Here are 7 of the best Goodwill finds you should ALWAYS watch for when visiting a thrift store. Check there before retail stores for sure!
7 of the BEST Goodwill Finds To Watch For
Love thrift store shopping?Â
Depending on your area, your local Goodwill store (or favorite thrift store . . . ) probably carries some fantastic savings you've never even thought about, and are worth swinging by before paying full retail price.
While some things at Goodwill may not be what you're looking for, you may be surprised with what you find. And, if you go in with an open mind you might just turn another man's trash right on in to your treasure!
Here are some of the best thrift store finds that I watch for every time I walk in the door . . .
1. Picture Frames
Most picture frames you find at Goodwill probably won't be for you, but with a little work you may be able to paint it, or just put a new picture in to get a whole new look.
Last winter I spent a whopping $10 updating two frames I found at Goodwill to use in our home with very little effort. Matching prints would have cost well over $100 in my favorite Ballard Design catalog, so this was a great way to save!
2. Lamps.
Lamps are one of the BEST Goodwill finds and they typically have a ton of them. You may be lucky enough to find one that works just perfectly with only a new shade, or something you can easily spray paint.
TIP: Make sure to check and see if the lamp works before bringing it home
I updated these out-dated lamps with some spray paint (it was so easy!), and spent a fraction of what a similar lamp would cost me at a retail store.
3. Bedroom furniture.
You can easily find bits and pieces of bedroom furniture at Goodwill, especially in kids bedrooms where furniture often takes a beating and may not get seen by anyone all that often. (To pay full price for high end furniture when your kids are little seems crazy to me!)
And you can find great furniture for just about any room in your house with a little vision. This summer I noticed a slightly beaten up sleigh bed at Goodwill for $48, and was able to easily freshen it up with a little homemade chalk paint. It took me less than an hour to complete, and I absolutely love the finished results!
4. Chairs
Goodwill always has quite a few odd ball chairs which you can usually pick up for $10 or less.Â
I got this one for just $2.50 (my favorite deal ever!) 🙂 and all it took was a little paint to freshen it up.
Love hunting for deals at Goodwill? Checkout our 12 secrets to Saving at Goodwill before you shop!Â
5. Glassware & silver platters
Goodwill stores always have tons of glassware, which may be the perfect piece for you with just a quick deep cleaning. I've found pieces that are almost exactly the same as what's at our local Home Goods store for a fraction of the cost.
You can also often find silver platters & dishes for as low as just $1 (which probably aren't real silver, but you never know.) Give them a good cleaning and save them to use during the Holidays.
6. Books, DVDs & video games
Some of the Best Goodwill Finds have been in the back of the store. You can find cookbooks, children's books, novels, how-tos and more, and be sure to watch for used DVDs and video games as well.
7. Name brand clothing & formalwear
IÂ love checking Goodwill for their clothing racks, where I often find clothes for my kids (and sometimes myself too.)Â Especially for my son, I've picked up Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie, and Banana Republic brands all for $4 or less, and after he's seen the prices on clothing at the mall he's willing to try them out for me.
Last fall I found this Ann Taylor denim jacket at Goodwill for just $5, and Lands End sweater for $3. Be careful to watch for stains when you shop ~ I rarely end up buying more than an item or two while I'm there but you have saved a bundle by taking a few minutes to look through their clothing racks.
BONUS TIP:
I forgot to include to watch for brand new merchandise also when you're there. I've found a ton of Target items and even some Crate and Barrel brand new items as well. Definitely worth watching for!
I found the frame in the picture at the top of the post at Goodwill, brand new from Target, then we used it when we updated our alcove!Â
What would you add to the list? Leave a comment to share!Â
Looking for more ways to save? Here you go . . .Â
- 7 Stores You Need to Shop When Decorating on a Budget
- 7 Saving Secrets You Need to Know Before Shopping Hobby Lobby
- 7 Secrets You Need To Know Before Shopping Michaels
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Shopping TJMaxx
- 22 Items You Need to Look for at Ikea
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