A few Goodwill finds
Every now and then, I think it's fun to share a few things I've found at Goodwill, and today is one of those days.
Since Lisey is the oldest of three girls, her wardrobe isn't quite as filled with hand-me-downs as Sonia and Zoe's. So, I need to keep an eye out for clothes in her size much more often.
During our Goodwill trip last week, we happened upon three shirts for her. Yay!
Lisey pretty much lives in knit t-shirts and jeans, so these are perfect. They were all $1.98 or less, and they've got some growing room in them, so I think she can wear them next fall/winter too.
And then, in the kitchenware aisle, do you see what I spied?
Not one, not two, not three....
...but four glass lidded 1-cup Pyrex containers.
You don't even know how happy that made me. I love, love, love the 1-cup size...they're really great for lunch-packing purposes and also for storing bits of leftovers.
Needless to say, those made it into my cart in a matter of seconds.
Why was I so pleased? Well, the multi-packs of Pyrex, which are the cheapest way to go, usually only include one or two of the 1-cup size containers, so I'm always running out. And heaven knows I don't need to buy another multi-pack...I have plenty of the big containers.
Goodwill priced each one at $2, which felt a little bit high to me, but considering that they sell for $4 apiece at Weis and $7.58 on Amazon
(!), I'm happy to have snagged 4 for $8.
I know some people hate thrift store shopping because they feel like it compels them to bring home unnecessary clutter (and I can definitely see how that could happen), but I think that if you're careful about what you buy, it doesn't have to be that way.
For me, the key is to not to buy anything at a thrift store that I wouldn't buy new.
As Thomas Jefferson said, "Never buy what you don't want because it is cheap."
Girl's long-sleeved t-shirts are definitely something I'd need to buy new if I couldn't snag any used ones. And they're so not unnecessary clutter...after all, three girls will wear them (if they last that long!).
And my glass containers are definitely not something I bought just because they were cheap. I use my Pyrex all the time, so the chances of these collecting dust is, well, nil.
How do you keep from over-buying at thrift stores?
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Today's 365 post: For my aunt
Joshua's 365 post: A math-watcher and a flute
I've discovered that Pinterest is a great help for thrift shopping. I pin outfits that I like that people have posted. It helps me to mix and match things that I own, and then if there are specific items of clothing I'm looking for to complete an outfit, it goes on the Goodwill list. I'm currently looking for a navy long sleeve shirt, a lightweight tan or khaki sweater, and red slacks. Next time 50% Saturday rolls around, I'll head out and only look for the things on my list.
I love this idea! I've tried, but often end up distracted by other interesting items 🙂 I did manage to find a checked blouse like I've been seeing in catalogs and on Pinterest...and it even fit!
Ahhh Pinterest as an organizational tool. I too desperately try to use it for this. I pin recipes and garden plans, so I can one stop shop (so to speak) when I need to show it to The Husband. It definitely saves me from having a million and one bookmarks. Good idea!
I am a suck for impulse thrifting. Just like with evertyhing else I find it helps to go with a list.
Good score on the cute little pyrex containers. I didnt even know those existed!
I just love the goodwill stores that we have down here, since we live on the Eastern shore in Maryland, we are close to Deleware, there are 4 Goodwill stores within miles of each other. When I have to go shopping for the boys, I hit all the stores, and find so many deals shirts,pants, I went in last year because my twins were graduating from 5th grade, and they had outgrew there khaki's and there nice shoes, I walked in and found 2 pair of new khaki's, 2 polo shirts, and 2 pair of nice tie up shoes, I only spent $15.00. I was so happy.
Sometimes I do pick up something like in the housewares dept and say I really dont need this and I do put it back, but majority everytime I find something, it is for something that I really need and dont want to pay full price for.
I *try* to only spend cash and limit my cash to about $10.00. *try*
I love finding a bargain at thrift shops and at yard sales and am definitely guilty of sometimes having buyer's remorse when I've gotten home. Part of the over-buying for me is knowing that what I find are usually "unique" deals and then there is also the "thrill of the hunt."
My thinking changed about nine months ago when I read on-line about the 100 thing challenge and the 333 wardrobe challenge. This combined with a renewed focus on decluttering my house has made me much more careful about what I chose to buy.
Kudos on the pyrex containers! I totally agree about how useful the 1 cup size is!
