The Best Things to Buy at Thrift Shops

Do you like to shop at thrift stores?  I love to and often pop in to a thrift shop or two every week just to make sure I’m not missing out on any great steals or to grab a quick item for repurposing.  There are certain items that I always check out because they’re usually in abundance and are perfect for upcycling projects.  I made a list of the best things to buy at thrift shops and some inspiration for fun and creative ways to reuse these items.  Ready to get thrifting?  {and if you’re in the DFW area, check out my favorite thrift stores in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex!}

There are certain items that can always be found at thrift stores and they’re fun to upcycle.  If you’re looking for a good project idea, don’t miss grabbing these things when you’re wandering through your favorite shop.

The Best Things to Buy at Thrift Shops

Denim Jeans

Old jeans are often super cheap at the thrift store {especially if you grab them in the kids’ section} and there are so many fun ways to repurpose them.  

I’ve used old blue jeans to make a cute monogrammed jeans pocket coffee cuff to protect your hands from the heat of a coffee cup and a no-sew jeans pocket garland that’s perfect for holding napkins, cutlery, and other items when outdoor {or indoor} entertaining.

In addition to those projects, I’ve also gathered up twenty ways to upcycle old jeans.  There are upcycled denim rugs, woven lampshades, chair covers, and dog toys!

Want some more inspiration? For piles of really great denim themed projects, be sure to stop over to visit Pillar Box Blue.  Her repurposed denim projects will amaze you and ensure you never walk past the discarded jeans at the thrift store again!

Colorful Knit Shirts

Colorful knit shirts can be upcycled in lots of ways and since they’re so inexpensive when found at the thrift store, they’re the perfect base for projects.

One of my favorite ways to upcycle knit shirts is to cut them into strips and use them as yarn.  A reusable market bag is the perfect thing to knit with the yarn.  If you aren’t a knitter, there are other no-sew options for tee tote bags, too.

Pom poms, chunky finger knit bracelets, flower rings, hanging planters, and dishcloths are all fun ways to reuse and recycle old shirts!

Don’t overlook other shirts as well.  Button down shirts in the men’s department make really cute coffee sleeves!

Baskets

Most thrift stores have a full aisle or at least an overflowing section of baskets and they’re perfect for using in decor and adding fun touches to update and transform.

Paint or stain is a fun way to turn a plain basket into a colorful color blocked basket but there are also some great ways to turn ordinary baskets into something fabulous.  

A basket makes an adorable farmhouse style cat bed, a pretty planter, pendant light, or warm wall decor.

Silverware or Cutlery

There are often containers full of silverware at the thrift shop and it’s always super cheap, making it the perfect item for upcycling.

I’ve used knives to make cute garden markers and I’ve rounded up a whole pile of other ideas for repurposing silverware including garden decor, cabinet handles, and photo holders.

Old mismatched cutlery can also be turned into whimsical wall decor, stylish clothespin magnets, and plant hooks for hanging jars.

Dishes, Pots, Pans, and Baking Items

Don’t pass by the kitchen items!  They’re some of my favorite items to upcycle!

I’ve found quirky dishes and created an eclectic plate wall but colorful dishes also make really cool broken china jewelry.

I’ve upcycled frying pans into chalkboard garden markers, turned bundt pans into beach balls, pumpkin centerpieces, and apple wreaths, transformed an old cheese crate into a cell phone docking station, updated a pot lid into Halloween decor, turned a coffee pot into a lamp, and repurposed a muffin tin into an herb garden.  The kitchen area is full of inspiration and all that’s required is a bit of imagination!

Frames

Shopping for frames sometimes requires a bit of extra imagination because the frame aisle often houses outdated art that needs a solid paint job.  When you’re shopping for frames, look at the size and style of the frame and try to ignore the color or anything else that can be updated. 

I’ve gathered seventeen ways to repurpose old frames and I’ve created a few of my own projects including a polaroid photo hanger using an empty frame, a fall themed chalkboard sign, and an upcycled vintage painting that got a whole new look and message.

Don’t overlook painted or printed canvases.  The porch sign I made is a the perfect example of how easily they can be repainted and updated for a fraction of the price of a new canvas.

Sports Equipment

Have you ever upcycled sports equipment?  You might have a whole new plan of action after seeing all the potential in these items!

I’ve rounded up eleven ways to repurpose a tennis racquet and I’ve also created some fun ideas with old tennis gear including a tennis racket pumpkin and a tennis ball hair bow.

Basketballs make fun bowls for a party and pretty cool coffee cuffs for coaches or dads.  I’ve even made bracelets out of baseballs and turned a hockey stick into a curtain rod.

Books

Books are one of my favorite items to repurpose because they’re always in abundance, they can be used as is, updated with paint, or disassembled so the covers and pages can be used separately.  I know not everyone is a fan of tearing up books but I’d so much rather see them turned into home decor than to see them thrown into the landfill.

I’ve gathered up nine fun and colorful ways to upcycle old books and I’ve used book covers to create a whimsical valance in my daughter’s room and book pages to create Halloween decor and paper bows. 

Are you inspired to hit up your local thrift shop?  What items do you always look for?