So just what is “thrifting?”

“Thrifting” isn’t just about being frugal, like reusing a paper bag or squeezing out every last drop of toothpaste, as it might have meant in the past. “Thrifting” today relates more to the practice of shopping for secondhand items, typically at thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales or online platforms; for example, Facebook Marketplace or Ebay. Sought-after items can include clothing, furniture, books, household necessities, vintage items, and more.

Looking at the practicality of thrifting, it’s got some great benefits:

• It’s affordable.
• By purchasing used goods you’re helping to reduce waste.
• You very often find unique items that you might not find in regular stores
• Many thrift stores are run by non-profit organizations, so your purchase can help support various charitable organizations.

But besides these benefits, thrifting is just plain fun!

You might see something in a thrift shop that a loved one used when you were little that gives you a treasured flashback moment. If you purchase that item to take home, you’re bringing a piece of your past into the present, creating a tangible connection to that cherished memory. My dad used to carry a lunch pail, like the one pictured below, to work every day.  I also remember my mom letting me open the Hills Bros Coffee can when it was time to open a new one. Do you remember how you could take the key from the top of the can, insert it into the small tin piece on the edge, and then carefully roll the key around to remove the metal strip? I can still smell the aroma of the coffee beans slowly escaping as the lid of the can began to peel open. I bought both the lunch pail and the coffee can at a flea market. They sit on a shelf in my kitchen and make me smile every time I look at them.

Sometimes, you’ll come across something that was once lovely or current, but isn’t quite so anymore. You might have a vision of how to revive it or repurpose it into something new. This is your chance to experiment with your creativity. If your idea works out, that’s fantastic. If not, you’ve likely learned something valuable, and your investment probably wasn’t too significant (depending on what you pick up, of course.) This little stand just needed a fresh coat of paint to brighten it up. I added some black wax to bring out the pretty detail, painted the top black and added a red and white check fabric to the inside back to add a little pop of color. It serves as a nightstand in one of our guest bedrooms. Another flea market find.

Take a friend with you, if possible,  when you go thrifting. We don’t all have the same gift for spotting great buys. Our daughter was here this past week, and we spent 4 full days scouring the thrift shops in all the nearby towns. She noticed things that I would have simply overlooked. This lamp stopped Jen in her tracks. I wouldn’t have given it a second look, but Jen knew it was valuable.  It was $5, and it lists on Poshmark for $563. This was one of her best finds this weekend. This will find its way into Jen’s vintage shop.

Besides that, it’s just fun to have someone with you to offer another opinion at times. Here we are headed out for our 3rd day. I picked up a few little items over the past few days. Nothing big, but a few fun things.  This trip was for Jen. I suggested taking a friend with you if you can. But even better, take your daughter if you have one and if she’s willing. It makes for a fabulous day in so many ways. ♥