Getting your thrift on can be quite rewarding. Shopping second-hand stores like Goodwill, The Salvation Army and local thrift and consignment shops can be a source of hidden gems. Sure, you might have to dig through a lot of trash to find your treasure, and depending on the location you might have to deal with some funky smells and dust. But being a conscious consumer isn’t always glamorous, right?
I started shopping the local thrift shops regularly before Christmas when I needed to stock up on gift baskets, tins and jars for homemade presents. The nifty treasures and quirky finds have kept me coming back. You never know what you are going to find, and the thrill of the hunt is palpable. Here is a peek at of some of my finds at the Goodwill.
I couldn’t tell you why, but this plate with a colonial scene caught my eye. It fancied me so much I ended up buying it for $2. I found out that it was made by a pottery company in Ohio which according the The Museum of Ceramics operated from 1899-1911. Found it selling online anywhere from $15-$65. Antiques Roadshow here I come?
- Anchor Hocking Wexford Crystal Serving Bowl. Made in Ohio factory since 1905.
Proclaimed “too gaudy to pass up,” my husband grabbed this classy shot glass. Hey, at least it’s made in USA. And I can totally see this on a shelf at Urban Outfitters (you know, between the naked lady mug and the “mustaches of the world” glass) for the hipsters.
- Thomas & Friends Board Game with all the pieces included in excellent condition. Made in USA and a dollar. Perfect for my son’s upcoming train birthday party!
- Women’s sweater from the now defunct NYC manufacturer Creative Cotton.
- Wet Seal Sweater Made in USA.
- U.S. National Olympic Committee. Made in China. Sigh.
Diesel jeans for my husband. Made in Italy, $6.
Not only can you find some cheap American made goodies at thrift shops, you are also reusing goods that would otherwise be relegated to the landfill. Additionally, the purchases you make at thrift stores usually help support their charitable organization.
What interesting things have you snagged at a thrift shop?
“Junking” used to be one of my favorite pastimes. I haven’t done it in ages, because the fear is that I’ll buy things that I just don’t need.
Zippy Sandler recently posted..Will my skin respond to Meaningful Beauty?
This is my main concern too. In thrift shops it’s so easy to pick up an item that catches your eye. The challenge is limiting yourself to the things you will really use and need!
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
I like shopping at thrift shops for older model die cast toys. My son collects vintage toys and we’ve found some great items. I also like looking for antique jewelry. A lot of estate sale items can be found at thrift stores.
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Oh, that sounds so neat. I love checking out vintage toys. Our local Children’s Museum has displays of them. An added bonus is that so many were still being made in USA!
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
We have donated way more than we’ve bought, but we have picked up a few things. My hubby found several pair of brand new shoes! We find that estate sales are also a great way of finding older, made in the USA items!!
I’ll have to look more into estate sales. I’ll admit I don’t know anything about them. We have donated a ton of stuff too. A great way to keep stuff out of the landfill that you don’t need anymore, and help someone in need too!
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
I’ve never found anything cool, but then I’ve never really been able to get into thrifting. I think I need a coach.
Jennifer recently posted..Thanks
Hey,, I like American product so much. but its are expensive than another. Can you post about some products which are being exported.
Thanks
Seth
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Great finds! I wish I could find such interesting stuff at our local Goodwill but all I usually find is super cheap stuff. I have to be honest though, I probably don’t hit the place nearly enough. I have never thought of searching for things Made In America there though– I think I may have found a new adventure to go on (and I am in need of some new adventures here in the middle of winter!)
I found your blog through the blogger comment club– thanks for letting me visit, I shall be back!
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You do really have to search though a lot of junk to find your treasures here, so it’s a bit of a commitment. Glad to hearing your joining the challenge! Keep me posted on all your finds!
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
I just got an awesome jacket at Goodwill for $6!
Sweet deal! I found a Splendid shirt (made in USA) for $2 last time!
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
Wow, this is very cool. I can’t believe the beautiful things you could find at a local Goodwill store. It’s like something out of an antique shop
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What a gonga! Wouldn’t that be so cool to see you on Antique Roadshow!;)
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Totally exciting! My grandmother used to LOVE to shop at thrift stores – same reason.
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I’ve started hitting the consignment stores for baby clothes: Spending $8-12 on one sleep&play vs getting 3 or 4 for the same total price? For clothes the kid’s going to outgrow in a few months? No brainer!
I’m not much of a shopper, so my few outings to Goodwill haven’t gotten me anything. But again, with a 9-month-old, perhaps my focus will be different now. Hmmmm maybe that is what I could do this afternoon?!
*lynne* recently posted..Nova: Solidifying his intake
I get everything for my son at the consignment sales. Once you get the gist of it you can really be strategic and score some excellent deals. I can spend under $100 a get an entire year’s wardrobe, along with some toys, books, etc.
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
I LOVE goodwill! Great finds!
jennie recently posted..Planting to Feed My Soul
We shop at good will all the time and love it!
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OMGosh I love to shop thrift stores. I go at least once a week. I have found amazing high quality clothes for nearly nothing. Also I buy a lot of clothes for my neice and nephew at thrift stores because it is so much cheaper than buying new when they are going to ruin or outgrow the clothes anyway.
Ohhhh!!! I LOVE “junking”! I love finding cool old cookbooks, they are my favorite things to look for.
I’m so happy that you’ve had such a good experience with thrift shopping. I’ve seen a couple of episodes of the Nate Berkus Show, where he’s had several people on, that buy things from clothes, jewelry, furniture, to home furnishings. I hope to go very soon!