11 Thrift Store Finds You Should Never Miss

For the clever shopper, thrift stores offer endless treasures. Whether it's a vintage dress, a rare DVD, toys, or unique home decor, you're sure to discover something special. To celebrate National Thrift Shop Day, we've compiled a list of 11 items that are always worth the price—just be sure to check for any signs of wear or damage before purchasing!

1. CLASSIC WOODEN FURNITURE

Thinking about replacing your particle board furniture? Thrift stores are an excellent spot to find solid wood pieces at affordable prices, especially if you're keeping an eye on your budget. Even if you don’t uncover your perfect vintage gem, older items that are more nostalgic than trendy can still be revitalized with a coat of paint, new varnish, and fresh hardware.

2. BOOKS

From timeless classics to the latest bestsellers, you're likely to come across books worth reading on sale at your local thrift store, often priced far below their cost at bookstores or online.

3. BABY CLOTHES

Babies grow quickly into toddlers, leaving their tiny clothes behind in what feels like no time at all. While it’s tempting to spend on adorable, full-priced baby clothing, you can save a lot by picking up basic newborn outfits (which are likely to get messy with spills and spit-up) at thrift stores. Just make sure the clothes (and any buttons) are in good condition and not damaged, and be cautious of any products that may have been recalled.

4. MATERNITY CLOTHES

Don’t want to spend a fortune on clothes you’ll only wear for a short time? Thrift stores often have barely worn maternity wear, donated by mothers who’ve returned to their pre-pregnancy wardrobes.

5. CLASSIC VINYL RECORDS

Vinyl records are back in style. While it’s fun to splurge on new releases, many classic albums can be found at thrift stores for a fraction of the price you’d pay in record shops.

6. WOODEN HANGERS

Unlike flimsy plastic or bendable wire hangers, high-quality wooden hangers are built to last. They’re perfect for hanging heavier garments like winter coats and won’t leave creases or indentations in sweaters or shirts. While wooden hangers can be pricey when purchased in bulk, you’re likely to find plenty for just pennies at thrift stores—and some may even come complimentary with clothing items.

7. BIKES

Serious cyclists might prefer investing in a high-performance, lightweight bike, but for casual riders looking for an easy way to get around town, a sturdy single-speed bike from a thrift store can often be found at a very affordable price.

8. HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

From puffy '80s prom gowns to ballerina tutus and lab coats, thrift stores are a goldmine for imaginative (and budget-friendly) Halloween costume ideas. Not into creating your own eerie outfit? Keep an eye out for brand-new costumes from popular retailers or gently-used ones donated by previous trick-or-treaters.

9. NOVELTY KITCHEN TOOLS AND APPLIANCES

While pricey gadgets like bread machines, pasta makers, and popcorn machines can be fun, they often gather dust in the back of a cabinet. If you’re eyeing a specific novelty kitchen tool, check out your local thrift store for a gently-used version before buying new. (And always make sure to clean it thoroughly before use!)

10. PICTURE FRAMES

When browsing thrift stores, ignore the unattractive artwork and instead focus on the beautiful frames. Once you're back home, remove the old art and replace it with your own photos. (Apartment Therapy has a helpful tutorial to guide you through the re-framing and matting process.)

11. GENTLY-USED TOOLS

Every renter or homeowner should have an emergency toolbox for fixing minor leaks, hanging pictures, and dealing with common toilet problems. Thrift stores often offer durable, pre-owned tools at affordable prices, and you might even find products from trusted brands like Craftsman, which offer lifetime warranties for tools that suffer normal wear and tear (just be aware that proof-of-purchase may be required).