Thrift store shopping has always been a part of my life. We struggled financially for many years when we were first married. First, my husband was in school, then I had kids and chose to stay home with them instead of paying for childcare. But I still wanted to have a nice home and decorate for holidays. What could I do?
I started hitting local garage sales but that was difficult with small children. Our local garage sales weren’t consistent and were really hit-and-miss. But thrift stores were another story. Most of them had baskets I could put my kids in as we strolled around the store. But best of all were the days my husband (aka, Bikeman) would be off work. He would watch the kids, I would map out the local thrift stores, and I could hit 5 to 6 thrift stores PLUS buy groceries in one afternoon!
Slowly over the years, my painting and DIY skills improved as I hauled home various pieces of furniture and home decor. Sometimes my poor Bikeman just looked at my haul and shook his head. But he was (usually) pleased with the outcome of my thrift store makeovers.
After 30 years of thrift store shopping and repurposing many of my finds I decided to put together a list for those of you who are just getting started with thrifting. Here are 25 things I STILL look for when I’m shopping at thrift stores along with lots of ways to use them.
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Thrift Store Shopping – 25 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy
Books. I buy books to read, books to decorate with, and even books that are falling apart. The pages can be used for other projects or illustrations pulled out to frame. And speaking of frames…
Frames. Most of the frames in my house have come from thrift stores. I use them as they were intended, to hold photos, or for other purposes, like displaying jewelry. You can also turn them into inspiration boards, chalkboards, magnet boards, or bulletin boards. I like to paint the more ornate ones. It makes the detail really stand out. Here’s a list of some of my favorite DIY frame projects.
- Valentine Mini Frames
- Beautiful Painted Frames
- Using Antiquing Dust on Thrift Store Frames
- Another — How to Age Frames with Antiquing Dust
- Frames to Jewelry Display DIY
- DIY Chicken Wire Frames
- Painting Frames with a Palette Knife
- Shadow Box Frames
- Detailed Thrift Store Frame Makeover — dry brush technique
- Advent Calendar Frame
- 21 Different Thrift Store Frame Makeovers
Seasonal Decor. Much of my holiday decor has also been bought at thrift stores. Sometimes I get it so cheap I buy it before the holiday and then donate it after!
Here are a few examples of how I’ve repurposed thrifted items in our holiday and seasonal decor:
- Fall Wreath Made from a Rake
- Jello Mold Pumpkins
- DIY Bicycle Wreath
- Pumpkin Patch Sign from an Old Cabinet Door
- Junk Repurposed into Christmas Decorations
Furniture. We’ve bought kitchen and dining tables, end tables, china cabinets, chairs, and even a couch at thrift stores. For some reason, some stores around us always seem to have better furniture. Most of the furniture in the photo below was under $25. And that big hutch in the back was only $79. Here are a few of the pieces I’ve found and upcycled:
- Chalkboard Coffee Table
- Octagon Occasional Table
- Blue Chalkboard Table
- Vintage 70s End Table
- Retro Side Table
- $5.00 Spray Paint Corner Table Makeover
- 1950’s Chrome Table & Yellow Leather Chair
Here are some books that will give you even more ideas!!!
Salt and Pepper Shakers. I buy salt and pepper shakers all the time for 25-50 cents. The only time I’ve ever paid more than $1 is for some really fancy crystal shakers. I turn them into ornaments, necklaces, and more. Here are a few of my makeovers with salt and pepper shakers.
- Vintage Salt Shaker Christmas Ornaments
- Salt Shaker Photo Holders
- Old Salt Shaker Snow Globes
- Salt Shaker Necklace with VIDEO
Look for vintage wood pepper grinders, too… they can be painted, like these grinders that I made for our summer picnic caddy!
{{{ Also read 10 Top Thrift Store Tips }}}
More Thrifting Finds…
Dishes. Especially vintage dishes! My hubby loves brown drip pottery so that’s one of the things I’m always looking for. Do some research… Get a book on collecting Hull or McCoy pottery if you’re into brown drip like Bikeman!
Glasses, Cups, Mugs. As long as they don’t have chips or cracks these can be washed and even bleached before you use them. Or plant some succulents in them!
