Are you a thrifter? Grab my free tips! Click Here!

Fun Thrift Store Finds

July 28, 2017

This post may contain affiliate links.
Look what I found at the thrift store!

A mystery item, a few cute pieces to DIY.

Did I pay too much?

You be the judge.

Then see at what I did to them!

Unboxing Thrift Store Finds Bargain or Overpriced? You decide

Hello friends.

Today I have something a little different for you.

It's me.

On tv.

Well, on the computer anyway. You see, I went to the thrift store, you know the one that generally stinks, and it didn't.

Surprise, surprise.

So, I decided to do a little "unboxing" video of what I found.

There's a mystery item, a few things I can DIY and a cute new friend.

Grab a drink, becuase it's a long conversation and let me know what you think.

Did I pay too much?

You be the judge.



***UPDATE***

If you'd like to see how some of the items turned out after their makeovers you can peek at them now.

Stenciled Valentine Cupcakes
Thrifted Mystery Item In Use!

Christmas Cutting  Board
Christmas Cutting Board As Decor

Thrift Store Cutting Board Makeovers
Cutting Board Makeovers

Thrift Store Planter Makeovers
Frog Scrubby Makeover
And if anyone knows what that thing really is, I would love to know.
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 69 Comments

Hey~ before you go, let me know what you think!

I love comments and respond to them all.

*Please refer to our privacy policy if you have questions regarding your profile and note that comments with links will not be published.



  1. I loved your video! I got to see your sweet personality and your great stuff in person! I do think your thrift store is too high priced at the regular prices but at 50% off, I wouldn't be able to resist any of your finds. Love the cute lamp for your kitchen....I actually think it's perfect. I pick up cutting boards all the time to repurpose, something I haven't got to yet, but they are stacked up waiting. I actually found a Christmas tree shaped one too and plan on using old metal or rubber do-dads to make ornaments on it. I have no clue what that metal stand is! Cute little lampshade too. You did good!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for watching AnnMarie and I am so excited that you think I did well. Coming from a pro like yourself, I consider that to be high praise! I really do love that tree cutting board and you just gave me the greatest idea. I picked up a few vintage tart molds at a fair this summer and they would make perfect little ornaments! Thanks for the inspiration!

      Delete
  2. Hi,
    Fun to see you my friend. Well done! I am looking forward to the cutting boards, to see what you will create.
    You did very well today. Thank you for sharing. And be sure to tell us what the mystery stand is!
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Carla! Turns out that really is a cupcake stand…others have found it thrifting in the box and someone recently bought it new at Walmart for over $10. So I guess I scored at $2. Looks like I need to make some cupcakes! ;)

      Delete
  3. Hi Kim, Unfortunately Thrift Stores, such as Goodwill and St. Vincents (in this neck of the woods-OR) have outpriced themselves where you can actually buy new items for the price they are selling their donated items for. It's a real shame.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I completely agree. It's the same here, especially when it comes to those corporate good will stores. It is a total shame, you are so right...thanks for sharing your thoughts! I hope you'll share again.

      Delete
  4. Enjoyed your video Kim! That IS a cupcake holder. I have one exactly like it, which I found at a yard sale, and it was still in the original box. I painted mine white & repurposed it into something else, but it was a bomb. Otherwise, I think you did great at the Thrift Store! You got things you liked for less. That's the bottom line. You can't expect yard sale prices at thrift stores though. They have become increasingly more expensive. I wouldn't have wanted to pay $4 for the frog either, but he is so darn cute. Great deal on the lampshades & the lamp! And see, you liked them! At yard sales, lampshades are $1-3, but again, don't expect yard sale prices at thrift stores. Ain't gonna happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Florence! I appreciate the input. It's always great to hear from an expert!

      Delete
  5. Loved the video....& usually I skip blog posts with videos. I'd much rather skim through words & pictures to decide if I want to read it. ;) But your blog is one of my favorites & it was fun hearing your personality live.

    I agree with you on the price of thrift stores. They have gotten so ridiculous. I often find things priced the same as brand new or more. I pretty much only buy the things on sale.

    Loved the cuttings boards, I think the price was fair but yard sale prices are better. I'm not a frog person so I probably wouldn't pay more than .25, if that but loved your ideas. LOVE the lamp, don't paint it. I really loved the pattern in your kitchen. Can't remember what you paid for it?(another vote for pics & words so I could scroll up & look) but I'm thinking it was a good deal. Definitely not worth $10 used.

    Great score on the Pottery Barn lamp shades, what a deal! I would be thrilled about those. I just bought a lamp shade at a thrift store for $2 & love it. I hate paying for new lamp sahdes, they are way too expensive.

