18 Valuable Things To Look For At Goodwill
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Ready to turn thrift shopping into the ultimate treasure hunt? Goodwill is like a secret goldmine where every aisle holds secret treasures just waiting to be uncovered, if you know where to look.
Scoring big at Goodwill isn’t just about luck; it’s about having that eagle eye to spot the treasures others overlook.
So, whether you’re hunting for a diamond in the rough or just looking to snag a steal, get ready to cash in on these 18 valuable finds. Make your next thrift trip a total bargain blast!
1. Cast Iron Cookware
Old cast iron pans often sit neglected on Goodwill shelves, but they’re kitchen gold. Brands like Griswold or Wagner from pre-1950 can fetch hundreds from collectors if you know what markings to look for.
Restoration is surprisingly simple, a good scrubbing, seasoning with oil, and that rusty $5 pan transforms into a valuable cooking tool that will outlast any modern cookware.
Even newer Lodge pans sell for $15-25, making any cast iron find worthwhile.
2. Vintage Pyrex Dishes
Colorful Pyrex from the 1950s-1970s isn’t just functional, it’s highly collectible. The patterns like “Butterprint” (turquoise with farm motifs) or “Pink Gooseberry” can command impressive prices from collectors.
I found a complete “Friendship” pattern mixing bowl set for $12 that was worth over $200! Check the bottom for pattern names and look for minimal scratching.
The older pieces have a smoother feel and more saturated colors than modern counterparts.
3. Quality Leather Goods
Premium leather items lose retail value quickly but maintain their quality for decades. Brands like Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Fossil regularly appear at Goodwill for under $20.
Real leather has a distinct smell and uneven texture, nothing like the uniform surface of fakes. Check inside for brand stamps and quality of stitching.
A simple cleaning and conditioning can revive a tired-looking leather bag into something that looks nearly new.
4. Original Artwork
Art sections at Goodwill sometimes hide original paintings, prints, or lithographs among mass-produced decor. Look for signatures, hand-painted details, and quality framing as clues to potential value.
My neighbor found an original watercolor by a regional artist for $8 that appraised at $300! Remove pieces from frames to check for gallery labels or artist information on the back.
Even if not valuable, unique art adds personality to your home for pennies compared to retail prices.
5. Vintage Board Games
Complete board games from the 1960s-1980s can be worth surprising amounts to collectors. Games like original Dungeons & Dragons sets, early Star Wars games, or first-edition Monopoly versions fetch hundreds if all pieces are present.
Always open the box and count components before buying. Some vintage games are valuable even with missing pieces.
The nostalgia factor drives prices up. Especially for baby boomers seeking childhood favorites or collectors targeting specific manufacturers like Milton Bradley or Parker Brothers.
6. Quality Kitchen Knives
High-end knife brands like Wüsthof, Henckels, and Shun regularly end up at Goodwill when people downsize or don’t recognize what they have. A $100+ professional knife often sells for under $10.
Look for full-tang construction (blade extends through handle) and forged rather than stamped blades. Even if dull, quality steel can be professionally sharpened to perform like new.
The weight should feel substantial, with perfect balance when held at the bolster where the blade meets the handle.
7. Vintage Cameras
Film cameras, especially from the 1960s-1980s, have surged in popularity among young photographers. Brands like Pentax, Canon, Nikon, and Leica can be valuable finds. And guess what? They’re often priced under $20 at Goodwill.
Test the mechanical functions, shutter should click, aperture should adjust smoothly. Even non-working vintage cameras sell to collectors for parts or display.
The real treasures are medium format cameras like Hasselblad or Rolleiflex, which can be worth hundreds even in non-perfect condition.
8. Sterling Silver Items
Ever dig through a pile of metalware and wonder if there’s real treasure hidden beneath the tarnish? Keep an eye out for tiny stamps like “sterling” or “925” on flatware, jewelry, or decorative pieces, these marks reveal genuine sterling silver.
Even if the silver looks dull or tarnished, its value can be surprisingly high just based on weight. Silver-plated items, marked EPNS, aren’t as valuable but still catch the eye of crafters and DIY enthusiasts.
Imagine stumbling on a set of six sterling teaspoons for just a few dollars. Now imagine discovering they’re worth over a hundred bucks in silver weight alone, not even counting the charm of their antique design!
9. Vintage Audio Equipment
Stereo receivers, turntables, and speakers from the 1970s-1980s by brands like Marantz, Pioneer, and Technics have passionate collectors willing to pay hundreds. The warm sound quality of vintage audio can’t be replicated by modern equipment.
