I no longer buy many things at full price because thrift stores are often the first place I check. People donate furniture, books, kitchen goods, and other belongings they barely used, giving shoppers a chance to buy them for much less than retail.
Of course, a low price doesn’t automatically make something a good buy, and thrift store prices have climbed in many places. Still, if you take your time and inspect what you’re buying, you can find plenty of secondhand goods worth bringing home.
Furniture
Dressers, nightstands, tables, bookshelves, and other solid furniture can be great finds, especially if they need little more than cleaning or a fresh finish. Check that each piece is sturdy, open the drawers, inspect the underside, and look closely at upholstered furniture before deciding whether the price makes sense.
Related: 15 Thrift Store Treasures That Could Make You a Small Fortune!
Books
Books are hard to justify buying at full price when thrift stores often have shelves of novels, cookbooks, children’s books, coffee-table books, and newer releases for less. Look through the pages for stains, writing, or missing sections before taking a book home.
Related: The Vintage Books You Should Look for When Thrifting
Picture Frames and Mirrors
New frames and mirrors can cost more than expected, while thrift stores often have plenty tucked into the home décor section. Don’t rule out a piece just because you dislike its finish; a coat of paint or a little cleaning can give it a fresh look.
Kids’ Clothes
Children outgrow clothes so quickly that shirts, dresses, jackets, and pants often reach thrift stores with plenty of wear left. Check for stains, worn knees, broken zippers, and missing buttons, and you may find name-brand pieces for a fraction of their original price.
Related: 12 Things Parents Wish Their Adult Kids Would Finally Take Home
Seasonal Décor
Before spending a lot on decorations for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or another holiday, browse the thrift store shelves first. Ornaments, wreaths, stockings, artificial greenery, and tabletop decorations often turn up after someone changes their decorating style or clears out old storage boxes.
Dishes and Glassware
Thrift stores can be a good place to find plates, bowls, serving dishes, mugs, wine glasses, and other kitchen basics without buying an entire new set. Check each piece for chips, cracks, and rough edges, especially if you plan to use it for food and drinks.
Cast Iron and Quality Cookware
An old cast-iron skillet or sturdy piece of cookware may still have years of use left, even if it looks worn on the shelf. Check for cracks, loose handles, and serious damage, since a piece that needs a little cleaning or reseasoning may be worth buying while a badly damaged one is better left behind.
Related: 10 Familiar Grocery Store Items You May Never See Again
Gift Wrap and Gift Bags
Thrift stores sometimes have unopened wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, greeting cards, tissue paper, and gift bags at prices well below those at regular stores. Since wrapping supplies are often used once or passed along after a single event, secondhand options can save money without affecting how a gift looks.
Table Linens
Tablecloths, runners, cloth napkins, placemats, and aprons are easy to miss because they may be tucked beside the bedding or hidden on a lower shelf. Check for stains, holes, and worn fabric, then wash any suitable finds before using them at home.
Lamps
Thrift stores may have everything from simple bedside lamps to older styles with decorative bases that cost much more at a home décor store. Check the cord, plug, switch, and overall stability before use, and keep in mind that you may need a replacement shade if you like the base but dislike the top.
Baskets and Storage
Baskets, wicker bins, crates, and storage containers can cost a surprising amount at home stores, so it’s worth checking thrift shops before buying them new. Look for sturdy handles, secure bases, and signs of mold or damage if you plan to store blankets, toys, or other household goods in them.
Candles and Candleholders
Some thrift stores carry unused or barely used candles alongside candlesticks, lanterns, and other holders. Look for candles with clean wax and stable holders free of cracks, and skip any with damage that could make them unsafe to burn.
Jewelry
The jewelry counter deserves a closer look because thrift stores may carry anything from costume jewelry to older vintage pieces. Check clasps, missing stones, markings, and the overall condition, and compare prices before paying extra for a piece you believe may be collectible.
Craft and Hobby Supplies
Before buying supplies for your next project at full price, check the thrift store for materials from hobbies someone else has set aside. Yarn, fabric, sewing notions, knitting needles, craft tools, scrapbooking materials, frames, and unopened packages can all turn up for less than you’d pay new.
