13 Common Thrift Store Finds That Can Be Worth Buying
Thrift stores are like treasure chests waiting to be opened. Hidden among the shelves and racks are amazing deals and valuable items that someone else no longer wanted.
Shopping at thrift stores not only saves money but also helps reduce waste by giving used items a new life. Ready to discover what treasures might be waiting for you at your local thrift shop?
Availability and value of items at thrift stores can vary by location and over time.
1. Cast Iron Cookware
Seasoned cast iron pans from decades ago often outperform modern non-stick cookware. These kitchen workhorses can last generations when properly cared for.
Look for brands like Griswold or Wagner, which command high prices among collectors. Even with a bit of rust, cast iron can be restored to its former glory with some steel wool and oil.
2. Leather Jackets
Quality leather jackets typically cost hundreds of dollars new but can be snagged for a fraction at thrift stores. Real leather improves with age, developing character and a buttery softness over time.
Check seams and zippers for integrity. A little conditioning oil can bring dried leather back to life, making even worn jackets look expensive again.
3. Hardcover Books
First editions and signed copies often hide among ordinary book selections. Some thrift stores price all books the same, regardless of their actual value.
Flip through pages to check for signatures or “First Edition” on the copyright page. Collectible books from popular authors can be worth hundreds, especially if they’re in good condition with intact dust jackets.
4. Vintage Video Games
Retro gaming has exploded in popularity, making those old cartridges and consoles valuable collectors’ items. Original Nintendo, Sega, and Atari games regularly sell for much more than their original retail price.
Complete games with boxes and manuals fetch the highest prices. Even common titles can be worth 10-20 times what you’ll pay at a thrift store.
5. Mid-Century Furniture
Furniture from the 1950s-70s features clean lines and quality craftsmanship that modern pieces often lack. Many thrift stores don’t recognize valuable designer pieces when they get them.
Look for maker’s marks or labels underneath or inside drawers. Brands like Herman Miller, Knoll, and Danish modern pieces can be worth thousands, even when purchased for under $50 at thrift shops.
6. Sterling Silver
Sterling flatware, serving pieces, and jewelry often get mixed in with regular silverplate items. The difference in value is substantial – sterling contains 92.5% pure silver.
Check for marks like “925” or “STERLING” stamped on the piece. Even tarnished or damaged sterling has melt value based on current silver prices, making it a safe investment regardless of condition.
7. Musical Instruments
Quality instruments often end up at thrift stores when someone gives up a hobby. Brand names like Fender, Gibson, or Yamaha can be incredible deals even if they need minor repairs.
Musical instruments tend to hold their value well. A $30 thrift store guitar might be worth $300 after new strings and a cleaning. Check all moving parts and for any cracks in wooden instruments.
8. Vintage Cameras
Film cameras from respected brands like Leica, Hasselblad, or Canon can be valuable finds. The resurgence of film photography has driven prices up for quality vintage equipment.
Even if you don’t use film, many collectors seek these cameras for display. Check that all mechanical parts move freely and look through the viewfinder for fungus or haze, which can affect value.
9. Original Artwork
Occasionally, valuable paintings and prints hide behind unremarkable frames. Local artists’ work or limited edition prints can be worth far more than thrift store prices.
Look for signatures and check the back of frames for information about the piece. Art doesn’t need to be famous to be valuable – regional artists with small followings can still command decent prices.
10. Designer Clothing
High-end brands occasionally slip through donation sorting. Labels like Burberry, Gucci, or even quality mall brands can be found at a tiny fraction of retail prices.
Check stitching quality and material composition tags. Some thrift stores have caught on and price designer items higher, but many still miss valuable pieces, especially from less flashy luxury brands that don’t display obvious logos.
11. Vintage Electronics
Certain old stereo equipment, especially turntables and tube amplifiers, can be worth substantial money. Brands like Marantz, McIntosh, and Pioneer from the 1970s are highly sought after by audio enthusiasts.
Even if not working perfectly, vintage electronics often sell for parts. The warm sound of vintage audio gear has created a dedicated market willing to pay premium prices for these retro treasures.
12. Quality Tools
Old American-made tools often outperform their modern counterparts. Brands like Craftsman, Snap-on, and Stanley from decades ago were built to last generations.
Hand tools rarely “go bad” and can usually be restored with cleaning and oil. Even rusty tools can be brought back to life with some elbow grease. A $2 thrift store hammer might be the last one you’ll ever need to buy.
13. Ceramic Figurines
Certain brands like Lladró, Hummel, and Royal Doulton figurines can be valuable collector’s items. These delicate pieces often end up at thrift stores when families downsize or clear estates.
Check the bottom for maker’s marks and model numbers. While not every ceramic animal is valuable, specific limited editions or discontinued pieces can be worth hundreds. Condition is crucial – even tiny chips significantly reduce value.
