Four Common Thrift Store Items and How to Use Them

This week, my kids and I stopped by our local Salvation Army thrift store. They like it because their allowance money really goes a long way when they shop there. Their favorite things to look for are games, books, and DVDs. While I was there, I entertained myself by taking photos of a few things that are always in ample supply there and most other thrift stores.

Books for expectant and new moms. These books have such a limited time span for use, they’re rarely kept after baby becomes a toddler. If you’re in the market for books on baby names, pregnancy, and child care – check your thrift store before hitting up the book store. My store had five copies of Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care as well as multiple copies of What to Expect When You’re Expecting and The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy. Most thrift stores also have plenty of diet books, cookbooks, and books for kids.

Picture frames. If you can look past the gaudy artwork inside, you may be able to find a treasure. Try to visualize the frame in another color (spray paint it for just a buck). Check out the cute collage frame I made for my kids’ artwork using a large frame I found at a thrift store awhile back. The entire project was under $6, and we had fun creating it.

Kitchen utensils. You probably have enough of these and don’t need any more, but wait. Your kids will have a blast picking out slotted spoons, measuring cups, and other odds-and-ends to use in the sandbox or bathtub. Just make sure you carefully inspect them first for sharp edges so little ones stay safe.

Baskets. I really don’t use too many baskets in my decor anymore, but I do use them for organization. I use a tiny basket near the coffeemaker in our kitchen to hold loose change and car keys. I use a flat-bottomed basket on our bathroom vanity to hold hairspray, gel, toothpaste, and other items we use daily. I also have a little basket of hotel samples (shampoo, conditioner, soap) in the bathroom adjacent to our guest bedroom for anyone who stays at our house.