4 Quick Tips for Finding Thrift Store Treasures

Promise you won’t sign me up for an episode of Hoarders.

I know I visit thrift stores more than I should.  But it’s such a thrifty way for me to get my shopping fix, and truthfully, I believe my addiction is genetic.  {just try to deny that, mom!}

Regardless, there were a couple of neat finds this week I wanted to share.  Hoarders-worthy or not!

There was a used book sale around the corner from me.  I should DEFINITELY NOT be visiting any USED BOOK SALES!  But I did, and two books in particular caught my eye.

First was this Disney Bambi book from the 60’s.  The deer on the cover is “fuzzy”, or flocked.  The illustrations are darling and would look great framed in a child’s room.  Once home, I found it online valued for about $28.  Not bad for a .25 book!

 

 

The next find was a vintage Richard Scarry book.  My BFF once mentioned certain volumes had crazy-high prices.  This one was a first edition in pristine condition.  It’s worth between $40-$100 (for excellent condition in this edition), depending on the seller.  Crazy, right?  Especially since I paid .50 cents.

Tip #1: Next time you are at a thrift store or used book sale, look for vintage books (in good condition) that stir nostalgia.  Chances are they’re worth more than the price you’ll pay.  Be sure they are something you or someone you love would enjoy and you’ll never be disappointed!  Noodle adores Bambi and both of my kids like cars and trucks, so for .75 they are treasures whether I give them to the kids or resell them for higher.  ALSO: don’t rely one just one website (like half.com) for figuring out value.  Check sites like eBay and Amazon too, because Half.com can be outrageous.

Now onto clothing.  Thrift stores can be great places to score kids’ clothes at very low prices.

Tip #2: Most thrift stores will mark items from Gymboree and Children’s Place higher, but they might not know the even higher end names like Janie and Jack, Zutano, and Tea.  That’s where you can score BIG on designer labels.  And hey, even if they mark a Gymboree sweater in great condition for $4 instead of their normal $2 thrift store sweater price, you’ve still scored a $4 Gymboree sweater!

Here’s a few things I picked up, ranging in price from $2- $4.  When my kids are done, we’ll resell them consignment (or hand down to a friend).  They are from Talbots, Gap, Children’s Place, and Gymboree:

Wait ’til you see how I pair up that skirt.  It’s tres chic!

Here’s my frame pile, dismantled and ready to paint.  It’s been the rainiest month on record here PLUS the darn Hurricane so they’ve had to wait for a much needed coat of paint before hanging in Noodle’s new room.  Maybe this weekend?

Tip #3:  Frames are another item you’ll find for pennies on the dollar at a thrift store.  With my frame project in Noodle’s room I needed quite a few, and didn’t want to do much work to hang them.  I made sure all the frames had intact glass, an easily removable back, and hanging hardware already attached.  Bonus if they have hardware that allows you to hang them vertically and horizontally so you can use them again and again in various spaces.

My other love is vintage china.  You can’t go wrong with a white plate in a classic shape.  Especially when it costs .90 cents.  This one will probably go in the china cabinet for holidays or to use as a platter.  Or, who knows, it could end up on the wall.  It’s pretty enough!

 

Tip #4: White is a classic color, both traditional and modern.  Snap up plain white pieces when you see them, and once home they’ll match either other white pieces (even if the shades are a bit off, that adds to the charm) or your other china.  Or use them for a craft project, like my Eat, Pray, Love plates.  I still can’t believe the time I found an entire set of Wedgwood china for $17.  I made over a $150 profit on that one!

 

Most of all, if you love it, it’s a treasure– regardless of monetary value.  So buy what you love, and you’ll always walk away from a thrift store feeling like a millionaire.