10 Things You Should Thrift Instead of Buying New

Not everything you buy needs to be brand new—thrifted items give secondhand goods a new life.

Shopping secondhand is fun—a modern-day treasure hunt filled with possibilities. It is also an impactful, sustainable action anyone can do to help conserve resources and reduce waste. Before buying something new, it's worth taking an extra moment to consider whether or not the item you need can be purchased from a thrift store.

Not only is shopping at thrift stores more sustainable and will save you money, but in many cases, the items you find secondhand are better quality—and way more unique than anything you can find at a regular retailer. We turned to the experts to find out which items you should always try to thrift instead of buying new.

Meet Our Expert

• Andi Jenkins, interior stylist and vintage reseller

• Taylor Jochim-Smoot, vintage sourcing and design specialist and founder of Portland Revibe, a vintage resell shop dedicated to supporting eco-sustainable practices

Related: 7 Hidden Gems to Look for at the Thrift Shop

Small Wood Tables and Stools

Thrift stores are usually filled with all types of wooden tables and stools just waiting to be styled. "We all have those corners in our home that are begging for a 'visual moment' while also serving a purpose," says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, a vintage sourcing and design specialist and founder of Portland Revibe. "I love finding architectural small side tables with or without multiple tiers and small stools to be the perfect plant stands and reading nook tables." These types of pieces are incredibly versatile, lightweight, and can often be refinished or repainted to match your existing decor or add a splash of color to your space.

Gardening Supplies

Getting into gardening as a new hobby can be expensive up front, but not if you hit up your local thrift store. "Gardening tools and supplies are usually built to withstand a lot of wear and tear," says Andi Jenkins, an interior stylist and vintage reseller. "Before buying a new trowel or rake that is just going to get dirty upon first use, check the gardening aisle at the thrift store for supplies that still have a lot of life left." You can use the money you save to buy new plants to beautify your yard.

Party Games

Hosting a game night? Be sure to hit up your local thrift store first. "Party games can be very expensive, and most people only use them a couple of times before they are donated," says Jenkins. "Thrift stores are a great way to score expensive games for under five bucks." If you’re buying a game that has a lot of small pieces, just be sure to count them first to make sure you don’t end up with a game you can’t play.

Related: 9 Mistakes People Make When Shopping at Thrift Stores, According to Experts

Canning Jars

Jars are relatively inexpensive to begin with, but they are even more affordable when purchased from thrift stores—and buying them secondhand is the eco-friendly option. "For most people, canning was a hobby they tried for a season before donating all their jars to the thrift store," says Jenkins. Chances are most of them have little wear and tear, and they are incredibly versatile—they can be used as drinking glasses, vases, for storage, and more. Also, look for jelly jars—an item that is often saved and never used, only to end up in the thrift shop. Using them in place of disposable party cups is a sustainable win-win.

Throw Blankets

If you thought that textiles were among thrift store items to avoid, think again. "From handmade afghans to throws, thrift stores are filled with cozy throw blankets," says Jenkins. "I have thrifted nearly all the throw blankets in my home at a fraction of what they would cost retail and most are in like new condition." Blankets, throws, and other linens are easy to clean, and you should always wash them before using them. Jenkins recommends looking for holes or stains before bringing one home.

Quality Rugs

Bringing home a secondhand rug can be intimidating, considering the potential for dirt, stains, and odors, but if you find a quality vintage rug in good shape, it will be worth it. "Often the quality and craftsmanship of these older cotton, wool, and silk rugs can’t be beat by newer options," says Jochim-Smoot. "If you find a rug that has some surface dirt but ultimately isn’t extremely stained or physically damaged, the odds of getting it close to its former glory are high and very achievable." By shopping secondhand, you’ll not only save a lot of money, but you’ll likely find vintage rugs that are special, well-made, and truly one-of-a-kind.

Related: 13 Insider Tips for Scoring Big at Thrift Stores, According to Experts

Hangers

If you always seem to be running out of hangers, turn to the thrift store before heading to Amazon or Target. "Hangers are one of the most donated items at the thrift stores and usually can be purchased in bulk," says Jenkins. Don’t expect to find only wire and plastic hangers, either. Thrift stores often have much higher quality options at a fraction of the cost. "You can score solid wood or velvet-lined hangers at very affordable prices and some thrift stores will even give them away for free," Jenkins says.

Candles

Candles can be pricey, but they don’t have to be. "Candles are a home décor staple that can easily be found at the thrift store for a few bucks," says Jenkins. "From tapers and tea lights to scented tins, you can usually find quality candles that are unburned." Instead of waiting for special occasions to burn expensive candles, you can burn them all the time to enjoy the mood and fragrance. Also, you’re likely to stumble upon some unique scents and vintage shapes that you can't find anywhere else.

Flower Pots

Potted plants are a home décor staple and breathe new life into your surroundings, and the thrift store is the best place to find unique flower pots and planters. "Ceramic plant pots are easy to hunt down at the thrift and even more so on second-hand online marketplaces in your local area," says Jochim-Smoot. "I’ve never had an issue finding a plethora of beautiful decorative ceramic plant pots of various sizes from locals who are just looking to downsize. Sometimes, these pots even come with the original plant!"

Related: 10 Collectibles in Your Attic That You Didn't Realize Were So Valuable

Decanters and Glassware

Thrift stores are typically bursting at the seams with unique glassware and decanters, which are great for decorating with or making special occasions feel extra special. "A fun idea I’ve seen is using cut glass (non-leaded) decanters to store everyday household items like mouthwash on a bathroom counter or olive oil in a kitchen," says Jochim-Smooth. "Not only does it look stunning, it makes the space look more elegant." It is important to test any glassware, vintage plates, china, or porcelain for lead to make sure that it's food-safe before using with food. Fortunately, these kinds of tests are readily available at hardware stores and online retailers.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.