What To Look For At Thrift Stores

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!