much?! The answer is to hit up some thrift and vintage stores to find gorgeous clocks at a quarter of the price.
Thrift item idea 19: Seasonal decor– this is my go to thing to check at thrift stores!! I know that seasonal decor trends have become a big thing but the classic pieces you can find while thrifting never go out of style.
Thrift item idea 20: Basic shirts– Basics at the thrift store seems to be forgotten about a lot… but thrift stores have years and years worth of basics. Many of which are high quality materials- check the labels and get familiar with the clothing materials you prefer before going to thrift for basics!
Thrift item idea 21: Mirrors– Another thing that may not have occurred to you automatically but you can always find some mirrors at thrift stores. But if you have an antique mall specifically near you that’s where I have found the best mirrors.
Thrift item idea 22: Leather bags– Leather goods are not only way more sustainable and ethical when shopped secondhand but they also are wayyyy cheaper and you can find unique and gorgeous designs too.
Thrift item idea 23: Glassware– I swear by thrifting glassware. Beautiful shapes, colors, and designs if you want them or full sets of plain glassware can be found too. Check the inside of boxes that are often on the bottom shelves for sets of matching glassware.
Thrift item idea 24: Outdoor gear– Camping, hiking, fishing… whatever your outdoor activities are you can find gear and supplies while thrifting. Especially if you are thrifting in an area where those activities are common.
Thrift item idea 25: Pajamas– No need to spend $90 on polyester pajamas being pushed on IG! Thrift stores usually have a whole aisle of pajamas and sleepwear.
Thrift item idea 26: Pitchers– This might seem random but pitchers are awesome to thrift for. There’s so many options and styles at every thrift store.
Thrift item idea 27: Lamps– Lamps are all over the thrift stores, and usually they have options for you to plug them in to ensure they work!
Thrift item idea 28: Small wood furniture– Antique malls, estate sales, and garage/yard sales are usually where I recommend getting secondhand furniture but small wood furniture is perfect to find at regular thrift stores.
Thrift item idea 29: Jewelry boxes/ organizers– A vintage jewelry box will elevate your vanity but really any jewelry storage and organizing tools can be found when thrifting.
Thrift item idea 30: Belts– Quality belts cost sooo much new but you can get ones of awesome quality at thrift stores for way less.
Thrift item idea 31: Closet organizing tools- unique and regular shaped hangers, bins, etc. Thrift stores tend to have awesome things that someone else may no longer need for organizing closets but could be so helpful for you.
Thrift item idea 32: Wood shelving– I honestly don’t understand why there is always pretty wood shelving at thrift stores but there is so don’t buy it at Target when you could spend less for a more unique piece.
Thrift item idea 33: Printers– Random I know but thrift stores are the perfect place to get a printer that you probably only need twice a year anyway.
Thrift item idea 34: Coffee table books– LOVE shopping for coffee table books at thrift stores- you will find the coolest and most unique books that people will actually want to flip through.
Thrift item idea 35: Kettles– enjoy a nice mug of tea? Don’t waste hundreds on a name brand kettle instead get a vintage one that works just as well at the thrift store and will look beautiful sitting on your stove.
Thrift item idea 36: Placemats– Placemats are always plentiful at thrift stores and if yours get destroyed often you might as well thrift them but make sure to wash with hot water before using.
Thrift item idea 37: Children’s toys– Kids get bored with toys so quickly so keep the cycle sustainable and budget friendly by thrifting (and donating!) kids toys.
Thrift item idea 38: Decorative boxes- a storage hack I swear by is storing things on visible shelves but in pretty decorative boxes!
Thrift item idea 39: Instruments– So many common instruments can be found at thrift stores! A great way to try an instrument to see if you (or your kiddo) wants to learn it.
Thrift item idea 40: Pottery– Lastly is one of my favorite things to thrift for: pottery! Whether it comes from a manufactured situation or is made by someone for fun, either way it’s a beautiful find.
Korra-Shay
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