Through my love of thrifting, I have often found myself coming across repeat household items. I am not sure if there is just an influx of these items in circulation, or for some reason individuals are replacing these items and donating them on regular; regardless, it’s nice to have a solid list of items I know I am sure to find on my thrifting ventures should I ever need to replace or invest in a new home item.

For this post I have put together a helpful list of 20 items that you can more than likely find at your local second hand store. I hope to inspire you to see what you can find easily so that the next time you need one of these items, you can head straight to the thrift store instead of relying on Amazon or a big box retailer. In my post on What is Thrifting and How to Do it Right, I wrote all about my process and how I plan my thrifting trips. One of the most important things I covered is planning in advance and keeping a list of what you need. If you are in need of any of the items below, I can almost guarantee you will be able to find them second hand at anytime, anywhere.

So let’s get into it! Here are 20 items you can definitely find at the thrift store.

Cast iron pans

This one really baffles me because they are such an amazing kitchen tool. I wonder if individuals believe they are no longer useable when they begin to rust or tarnish but really that just means they need to be oil treated. You can use them on the stove, in the oven or even over an open flame. While they are on the heavier side compared to aluminum or copper pans, cast iron is a non-stick cooling vessel that does not contain any chemicals. They will last literally forever if they are oiled and cared for properly which will save you money and waste. If you have never used cast iron before, check out this youtube guide on how to cook with cast iron to get started.

Glassware

Broken glassware is inevitable from time to time in a busy home. Instead of heading to a big box store every time you are running low, consider purchasing some second hand pieces to replace them! This will save you the cardboard waste often housing the glasses, and inspire some creativity in your kitchen. An eclectic mix of vintage glassware can add texture and fun character to your dining table similarly to mugs. There has never been a shortage of unique drinking, wine, pint, or mason jar glasses at any of the thrift stores I go to. I would recommend bringing a couple dish towels along with you to wrap them up safety instead of relying on the store to wrap them in paper for you.

Mugs

I am convinced mugs are the default ‘I am not sure what to get you gift’ for a lot of people. If you are a tea or coffee lover, I am sure you have been gifted a mug or two in your lifetime either from a loved one or a corporate event. I do not think there is absolutely any reason you need to be buying new mugs from a retailer when you can choose from the literal hundreds available at thrift stores. If you don’t find any that stand out to you, you could make it a fun project and take plain ones home to paint them.

Silverware

Another easy kitchen find is silverware. The sets in retail stores can get really expensive quickly depending on the quality and level of detail on each tool. You are more than likely to find a great selection of quality silverware at your local thrift store for a fraction of the price. This is a great solution if you have misplaced a few instead of buying an entire new set or if you are a small household that doesn’t need multiple sizes of forks and spoons that often come in boxed sets. You can also pick up a set specifically for your work or school lunches instead of purchasing my ever dreaded zero waste product, bamboo cutlery.

Frames

Repurposed decor is a great low waste solution to updating your home and adding character. Picture frames can easily be found at a second hand and save you a lot in comparison to retail decor stores. I have always found a good selection of different styles, shapes and sizes at my local thrift store but you can also have good luck by checking online marketplaces. You will likely find some empty ones on their own but I find the best ones are found in the art section with preexisting photos, prints, or art pieces inside. It helps if you head to the store prepared with the measurements you will be looking for, as well as a moodboard for the style inspo. It can be hard to picture how a frame will look in your space without a reference, especially if it contains art that isn’t your taste.

Bowls

Similarly to mugs, there is never a shortage of bowls. You will be able to find all sorts of shapes and sizes made out of different materials from ceramic to glass. Consider being more specific in your search by detailing the intended use for the bowls you are looking for on your shopping list. With a bit of DIY, second hand bowls can also make great dishes for pets, planters, or storage solutions.

Winter Jackets

A good winter jacket is an essential purchase here in Canada and let’s face it, the good ones are NOT cheap! With how often it is warn, they usually need to be replaced every 3-5 years which can add up in cost and waste. Buying second hand winter jackets is a more sustainable way to stay warm. You can feel good about purchasing warmer, natural material jackets such as fur or wool without the social implications. I have also found a good number of synthetic options secondhand. This is especially a good idea for growing children that need to size up every season or two.

Jewelry

So much of today’s costume jewelry is so cheaply made it can tarnish with a mater of wears — you are better off buying the better quality used older pieces. Finding jewelry secondhand is so easy as many people tend to donate unworn gifts or impulse purchases that don’t suit their style. I have found a ton of brand new jewelry in my local shop’s case but prefer to peruse the vintage pieces to find unique ones. If you are into DIYs, you can transform pretty pendant necklaces you find into earrings or chains into bracelets. For secondhand earrings, be sure to properly disinfect by following a guide such as this one.