    Such a fun post. Please take your daughter thrift shopping again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Jenny…I hear you loud and clear. I am not usually a fan of video, either. I am a writer and reader. I actually never even watch tv. However, today I decided to dive in, because I was so excited with my finds. I was eager to share them with friends who would “get it” and didn’t have enough time to put it down on paper…computer…well, you know. I am honored that you watched it and that you enjoyed it.

      I’m glad to hear that it’s not just thrift stores in my area that are pricey. I often see people posting their great finds and feel very left out. 😉 The Pottery Barn shades are still making smile. Even I have to admit that was a bargain! When I think about the fact that I spent $50 on the other two, I am like what was I thinking. The lamp was really cute and it was three bucks. I love it, but I don’t think I would’ve paid any more for it. And the frog…well, maybe it’s the fairy tale lover in me, I had to have him, but I agree that I totally overpaid! Penny wise and pound foolish as my mom would say.

      Delete
  6. I do not believe you spent too much. I wish I would have shopped with you. You could always paint the wood cutting boards like chalkboards. Love your tree cutting board...would definitely use it at the holidays or even now for Xmas in July party. Girlfriend, YOU DONE GOOD.I think it would be ok as a cupcake holder...Maybe kcups?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Cookie!! You just made my day. I am never sure with these prices. To be totally honest, I have donated items to this store and when I see them on the shelf they often marked for more than I originally paid for them. Unbelievable. Thanks for watching...and love the chalkboard idea!

      Delete
  7. Gosh, I am so jealous! I wish we had a thrift store like this in my town. I had to google your silver thing-a-ma-jig and yep, it's what it says it is...a cupcake holder. Walmart sells it online for $13.98, so you got a bargain for $2! I think it would be pretty holding candles, but you'd have to put some sort of base at the bottom to stabilize them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Kathy, really?? Wow, I guess I did get a deal. I'm even more excited now. I think I'll have to bake some cupcakes now for sure. Yum. Thanks so much for watching and for tracking down my mystery item for me. I'm off to tell my daughter!

      Delete
  8. How fun to see you Kim on this video. You are just so cute and adorable with your treasured finds. You found some great things. Score girl on the lampshades. Woooo Hooooo.
    Happy Weekend.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kris! I am very, very camera shy, I don’t even like selfies, but I was running out of time to write a post today. I was so excited to share that I thought, well, if Kris can do it, so can I!! 😉

      Delete
  9. Fun video and great thrift store items. I to was thinking chalkboards for your wood items. If you used them for cheese you could write the variety (flavor?) of the cheese on the chalkboard. I think that your cupcake holder would be cute holding red apples if it was sturdy enough to keep them nestled in the stand without tipping over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great idea, Lorri. I hadn't thought of that, but it would make a fun conversation/ serving piece and would solve my ick factor issue. I also love the apple idea. I just bought a few fake ones for the living room. They would probably fit just fine and wouldn't strain the piece. Awesome suggestions! Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

      Delete
  10. your video was adorable! so full of life and well done. I was glad though when you finally put your silky hair behind your ear that kept falling into your face. LOL! I sound like a mother!
    but since I'm old enough to be your mother I get to say things like that. :)
    I think you did really well. especially with the lamp shade! my goodness. that alone made the trip worthwhile. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tammy, that is exactly what my mother would say! It's also coincidentally what my daughter said. Truth be told, I was so nervous. I am not comfortable on camera. I am much happier hiding behind my pen (with my hair in a bun). Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and yes, the lampshade score has been making me smile all day. ☺️

      Delete
  11. Wow, you got some great deals! I have been on the hunt for new lampshades too and the cheapest I've seen is 12 buck a piece but they aren't the white color I need.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, Christine, you just made me feel even better about the shades. Thanks!

      Delete
  12. Kim, you done good. The thrift shop IS very much over-priced. I like the little feet on the cutting boards idea. Not so much into chalkboard paint myself, but that could be because my handwritting isn't fancy. The (actual) cupcake stand would be lovely spray painted copper (in my house, anyway) and used to hold lovely unique Christmas ornaments! Of course, it must be useful all year, so your fake apples would be lovely. That reminds me... I have a whole fruit basket of that 60's plastic fruit that I must find a way to incorporate... Your ideas are always wo derful. Nice score on the lamp shades! Make more videos. (And perhaps transcribe them for those who prefer the written word. If it were me, I'd make the video first, so I could ad lib and the video is real, not some stilted thing.) Nice to see your smiling face! You're prettier than your picture, hair in the face and all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Nancy! I am not a fan of being on camera...at all! I never take selfies, so this was a huge step for me, but I really wanted to share my finds and get an objective point of view about the prices. I think it's pretty unanimous that my shop is overpriced as you said! I am happy with my finds, especially the lampshades and that little lamp. It's growing on me. And great idea about the transcribing the video. A lot of people really liked it and have asked for more, but I totally understand the aversion to video so this may be the happy medium answer. As usual, a great idea from you! Thanks my friend!