Great finds!!! We scored two winter coats for my son about 2 weeks ago.
good job on the pyrex..i have been looking in our goodwill every week and have not found even one!!
Same here, ever since FG sang the praises of glass storage I've been looking but have only seen 2 one without a lid and the other with a broken lid, but I know they will eventually turn up if I keep looking.
Shoprite supermarkets have put the pyrex glass containers at 50% off twice in the past two months. Don't know if you have any of these markets near you. At 50% off it brought the price of the one cup size down to $2.25 each.
I review my cart before purchasing.
Typically I'm easy about putting things into my cart, then put on my skeptical hat before buying. Many items have been put back on to the shelf.
I usually bring less cash and use that instead of a debit card. For me to overspend, it has to be for a thing I was thinking about buying/wanting to find for a while. Currently I'm scouring for a rocker/glider!
I just found a great rocker glider. Marked 49.99, but they gave to it me for 30 and then a 10% senior discount on top of it. Can you say happy camper!
I recently made a list of things I need/want and keep it in my purse so that really helps when I go to a thrift store. I also add measurements of certain things such us an empty space I need a piece of furniture for so etc so that when I see a nice piece I can figure out quickly if it will work for us.
YES! about keeping measurements....I also keep a small tape measure in my purse. It has saved me from buying items that weren't the right size.
I recently scored two dress shirts for my husband, three shirts for myself and a nearly new pair of winter boots for my son for a total of $16. I go looking for specific items and if they aren't found I go home. I know what we all need before we get there so if something is found that we want and don't need unless its less than $1 it goes back on the rack.
I try to "obey" my self-imposed rule--One thing in, One thing out. That way, I have to be willing to donate one thing in return myself. I, too, try to keep a list of things we need. Sometimes, if I don't, I get home and realize that the item I passed by was a perfect replacement for something we need and had planned to replace. It is also a perfect opportunity to occasionally replenish the gift closet with like-new items.
That's great. My husband, who is now a stay-at-home dad, has just rediscovered Goodwill. Yesterday he and our three-year-0ld took a trip on the way home from an errand and got three wool sweaters for her, three dresses for her, three shirts for me, three shirts for my husband (Banana Repulic, J Crew, and a new Brooks Brothers), and six vintage martini glasses (two each of three styles) that look like they came from "The Thin Man." Total they spent less than half of what the Brooks Brothers shirt would have been at retail. I don't know why people have an aversion to second-hand shopping; it's more environmentally friendly, allows your money to go farther, and involves the fun of a treasure hunt.
I've been dealing with the question of not purchasing things I don't need as well. When items are so cheap it's easy to justify it. I'm pretty good with most everything except clothing. It's hard to pass up sometimes. I usually shop on the 50% off days so that helps. Last weekend I got a sun dress and a pair of white shorts for our upcoming vacation for $5.50 total. Can't beat that!! By the way - I love the see the photos of the deals you got. It's fun to see what other people are getting.
Looks like you found good stuff!
I notice that your new shirts are brand-new from Target. The Goodwill stores around here (Richmond, VA) get a weekly haul from Target - all stuff with tags still attached. Ask your local Goodwill which day they receive Target merchandise. Last week, I saw a whole bin of toddler snow boots with tags still on them.
Love the Goddwill shopping. My prices in the Chicago area are a bit higher th your loction. However when I can find pair of boys 8 slim pants for less than $5 when ful price could be closer to $30, I can't complain to hard. Like others there is also the thrill of the hunt that can make each trip exciting.
After reading the book 'Cheap' I am highly mindful about chasing after bargains simply for the pleasure of winning a better price. I think you have the right idea: buy things for their longevity, even if it costs a little bit more, and only buy the things that you really want or need. I like your method of shopping at good will, and I will try to implement it myself.
I often think of large purchases (including clothes as well as appliances) as capital costs, and therefore think in terms of cost per year, rather than cost right now.
I hit the jackpot "thrift" shopping yesterday. Three American Eagle jeans with the holes teens love $1 each. 5 new sweaters/fleeces for me which I needed..some church some casual. A spare sewing machine for when my daughter comes home. Now she won't have to drag her machine back and forth. Ug style books for my BIG footed teen daughter too. Total cost $44. It MADE my day!!
