Friday, February 17, 2017

Thrift Store Shopping


I have some pretty lofty goals this year for economizing so I can finish my debt elimination goal.  Not the least of which is to pay as little as possible for the things we want and need.  I've been doing some thrift store shopping lately to help me out in that department.

Yarn for crocheting

I like thrift stores.  For one thing most of them operate on behalf of a charitable organization and give a lot back to the local community.  Shopping at a thrift store allows us to recycle and use other people's stuff saving it from going to the landfill.  You also save a ton of money by buying used over new, so why not?

Patterns for sewing

I'm pretty darn picky when it comes to the things I buy.  I really look things over to make sure they aren't too worn.  I assume everything is dirty and needs to be washed.  I'm not afraid to mend or repair something minor if it is priced right.  When it comes to clothing, linens, yarn and fabrics I'll give it a sniff to make sure there are no offensive odors.

Vintage quart jars - Love!

I shop at nice stores.  They keep things clean and well organized and I feel they do a really good job weeding out the garbage.  It is nice to feel confident as you peruse a rack of clothes that someone has taken the time to make sure the items are in nice condition.  They also don't smell funky, you know what I mean?

Clothes for my oldest

Cute little votive candle lantern
I almost want to keep him

The girls and I don't have a problem with second hand.  Most of my friends don't either so to give a cool gift that was found at a second hand store is not offensive to us.  In fact we are kind of impressed by the various treasures we find.  I especially like the vintage stuff much more than something new and modern.

Clothes for my youngest
Brand new jeans with the tags still on!

Do you shop at thrift stores?  Are you one of those who can't wait for yard sale season?  What are some of the things you shop for?



20 comments:

  1. Growing up most of my clothes were hand me downs or from thrift stores. I still shop there. I buy clothes, dishes, books, CD's etc. I too have found nice Christmas gifts at the thrift store. Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is great Claudia. Books finds are always nice. My youngest hits the book shelves every time. And thank you too, I'm so glad you enjoy my blog.

      Delete
  2. I don't typically shop at thrift stores, (though I did furnish the entire lake place with second hand everything several years ago) but I don't shop for much at all. I am still wearing some clothes I wore right after Son3 was born and he is now 23. I do want a bread machine and am waiting for garage sale season to try and find it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found my bread machine and one for a friend second hand last year. Big savings over purchasing new and I swear, they are new! People just don't use them like we do, I guess. :)

      Delete
  3. My town has so many nice thrift stores. I pretty much only have time these days to shop at 1 and I only make it there about once a month. I've gotten really nice Ethan Allen furniture, toys, and clothing for all my family. I keep a closet full of children's things here to have on hand for my 8 grands because I never know what they will need when they are here. I especially like when my store has a bag sale or price all clothing at .25
    You found some nice things!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rhonda. Like you I love the bag sales too. One of our stores offers everything you can get in a plastic shopping bag for $1. I bet you could get a lot of clothes for your grandbabies in one of those!

      Delete
  4. I try to fill our needs thru the second hand market.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Craigslist and eBay are other secondhand places I check out. I've managed some nice buys.

      Delete
  5. I just sent a truck load to the Salvation Army. And I'm still eliminating... (makes my 2nd load)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you! I took in a trunkload at the beginning of the month. I joked with one of the clerks that it is the ultimate recycling to donate a bunch of stuff and then purchase what you need in the shop.

      Delete
  6. I buy many of my wedding dress supplies from thrift stores, I also look for things I need. Redecorate.
    the entire dining room form them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it amazing what you can find? I see a lot of dresses and stuff that was used at receptions. The lace and appliques are more than worth the price of the dress I imagine. Buttons too.

      Delete
  7. I do, especially for books! LOL!! My kids love going too, it's amazing how far their $5.00 allowance stretches at the Goodwill. *wink*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad my kids enjoy thrift stores too. We call it treasure hunting. :)

      Delete
  8. Love thrift stores! Used to go more often than I do now. Had to put myself on a "thrift store diet" because I was buying too many things because things were so inexpensive! I wish I could find yarn at our thrift stores, but I haven't had any luck, so far.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yarn is definitely one of those things that is hit or miss. Sometimes I find it and sometimes I don't. :)

      Delete
  9. Oh yes! Clothing, dishes, books, etc... My husband just found a brand new projector he can use with his computer for $15.00. I love unusual coffee cups and dishes. Nothing more fun than puttering around in a great thrift store. One of my favorites is the Assistance League which is run by the Hospital Auxillary. Great bargains. Take care and happy hunting. Oh, and gifts - yes, always on the look out for gifts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm always amazed at the condition of books at thrift stores. Like brand new. I swear a lot of them are. Great place for cookbooks too.

      Delete
  10. arghhh...I'm trying to downsize my belongings and reading all this has made me want to go to the thrift shops...books, audio books and supplies for my fidgets mats...I love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't do iiiiiiiittttttttttttt!!! Ha, ha, ha. If you do just take a big ol' trunkload of stuff to donate with you. That way you won't backslide. :)

      Delete

Your kind comments are always appreciated. I love hearing from you.

**Note: Comment Moderation has been turned on due to spam.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...