As all of you know, I’m a thrift store junkie. And I’m a frugal, green-lovin’ mama. My husband gets one role of paper towels each year for Christmas, and I buy used whenever I can. But there are some things even I won’t buy from the thrift store.
There was such a big response to my post on the Five Things You Should ALWAYS Buy from the Thrift Store, that it was only natural to follow up with the five things you shouldn’t buy. So, with a great excuse for another thrifting trip, I headed out to snap some pictures and take some notes. I came home with a cute new outfit and a list of five things you should never buy from the thrift store:
1. Clothes that don’t fit.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Wrong. When you’re shopping for thrifted clothes the odds are not in your favor. Finding a shirt/dress/skirt/whatever that’s your size can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. And you’ll be lured by that name brand flower print that’s just a size too small. Or you’ll convince yourself that you can handle taking in that dress that’s four sizes too large.
Unless you’re an experienced seamstress–or can afford to hire one–resist the temptation and put it back on the rack. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve failed to do this myself and bought clothes that ended right back up in the donate pile (or ended up with a really bad alteration job). Hold out for that $6 pair of jeans that’ll fit like a dream–it might take a couple stores, but you’ll find them!
2. Plush items (think pillows and stuffed animals).
My kids are always drawn to the giant pile of smiley-faced stuff animals in the kids section at the thrift store. And who wouldn’t want to take home an over-sized teddy bear holding a heart? You. Stuffed animals have a way of creeping into your home and becoming your child’s eighteenth best friend and not leaving until you pull a stealth attack when the kids aren’t looking. And then they all gang back up at the thrift store. Plus, Mr. Teddy is sure to bring along some extra friends hitching a ride in that fluffy belly of his.
Pillows are a trap, too. We ladies love our decorative pillows and buying new ones can really add up. So that giant pile of fifty-plus pillows for $2.00 each starts to look really appealing. Sure, I guess you could wash and then recover them, but do you really want to risk bringing extra pests guests home?
3. Electrical items that you can’t test.
Most thrift stores have a testing area with extra outlets that you can plug electrical items into. But what about a lamp that doesn’t have a light bulb? Or a store that doesn’t have outlets for testing? Unless it’s dirt cheap and you’re a whiz at wiring, or the store offers refunds on electronics, don’t fall for it.
4. Broken items.
There have been numerous times when I found an awesome whatchamacallit that I’ve been on the hunt for forever, only to pick it up or turn it over and find it chipped, broken, or missing a crucial piece. I feel completely disappointed and stand with it in my hands seriously thinking about still buying it. Put it down and walk away. You’ll find another whatchamacallit another time. You don’t want to pay for something that’s going to sit in your garage taking up space. Ten dollar basketball hoop with no hoop? No thanks.
5. Underwear.
The big yucky no-no. Need I explain more?
A few other things I’d steer clear of? Plastic ware and wigs. With BPA concerns I wouldn’t buy thrifted plastic for food items. And wigs? Well, I’d never buy those new, either!
What’s on your thrift store no-buy list? Do you disagree with anything on mine? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I totally agree with the all of these, but especially the stuffies!! My son has a little addicition. And yes, I feed the addicition sometimes, becuase they are so cute, but not from the thrift shop. I get creeped out by the same guests that might be coming home with you in those pillows…. And who charges 10 bucks for a baskeball hoop with no basket?!?
Hello, I agree with you. It is logical what you say. I made the error for a garment once on a secondhand trade. Goodbye.
I am always wary of shoes. If I am not convinced that I can clean them thoroughly, and that they have been barely worn, I won't touch them.
Yes–shoes were a BIG discussion on my post about what you should buy!
I'd refrain from buying cribs and car seats used – older items may not be up to current safety standards.
Great point Misha!
I always want to pick up a couch,but my husband says absolutely not! 🙂 I think he is afraid of germs and pests inside the cushions–which makes sense, but somehow, I still think I would risk if it looked in decent shape.
I love thrifting and I have loved both your posts about the topic! A Thrift Town is moving within half a mile of my home. I am so excited even if means that it makes my ville look cheap.
Completely agree about broken items. I have to refrain even at garage sales too. I am not crafty and I know I will never get around to creating that project or fixing it up.
I do buy shoes. I do look to see how worn they are. The shoes I buy at a thrift store aren't usually a pair I will wear everyday. Kids shoes are awesome. I get hand me down kid shoes all the time. I love it!
I would definitely reupholster if you ever did. I know firsthand how tempting it is–but you never know what's in there! Wooden furniture is probably safe though.
Thanks Amanda! I'm glad you've enjoyed the posts. That's awesome that Thrift Town is opening near you. The closest one to me is about 30 minutes away so I don't get by there often.
And I totally buy kids shoes as long as they're decent–brand new shoes every other month for four kids just isn't in my budget! Thanks for stopping by and sharing our thoughts!