There’s something about spotting a yard sale sign while you’re driving that makes it hard to keep going.
Maybe you’re already running errands. Maybe you have the kids in the car and nowhere else to be. Or maybe you weren’t planning to stop at all, but then you catch a glimpse of a table full of things and think, “I’ll just take a quick look.”
For moms, yard sales can be especially tempting because you never know when you’ll find something you actually need for the family. Kids grow out of clothes, toys disappear, storage is always needed, and household items somehow seem to break or go missing at the worst possible time.
After enough weekend stops, you start noticing which items are worth pulling over for. These are some of the finds that can turn an ordinary yard sale into a great stop.
Kids’ Clothes in the Next Size Up
Even if your kids have plenty of clothes right now, it’s hard to ignore a clean pile of gently used clothing in the next size up.
Kids can outgrow clothes so quickly that buying everything new gets expensive. Finding jeans, pajamas, jackets, or everyday shirts in good condition for a couple of dollars can save quite a bit over time.
I especially like finding seasonal clothes ahead of time. If the price is right and the condition is good, I can put them away until they fit.
Related: How to sell everything at your next yard sale
Brand-New or Barely Used Toiletries
Unopened lotions, shampoos, soaps, and other personal care products can be great yard sale finds.
People often end up with products they bought and never used, so you may come across something that’s still sealed and in perfectly good condition.
I’d always check the packaging and expiration information before buying anything, but finding unopened products for a fraction of the store price is hard to pass up.
Baby Gear That Still Has Life Left
Baby gear can be expensive, especially considering how quickly babies grow and move from one stage to another.
That’s why items like a gently used baby carrier, baby bouncer, or bundle of baby clothes can make you stop the car.
Parents often sell baby items that were barely used because their little ones outgrew them before they had much time to wear them out. A quick inspection for damage, missing pieces, and recalls is still a good idea before bringing anything home.
Related: 13 Yard Sale Finds Men Grab Before Someone Else Does
Maternity and New Mom Essentials
Maternity clothes and other new-mom items can be surprisingly expensive for something that may only be needed for a short period.
That’s why I always take a closer look if I see maternity clothing or items such as a pregnancy pillow.
Comfortable maternity clothes can be especially good secondhand purchases. Since they’re often worn for only a few months, you can sometimes find pieces that still have plenty of life left.
Toys That Still Have Plenty of Play Left
Kids don’t care whether a toy came from a department store or a yard sale. If it’s fun, they’ll play with it.
A box filled with puzzles, toy cars, board games, building pieces, or other toys can be worth stopping for. I like looking for items that are complete, clean, and sturdy enough to survive plenty more playtime.
A bin of puzzles can keep kids busy for hours, and you can often find several for the price of one new toy.
Children’s Books You Can Never Have Too Many Of
Children’s books are one of my favorite things to look for at a yard sale.
They’re usually inexpensive, easy to carry, and can be used again and again. A few new-to-you books can give kids something different to read without spending much money.
I also like picking up books that are a little ahead of my kids’ current reading level. By the time they’re ready for them, I already have a small collection waiting at home.
Baskets, Bins, and Anything for Organization
There always seems to be something in the house that needs a place to go.
Baskets, bins, small shelves, drawer organizers, and other storage pieces can be expensive when bought new. At yard sales, you can often find perfectly usable options for a few dollars.
I don’t care much about matching everything. If a basket is sturdy and the right size for the closet, pantry, bathroom, or playroom, I’m interested.
Pet Supplies at a Good Price
Pet supplies can add up quickly, especially if you have more than one animal.
A clean, gently used leash, pet bowl, or pet bed can be worth checking out.
I’d be more cautious with anything that could carry germs or has been heavily used, but items that can be cleaned well are often worth considering.
Kitchen Basics You’ll Actually Use
A table full of mixing bowls, measuring cups, baking dishes, storage containers, and kitchen utensils is enough to make me stop.
These are everyday items that don’t need to be expensive. I’ve found plenty of kitchen basics at yard sales that were still in great condition.
If you’re missing something at home, it’s worth checking the kitchen tables before paying full price at a store. A sturdy set of mixing bowls or a set of airtight food storage containers can get plenty of use.
Simple Home Décor That Feels Like a Refresh
You don’t have to redecorate an entire room to make your home feel a little different.
A framed picture, vase, basket, candle holder, or small decorative piece can change the look of a shelf, table, or empty corner without costing much.
Yard sales are great for this because you can experiment without spending a lot. If something doesn’t work in one room, you can move it somewhere else or pass it along later.
For me, that’s part of what makes yard sales so much fun. You can find practical things the family needs, but you can also stumble across those little extras that make stopping worth it.
