Many shoppers compare thrift shopping to a treasure hunt, and certainly there are many treasures waiting to found. But while we live for those once-in-a-lifetime finds, there are also many everyday items that can always be found on the shelves. Buying these everyday items secondhand is financially smart and good for the environment. Plus, you never know when an everyday item might be a treasure.

Here are five everyday items you should look for when thrifting.

 

1. Lamps

There is no end to unique lamps just waiting to be thrifted. Most are great as-is; others just need a little upcycling to become a one-of-a-kind showstopper in your home.

When shopping at DI, lamps are commonly found in multiple sections:

• The Yard Area (for floor lamps)
• The Electronics Section (for small desk lamps)
• Both areas: other types of lamps

Our stores have a testing station where you can plug in the lamp to make sure it works. If it doesn’t have a light bulb, see if you can find one in another lamp nearby.

 

2. Baskets

Need help with organization in your home? A simple gift for a neighbor? Need a cute design element on your counter or an accent on your desk at work? Baskets of all shapes and sizes are staple thrift store items.

Baskets never seem to go out of style, and they are so functional. They’re also easy to upcycle. Like other thrift store staples, baskets can be found in a couple of locations in your local DI store:

• The Home Goods section (for smaller baskets)
• The Yard Area (for large baskets and picnic baskets)

 

3. Bottles and Jars

Thrift stores always have bottles and jars of all sizes, shapes, and colors—everything from vintage pickle jars to apothecary bottles and water jugs. The variety makes it fun to search the glassware every time you visit a store.

The best thing about bottles is that they can be both functional and decorative. Bottles or jars can be used in simple ways to decorate for events such as weddings, soirées, or galas. They can be used decoratively to fill spaces in your home, such as a mantel or shelf. Bottles and jars can be used in centerpieces, and even (if the bottle is big enough) to fill a corner in your entryway or on your porch.

Bottles and jars are great for storage. There are plenty of uses in the kitchen, the bathroom, craft room, or garage. If you enjoy crafting, bottles can be upcycled with paint, twine, stickers, or ribbon.

If you’re planning to can food, you might consider checking for secondhand canning jars before buying new ones. If you watch the shelves regularly, you can often build a nice stockpile of jars before canning season begins.

In Deseret Industries stores, there are a couple of places to look for bottles and jars:

• The Home Goods section (for smaller bottles and jars)
• The Yard Area (for canning jars and larger bottles and jars)

Be sure to check both areas so you don’t miss anything!

 

4. Books

Books are a favorite for many avid thrift shoppers. Bookshelves at thrift stores are virtually always well-stocked, and you can find books of just about any genre. Plus, buying secondhand books is a smart way to save a lot of money as you build your library.

Books can also be used as a simple design element in your home or as part of your next craft project. Teachers many find thrifted books useful for building their classroom library. They can be purchased as gifts to bless friends, family, and neighbors. And they can help you as you learn a skill or develop a new hobby.

Peruse the book section at your local DI to find your next read, to add to your vintage collection, or to refresh your neighborhood’s book exchange.

 

5. Frames

The abundance of secondhand picture frames is unmatched. There is always a wide variety of frames, made from different materials and in different sizes and colors. Thrifted frames are perfect for gifting art or framing family photos, and they make the best gallery walls. Often, thrifted frames also include art—which could make the purchase worth it on its own.

In Deseret Industries stores, frames are organized by size, with the smallest on the top shelf and the largest on the bottom shelf. You can typically find frames in two areas:

• The Home Goods section (for smaller frames and tabletop frames)
• The Yard Area (for larger frames)