Those pyrex containers are an awesome find! I'm always looking for vinatge ones too but they are becoming like hen's teeth now.
Just came across your blog...love this post!
I never shopped at Goodwill until my daughter came along...just never thought about it. Now, Goodwill and other thrift stores = AMAZING. It's just so hard to pay regular price for something they might only wear a couple of times, isn't it?
I went thrift shopping a few weeks ago while on vacation in TN, and I couldn't believe the finds there! I got a salad spinner, which was made in USA, for $.25! I'd been wanting one for so long, but wouldn't fork out the money for it, I was so thankful that I hadn't. Also found 2 Tupperware canisters for a quarter each. Bringing home unneccessary things is not generally a problem for me, because around here we don't really have any places to go thrift shopping. Goodwill never has anything worthwhile.
sorry if you answered this before, but do you have thrift store shopping into your monthly budget? just wondering how that works for you and considering how i can ask my husband to do the same:)
I avoid overspending at the thrift store (or any where else for that matter) by following 2 rules. 1) I only shop when I NEED something and 2) When I see something I like and that is a good deal, if I do not know exactly where it is going to "live" and how it will be used, I do not buy it.
I live by the rule, "Do I really need this? Can I live without it?" and so often the answer is a resounding "NO!" So easy to pass things up when you are truthful.
I have to be able to picture a specific location in the house to keep or use the item if it is a "houseware", a specific gift occasion and recipient, a specific outfit and place to wear said outfit (clothing clutter is definitely NOT something I struggle with - I struggle with keeping a broad enough wardrobe that I don't have to wash all my clothes more than once a week!), etc.
This and having a husband who isn't keen on visual clutter in our house usually keeps me from bringing home too much stuff just because it was a good sale. My two weaknesses are clothes for my kids (a son and daughter) and organizational items (bins, baskets, desk organizers, etc.). I want to keep things neat, but just buying more organizational gadgets isn't going to get me there!
Oh Kristen I do love your blog (please don't sell it ;-))... every post is an education! Loved the Jefferson 10 rules. I mentioned over at NCA just yesterday that I used to be the Marketing Manager and Buyer for a chain of Charity shops in the UK. We had an affectionate term for hobby charity shop shoppers - 'Chazzers' - and I would imagine that many a UK house is filled full of unneeded items due to this pastime (notice I didn't say unloved). I know I have been the recipient of many a 'can't pass by' item from my lovely Mom. I don't frequent charity shops, or others for that matter - it really works on a needs must basis for me to go shopping. However had I stumbled across the pyrex containers I may just have had an episode of 'pirates in penzance' like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
I've learned, the hard way, to budget my time, money and space. I have three supermarket bags of clothing, shoes and a coat to drop off at my local Goodwill today! My rules?
*I allow myself to go to Goodwill or Saver's (aka Value Village in Canada) about once a month. Savers has 50% off deals on long weekends and if I'm around the area, I take advantage of that. Around here, it's half-price Wenesdays at Salvation Army, if Savers isn't having a sale, I visit Salvy on that month.
*I own way too many black shoes and pants, so I refuse to buy those.
*Hand-me-downs are free from friends and family!
*I've found that my area consigment stores may be a bit higher in price, but the quality of children's clothing is unbelievable.
*Keeping a mental list of needs helps - the husband is waiting for his hiking boots and work boots in size 11 wide and eventually I'll get a new-to-me Pasmina scarf.
The thrift shops in my area stink! You are so fortunate to find pyrex dishes.
I am so happy for you! I remember not too long ago I found some cute longsleeve shirts for my daughter too! I was also happy to find 3 new-like shirts for church, it is hard trying to fit into your closet once you have a baby and I do gain after having babies! I think it is because of lack of sleep and eating everything! Hahha! And yes I love finding polo navy shirts for my son! Since he has to wear a uniform. I did find New-Balance shoes (brand spanking new!) for my son who is a double wide! I spend 4.99 only for the shoes! I did spend some money for some cute goblets that totaly matched my dishes but since I do love having company over and I have 3 kinds of glasses at once on the table, I totaly paid for my new set! For a smidget of the original price! I pay for things only if I see fit! I don't go often...So that helps for impulse for me. I do need to find my husband some jean shirts for work though...
