Most people head to a thrift store looking for a bargain. Maybe it’s a sweater for a few dollars, a useful kitchen gadget, or a piece of furniture that can be given a second life. Every so often, though, someone finds something far more interesting.
Thrift stores can be full of overlooked collectibles. A book tucked onto a crowded shelf, an old mixing bowl, or a vintage shirt can turn out to be worth much more than its price tag suggests. Knowing which brands, markings, patterns, and details to look for can make all the difference.
Here are ten thrift store finds that collectors and resale shoppers should keep an eye out for.
First Edition Paperback Books
A battered paperback might look like an ordinary secondhand book, but some early editions are surprisingly collectible. First printings of popular science fiction, mystery, and literary titles can attract serious interest, especially when they were written by well-known authors.
Look closely at the copyright page for printing information, and check the condition of the book before getting too excited. A rare title in poor condition may be worth far less than a clean, well-preserved copy.
Related: 6 Books Thrift Stores Are Always Hoping You’ll Donate
Vintage Video Games and Consoles
Old gaming systems can be easy to overlook, especially when they are sitting in a bin with tangled cords and miscellaneous electronics. Retro gaming has a dedicated following, though, and certain games and consoles can bring much more than their original thrift store price.
Look for older Nintendo, Sega, Atari, and other recognizable systems, along with unusual cartridges, limited releases, and games that still have their original boxes and manuals. Condition and completeness can make a big difference in resale value.
Rare Pyrex Mixing Bowls
Pyrex remains a favorite among vintage kitchenware collectors, and certain patterns can be especially desirable. Colorful designs such as Lucky in Love, Eyes, and Golden Gooseberry are among the patterns that collectors tend to watch for.
Don’t assume every vintage Pyrex bowl is valuable, though. Pattern, size, condition, and rarity all matter. A few dollars spent on the right bowl can still turn into a very nice thrift store find.
Vintage Band T-Shirts
A faded concert shirt may look like something someone should have thrown away years ago, but vintage music merchandise can be surprisingly collectible.
Shirts from popular bands, major tours, and memorable music events from the 1970s through the 1990s can attract both collectors and people who wear vintage clothing. Check the graphics, tour dates, tag, copyright information, and overall condition before passing one up.
A shirt that looks ordinary at first glance could have quite a story behind it.
Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Thrift stores are full of ceramic pieces, and some of the most interesting ones can blend right into the crowd. Mid-century pottery from recognized makers is worth a closer look, especially pieces with distinctive shapes, glazes, or maker’s marks.
Turn the piece over and check the bottom for a signature, stamp, or other identifying mark. Even if you don’t recognize the name, taking a photo and researching it later can help you figure out what you’ve found.
Vintage Sewing Patterns
Old sewing patterns are easy to walk past because they don’t look particularly useful at first. Vintage fashion fans and collectors, though, often seek patterns from particular designers, decades, or styles.
Some patterns also give people a way to recreate clothing that isn’t readily available in stores anymore. Look for recognizable designers, unusual designs, older packaging, and patterns that are complete and in good condition.
Related: Sewing Is Making a Comeback and More People Are Learning It Again
Cast Iron Cookware
A heavy old cast iron skillet can be one of the better kitchen finds at a thrift store. Vintage pieces from makers such as Griswold, Wagner, and early Lodge are popular with collectors and home cooks.
Look underneath the pan for identifying marks and numbers. Older cast iron can also have a smoother cooking surface than some newer pieces, which is one reason experienced cooks keep an eye out for vintage cookware.
A little rust doesn’t always mean the pan is worthless, either. Some cast iron pieces can be cleaned and restored with the right care.
Studio Pottery and Art Glass
Handmade pottery and art glass can look like ordinary decorative pieces if you don’t know what you’re seeing. A signature, sticker, or maker’s mark can change the picture completely.
Pick up pieces and inspect the bottom or base for identifying information. Research the artist or studio before putting something back on the shelf. A small piece with an identifiable maker can sometimes be worth considerably more than its thrift store price.
Vintage Leather Handbags
Older leather handbags from well-known brands can be worth checking out, especially if they are in good condition. Brands such as Coach and Dooney & Bourke have long-standing followings, and certain vintage styles are popular with collectors and secondhand shoppers.
Look inside the bag for brand stamps, serial numbers, tags, or other markings. Check the leather, stitching, lining, hardware, and handles for wear. A little age is expected with vintage bags, but severe damage can have a major effect on value.
Sports Memorabilia
Sports history turns up in some surprising places, including thrift stores. Old programs, ticket stubs, jerseys, signed items, trading cards, and team merchandise can attract collectors when they are connected to a famous player, championship, or memorable game.
Don’t assume an autographed item is valuable just because it has a signature. Authenticity matters a lot, particularly for expensive memorabilia. Still, finding an old piece tied to an important moment in sports history can make for a pretty exciting thrift store discovery.
The next time you’re browsing a thrift store, slow down and look beyond the obvious bargains. The most interesting find may be sitting quietly on a shelf, mixed in with items that everyone else has already passed by.