      Delete
  13. You are just darling!! So glad you made a video. You found some cute things.

    Our thrift store seems high too compared to what others find. Plus, these days most of the stuff at our thrift store came from my house. True!! I'm purging like crazy here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacey, you are so sweet, thank you so much! I am not a fan of the camera, like most women, all I see is my flaws. I am laughing at your comment, because I have to stop myself from re-buying my own donations, since I donate there quite often!

      Delete
  14. Those lampshades!! What a fantastic find. Makes you want to go back to the thrift store right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And yes!! I have been fighting the urge to pull in the lot all week!

      Delete
  15. Kim your husband must be very proud of your frugal shopping and great finds!

    Beth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Beth! Haha ~ yes, he loves it when I find a sale. Although truth be told, I think he's happiest when my wallet stays closed!

      Delete
  16. The lampshade score is amazing, and I love that little lamp. I think the stand is for cupcakes, too, but I don't see why you couldn't use it for something else. Isn't thrift shopping fun?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, I was so excited when I spotted those shade. And yes, thrifting is super fun, especially when I get a bargain! ;)

      Delete
  17. Great finds on your trip to the thrift store!!!! Love the bargain prices on your lamp shades. Enjoyed the video too!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Maryellen! I am glad you enjoyed it and you thought I did well. I honestly didn't know when I see so many people scoring such great items for so much less. I feel pretty good about my find right about now! :) Thanks for the comment!

      Delete
  18. Ohh it's so sweet to see you in the video Kim!! Beautiful lady!! I think you got lots of great things. I tend to think that's indeed a cupcake holder albeit a bit off in the shape. The little lamp looks great with the design it has, I think the colors match your decorations pretty well. I can hardly wait to see what you will make with the Christmas tree shape and all the other things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angela, you are the sweetest! Thank you so much. I was so nervous about doing a video, I really do not like the camera, but it was fun to share in real time. That little lamp is growing on me, I have to say, it was a real deal! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

      Delete
  19. I have and use that cupcake holder. I have another one too that I actually like better (it's white), but I use both. I do lots of cupcakes!!! My adult children and grandchildren are cupcake fans. I think many of the other ideas for it's use are terrific. I may try them myself! Enjoyed the video. Thrift shopping can be fun, but I always feel kind of "dirty" afterwards. That's what showers are for, no?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Yes! There is always that certain scent at the thrift store isn't there? That is not my favorite. Thanks for the mystery tip. Looks like I am going to be baking a lot of cupcakes. I don't think that anyone around here will have a problem with that! ;)

      Delete
  20. You should be on TV, Kim. And didn't you do well.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, Amalia, you are making me blush. xo

      Delete
  21. You are looking gorgeous, Kim! Fabulous collection from the thrift store.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I loved watching this, Kim! And I can tell you that mystery item IS a cupcake stand. :) I have the same one and use it all the time! I'm sure you could use it for so many other things, though. I think you did great, price-wise. I'm so impressed with the lamp shades you found! Oh, and that lamp...love it! I was thinking the same thing, that you could have it forward facing with the adorable little designs, or you could just turn it around if you wanted a more neutral look. It's a win-win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Apparently, Lisa, it is a very popular cupcake stand, as lots of people have left the same comment! I guess I should believe the tag next time! ;) Thanks for the info!

      Delete
  23. Love everything you got is pretty great win for you. Love the lamp the most, both sides are great for decorating. If that place was not half off then it would not have been a great day for you. I do not see the thing as a cupcake holder but if others have it or saw it in a box as a cupcake holder then who am I to doubt their words. I do see it as possibly a display for the extra large Christmas ornaments, it has the nice feel of a tree. On your tree wood it has so many possibilities. One that quickly jumped out at me is a countdown to Christmas sign of some type.. the lamp shades are a wonderful win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Karen, and I agree, if had not been a 50% off day, I would've walked out empty handed. I was thinking the same thing about the tree...and advent calendar would be very cute. I have a few months to hash it all, but I know they're going to go quick! I really appreciate the comment and your creative suggestions!