Leather Belts. Buy them to wear but don’t pass up old worn out belts either. They can be made into bracelets or used as straps on totes or bags.
Leather Purses, Bags, Totes. My daughter is really good at finding these on our thrifting shopping adventures. One of my all-time favorite purses was found at a thrift store. When it wore out I turned it into bracelets. Read how I turned my purse into bracelets here.
Candlesticks. I think I see candlesticks every time I go to the thrift store. Glass, metal, wood, ceramic, silver… just about any material you can think of. Think outside the box for these, too. Don’t just use them for candles. You can glue plates or pie tins on top to make your own cake or cookie display. You can see some below that I’ve used to display jewelry.
Toys. IF they have a hard surface that can be bleached. Or vintage toys that can be cleaned but they won’t be played with by kids.
Tools. I don’t really look for tools anymore since I don’t have a garage to store them in. Look for power tools, hand tools, and garden tools.
{{{ Also read 10 Things You Should NEVER Buy at a Thrift Store HERE.}}}
Even More Thrift Store Makeovers…
Mirrors. I love finding good mirrors to makeover! Here are a few I’ve found at thrift stores and painted:
Baskets. I see baskets in just about every thrift store I go to, also. And did you know that they’re super easy to paint? Here’s how I painted a picnic basket from the thrift store.
Jewelry Cabinets and Boxes. If you read my blog you’ll know that I buy LOTS of jewelry cabinet and boxes! Here’s what they start out looking like:
Take a look at ALL our jewelry cabinet and box makeovers here:
{{{ Also read 10 Tips for Jewelry Cabinet Makeovers }}}
Wood Trays. These are really cheap at thrift stores and so helpful to have in the kitchen, coffee table, bathroom, or craft room for rounding up smaller items. I love this wood tray with decoupaged music by Ella Claire! She bought it for $3!!!
Costume Jewelry. I buy lots of old jewelry, even (or ESPECIALLY) if it’s broken. You can usually get it really cheap. Often a whole jar full for $5-20.
Vases. I don’t think I’ve EVER bought a new vase. And remember that glass can be painted. I painted this simple 25 cent glass vase with chalk paint.
More Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Thrift Stores
Napkin Rings. Sometimes I find these in good shape. Other times I buy them to update with paint, beads, or fabric.
Vintage Silverware. There are so many options for old silverware! Of course, you can eat with it. Lots of people stamp on it. And recently I saw this project on Meegan Makes that I LOVE! She dipped cheap silverware into paint. I can’t wait to try that.
More Thrift Store Shopping Favorites …
Cast Iron. This seems to be getting harder to find. At least in our area. But there’s nothing like cooking with cast iron. And most of it can be cleaned if you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease!
Casserole Dishes and Pie Plates. I buy pie plates and tins all year long so when my hubby goes on his baking spree at Christmas we can give pies away without worrying about getting the dishes back. Same with the casseroles. Send a meal over to a family in need and tell them to just keep the dish or pass it along to someone else.
“Ugly” Art. Bikeman gives me a hard time about my “ugly” art but I love finding paintings by amateur artists or paint-by-numbers.
Vintage Luggage. These are great for extra storage. I’ve also painted a suitcase as a chalkboard and we used a small vintage suitcase to hold cards.
Shutters. These can be used as a headboard, jewelry organizer, or just wall decor. I also have a pair that I use to display jewelry at shows. Read the story of how I found the pair of black shutters hanging on our dining room wall for FREE.
Wood Coat Hangers. I find these all the time for 25 cents. I’ve collected enough to fill our coat closet plus I made special hangers for all Jordann’s bridesmaids last year.
I hope you enjoyed reading my list. Thanks for reading and let me know what you always buy at thrift stores!
More Thrift Store Tips
If you want MORE thrifting tips, check out these articles, too:
- 10 Tips for Buying Thrift Store Clothes That Will Save You Time & Money
- The 10 Thrift Store Tips You Need to Know Before Shopping
- 10 Things You Should Never Pass Up at Goodwill
- The Ultimate Guide to DIY Jewelry Box Makeovers
- The Top 10 Flea Market Tips You Need to Know Before Junkin’
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Stacey says
Oh my goodness, such great ideas! So many things come and go in style and to buy them this way makes a lot of sense.
