One of the best things about shopping at Goodwill is that you never know what you’ll find. You might walk in looking for a picture frame and leave with a beautiful piece of furniture, a vintage dish, or something for your home that you didn’t even know you needed.
Of course, not everything on the shelves is a bargain, and some of the best finds are easy to overlook. Before your next Goodwill trip, keep an eye out for these 10 things worth a closer look.
Solid Wood Furniture
A sturdy dresser, nightstand, side table, or wooden chair can be a great find, even if it needs a little cleaning or refinishing. Check the joints, drawers, legs, and overall construction before buying so you know whether you’re getting a manageable project or a piece that needs major repairs.
Cast-Iron Cookware
A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven is worth a closer look, especially if it’s a size or style you’ve been wanting for your kitchen. You can clean off some surface rust, but cracks, serious warping, or damage to an enameled cooking surface are good reasons to leave a piece behind.
Vintage Pyrex and Other Bakeware
Check the kitchen shelves for patterned Pyrex, glass casserole dishes, mixing bowls, and other bakeware that could be useful or collectible. Examine each piece carefully for chips, cracks, and heavy wear, and avoid assuming an older dish is safe for every modern cooking method.
Leather Handbags
A well-made leather handbag can be easy to miss when it’s hanging between rows of everyday purses. Check the material, stitching, straps, lining, and zippers, and make sure the bag is clean and free of damage that would be difficult to repair.
Picture Frames
Don’t overlook a beautiful frame just because the artwork inside isn’t your style, especially if it’s made of solid wood or has an interesting vintage design. You can swap in your own artwork or a printable, and a little paint can completely change a dated frame’s look.
Table Lamps
Goodwill’s lamp section is worth checking for ceramic, brass, glass, and wooden bases that could work beautifully with a new shade. Look past an outdated color or finish, but inspect the cord and ask whether you can test the lamp before bringing it home.
Related: Do Goodwill Employees Get First Dibs on the Best Donations? Here’s What Goodwill Says
Vintage Glassware and Serving Pieces
Take your time in the housewares aisle, where colorful drinking glasses, etched bowls, silver-plated trays, and other interesting serving pieces can get lost among everyday dishes. Look for unique patterns and quality materials, but inspect each piece for chips, cracks, or damage before putting it in your cart.
Books, Movies and Video Games
The media shelves are worth checking for cookbooks, children’s books, older hardcover editions, favorite movies, and games that are still on your wish list. Before buying a DVD or video game, open the case to make sure the correct disc is inside and check it for scratches.
Name-Brand Clothing and Special-Occasion Outfits
You might find a well-made jacket, pair of jeans, dress, blazer, or special-occasion outfit for much less than you’d pay at a regular clothing store. Focus on pieces you’ll actually wear, and inspect the fabric, seams, zippers, and fit instead of buying something just because you recognize the label.
Brand-New Items With Tags
Some of the most surprising Goodwill finds are items that still have their original price tags or unopened packaging. Check the condition and compare prices before buying, since a brand-new item isn’t necessarily a bargain just because it’s sitting in a thrift store.
Vintage Home Decor
Look for vases, candlesticks, wicker baskets, wooden boxes, and other decorative pieces that could add character to your home. Interesting shapes and materials are worth a second look, but make sure you have a place for the item so it doesn’t end up in your next decluttering pile.
Quilts, Blankets and Other Linens
The linen section can be a great place to find handmade quilts, crocheted blankets, tablecloths, and fabric for sewing or craft projects. Unfold each piece before buying so you can check for stains, tears, odors, and other damage that might be hidden when it’s neatly stacked on a shelf.
Craft Supplies
Before paying full price at a craft store, check Goodwill for yarn, fabric, embroidery supplies, sewing patterns, and unopened kits. Make sure the materials are clean and usable, and check packaged projects for missing pieces before taking them home.
Holiday Decorations
Don’t wait until the holidays to check Goodwill’s seasonal shelves, because ornaments, wreaths, serving pieces, and other decorations can show up year-round. Look for items that fit your style, and test any lights or electrical decorations before buying.
Tools and Small Appliances
Goodwill can be worth checking for useful tools and small appliances, especially when you need something for a specific household project. Inspect each item for missing parts or damage, check the price against buying new, and test electrical items if the store allows it.
