17 Unbeatable Thrift Store Finds That Are Worth Every Penny
Thrift shopping is a great way to save money and find unique products. It’s the perfect place to discover vintage items that add charm to your home.
I bump into plenty of great finds whenever I go thrift shopping. While some might have minor issues, they’re usually fixable with sewing, washing, or painting. It’s a small effort, but I’m willing to do it if it allows me to take new treasures home.
With so many items you can find at thrift stores, you never know which ones deserve a space in your home. To give you a hand, we’ve gathered a list of things you should never pass up at the thrift store.
1. High-Quality Clothing
Just because they’re cheap doesn’t mean that thrift clothes are poor quality. You can find plenty of beautiful clothes at thrift stores worth taking home. That’s why you should go through every piece of clothing, as you can never know which one is worth more than its price.
Check the brand of the clothes to find luxury items. Apart from the brand name, check the quality of the material and its work. Some brands use high-quality materials with good stitching techniques for a fraction of the luxury brand’s costs.
2. Vintage Jewelry
There’s something about the charm of vintage jewelry compared to a modern piece. Vintage jewelry has a more intricate design with handmade details. It’ll surely elevate any outfit.
The thrift store is the perfect place to score reasonable vintage jewelry prices. If you were to visit jewelry stores or pawnshops, you’d be surprised with how much they can cost. Apart from accessorizing, you can always sell the jewelry for profit.
3. Cast Iron Cookware
Plenty of modern cookware aims to provide quality and more comfortable cooking. However, nothing will beat classic cast iron cookware. It’s because they give the best results without the harm of chemicals that some modern pieces have.
Most cast iron cookware has only a few stains or rust spots. However, with a good cleaning routine, you can remove those imperfections and make them look brand new. Also, check out Dutch ovens, which are good quality and will last for years.
4. Vintage Glassware
Vintage glassware has a touch of elegance that’ll surely make your dining table look fabulous. While modern touches are nice, adding some antiques can make it look more expensive and bring out character.
Often, you can spot some mismatched China glassware at thrift stores. Don’t step back; think of it as its design and charm. Moreover, your guests can quickly identify which glassware is theirs during a party since it will have a unique design compared to the rest.
5. Books
A thrift store is home to old and rare books unavailable in bookstores. Scan through the books at the thrift stores, and you might find some hidden gems inside.
Look for books with signed copies or unique illustrations. You can also explore new authors or genres and gain more appreciation for classic literature. Be sure to check the condition of the book to see if you'd want to add it to your home library.
6. Furniture
One of my favorites to thrift is furniture. Shopping for brand-new furniture can be expensive and usually uses low-quality materials. However, most of the materials I find in thrift stores use high-quality materials for a fraction of the price.
Some thrift furniture items look outdated, but there are ways you can modernize them. You can restore the wood, paint it with a modern color, and replace the fabric to add a more elegant touch. You can also flip and sell the item to earn money once it's restored.
7. Studio Pottery
Handmade pottery typically costs more as they’re intricate and require good craftsmanship skills. While there are modern pottery products you can buy today, nothing beats the classics made in the 60s or 50s.
Look for studio pottery that goes well with your home’s decorations. Ideally, you shouldn’t repaint them to preserve their vintage beauty. But if you’re happy with the shape, just not with the colors, feel free to paint over it.
8. Fabric
Back in the day, fabrics were costly, so people saved extra fabric for future use. However, they often forget about their fabric, so they end up going to thrift shops.
If you have an eye for fashion, you can utilize vintage fabrics. You can turn a simple fabric into a sophisticated dress or top as you match it with modern stitches and patterns.
9. Jeans
I often find a good pair of jeans when I shop at thrift stores. Although finding the perfect size is hard, I can have them altered to fit my body well.
Look for jeans with excellent quality materials and good stitching techniques. Also, watch out for stains and holes, which are usually hard to repair. Sometimes, I transform jeans into shorts or give them a ripped design to conceal imperfections.
10. Perfume
Luxury perfumes can cost hundreds of dollars. To experience luxury without burning your pocket, visit the thrift store.
The thrift store usually offers luxury perfumes that are still in mint condition. Some might be halfway done, but it’s a good buy since you don’t have to spend a ton to try out a scent. You can check if the smell lasts the whole day and if it changes when applied to your skin. Be sure to check the color of the perfume and how it's stored, as that may affect the quality and smell.
11. Vase
I always love finding a good vase at thrift stores. A vase can easily bring character to your home and can make my living room look sophisticated and put-together.
A thrift store has plenty of vases with exquisite character. You can just look for a suitable shape and repaint them to match your home’s theme.
12. Chandeliers and Lamps
Light fixtures can be expensive, especially if you focus on luxury and antique design. Shop at thrift stores for affordable chandeliers and lamps as they’re cheaper and unique.
You can always repaint your chandelier and lamps to make their features pop. My favorite way to work with these decorations is to spray paint it matte black for a modern touch.
13. Handbags
The thrift store is the perfect place to find designer handbags that are too expensive to buy brand-new. It’s a great way to be chic without spending a ton. Shopping for handbags at a thrift store is also perfect if you frequently change your bags or want to make sure they're a perfect match for your outfit.
When buying handbags, only purchase authentic ones. There are plenty of fake luxury bags, which you need to be on the lookout for. Check the stitches and material inside and outside the bag.
14. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are now making a comeback. Returning to the classics is always lovely; they feel retro and fun.
Head to thrift stores and shop for vinyl records. Check for scratches or wear and tear on the cover. Also, look out for collectible vinyl records, as they can increase in value over time.
15. Board Games and Puzzles
It’s always nice to play with your family and friends. However, it's better to detach from technology and stick to the classics: good ‘ol puzzles and board games. You can find good ones at thrift stores instead of buying them in stores.
You can even find brand-new puzzles and board games at thrift stores for half the original price. You can also look for older games and enjoy them instead; just be sure to check if they're complete.
16. Sport Equipment
I’ve always wanted to try new sports but fear the costs. I'm not talking about lessons, but the equipment they require. A tennis racket, boxing glove, and golf club all cost so much, and not every court rents out equipment.
Visit a thrift store and shop for sports equipment. That way, you can try new sports without paying hefty prices. Just check for scratches or dents, as they can affect gameplay for some items.
17. Holiday Decorations
If you’re like me and like to decorate the house every holiday, you should buy your trinkets at thrift stores. Buying brand-new decorations can be expensive and impractical if you want to change themes multiple times a year.
When you buy from a thrift store, you can get incredible decorations at a fraction of its brand new price. Plus, most holiday decorations are sold by the box, so you can have a complete set of everything.