I came over from the Blogging Over Breakfast Group. Pinned. 🙂
Leanne says
This is a great collection of ideas! I love thrifting at thrift stores!
Leah says
This is awesome! You make me want to go straight to my local thrift store and shop. I love finding good stuff there. The other day we took a trip there and found the COOLEST things. I got a 6-piece set of glass baby bottles for $4 and my husband found a toy crossbow. For him, obviously, not our one-year-old. 😉 We just recently (6 months ago) moved from a super small town where there was only one thrift store. I’m still getting back into the swing of bargain hunting/flipping used stuff. Thanks for this!
Shannon says
Love this! Going to post it on my FB. So would you be able to show me how to use belts to make new straps for a faux leather tote I have?? That would be fab!!!!
ducttapeanddenim says
Shannon, thanks! I sent you this link of FB. It’s a tutorial to use belts as straps: http://wecanredoit.blogspot.com/2011/09/striped-tote-and-zipper-pouch.html
Denise Bryant says
We’re on the same page, those are all my favorite thrift store finds! Great post.
Brittany Putman says
Thrift stores are seriously the best! My mom and I always go there to look for Star of David Glassware and I get so excited when we find some. Also I think buying furniture there is huge because it’s something that you can really save a lot of money on, especially if you are crafty! Thanks for sharing at the #LifeisLovely link up!
Rhiannon Skeen says
I LOVE these ideas! So many things I had not thought about before, but it makes perfect sense. As I was reading this I was thinking, “I’ve got to get to a thrift store soon!” Great list. #lifeislovely link up 😉
Meegan says
Thanks for including my painted silverware. There are SO many great ideas. I can’t wait to try some for myself.
ducttapeanddenim says
Sure, Meegan! I love your projects I’m sure I’ll be sharing more in the future! Especially repurposed projects. Let me know if you have any you think would be a good fit. Love your blog!
maria citlali says
Adorable!
Kim says
I love this list! I’m a milk glass, candle stick, and basket hunter!
Molly Spradley says
Fun list! I won’t buy any more used casserole or pie dishes made of glass after having one blow up in my oven (Pyrex). Ceramic may be safe but I’m going to replace all my pie pans with metal or stoneware now. My big thrifted collection is now getting repurposed for non-baking uses to keep my loved ones safe.
ducttapeanddenim says
Oh, no! I’ve never had anything like that happen. I’ll have to research that some more.
Sandra McCarrick says
Yes, had that happen to me many years ago. Haven’t used Pyrex since.
Cheryl Boyink says
So thrilled to find you! I have shopped Thrift Stores for over a dozen years, my husband thinks it’s junk mostly, but I love to reuse, reduce and recycle. Love your ideas! Can’t wait to dig out my storage unit full of inspiration and get busy!!
Allie says
I adore this page! Your ideas are awesome and so wonderfully creative! Thank you so much for sharing!
Toni | Small Home Soul says
I love a great thrift store, and I hit up Annie’s Attic today on your recommendation. Everything was 50% off 😀
ducttapeanddenim says
I went back today. It wasn’t 50% off but usually the day after they do that they put out a LOT of new stuff!
Ines says
Wonderful ideas! My husband and I have enjoyed shopping at thrift stores and remaking our finds. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas.
Shannon Atteberry says
The article sounds great, but it was hard to read on my iPad because of the vertical links for reposting the article were large and continued to stay centered on the left side of the screen. The links were covering the words/article.
ducttapeanddenim says
So sorry, Shannon! Do you mind letting me know what kind of phone you were on? They didn’t cover anything on my phone. I’ll look into it and see if I can get them moved. Thanks for letting me know.
Marcie Trautvetter says
Good ideas,,love to hear more..
Evelyn Newton says
My husband and I go on a thrift store hop quite often. (It’s like a bar hop but with no alcohol.) I look for craft supplies. I have found just lately, a die cutter, a paper cutter for large sized paper, acrylic stamps never used, yarn and scrapbook paper, just to name a few. I watch for vintage soda fountain items for the one we are putting together, fabrics, salt and pepper shakers (the tops make great tassels), Mexican silver bracelets that I bunch up my bathroom guest towels with so they hang pretty, shoe bags and wire baskets for storage in our fifth wheel, just to name a few. I love to diy and repurpose things. My husband gets into it big time. Our favorite thrift store is Grannies Attic. It’s a charity store for our local hospital.
ducttapeanddenim says
Just reading your comment makes me want to go on a thrift store hop! Thanks for sharing.
lisa says
I was going to say that a thrift store hop would be much cheaper than the bar hop, but that would mean that it wasn’t a successful hop! Love digging at the thrift stores especially in the winter when garage sales are few and far between.