Summer dresses

I found some of my absolute favourite dresses while thrifting. There’s something so special about finding that unique piece that fits like a glove. Oftentimes, summer dresses for weddings and other events are only used a handful of times in the year — especially here in Canada because the season is so short. So it’s important to be mindful of your clothing spending, and also the potential textile waste you could encour over time as your body or style changes over the years. If you are a handy sewer, this can be a fun summer project to take on as well.

Hats

Sun safety is really important, and while sunscreen is a daily must, an extra layer of protection that can be used over and over again is a low-waste essential. You can find so many great hats secondhand. I would recommend choosing to purchase ones from materials that can be thoroughly washed in hot water once you purchase. Structured hats made of like wool can be a bit tricker.

Small Appliances

I always come across a variety of small home appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle makers, air fryers, soda streams, blenders, humidifiers, crockpots, and toaster ovens while out thrifting. If you are looking to add a new piece of equipment to your kitchen but don’t want to spend a lot, buying it second hand might be a good option for you. We absolutely love our thrift store waffle maker. You could also try online marketplaces for this one. No matter where you find it, be sure to test it before forking over your hard earned cash! It might also be worth checking the appliances model online to verify its energy consumption.

Dog Bed Covers

I don’t see the point of buying a brand new bed for my dogs everything they get a bit carried away with chewing or have an accident. At the pet store, a new bed usually costs upwards of $50 here in Canada and is often filled with toxic or synthetic materials. A fun DIY I like to do for my two furry family members is purchase fabric or outdoor furniture covers from the thrift store and recover their existing beds. I also re stuff them with thrifted fabric or soft material I have at home when they start to lose their density.

Plant and Flower Pots

Next time you need some new planters or pots, consider heading to the thrift store instead of the garden centre. There are always plenty of second hand vessels to choose from. If not in the garden section, check the homewares and also dishes sections. Fake plants can be removed from decor pieces and decorative bowls can be used as planters if you double pot them or are able to drill a drainage hole into the bottom. A fun way to great creative and let your plants stand out!

Spice Jars and Shakers

You can find cute secondhand salt and pepper shakers all the time for under $3 or spend a few more to get beautiful crystal ones. Little jars for spice organization and easy kitchen storage are also very easy to find and essential to have if you are a fan of bulk shopping like me.

Fabric for DIY projects

There is always an abundance of great material at the thrift store. Unfinished yards of material as well as curtains, blankets, and bedding that could be used as is or repurposed for new projects. If you are into DIYs or a sewer, consider purchasing your material secondhand to discourage the circulation of new textiles.

Organization Items

Why head to a retailer to buy brand new plastic when you can make use of things already in circulation? There is absolutely no reason to buy brand new organizational solutions when there is always an abundance to be found second hand. You can find all sorts of shapes and sizes for your organizational needs. Plastic containers, fabric bins, glass jars, shelving units, ceramic jars with lids, tin containers. There is always something new to find! Saving the environment trumps aesthetic focused matching storage in our household.

Hardware Tools

You can easily find power tools, hand tools, and garden tools at the thrift store. New tools often come packaged in a lot of plastic and are expensive because it’s an item you don’t need to regularly buy. Making the choice to purchase tools that are already in circulation is the more sustainable choice.

Purses and Tote Bags

The handbag industry contributes to billions of pounds of waste annually. Reduce your contribution by making the choice to purchase preloved bags — which can be easily found at any thrift store or on an online market. Like other apparel and accessory items, make sure to check the zippers, fabric condition, and interior lining before buying.

Lamps

There is always an abundance of lighting options available at my thrift store. You can use them as is or take on an upcycling project by switching out the lampshade or painting the base. I found a great resource on Michaelhel Wig Interiors’ website that explained great process on how you can find, repair, and update a thrift store lamp that will suit your space. Check it out here.

Seasonal and Holiday Decor

Last but definitely not least on this list is decor for special occasions and holidays. Seasonal decor is often bought on a whim and takes up a lot of space to store during the 75% of the year it is not in use. Instead of partaking in the capitalistic focus of yearly celebrations and buying brand new decorations, put together your own decor from pieces you find secondhand. You can easily find seasonal door wreaths, holiday specific dishwares, and decorative signs already in circulation.

The list goes on and on, truly. Let me know in the comments what you find the most of at your local thrift store?

Hey, Claudia here

I am a senior graphic designer, a dog mom, an advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle, climate change, and sustainability. My articles are based on personal experience and well researched to give you the best source of information for all things zero-waste.