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What To Look For At Thrift Stores
by
Kristin
(IC: blogger)
Thrift store shopping - I can't get enough sometimes! When I had recently moved, a group of women invited me to go thrift shopping with them to a bigger city nearby. We had hit up more thrift stores than I could've ever imagined, but the FUN we had, looking for steals and deals, and the actual steals and deals we found - priceless. I remember coming home from that trip, laying everything out on the table, eagerly telling my husband about my finds. He was shocked at the total of $20(ish) dollars. Me too! Many of the items that I had bought, I still wear today - they have been worth every penny. I can't always say that about clothes that I buy from a regular department store. Have a really gotten my money's worth out of those? I am often asked "why buy used when you can buy new?" People also wonder why would someone spend so much time at a thrift store, when they can jump across the street and buy it in a split second? All valid questions and concerns!I want to share with YOU, what I look for at thrift stores and why I think they are worth stepping foot into!1. Exercise equipment - why buy new when all you are really looking for is something to exercise on? Exercising is exercising - whether it is brand new or not. It may not have all the bells and whistles as a brand new one, but if it does what you want it to, save some moolah and buy used! Granted this was at a LARGE garage sale (at a civic center), but I found an elliptical machine for $50.00 and free delivery! Keep your eyes peeled - you never know what you will find!2. Books - every feel guilty for spending $15-$20 on a new book that you don't like in the first place? Buy a book for a $1.00 or less at a thrift store and if you don't like it? Just donate it right back to them!3. Toys - toys are something that kids grow out of or get sick of so quickly! Again, why buy new? Give them a good washin' when you bring them home and they will be like new! Kids like new to THEM - not necessarily BRAND NEW.4. Pants - a timeless item for the most part. Pants don't change styles as much as shirts do. I have been able to find some pretty generic pants/shorts that have lasted much longer than I expected and for a fraction of the price.5. Exercise clothes - I am going to sweat every single time I wear them, so I don't care whether they are new or used. Clothes wear out no matter what you buy - why overspend on something new, when you may be able to find a quality, name-brand item at half the cost at a thrift store? Majority of our name-brand clothing items are from clearance racks!6. Furniture - often you can find "as good as new" furniture at thrift stores - it just may take a little extra time. Consider reupholstering or restaining a piece of furniture to make it like new!7. Dishware and kitchen utensils - I have found more practical dishware at thrift stores than I ever thought I would. Some items are unbreakable as in they will last forever, no matter who uses them. For example, I found a jar funnel for canning - a solid metal one for $1.49. It's going to last me forever! Glass dishware - another timeless item and unless it cracks, it will last you a lifetime!8. Holiday attire - lets be frank. The ugly Christmas sweater is a HOT item in November early December! I remember needing one, but was told that there was not one to be found in our town (many had already looked). Shop early! Even for Halloween, I have seen some adorable and affordable costumes for kids - they wear it once and are done. Don't spend a fortune!9. Home décor - I have found some wonderful items that I have been able to repurpose, reuse (picture frames), and make anew. You may be thinking that you do not have a creative enough eye to pull something like this off. Can I just encourage you to give it a try?10. Jewelry - some jewelry, such a beaded necklaces, can often be repurposed to make an old outfit have life again. A few dollars can go a LONG ways to enhance an outfit!
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Published February 26th, 2014 6:51 AM
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2 of 8 comments
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Margaret Adamski on Aug 30, 2015I am looking for TeaPot to make lamp stand for my sisters. Something that it could be reuse 4 or 8 teapot lamp long stand or set up the teapot lamp on end table.. Pretty..
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MM on Jun 26, 2016A quick FYI for people who go to the Salvation Army. They are non believers in same sex marriages and do not support the LGBTQ movement regarding equal rights for all. I have confronted many bell ringers at Christmas to ask about who they help out. Anyway, thought I'd try to help out a little. I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do, just puttin' it out there. Cheers all!
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