I have definitely bought a lot of excess thrift store junk in my life. Things seem like a good deal, but if you don't use them then it's just money out the door, even if it's less money than you would have spent elsewhere. It's hard to save by spending! On the other hand, I have two pieces of clothing that I actually have used multiple times. One was a pair of Banana Republic khaki cords in my size. The second is a gauzy red sheer top that I've worn over a little black dress multiple times as a Christmas party ensemble. Given that one can easily spend ridiculous sums on black tie party wear, that one find has excused a host of other things that never saw the light of day.
I just have to brag about my latest Thrift Sale Treasure - a Coach purse for $40 that sells new for $498!
NICE!!!!!
I love thrift store shopping. I recently lost 54 pounds (for health reasons, and my baby is 10, so I can't really use him for an excuse any more! :D). Of course, when you lose massive amounts of weight you can't wear your old clothes, anymore. My "new" wardrobe has come exclusively from Thrift stores. I get a ton of compiments on my cute clothes, and no one believes me when I tell them I bought them at Goodwill. In fact, I'm heading up a field trip with some of the girl's in the neighborhood, to teach them how to shop thrift stores.
I also love Pyrex. I especially love the vintage milk glass pyrex. You can usually score bowl or lids at Goodwill for around a dollar. Our leftover's look some much more festive in a pretty bowl!
I notice that the new shirts you found were from Target. Local Goodwill stores (Richmond, VA) receive a shipment from Target each week, new with tags. Ask your local store to find out which day to shop for the new stuff.
Just found out today that Goodwill buys things from Target that don't sell.
wow my eyes lit up when I saw those Pyrex containters - with lids! I'd have been happier with $5 for the set LOL but that's still a great deal. I don't like the goodwills/salvation army stores near me - they've gotten huge and in rich-looking buildings where I know a lot is going to pay for the building. I sometimes shop at a resale shop called Pennywise where the proceeds go to a women's shelter - luckily for me I seldom find anything 🙁 even stuff I want. I did find some framed pictures (was looking for frames) and one is hung and I want to hang another...that's one of my projects this year - to fix up the house somewhat and 'decorate'.
those containers are just awesome though - I'm getting to where I prefer glass - my coworker always brings her meals in glass and heats in the toaster oven and the small sizes are perfect - the biggest she uses I think is 2 cups but usually has 1-2 of the 1 cup size for veggies and such.
I love this post!
In the past DH and I have had issues with buying stuff we don't need. DH had lots of collections and I particularly had a problem with buying items that I planned to craft with, but then would never carry through with the project. Now we have strict rules for our thrift shopping. 1) no buying an item for a craft project unless we will actually work on that project that same weekend 2) we are only allowed one thrift shopping trip a month 3) we are only allowed that shopping trip if we take a bag of donations to Goodwill that same day 4) I am required to go through my children's closet before the shopping trip to verify exactly which items of clothing they need
Following those rules have helped a lot. Another thing that has contributed to us spending less at thrift stores is that since the economy got bad the thrift stores in my area have jacked up their prices. I suspect those same long sleeve shirts you bought would cost at least $3.99 ea at my Goodwill. $3.99 is the standard price now for a toddler T-shirt (for used, new with tags is even more) at my store. Now days I often ask myself if I think I can find something similar new for the same price.
We did score a Roomba robot vacum cleaner this last weekend for $15. For that particular model a new one sells for $400. This is the 3rd Roomba we've found at Goodwill, and all 3 just needed new batteries (which cost around $30). We love our robot vacum cleaners, and now that we have a 3rd I can keep one in each area of my house without having to constantly be moving them.
Wow! Lucky duck on the Pyrex containers. Just today, packing lunches I was wishing for more of those. Great find!
Oh, this is fabulous...great finds at great prices...and I"m going to keep my eyes out for glass storage containers now, too 🙂 🙂 In the beginning, when I first started thrift store shopping, I'd buy things I liked, just because it ws cheap...then later question the purchase. Now I write out a list of what I actually need...and that helps me. Now there are a few things that I"ll always buy, because I"m a collector of things like Mason jars...old ones and craft books...so if the price is right, I'll always buy those 🙂 🙂 I've been really lucky to find some nice clothes at thrift shop...saved me tons of money, too 🙂 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂
I love to find nice flower vases at Goodwill. I keep a few lovely vases on hand at home and when a special occasion arises (housewarming, birthday, congratulations, etc.) I pick up some beautiful fresh flowers and add them to a wonderful (thrifty) glass vase. 🙂 It makes the recipient happy and me, too!
