You don’t need to drop serious cash to live well. Thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales, and even online marketplaces are packed with high-quality, gently used items just waiting for a second shot. A basic floor lamp can set you back $80, but if you plan smartly, you can save all that money and still get your hands on a worthwhile product. Here are the most common things you should never pay full price for (and opt for secondhand instead)—and why you’ll thank yourself later.
Books
Stop right away if you’re still paying full price for books. Thrift stores are goldmines for everything from beach reads to vintage hardcovers. And interestingly, most go for a buck or two while looking brand new.
Furniture
You can probably find a cute, secondhand chair for $40 instead of that $400 accent chair you’ve set your eyes on. And if you’re lucky, you might get one in solid wood. With a bit of cleaning or DIY magic, thrifted furniture can look like it came from a designer showroom. Plus, old stuff tends to be built better anyway.
Tools
Buying shiny new tools is unnecessary unless you’re a full-time contractor. Most secondhand ones work just fine. Hammers, wrenches, garden clippers—they’re all out there, usually donated by people who bought them for one project and never used them again. Save your money for the fun stuff.
Glassware
Those pretty glasses you see in fancy restaurants or on Pinterest may be sitting in your local thrift store for 50 cents apiece. We’re not even kidding. You can score everything from vintage champagne coupes to mismatched sets that make your dinner parties feel way cooler at a fraction of the cost.
Musical Instruments
At some point in life, we all want to be a guitarist or a violinist. But if you’re thinking about picking a new musical instrument, think again. These expensive purchases may be unnecessary, especially not until you know you’ll stick with it. Thrift shops and pawn stores often have perfectly playable guitars, violins, and even keyboards for way less.
Holiday Decorations
Why spend $60 on a wreath that’ll sit in storage 11 months of the year? Thrift stores are packed with holiday goodies—ornaments, lights, seasonal mugs, you name it. Most look brand new. Shop off-season, and you’ll score the best stuff before the holiday rush.
Lamps
You’d be surprised by all the fantastic options you can find when it comes to buying lamps from a thrift store. Funky bases, vintage shades, and even modern styles are all there, waiting for a second chance. Some may only require you to replace the bulb or maybe a shade before you can flaunt that statement lighting for less than $15.
Art
You don’t need a gallery budget to hang cool art. Thrift stores are full of framed prints, paintings, and even original pieces. Some are kitschy. Some are gorgeous. All are way cheaper than retail. And sometimes, you’ll find something weird and wonderful that’s exactly your vibe.
Kitchenware
No need to buy new plates or pots when perfectly good ones are waiting at the thrift store. You can get your hands on cast iron pans, retro mugs, and vintage Pyrex—all at a fraction of the cost. These pieces often last longer than modern versions and come with serious charm.
Clothing
This one’s obvious but worth repeating: thrifted clothes are where it’s at. Everyday basics, vintage finds, and even designer pieces sneak in if you’re lucky. Some still have tags. It’s the best way to upgrade your closet without watching your bank account cry.
Picture Frames
Frames are weirdly expensive when you buy them new. Why? Nobody knows. Thrift stores have tons in every size and style, and most cost just a few bucks. A little paint or sanding will make them look brand new. They’re perfect for art, photos, or DIY projects.
Sports Equipment
Trying a new sport could encourage you to invest in all kinds of sportswear and gear. But don’t splurge until you’re sure you love it. Thrift stores often have bikes, tennis rackets, skates, and more—especially for kids who outgrow gear in a minute. You might even find equipment that’s barely been used.
Vases
Vases are one of those things you never think to buy until you need one. Before you head to Target—hit the thrift store. Ceramic, glass, tall, wide, modern, funky—there’s always something cool on the shelf for just a few bucks. They’re great for flowers or styling a shelf.
Mirrors
Oversized mirrors can cost a fortune brand new. You can find framed mirrors that look straight out of a magazine for a fraction of the price at thrift stores or secondhand auctions. Hang one across from a window, and it instantly opens up the room—no renovations are needed.
Board Games
Board games are crazily overpriced these days. And it only takes a few games before you’re ready to push it under the bed. So if you want to enjoy the classics—Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble—you can find them at thrift stores. Most are in great shape. Just double-check the pieces before checkout.