Bridget Roddy says
I loved this, I just started a series about thrifting on my blog and it’s awesome to hear other people’s tips about what to look for!
Jan Wild says
Lots of great craft ideas here. My favourite thing to buy second hand is good quality clothing. So many great bargains.
Pamela Smith says
Great list! I look for many of the same items at the thrift stores. I tend to change my decorating a lot, so I don’t like to pay a lot for items I may not like in the near future!
Carol ("Mimi") says
Great ideas for thrifty shopping! I’ve given so many things away to Goodwill over the years — but, then I go and buy something that was once somebody else’s “junk”. ha-ha. But, it’s fun to find deals and to up-cycle various things for the home.
Carol (“Mimi”) from Home with Mimi
Stephanie L. Robertson says
I bought a love seat at a thrift store for $60 and have it in my reading nook: http://www.sweetgumlife.com/2017/07/19/weve-got-shiplap/
Thought about reupholstering but was told that it would be $$$.
Karen Mueller says
Hi, just read your comment about your love seat! I love the shape of it. Have you thought of getting slipcovers? Less expensive that reupolstering it.
Candace says
I LOVE the little mug/cup idea for plants! I need to do that and I totally agree that books are great at flea markets, especially when you want to use them for decor.
Becky says
I am a BIG TIME thrifter and garage saler and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Great roundup!
Crystal Green says
We are huge thrift store shoppers here too. It has saved us loads of money throughout the years. If you buy from a habitat store or Salvation Army those purchases become tax deductible too. 🙂
I have gotten a gorgeous 8 person dining room table for less than $70.00 that would have cost me hundreds elsewhere. All it needed was a bit of stainer and a few extra screws.
This is a great list of suggested items to get there.
Marilyn Lesniak says
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Susan Champion says
Great tips. Thanks!
Susan says
Love your list. I’ll be taking it with me the next time I go thrifting. I’d add organizing cubbies I’ve found several in perfect shape and saved 75% off of buying them new. Congrats, you’re featured this week at the This Is How We Roll Link Party.
Ruth M. says
My friend is more of thrift store shopper than I am, and that is her number one choice for shelving and storage units.
Sandra Stephenson says
You must inspect anything made of wood for termite damage. I bought a chair and had to have it fumigated. Also, inspect fabric covered furniture for bedbugs.
Jann Newton says
Great list of things to buy at a thrift store! I look for vases, furniture and picture frames.
Tammara Cheney says
Love thrifting, garage sales, flea markets. I look for cobalt blue glass, vintage tea cups, old books. lanterns, vintage doilies and tablecloths.
Suzanne says
This was a fun read! It is amazing how many ways things can be repurposed to something useful!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! i love the salt and pepper shaker ideas. I am excited to try it!
Rhonda says
I’m a Thrifter, and I agreed with your tips. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best. I’ll be Pinning your post!
Nana W says
Lots of great ideas here. I like Christmas mugs but have no storage, so I go to Goodwill for mugs before Christmas and donate them after. I used to do the same with wine glasses when we needed several for a large gathering.
