Top 10 items to look for at Thrift Stores
Shopping at thrift stores is one of my favorite things to do! I always get so excited at the prospect of finding that certain treasure. I definitely have my favorite spots locally and throughout the state, but stopping at thrift stores when traveling out of state is always so much fun and I try to squeeze in a stop or two along the way! I wanted to share my top 10 things to look for in thrift stores to help you navigate through the overwhelming amount of items and find those hidden gems. Hopefully, this will inspire you to see the potential in vintage & unique items and view them in a new light.
Before we dive in, there are a couple of important points to keep in mind when thrift shopping: Create a generic list of things to look for: Having a running list in your mind or on your phone will help you stay focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. However, it’s important to keep the list generic, such as “old books,” rather than specific titles. Thrift stores have a way of not having what you’re looking for if you go in with a specific item in mind. Now, let’s explore my favorite top 10 items to search for in thrift stores:
1. White pottery, Ironstone, or Milk Glass
I’m not particular – it can be a platter, plates, vase, bowls, dishes, teacups, pitchers, tea pots…. you get the idea! However, I do look for classic shapes and pieces that I can use around the kitchen, and double as decor too. These are typically finds that I like to leave out all year long and incorporate my seasonal decor along with it.
2. Old toolboxes, vintage suitcases, crates, etc.
These items are incredibly useful for storage. Use them to hold recipes, photos, blankets, craft supplies, and more. They can be easily swapped out for different seasons and double as decorative pieces.
3. Flatware and utensils
I keep a look out for inexpensive stainless-steel pieces to use at gatherings. I also Look for vintage bone-handled pieces or unique silverplate to add to mismatched place settings. They can be great conversation starters.
4. Decor Items
I love collecting oil paintings, frames that are vintage or unique looking, even pieces that need a refresh are fun to pick up. Old mirrors, white stone pitchers, unique mugs for the coffee bar, old glass bottles and my favorite…Christmas decor. Over half of my Christmas decor is from thrift stores and various sales.
5. Candle holders
I am pretty confident that all of my candle holders have been thrifted or found. My favorite to pick up are brass tapered candle holders. You can often find these in abundance right after the holidays, and they are such an easy and inexpensive way to add height and interest to a space. I have even spray painted them to achieve the look I was after, and I have left some just the worn brass that they are. There are many other styles as well, I also like to keep an eye out for wooden candle holders in various heights and unique lanterns.
6. Old books
What’s a shelf without a book? And if it’s old books with wonderful bindings, it’s that much better. There are a couple thrift stores locally that will let you fill a grocery bag for $1.00….fit as many books as you can in there!! You better bet I am stuffing that bag full…like seams might bust! Ha! I love old books for many reasons, my favorite being the muted colors you can often find, and the eclectic feel they bring to a space. They are often a conversation starter too! Especially if you are lucky enough to find some vintage books that are specific to your community or town.
7. Garden decor and outdoor items
Unique pots, outdoor lanterns, washtubs, metal watering cans, and various tools have a beautifully worn patina that can’t be replicated with new items. My absolute favorite planter in my garden is a vintage double basin washtub, that I picked up at a roadside market in southern Indiana. it is always a stunning piece with flowers each season. Be sure to keep an eye out for these unique pieces.
8. Lamps & Lighting
If you’re looking for single lamps or floor lamps to use as-is or to makeover, you can often find something fairly easily. Finding a good pair of lamps is another thing and is harder to come by. My favorite lamp find was this lamp pictured here, when I came across this lamp, I quickly realized it was a lamp from Kirkland’s, and sure enough, it had an old price tag on it for $39.99. I was able to snag it for $3.99, it not only worked as I had hoped, but I already had a lamp shade at home to fit it!
9. Furniture
I have picked up many various furniture pieces at thrift stores over the years. Even when I am not necessarily needing a particular piece, I still always look, because there might be that one item- that could be fit “somewhere” in our home or potentially refreshed and sold, too. If I love it, I will find a spot for it!!
10. Cookbooks
I chose to keep this one separate from the old books listed above, because I truly feel that vintage cookbooks deserve a spot of their own! Vintage cookbooks to me are truly a historical treasure!! I have put together an extensive collection over the years, the oldest cookbook dating back to 1935. Sure, the cookbooks that are from Betty Crocker & Better Home & Garden are wonderful finds, especially if their binding is in great condition, but I always look for the church cookbooks and cookbooks put together by local communities. Many times, these books have handwritten notes and recipes tucked inside them. I am also an avid baker, so I thoroughly enjoy looking up old recipes and seeing what favorite dishes were made to serve their families.
Well, there you have it!! My favorite items to look for when out at thrift stores! I hope on your next trip out, you can find some fabulous treasures. Happy hunting!