Now, it's no secret that I like to shop at DI, in fact most of these posts mention getting something at the DI, and many more will. So I thought I would research this topic and share some tips with you.
There are some great reasons to shop at thrift stores. 1. It's cheap, 2. It's fun!, 3. It supports non profit organizations, and 4. It's a way to "go green," although not as glamorous as others, that some of us have been doing for years!
Some tips for successful thrift store shopping (found in articles and my own experience)
1. Go often. You will probably not find exactly what you are looking for on the one time you happen to go. Which leads to number 2:
2. Realize that you may not find exactly what you need right now. I usually find stuff that I can use in the future, like clothes that will fit my kids next year or a wall hanging that I love but I'm not sure where I will put it right now. Don't give up hope if you are looking for something specific. I was looking for a certain kind of dresser and went to DI time after time and didn't find one until one random day. This is the dresser in the picture above. I think it was worth the time I waited for it because I bought it for $10 instead of $150 or more! So, I just paid myself $140 for going to the DI! P.S. The top drawer was missing. Solution: Use the top space as a cubby for blankets and diapers or some cute baskets. Everything on top of the dresser was purchased at DI too!
3. Be creative and open minded. I really should have taken a picture of these before I re-vamped them. They were pretty hideous, dark wood, circa 1973 with ugly pictures pasted on them. When I saw them, I snatched them up. Sometimes in the past, I have passed things up because they didn't look exactly how I wanted them. This is not a good way to be. If you know you can make it look better, try it out. Even if the finished product isn't what you had in mind, you are only out a few bucks. But I'm pretty happy with how mine turned out.
4. Look for costumes and accessories. You can find great halloween costumes and great purses, belts etc for a fraction of their regular cost. 5. Only buy what you need and/or love. It can be easy to get bogged down with "stuff" just because it was only a dollar.
Happy Hunting!
3 comments:
Hey Janell,
I found your blog a while back some how. I link from blog to blog on names I might know and ran into yours. I love this blog, you are very creative. I have stopped in at DI a few time looking for ice skates and still no luck. I guess I will take your advice and keep checking.
It was fun getting to know you and Kyle and Leanne during the dance thing. I hope Leanne does not think I have forgot about her and the dance lessons, we have just been so busy with cows, calves, chores, and kids. I think about it at terrible times. Will you please let her know that I need to get a hold of her. She is such a sweetie.
Sorry this is so long but I have made our blog private. I would love to send you a invite if you want my email is: rjmagnuson@etv.net
Jodi
I love that dresser! I also love this blog, you are so good and crafty! Thanks for sharing!
Hey, great blog about shopping at DI! I have another tip: only go there with other people who like to shop there. I guess that really goes for shopping anywhere, though. If you are with someone who is bored or who is critical of what you are picking out, it may cause you to either make bad decisions in a hurry or to pass up something you might like and use, just because of peer pressure.
And another hint, give to thrift stores often. It's good karma and makes room for other cool stuff to come into your house.
And I'm keeping my eyes out for ice skates for you, Jodi!
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