Favourite Thrifting Finds
I will be completely honest with you, I only recently started thrifting and I am blown away with how incredible it can be. I don’t know what took me so long! I guess I found it odd to be purchasing used goods that others have gotten rid of. It felt like spending money on “garbage” versus being able to buy something brand new. I have been so wrong for so long.
As I have gotten older, become a mother, and truly understood and appreciated the value of every dollar I make and, in turn, spend, I have come to realize that saving money, wherever possible, can be a wonderful thing. I look back on the unnecessary purchases I have made or see what I have decluttered over the years and think to myself, what a waste. Not only was I throwing money into things that didn’t work for me or allowing myself to be influenced and convinced certain objects were going to change my life, I was being senseless in what it meant to save.
Life can get expensive. Especially once you start having children, or you buy a home, or own a car, or simply live. With inflation today, it is frightening to know how fast our money is getting away from us. It has become acceptable in society to live beyond our means, and that is simply not okay. People are trying so hard to be seen a certain way, to get noticed for things that are fancy and luxurious, when those things should not matter in life.
Thrifting can be a solution for many purchasing needs. Now, I am not going to buy just anything from a thrift store. I am still skeptical about some clothing and electronics and other miscellaneous items. Some thrift stores can look quite dirty as well which can be very off-putting. But there are some items that I have become enthralled with and I am proud of my thrift store finds.
Books
Books can be expensive when purchasing brand new. While I fully support writers and authors and understand purchasing brand new supports these folks and their livelihood, creating a curated personal library can get pricey. I have found some incredible classic novels and children’s books at my local thrift stores. Some have been in mint condition, others are well loved, but not damaged. This has become one of my favourite items to search for when scanning through a thrift store.
Dishware
Casserole dishes, butter dishes, serving bowls, mixing bowls, unique utensils and fine china, all of this and much more can be found at your local thrift store. I highly encourage inspecting these items before purchasing and washing them once you have brought them home, but you can add some incredible pieces to your kitchen for a fraction of the price you’d pay purchasing these items brand new.
Yarn
I have recently started to dabble in creating items are home made from yarn. Because I am so new at these hobbies, I started to purchase my yarn from thrift stores, so I can experiment and not feel guilty about spending too much. You can find a variety of colours and quantities for as low as 50cents up to a couple bucks. It’s pretty great.
Baskets
If you know me, you know my obsession with baskets. They can be so versatile and useful in so many ways within your home. Designer baskets are ridiculously priced, and I kid you not, you could likely find the exact same thing or at least very similar, at a thrift store. You may not be able to find a matching set of 3, but if you are okay with mixing and matching through your home, thrifted basket finds are awesome!
Frames
Quality picture frames can be shockingly expensive. While you will need to sift through the selections to find the nicer ones, there can be some amazing picture frames available at thrift stores. All different shapes and sizes, there is usually a large selection to chose from. Different materials and finishes, unique shapes and collage options.
What are some of your favourite items to look for at a thrift stores? Thrifting is not only easier on your wallet, it is sustainable and ethical to be purchasing second hand versus buying in the masses. While every trip to the thrift store may not be as successful as the last, it is thrilling to be on the hunt for that gem of a find you can brag about later.
Melanie xoxox