You might be surprised how many items you have tucked away on a wish list can be found for pennies if they’re purchased used. This can save tons of money and give you immense satisfaction in finding a treasure you wanted for a steal of a deal.
Garage sales and thrift stores are a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be found. People’s homes and secondhand shops offer various items at incredibly low prices, making them the perfect place to score great deals on everyday essentials and unique finds.
Here are 16 items you should always keep an eye out for at garage sales or thrift stores:
How to Make the Most of Thrift Shopping
If you’re willing to dig through the junk to find a diamond in the ruff, there are great items to be found. You might find certain neighborhoods offer the best deals each year at their annual garage sale, which is a great place to barter for the best deals.
Certain thrift stores might also have the best deals on items you like to buy. One might have better deals on clothing and shoes, while another has better deals on books and outdoor equipment. Scoping out your choices and getting a feel for where to purchase what will help you become an expert thrift shopper.
1. Vintage or Gently Used Clothing
Garage sales and thrift stores are the perfect places to find unique clothing pieces from different eras or styles. You can often find vintage items that are no longer in production, making them one-of-a-kind finds. Plus, buying gently used clothing is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally friendly by reducing textile waste.
Many people have a shopping problem, which leads to a lot of never worn (or only worn once) clothing. Finding these gems at garage sales or thrift stores is a win-win situation. You get great quality clothing for a fraction of the retail price, and you’re giving that item a new life instead of it being thrown away.
Just be careful not to get carried away yourself and buy more than you need!
2. Practically New Shoes
In addition to clothing, you can often find gently used shoes at garage sales and thrift stores. People tend to buy shoes that don’t fit quite right or wear them only a few times before getting rid of them, so you can find practically new shoes for a fraction of the retail price.
You might even come across designer brand shoes that someone was looking to get rid of for a bargain. Just be sure to try them on before purchasing to make sure they fit comfortably.
If you want to make some extra cash, reselling brand name shoes (fashion brands and outdoor brands to particularly well), you can try your hand at selling shoes online.
3. Baby and Kid Clothing
Raising a child can be expensive, especially when it comes to clothing that they quickly outgrow. That’s why many parents turn to garage sales and thrift stores to stock up on baby and kid clothes at a fraction of the retail price.
You can often find clothing in great condition with no stains or rips, as children typically grow out of their clothes before they can wear them out. Plus, buying secondhand clothing for kids is also environmentally friendly by reducing textile waste.
If your child frequently tears or stains their clothes (which is all of them?), purchasing budget-friendly clothing is much more sensible.
4. Books Galore
Garage sales and thrift stores are perfect for bookworms looking to expand their personal library without breaking the bank. You can find popular titles, rare books, and even collectible editions at a fraction of the original price. They’re also a great place for children’s books, cookbooks, and even personal development.
Additionally, many thrift stores have book sales or deals where you can buy multiple books for an even lower price. Stock up on your favorite reads and enjoy them without feeling guilty about the cost.
5. Vintage Furniture
If you’re into DIY and shabby chic home decor, garage sales and thrift stores are your best friends. You can often find unique vintage furniture pieces that are perfect for refurbishing or upcycling. These items add character to your home while also being budget-friendly.
Just make sure to inspect the furniture carefully for any damage or structural issues before purchasing. And don’t forget to measure and plan for transportation before making a purchase!
6. Gently Used Furniture
In addition to vintage furniture, you can find gently used modern furniture at garage sales and thrift stores. Many people sell their furniture when they’re moving or redecorating, making it the perfect opportunity for you to snag some great pieces for your home at a fraction of the price.
Just like with vintage furniture, thoroughly inspect the items before purchasing and plan for transportation if necessary.
7. Children’s Toys
Similar to clothing, children’s toys can be expensive and quickly outgrown. That’s why finding gently used toys at garage sales or thrift stores is a budget-friendly option for parents. You can often find popular and name-brand toys in great condition for a fraction of the retail price.
All kids seem to end up with too many toys, so taking advantage of one household’s purge can be your ticket to budget-friendly playthings. Just make sure to sanitize the toys before giving them to your child to play with (and only pick items that can be thoroughly cleaned)!
8. Kitchen Supplies
You can find all sorts of kitchen supplies, from cookware to utensils, at garage sales and thrift stores. Many people get rid of perfectly good items when they upgrade their kitchen or receive new ones as gifts. This is the perfect opportunity to score great deals on quality items that can last a long time, ranging from can openers and mugs to spatulas and pans.
Just make sure to check for any damage or wear and tear before purchasing. And be mindful of what you actually need and will use in your kitchen to avoid overspending.
9. Kitchen Appliances
In addition to kitchen supplies, you can also find gently used kitchen appliances at garage sales and thrift stores. From blenders to coffee makers, these items can be quite expensive when purchased new. But with some luck and patience, you may be able to find a quality appliance that fits your needs for a fraction of the original price.
Just make sure to test out any electronics before purchasing and check for potential damage. As always, only purchase what you actually need and will use to avoid overspending.
10. Outdoor Equipment
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, garage sales and thrift stores are the perfect places to find affordable equipment. From camping to hiking gear, you can often find gently used items perfect for your next adventure.
You may even come across high-end outdoor equipment that someone is looking to get rid of for a bargain, such as sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and more.
11. Sports Gear
Whether you’re looking to try a new sport or just need some replacement gear, garage sales and thrift stores are great places to find affordable sports equipment. You can often find gently used items in good condition that can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying new.
Just make sure to carefully inspect the items before purchasing and consider trying them out if possible. And don’t
12. Workout Equipment
Gym memberships can be expensive, but getting in shape doesn’t have to be. You can often find workout equipment like weights, exercise videos, bands, treadmills, and exercise bikes at garage sales and thrift stores for a fraction of the original price.
And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can also try your hand at creating a home gym with budget-friendly equipment from these secondhand sources.
13. Entertainment Items
From board games to DVDs, garage sales and thrift stores offer all sorts of entertainment items. These items are perfect for family game nights or a quiet night in. You may even find rare or out-of-print items that are no longer available in stores.
Just make sure to check for any missing pieces (for board games) or potential damage before purchasing.
14. Crafting Stuff
Crafting can be expensive, but garage sales and thrift stores offer a budget-friendly solution. You can find various crafting supplies such as yarn, fabric, scrapbooking materials, and more at discounted prices. This is perfect for crafters looking to expand their collections or try out new projects without breaking the bank.
15. Home Decor
Like furniture, you can find unique home decor pieces at garage sales and thrift stores. From wall art to candles, these items can add a personal touch to your home without costing a fortune. Plus, you never know what hidden gems you may encounter while browsing.
We all have unique tastes, and secondhand shopping allows us to express ourselves without breaking the bank.
16. Unique Finds
One of the best things about shopping at garage sales and thrift stores is the thrill of finding unique and unexpected items. You never know what treasures you may come across, from vintage records to rare collectibles. These one-of-a-kind finds can add a special touch to your home or wardrobe without spending a lot of money. Or you can potentially re-sell them for a pretty penny.
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JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.