Greg says
old rakes made before 1980; don’t break, quality, durable, pick up leaves, last a lifetime,
OLD LEATHER BELTS; they don’t make ’em like they used to
Levi’s; quality, cheap and last a lifetime
quilted shirts; quality and durable..can’t find any good ones now
silverware; great durability, cheap, last a lifetime, sturdy
garden tools; quality not like today’s, last a lifetime
shoes; no quality shoes nowadays – they fall apart when you use them
luggage; sturdy and quality, inexpensive and so much more
trinkets, gnomes, holiday decorations, plates, cups, vases, lamps, bowls, Tupperware, Pyrex, cooking ware
short sleeve shirts, shorts, yard chairs, suits, ties, old sturdy toys – bad today, ladders, rakes, cross stitch –
gorgeous finds for me, paintings, exotic and durable coffee mugs or cups, baking tins and pans, frying pans, quality blenders like Osterizer, milk shake makers, LEATHER BELTS again, exercise weights, comforter, blankets, pillow cases, sweatshirts and pull over sweatshirts, slippers,, religious items, sweaters, coats, mittens, scarves, jackets, leather jackets, cartoon character clothes and other stuff, globes,, aluminum chairs and sun bathing chairs, hand made projects, plastic shelves for basement or bathroom, plastic cups, match box cars, Fisher Price toys – no quality toys now; just fall apart, sheets, canisters, OLD STEEL RAKES with sturdy wooden shaft – again, baby clothes, hats for winter, LEATHER PURSES AND BAGS, pet toys, magazines, COOKING BOOKS, and towels to be used as rags to clean up around house, basement or garage
Lyric Loves says
Thrift stores are like heaven.
ducttapeanddenim says
Right?!?!
Sue says
Would you please share what kind of wire you used to hang the year on the bridesmaids hangers?
Thank you
ducttapeanddenim says
I used an annealed wire that I got from Amazon… I think it was 22 gauge.
Linda Wilson says
I was wondering what you did with the “ugly” art that you mentioned.
ducttapeanddenim says
I put chicken wire in the frame and I used the fake painting as a photography backdrop.
Boomer says
I buy paintings for the already stretched canvas. It can be turned over and restretched over the canvas frame. Or just buy it for the frame.
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
Lots of great ideas! My problem is I wouldn’t have a place to store everything that I want to bring home.
Cheri Mello says
AWESOME 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🥰♥️ADORABLE IDEAS 💡!!! Thank You FOR Sharing!! Oh My Goodness!! VERY COOL!! G-d♥️Bless
AlexaJade says
I absolutely love this post 💛 such brilliant things that can be recycled into new uses making them really sustainable!
Brilliant
Alexa xx
Deborah Hayes says
I call my goodwill store my happy place cause when I’m tired of my decori get a new look to smile again and bring something old and donate my old lol thanks for your blog
Paola says
I just love your story, felt like I was reading my own, my husband went back to finish his masters the year after we married and I stayed home with our new little one and thrifting became a way of life for me , my husband was so busy with school and work my minnie me and I spent lots of time in the thrift stores and living in a college town there were always good finds. She still has the American girl doll I found for $4 !! 4 kids later, and in a much better place financially, thrifting is still just something We do and makes good economic sense. 5 kids grow through lots of clothes and they can break lots of things, lol but if it was thrifted it’s not as big of a deal and they learn not to put so much value on material things. The thrift store is definitely my place to just step away from the chaos of daily life. To add to your 25 things many of which I always buy at thrift stores too, board games I have found so many in like new condition for $3 or $4 , that sure beats the $25 price tag they carry new.
ducttapeanddenim says
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one! I forget about looking at board games. But over the years I have found a few factory sealed board games, too!
Shyla HaleStewart says
Iam a new business Nanas Niche thrift & gift 150 E Main st Fernley NV 89408. I would like to advertise like you have can you help me? Reach out 775/980-9092
Andrea says
Vintage suitcases can also be turned into end tables and SUPER cute pet beds!
Rose says
My sister introduced me to thrift store shopping some years ago. There is a funny story about how that happened, but it’s too long to share here. It’s one of the most fun things that we do together. Salvation Army and Habitat are two of our favorites. We also like estate sales. We always go on the last day when things are 50-75percent off. We went to one a couple of weeks ago where everything was FREE!!
Katie S. says
First of all, I love this blog. I will say, you should never “always” buy, even at a thrift store. Just because it’s something you like or want doesn’t mean you can afford it.
Stacey K says
I am starting to get into thrifting as of a few months ago. I love these tips. I just followed you so I can see your future ideas. Thanks.
ducttapeanddenim says
Great! You’re in for a fun adventure.
Shelby says
These are wonderful ideas. With a little creativity, this is just another reminder that you can still have a home that exhibits unique and beautiful style – all within a budget! After our carpet cleaning in clemmons nc, we plan on visiting some local thrift stores in the area to try some of the ideas you shared.