I’ve been thrifting long enough to know that a low price doesn’t automatically make something a bargain. Every time I walk into a Salvation Army, there are certain sections I head toward almost immediately because I know genuinely good finds can disappear quickly.
At the same time, I’ve become much pickier about what comes home with me. I’d rather leave empty-handed than spend money on something just because it’s cheap, especially if it needs expensive repairs, is badly worn, or will probably end up back in the donation pile six months later.
These are seven Salvation Army finds I almost never pass up when the condition and price are right, followed by five things I’ve learned usually aren’t worth my money.
7 Salvation Army Finds I Never Pass Up
Quality Clothing Made From Natural Fibers
The clothing racks are always worth a thorough look because wool, cashmere, linen, silk, leather, and quality denim can cost considerably more when purchased new. I pay less attention to whether something is currently trendy and more attention to the fabric, construction, condition, and whether I’ll actually wear it.
Related: Why I Always Look at the Top of Clothing Racks When I Go Thrifting
Solid Wood Furniture
Give me an old solid wood dresser over a brand-new particleboard one any day, especially when the thrift store price is right. Scratches and an outdated finish usually don’t bother me because good wood furniture can often be cleaned up, refinished, painted, or simply left with its original character.
Vintage and Quality Kitchenware
The kitchen section is one place I rarely skip because older cookware and bakeware can be incredibly well made. Cast iron, vintage Pyrex, Fire-King, older CorningWare, heavy stainless steel cookware, and quality baking pieces are always worth a closer inspection when they’re in good condition.
Interesting Books
I don’t buy every inexpensive book I see, but I always browse the shelves for vintage cookbooks, older children’s books, beautiful coffee-table books, unusual reference books, first editions, and out-of-print titles. Books are one of those categories where something seemingly ordinary can occasionally be much harder to find than you realize.
Related: Say What? People Are Freezing Their Thrifted Books
Quality Lamps
Older lamps can have weight, materials, and details that are difficult to find in inexpensive new lighting, so I always give the lighting section a quick look. An ugly shade is easy enough to replace, and I’ve learned not to judge a great ceramic, brass, glass, or solid wood lamp solely by whatever dated lampshade happens to be sitting on top of it.
Original Artwork and Well-Made Frames
I’ve found that the art section is worth checking even when I don’t particularly care for the picture inside the frame. Large wood and decorative frames can be surprisingly expensive new, while original paintings, signed artwork, vintage prints, and unusual pieces sometimes get mixed in with inexpensive mass-produced décor.
Older Hand Tools
A little cosmetic wear doesn’t scare me away from a well-made hammer, wrench, socket set, or other hand tool. Older tools from reputable manufacturers were often made to withstand years of use, so this is one section where I care much more about condition and construction than whether something looks new.
5 Things I Won’t Waste Money On
Damaged Clothing I Keep Promising Myself I’ll Fix
I’ve learned to be realistic about stained clothing, moth-eaten sweaters, broken zippers, stretched-out fabric, and garments requiring more alteration than I’m realistically going to do. A $5 cashmere sweater isn’t a bargain if those tiny holes mean it spends the next two years sitting in my closet waiting to be repaired.
Cheap Particleboard Furniture
There’s a big difference between an old wood dresser that needs some sanding and particleboard furniture that has swollen from moisture or is beginning to crumble around the hardware. Once inexpensive engineered furniture reaches that point, repairing it can take more effort than the piece is worth.
Scratched Nonstick Cookware and Damaged Dishes
I’ll happily buy the right secondhand kitchenware, but scratched or peeling nonstick pans stay on the shelf. I also leave behind chipped dishes, cracked glassware, and anything with damage that makes me question whether I would actually feel comfortable using it.
Untested or Damaged Electronics
Vintage cameras, turntables, speakers, and other electronics can certainly be interesting finds, but I don’t want to gamble on something simply because the price looks good. Corroded battery compartments, missing cords, incomplete components, obvious damage, or electronics I have no reasonable way of testing usually aren’t worth the risk.
Random Décor Just Because It’s Cheap
This might be the easiest way to waste money at Salvation Army because a $3 basket, $5 vase, and $4 figurine hardly feel like purchases at all. Unless I genuinely love something and already have an idea of where I’ll use it, I’ve learned to leave those inexpensive knickknacks for someone else.
