9 Things to Always Buy at a Thrift Store

Thrifting is one of my all time favorite pastimes. I love shopping – probably more than most people. Even if I’m just looking around, I’m enjoying myself. But thrift shopping takes that enjoyment to a whole other level.

I love when I can go to a thrift store and just see what different or interesting pieces I can pick up. Whether it’s a cool vintage item or something that can be repurposed, I love it.

Buying anything used and reusing it is also another way to keep from contributing to more waste in the world. When you reuse something it’s one less thing in a land fill. It doesn’t seem like much but it adds up.

And I know there are certain types of things that always be found at thrift stores:

Books

Thrift stores might not always have the most current selection of books but chances are there is something relatively new as well as the classics. I’ve found so many copies of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. I once found the entire Sherlock Holmes collection! There’s pretty much a guarantee you’ll at least find some good summer reading material.

Picture Frames

I rarely buy picture frames full retail anymore because I can almost always find something cute and unique at a thrift store. And if not, I can find something cheap and repurpose it!

Office Supplies

This might seem like it doesn’t belong on this list, but you’d be surprised. I’ve found everything from vintage staplers, filing systems, even post it notes.

Related: 9 Ways to Reduce Household Plastic Waste

Dishware

Thrift stores are my favorite place to find dishware. You can usually find entire dishware sets, as well as cute plates, glasses, and mugs! My favorites are teacup sets. I never actually use them for drinking tea but they’re so darn cute!

Vases/Glassware

You know what happens to those vases that come with flowers from the grocery store or hospitals? They end up at thrift stores. Anytime you need anything glassware related, you can find it at the thrift store.

Related: Taking the Plastic Free July Challenge

CDs/DVDs

Are these considered vintage yet? Just kidding. As long as there’s a CD player in my car and I own a DVD player I’m excited to buy these at a thrift store.

Records

I love rooting around in the record bins at thrift stores because you never know what you’ll find. Just make sure they’re not scratched or warped if you actually want to listen to them. That’s the tricky part, records aren’t always in great shape. But they are great for crafts and repurposing.

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Gift Wrap Supplies

Everything from wrapping paper to bows and ribbons can be found at thrift stores. Even birthday and greeting cards! (It’s a little weird like office supplies but trust me, it’s there.)

Holiday Decorations

Most of my holiday decorations are bought used. They’re cheaper and they don’t go out of style.

Related: Eco-Friendly Shopping Tips

Of course, you can find all of these items at a Walmart or wherever, but the fun part is discovering something unique! It’s not knowing exactly what you’re going to find.

And like I said, the more you buy used the better it is for the environment, less waste!

What is something you always go to the thrift store for? Or what’s something unexpected that you found? I recently found a $25 Tervis tumbler for $2 and a wooden laundry basket for $3 that I use all the time! Let me know in the comments :)!

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Christina

Christina is a twenty-something living with her beagle, Mash, and husband, Nate in their van. She loves traveling, shopping, art, and photography. She’s also a vegetarian, pop-culture enthusiast, book-lover, and Dave Matthews Band fanatic. Catch her somewhere around the country in a converted camper van or at home in Florida for a visit.