For This House
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
November 17, 2025 | 6 min read
Michaela J. Misantone
As a lifelong thrifter and now vintage reseller, I have discovered there is an over-abundance of specific items in thrift stores beyond the typical racks of secondhand clothing and shelves of home decor.
Having gone to hundreds of thrift stores over the years — and more recently finding myself there multiple times a week for my business — I have compiled a list of certain items I always see, without fail, on thrift store shelves. Even down to a list of book titles that are 99% of the time available in every single thrift store (e.g. The Shack, any Twilight book, The Purpose Driven Life, The Help, etc…).
This list has given me a new perspective on our society’s tendency to quickly pull up Amazon or run to a big box store to fulfill a need or desire at any given moment. While there are times when something is needed more urgently, I’ve found that most items on our shopping list aren’t so critical. In fact, with a bit of patience and time spent browsing local thrift stores, you can often find what you’re looking for rather easily.
Before I jump into my list of things I started thrifting instead of buying brand new, I want to chat real quick about why I think it’s important to opt for thrifting beyond the obvious prospect of getting a better deal.
Choosing secondhand ultimately means that items are escaping a fate sitting in a landfill. At this point in human history, we are creating a horrifying amount of waste, especially in the clothing industry. By thrifting gently-used clothing and homeware, you are aiding in the mission to reduce waste and its impact on the earth.
I’m all for a cute Target sweater or H&M basic tee, but let’s be honest, the quality of these items are going downhill fast. With a rise in the use of synthetics, plastic, and other cheap (and often harmful) materials to create products, the lifespan of items has decreased exponentially. While these items do end up in thrift stores, they are often mixed with discarded items of years past when production was more thoughtful and intentional. Finding higher quality items that are long-lasting is both highly accessible and affordable at your local thrift store.
In a world where we can buy anything with the click of a button, the value of making thoughtful purchases has fallen to the wayside. Although thrifting specific items can take more time than a 1-hour Target pickup order, the payoff in the end (higher quality, better deal, sustainability) is more rewarding. Practicing the art of “slow shopping” teaches us to slow down and invest our resources more intentionally.
With that being said, here are 10 things I have started searching for at the thrift store instead of buying brand new:
Not only are baskets aesthetic storage solutions, but they are also great for gifting, Easter/Halloween treats, plant holders, and delivering meals. Thrift stores are literally overrun with baskets of all shapes, sizes, and styles. If you ever find yourself thinking, “I need some type of container to contain _____” or “I need something sturdier than a gift bag to wrap this present,” then head to the thrift store! Typically, baskets are only a few dollars as well — often ranging from $2-$8.
Most thrift stores have large bins or even an entire wall of shelves packed full of picture frames and artwork for only a few dollars a piece. Before taking your photos to the framing department at a box store, check the thrift store! Just make sure you take a few measurements beforehand and bring a tape measure along to check the frames you find. Chances are, you’ll find something that will work just as well (if not better) as something you’d order from Amazon.
From glassware and dinner plates to tea kettles and frying pans, the thrift store is a great place to find anything you could need to prepare a meal and set the table. Drink glasses and plates are typically less than $2 each and cookware is just a few dollars as well. While thrift stores tend to have shelves of mismatched dishware, there are also typically full dish sets available for a great price.
Two tips I love to share about thrifted dishware:
Among those shelves of glasses and dishware you can also often find a stash of Mason jars and other containers. These are perfect for food storage and are often less than $1 each!
Need a new leash, dog toy, or cat carrier? Most thrift stores have a pet section that is often stocked full of leashes, collars, bowls, toys, and other pet-care paraphernalia. I have specifically loved the thrift store for getting toys and old towels for our puppy, who quickly destroys both. Paying just a few dollars for something that won’t last very long has been a lot better for our wallet and her entertainment.
Just like baskets, the thrift store is often overrun with every size and variation of flower pot you could think of. Do you have a monstera that needs to be repotted or a new pathos that needs a cute planter? Check the thrift store! Similar to baskets, they are often only a few dollars a piece.
Extension chords, Command hooks, lightbulbs, light switch covers, screws/nails, yard/garden tools, brooms, spray bottles, etc… All of these things are actually quite easy to find at thrift stores. Most stores have a hardware section that is full of bits and bobs necessary for home maintenance.
Do you have a sewing project you’d like to tackle or craft you’d like to put together for the kids? Check the thrift store! Many stores have sections full of assorted craft supplies and another section dedicated to fabric. For fabric, you can also check the linens section for patterns to upcycle.
Is there a corner of your living room that needs a bit more light? Rather than running to the lamp section at Target, check the thrift store first. Most of the time, there are a few shelves dedicated to lamps and lampshades, which you can mix and match.
A few kitchen appliances I see the most are air fryers, coffee makers, blenders, juicers, crockpots, and toasters. Before you invest in a brand new appliance, check your local thrift store. Often too, most stores offer the option to test appliances in-store or give a refund within 7 days of purchase if they don’t work.
While there are many more things I could add to this list, these are a few I have found particularly beneficial to start thrifting instead of buying brand new.
By choosing secondhand, you not only get a better bang for your buck, but are also able to invest in something that is higher quality, better for the environment, and intentionally chosen.
Dear Lord,
As I navigate a world overrun with materialism and instant gratification, may you lead me to be mindful of the resources you’ve blessed me with.
Grant me the patience to make mindful purchases and thoughtful decisions.
Thank you for the opportunity I have to steward your creation by shopping mindfully, and also championing sustainability, quality production, and conscious consumerism.
Help me to trust your provision for my every need as Jesus assures us,
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matt. 6:31-33)
Amen
Michaela is a wife, small business owner, and freelance writer/editor living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She can often be found curled up with a book, writing in her journal, or tending to her home and garden. You can follow her vintage shop at @everjoythrift and writing ventures at @michaelajmisantone.
Michaela is a wife, small business owner, and freelance writer/editor living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She can often be found curled up with a book, writing in her journal, or tending to her home and garden. You can follow her vintage shop at @everjoythrift and writing ventures at @michaelajmisantone.
Comment
We love thrifting! So thank you for these tips to keep in mind when we need “new” things. 🙂