10 Items You Should Always Buy at Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are some of the best places to shop, and I’ll confess my favorite stores to shop. There are so many great finds! Not only will you find some unique treasures, but you’ll always leave with a good deal. Since shopping at thrift stores is a great way to save money, there are some items you should always buy at thrift stores. Today we’ll focus on just ten of them. You should always search thrift stores for these items before heading to retail stores and paying full price. Let’s take a look…

Exercise Equipment

Let’s face it. Many of us don’t stick with our health goals. That’s why it only makes sense to shop for exercise equipment at thrift stores. You’ll find many pieces in like new condition. This is the perfect place to find treadmills, exercise bikes, and other equipment at a fraction of the retail price so you can switch up your workout routine, fight boredom and actually meet your health goals this year.

Furniture (Not Upholstered)

If you’re in the process of redecorating, or have just moved into a bigger house, you’ll want to shop at your local thrift stores for furniture. You may want to avoid upholstered pieces for health reasons unless you plan to reupholster them. Other items like tables, bookshelves, desks, and other pieces can be found at great prices and easily cleaned up for use. Some pieces may need a bit of love, but you can easily update them with paint and a little elbow grease to match your look.

Wall Decor

You also want to shop for artwork at thrift stores to find some really great pieces at affordable prices. If you want to make your own artwork, you can look for ugly paintings and change them up by painting over the surface to create a one-of-a-kind piece. I have an obsession with mirrors and have never purchased one at full price since I find them at thrift stores and yard sales. Another great find for wall decor are picture frames. Not only will you find them at a great price, but the chances of finding something antique and unique is much greater.

Small Appliances

Have you always wanted a bread maker but aren’t sure how often you’ll use it? Buy it at a thrift store. You’ll save a lot of money and it gives you a chance to try an appliance before investing in a more expensive model. Some small appliances I’ve tried from thrift stores include a cupcake maker, pancake maker, waffle iron, popcorn popper and dessert machine. I’m so glad I only spent $10 to find out I wouldn’t use $60 worth of appliances! All it took was one trip back to the thrift store to clear the clutter and give someone else a chance to eat popcorn and dessert! 

Books

Do you love to read? Thrift stores will become your new best friend. Always check your local thrift stores before heading to bookstores. Why pay $15 when you can score a paperback for only ten-cents? This allows you to really stock up, which is why I have my own personal library in my home. Best of all, at these prices, you can try several new-to-you authors without any pressure. 

Craft Supplies

If you’re a crafter like me, you’ll want to keep your eye out for craft supplies on your trips to the thrift store.  Crafty people often clear out their craft rooms and donate the items they no longer need (I just did this last week!), so this is your chance to find the supplies you need at a fraction of retail costs. Best of all, it’s a cheap way to try a new craft.

Dishes and glassware

Why pay full price for dishes, glassware and serving pieces when you can get them at a cheaper price? I recently found a beautiful set of glasses at my local thrift store for the grand price of $1. It’s amazing the deals you can find for serving pieces at thrift stores. Make it your first place to hunt for punch bowls, mugs, Christmas dishes, wine glasses and other pieces and you’ll be able to host a great dinner party for a fraction of the cost if you shopped retail.

Baskets

Thrift stores are usually stocked with baskets of different materials, sizes and colors. Find the perfect basket for your storage needs by sorting through the stash at your local thrift store. 

Knickknacks

Thrift stores are the perfect place to shop for knickknacks to spice up your home decor. Whether you’re looking for a paperweight or a set of bookends, chances are you’ll find what you need at an affordable price. Think outside the box when you’re looking over these items. Sometimes even the tackiest trinket can become a beautiful piece with a simple coat of spray paint.

Lamps and light fixtures

If you’re looking for a lamp or light fixture for your home, thrift stores are the perfect place to start your search. Even outdated pieces can be modernized with some paint and a new shade. Just be sure to check the wires to make sure they are in good shape before making a purchase. Most thrift stores will let you plug it in to make sure it’s in working order, so just ask.

Instead of heading to a department store, why not start your shopping trip at a thrift store? You never know what you’ll find and you could save big time. I know I have on many occasions. Tell me, what’s been your favorite thrift store score?