Lots of people don’t even give the thrift store a chance when it comes to buying home goods and other items. However, thrift stores offer some of the best deals on products that are in the same condition as new ones. Here are 12 of the best things to buy at thrift stores.
Best Things To Buy At Thrift Stores
- Kids’ clothes are an absolute steal at thrift stores! One, there’s no point in buying new clothes for your toddler when they’re going to grow out of them in a month or two. Second, since kids grow so fast, a lot of the clothes at thrift stores are barely ever worn, so they’re pretty much in great condition.
- Maternity clothes are another great buy at the thrift store. Because you’ll only be in maternity clothes for less than 9 months (and then you probably won’t ever wear them until you’re pregnant again), they’re a temporary expense that shouldn’t break the bank.
- While new movies are a little harder to find at the thrift store, there’s usually quite a great collection of older, unknown movies and also classics. Browse the DVD and movie section of the store, and you’ll be surprised at all the great finds they have!
- Thrift stores usually have a great selection of books to choose from. Not only that, but they’re usually incredibly cheap because, hey, it’s a thrift store. If you’re an exploratory reader and like to try new books, then start the habit of shopping at the thrift store. If you don’t like the book, at least it wasn’t that much!
- One of my favorite things to buy at the thrift store is games! My family and I love board games, and you can get some awesome ones for $2 or less! That’s a great deal! Just make sure that all the pieces are there and you should be good to go.
Clothes
- Lots of people go to thrift stores looking specifically for designer clothes and apparel. Because they’re used, the price is going to be half of the full new price, but the quality will (probably) be roughly the same. If you don’t mind hunting, you can find some great deals on designer clothes at most thrift stores.
Crafts-Furniture
- For those of you who love craft projects, consider buying furniture from the thrift store! It may sound crazy, but most furniture is in good condition, it just doesn’t always look that great. But with some paint, a creative eye, and some hard work, you can get a great looking piece of furniture at a fraction of the price of new ones.
- Dishware is another great deal from thrift stores. You can find some pretty awesome and quirky plates, cups, mugs, etc. that you can add to your collection. Just inspect them to make sure there aren’t any chips or cracks.
- Artwork at thrift stores is usually sold at a stellar price. You aren’t going to find any popular or famous paintings, but you can still find some that you like. And it’s even more fun when you can get a piece of art that looks good, matches your house, and doesn’t break the bank!
Home Decor
- Picture frames are one of the best deals that you’ll find at the thrift store. If the store is selling the frame, then it’s probably in good enough condition to be used. A used picture frame is pretty much identical to a new one, so why spend more money?
- Find some great home décor at the local thrift store. Anything from lamps to decorative vases are sold at great prices and are in good condition. Go to the store with certain décor in mind, and you’re sure to find at least some of them!
- It’s easy get a great deal on all sorts of accessories at the thrift store. Belts, jewelry, bracelets, etc. are in abundance at thrift stores, so browse through their selection and find something you love!
Now that you know these best things to buy at thrift stores, why not Check out more of our frugal living tips .
Or these thrifty tips.
Excellent advice. And most thrift stores in my area are great Charity organizations.
Buying from a thrift store mames sense but I would never buy books there. Children often touch books after putting their fingers in various orifices in their bodies and some people take books into the bathroom. The germs that books carry are pretty repellant.
Just as you wash or clean any clothes you buy at a thrift store, you need to do the same with books. A little disinfectant on a slightly dampened cloth should do the trick and make those receiving them happy campers!
I also disinfect the books with a little hydrogen peroxide on a damp cloth. But another good thing to do is microwave the books about 60 seconds and it will destroy any remaining “germs”. Just stand the book up, fan the pages and let it go 30-60 seconds, depending on the thickness of the book!
I never thought about the microwave option to sanitize books. Thanks for the tip!
That would rule out using the library!
Ha, sorry didn’t see your post first.
All these years I have been reading those disgusting library books! Who knew?
Do you clean the books you get from the library too?
Author basically just listed the items that thrift stores sell and encouraged readers to buy. No real information presented. Obvious filler article.
Commenter had nothing better to do than be negative. Why even comment if you are just going to say something like that? Obvious filler comment.
I’m of an older generation before pinterest. I searched for items like these mentioned by doing a lot of footwork and no shared ideas. When I was 10 yrs old I picked up a pencil and learned I could draw anything and letter paint. Thrift stores carry some pics that are dirt cheep because they can be horrible and those are the ones I purchase many times for pennies. With a little knowledge and cheep products..old canvas becomes new. Some of the greatest artists have painted over old canvas. Also I LOVE vintage furniture great bargins..trash to treasure. Start frugal habbits young in every area of life possible. Use the money you save for God..trips..retirement..college funds…anything you can imagine.
Great advice Peggy !
I love thrift stores and get many home furnishings and accessories there. It’s all about the hunt!
I LOVE thrift store shopping! My home wouldn’t be home without it.. I’m a lover if things old, antiques. I feeling I could get lost a bit back in time. Stores that are selling old things, antiques, are selling someones lives.. People saved, made do, and too care of each and every thing they owned. I feel a little “lost” in old antique shops. I’m getting ready to sell an old antique piano, I’m having a hard time with letting her go. A beauty. 1903, Armstrong upright Cabinet Grand. SHE sounds amazing, but my house isn’t really very big . The smaller one is really more conducive.
I Love Thrift Stores. This article is right on target….. I’ve purchased african american wall pictures (a pretty decor for my apartment (some are even christian)), I’ve purchased furniture ( from the rescue mission & they delivered for a small fee), VHS & DVD’s. I also purchased glassware, books, ariel rugs, curtains and a few clothes. You must shop ( 2 to 3 hours or more depending on your time). I also found some nice winter boots & winter coats and sandals for the summer….. 99% of my shopping is at thrift stores & I’m not ashamed of it because I find great buys. I’m not a hoarder…… I’m a senior living on a fix income but I feel bless!!!
I freeze books to sanitize them.
I love thrift shops and got such nice deals there.
Otherwise long time to dig for treasures nothing prevents me from going there when i can.
I used to be an avid thrift store shopper. Nowadays not so much. Have to be very careful, especially with upholstered furniture and possibly a range of other items. Bedbugs don’t live only on beds. Fleas are another potential problem, but they’re easier to get rid of. I once saw a collection of small stuffed toys at my local thrift that had been put in a zip locked bag. That bag was just jumping with fleas. I pointed it out to a clerk who threw it away. Just beware.