MAJOR love your blog!
FOUR one-cup Pyrexes? Lucky...... (Napoleon Dynamite voice)
I've become devoted to reading your blog, and lately, I'm trying to adopt the "one in, one out" rule when it comes to any sort of shopping (not just thrift shopping). Getting the rest of my family to go along with it is proving more difficult, but I'm trying to convince them that there's less for them to clean-up if they can adapt to this! 🙂 Also, my daughters LOVE to shop at Goodwill... they often ask if we can go there! We've seen so many 'refurb' projects on your blog that they want to imitate.
The Goodwill closest to me isn't that great. All of the stuff is very worn and dated, but the one 20 miles away has GREAT stuff. I just can't go there very often since it is so far away and that wouldn't be frugal spending so much on gas, however, since I was over there last week for an appointment, I did stop in and found a great, brand-new two piece Arrow suit for my 8 year old. He needed a suit for his school project on Mark Twain. It looked so cute on him. The original marked down price on the suit was $42.00. I paid $4.99 for it, and he can wear it at Easter too. 🙂
My one weakness at Goodwill was vintage Pyrex containers, but not any more. Even though I love collecting them, I'm working harder on using what I have. If I had seen 1 cup glass containers, I would have snatched them up lickety split!
When I need clothes for the kids because whatever I have from the previous child isn't enough or the wrong season, I always hit Goodwill first and stick to the name brands. I usually come up with a few items which help me stretch what we already have.
I have a penchant for canning jars. Kerr makes these 1/2 pint wide mouth canning jars that are just a little bigger than a custard cup, and you can buy a dozen of them WITH lids for about $11 - 12. They are PERFECT for taking things for lunch at work, and for storing small amounts in the fridge or pantry. I even use them as you would custard cups--put pudding in them, melt things in the microwave in them, etc--and they have a lid to cover food for storage.
I do not like the Ball 1/2 pint wide mouth jars because they are low and wide and really hard to clean, but I am in love with quart-sized wide mouth Ball jars for storage, too. I buy in the bulk section of the store (coconut flakes, chia seeds, nuts, etc.) and keep everything in jars. They look pretty--I love seeing the full jars lined up in my pantry.
Pint jars are just the right size to store the remains of a can of broth, coconut milk, tomato sauce, etc. in the fridge.
The other trick I recently learned is that narrow mouth canning jars fit on my blender base! You can blend and store in the same jar, and all you have to wash is the base. It turns any blender (with that size base) into your own "Magic Bullet" (and with more power than the "real" ones). It's great for grinding small amounts of dry spices, or making a smoothie. I can pop the lid on the smoothie, tote it to work, store it in the fridge, and drink it right out of the jar! (Sometimes I'm polite and put it in a cup!).
Unfortunately, It's really hard to find canning jars locally when it's not canning season, and I only got one case of each last fall. I'm going to stock up this year!
I'm trying to get rid of all the plastic in my kitchen, so the canning jars are the best. However, it's a challenge to store them all when not in use, especially here in earthquake country as we don't store glass in upper cabinets.
Do you ever shop at Target? They have amazing markdowns of kids clothes. I only buy my niece outfits when they are 75% off. Recently, I bought a friend a ton of baby clothes for her shower. Each onsie was 1.12( 75% off), so many cute outfits were 2.74 or 3.48 at most. I was just at Target the other day and they had lots of clearance in Lisey's size.
I keep from over-buying at thrift stores by being a skinflint. 😉
Also, I grew up shopping at thrift stores, so I have no tendency to buy something because it seems super-cheap. (It doesn't seem super-cheap to me. It's just that other stores are super-expensive! 🙂 )
I had to cut my trips down to once a month, for starters. Then I only buy things that are too expensive new and that I need. For instance, my son needed a duffell bag for sports equipment. A plain black one was twenty dollars at Walmart. I thought I could do better than that. I did. I found a duffell his size for $3! Then I found a large hockey bag from Mountain Equipment co-op. ($5.99) I couldn't pass this up because I have had a backpack from there for close to 15 yrs with no damage. My husband was thrilled with this find for the camping equipment. Then, I left the store after paying before the on-a-roll mindset took over 😉