Heavy weight often indicates quality components and better sound. Even if not working perfectly, vintage audio equipment can be repaired by enthusiasts.
Look for solid wood cases, metal knobs, and minimal plastic parts as signs of quality worth investigating.
10. First Edition Books
Valuable books hide among common paperbacks at Goodwill. Check copyright pages for “First Edition” notations and publication dates. Modern first editions by authors like Stephen King can be worth hundreds if in good condition.
Look for signed copies, limited printings, or books with historical significance. Older hardcovers with intact dust jackets are especially valuable.
I once found a first-edition Kurt Vonnegut novel for $1 that was worth over $200 to collectors simply because it had its original dust jacket.
11. Vintage Clothing
Authentic vintage clothing from the 1950s-1990s can fetch premium prices from fashion enthusiasts. Look for union tags, metal zippers, and hand-finished details that indicate older manufacturing techniques.
Designer labels like Dior, Chanel, or Halston are obvious treasures, but even non-designer vintage pieces with unique patterns or cuts are valuable.
Check seams and construction quality, vintage pieces were often better made than modern fast fashion. Wool, silk, and leather pieces in good condition are especially worth grabbing.
12. Quality Hand Tools
Old-school tools made in America by brands like Craftsman, Stanley, or Snap-on often outlast modern equivalents. Many carry lifetime warranties that transfer to new owners, making that $2 wrench set an incredible value.
Look for solid metal construction and minimal plastic parts. Wooden handles should be intact without cracks. Even rusty tools can be restored with simple cleaning methods.
Specialized woodworking tools like planes and chisels are especially valuable to craftspeople seeking quality that’s hard to find in new tools.
13. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Furniture from the 1950s-1970s with clean lines and minimal ornamentation can be incredibly valuable. Designers like Eames, Herman Miller, and Knoll created pieces now worth thousands, often unrecognized at Goodwill.
Look underneath for manufacturer tags or stamps. Solid wood construction, tapered legs, and distinctive joinery are hallmarks of quality pieces.
Even unmarked mid-century furniture sells well to decorators seeking the retro look. The sleek style works surprisingly well with many decorating schemes, making these pieces both valuable and usable.
14. Musical Instruments
Every now and then, Goodwill turns into a mini music store when families part ways with instruments that no longer get played. Keep an eye out for big-name brands like Yamaha, Fender, or Selmer, these can strike a chord with your wallet, often worth hundreds even with a few battle scars.
Before you hit the high notes, give the instrument a good once-over: no cracks in the wood or major dents in the brass. Even if it needs a little tuning up, it could still be a sound investment.
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of TLC to turn a forgotten student model into a rockstar resale!
15. Vintage Electronics
Certain old electronics have surprising value to collectors. Original Nintendo, Atari, and Sega game systems can fetch hundreds if working, especially with original controllers and games.
Early Apple products, vintage calculators, and old radios also command premium prices from collectors. Always test electronic items before purchase if possible.
Some vintage electronics are valuable purely for parts, like the specialized chips in certain gaming systems or the tubes in old radios and amplifiers.
So, are you ready to level up your thrift game and see if your next find could be the ultimate high score?
16. Genuine Jewelry
Real gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry occasionally slips through Goodwill’s sorting process. Look for quality stamps like “14K” for gold or “925” for silver, usually found on clasps or inside rings.
Genuine pearls feel slightly gritty when rubbed against teeth (fake ones feel smooth). Even costume jewelry by designers like Weiss or Trifari can be valuable to collectors.
A simple magnifying glass helps spot quality marks and genuine stones versus glass imitations.
17. Vintage Luggage
High-quality vintage luggage brands like Hartmann, Louis Vuitton, or American Tourister’s older lines combine durability with retro style. The craftsmanship of vintage pieces often exceeds modern options, with quality stitching and hardware.
Look for leather trim, sturdy handles, and smooth-operating locks. Even if not valuable to collectors, quality vintage suitcases make excellent storage solutions or decorative stacking pieces.
The distinctive patina of well-used leather luggage adds character impossible to replicate in new pieces.
18. Genuine Designer Items
Authentic designer pieces sometimes appear at Goodwill when donors don’t recognize their value. Brands like Coach, Gucci, or Le Creuset kitchen items sell for a fraction of retail prices.
Learn to spot real from fake by checking stitching quality, hardware weight, and authentic labels. Many designer brands have specific authentication points like serial numbers or distinctive hardware.
Research popular brands before shopping so you can quickly recognize valuable items amid the regular merchandise.