Let’s go thrifting!
There’s nothing like that rush you get when you find a score at a thrift store, and I have had many over the years.
When I was little my mom would take my sisters and I thrifting, antiquing, and to garage sales.
At the time I was totally embarrassed and didn’t want to be caught dead in a thrift shop.
But now things are coming full circle, and I am taking my own kids with me.
I thought it would be fun to share with you some things I have bought in thrift shops over the years, as well as give you a few tips.
If thrifting is your thing, or if you’d like to start, be sure to read my guide to thrifting here.
Ok let’s get started!
The first thing I want to share with you are glass vases.
They come in all shapes and sizes and you will find a plethora of them at the thrift store.
Why pay big bucks or even medium bucks at HomeGoods, when you can get just what you are looking for for around 99 cents?
Not only can they be used for vases, but also candleholders, makeup brush holders, etc.
Think outside the box!
Every now and then I will score a unique vintage find. I am always on the hunt for containers and this wooden one was a score!
I love the divided compartments. I have used it for makeup and supplies in the bathroom, and currently it holds bar items.
And speaking of bar items, you will find decanters and glassware galore at thrift shops. I typically will get all my glass/stemware at The Goodwill because they are usually always 69 cents as opposed to $2.99 and up at other thrift shops.
I am always on the hunt for bread boards and about every 3rd time I go thrifting I’ll find some.
I usually pass up the thin ones or the ones that look too new, and only buy the older looking, faded, beat up ones with an interesting shape.
Vases {that aren’t clear glass} are another thing I like to buy at thrift shops. Sometimes I will need something in a certain color to go with a project and don’t want to spend a fortune.
Of course, when I find a cute white one like this I feel pretty lucky!
I am also always looking for storage ideas.
I found these locker baskets while thrifting and have several in my closet for shorts, swimsuits, and workout wear.
Clothing!
I usually don’t have the patience to sift through all the clothing at thrift stores. But if something stands out, I will take the time.
Really the only time I look at clothing is if I need something specific. {recently I went on a hunt for a jeans skirt}
The only exception is The Goodwill because they have a section they call “fashion focus” where they group all the high end clothing together in one section. It makes it easier to just go through those clothes for me.
Another example of a thrifted glass vase.
This wood crate holds all my cookbooks and was another fun find.
Cookbooks are also a great thing to buy at thrift stores! I often buy them for their covers rather than actually using them!
Another use for a thrifted glass vase is to create a utensil holder.
A lot of these utensils I bought at the thrift store as well!
I am always looking for marble pieces while thrifting.
Can you spot the two in the picture below?
Books, books, and more books!
Read this post on how I cover my thrifted books to look cohesive.
Here is a tip:
If you are covering your hardback books, meaning it doesn’t matter what the cover looks like, buy them from the children’s book section as they are typically way cheaper!
See the white vase below? I made it from a thrifted glass fishbowl!
See the DIY here if you missed it.
Silver plate is something else you will find a lot of.
I have enough silverware saved over the years that I could host a dinner party for 800 I think.
Cloches are something else that I don’t find as often, but when I do, I scoop them up!
The plate under the cloche is thrifted too.
And finally, holiday items are something that you will find year round at thrift shops.
Get them off season and store them for the holidays, you won’t be sorry.
If I find something neutral, sparkly, or just downright interesting, I will buy it and put it in my attic.
It’s so fun when you forgot you bought something and then see it again when you get your holiday decor out!
I hope this helps when you go to the thrift shops!
Have fun and remember, don’t buy it unless you love it.
Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you need it.
I have had to tell myself that same thing every time I go!
The last thing you want is to have too much clutter. A good rule is, when you bring something in, take something out.
xoxo, Melaine