      Delete
  24. You are a cutie Kim and a natural at this too!
    Great finds as well:)
    Happy Monday!
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jemma! I am not a fan of being on camera, but it was a fun experiment! :)

      Delete
  25. Hi Kim! Your video is fun and very informative! I think that cupcake holder is an Easter egg holder but I have seen some like it sold as cupcake holders. Fun if you have room for it! I think thriftstores in general know that designers and DIYers shop there and are pricing accordingly. I went to buy a vintage cake plate and six matching plates earlier this spring and it came to a whopping $21!!! I probably should have left it but they came home with me. I ate that one since if I'd bought the plate alone at an antique fair it would have cost even more than what I got all 7 pieces for... sometimes we've just GOT to do it! :)

    Great score on the PB lampshades!!! They are a better match for your decor. :) Have a fun week! Posted and G+.
    Barb :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Barbara! I think if there is an item I have to have, even if it's a little overpriced, I tend to go for it. Of course, I thrift shop rarely, but if you don't act quickly there the items are gone and finding them again can be impossible. Enjoy your plate set and thanks for the share!!

      Delete
  26. First time on your blog and I too never view video's. Their either too loud or not loud enough on my phone. I've seen some and the bloggers just seem to ....snotty...
    But yours was great and your someone I could go thrift store hopping with.
    Yes many have gotten to pricy but I think the vintage has created a monster with people buying and re-selling.
    I think you got great deals. But that frog...if you love it, it's a deal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BarbaraAnn, I am truly honored that you took the time to watch and to comment. I am not a video lover either and being on camera makes me twitch, but I was so excited to share. You are so right about the vintage thing. If an item can be classified as vintage in any way, the price shoots up...whether it's really worth it or not! I hope you enjoyed your visit here and that you come back often!

      Delete
  27. What a treat this video was for me, Kim. I know I was smiling through the whole thing because I finally get to hear your voice and see your personality in motion. You are totally what I expected. Lovely in every way. As for how you did, I'd say you did great. What you saved on the lamp shades alone paid for everything else, just as you mentioned. The lamp is adorable and if it were me I wouldn't do a thing to it. Love it just as it is. It'll be fun to see what you do with the cutting boards and the Christmas tree. Whatever you do, it will be great. The frog is perfect for the garden, and I like your daughter's idea of having a plant or flower planted inside, spilling out. We have one really good thrift store in the county that is super cheap. It's all for charity and they get a lot of stuff in every week and turn it all over really quick. I've noticed that Goodwill and some other national thrift stores are really pricey now. I try to avoid paying more than $1 for anything at a thrift store, but if I find something I really love and it's like new I pay more. I think the cupcake holder painted would be so cute for seasonal decorating. I picture mini pumpkins on it. So cute! Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nancy, you are just the sweetest! I was a reluctant subject in that video, but I really wanted to share quickly and this was a way to do it. I am with you, $1 sounds like a fair limit, but sadly in my neck of the woods, that doesn't seem to be a option for many items. I am happy with what I spent this time around, especially on those shades. Since they were new, I looked at them as if they were purchases directly from the store and $8 at Pottery Barn, for anything, is almost unheard of today! ;) Thanks for watching my friend. Hugs!

      Delete
  28. So the cupcake holder IS A CUPCAKE holder. I paid about $12.99 and $16.99 for two different sizes at Michaels a few years ago. They don't work great but they do hold the cupcakes. You got a good price. I think the shade was too much money but it is cute and since you already have a use for it of course you had to have it. The Christmas tree cutting board, I would use it for serving appetizers on like a cheese ball, brie or something that serves well on that surface. Great finds~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh, Debbie! A few others have commented about that, but I this is definitely proof and apparently I got a pretty good deal, thanks so much for the information! I agree with you about that little lamp shade...I guess they play gotcha...good price for one, gotcha on the others! ;) Thanks for the visit!

      Delete
  29. You got some awesome finds. You know I would use the silver cupcake holder to hold K cups or at least see if it would work. I would leave the lamp and follow your daughter's suggestiong for the frog. You did good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That K cup idea keeps coming up, Debra. I think there are a lot of coffee lovers in the comments! And thanks so much!

      Delete
  30. Cute video! I think those are great finds. Love your kitchen!
    Maria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Maria! I had a lot of fun shopping that day. :)

      Delete
  31. Not sure exactly what that is, but it would look really cute at Easter with some decorated eggs, also the lampshades are amazing!!! I am a pottery barn fanatic, and that is such an amazing find. I'd love to know where your thrift store is, I've been to a few and haven't ever found much, great video!! Cynde

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I'm in NY Cynde, it's a pricey shop, but apparently a lot of people seem to be sharing that same sentiment across the US. I love Pottery Barn too, I actually used to work there, it's hard for me to pay full price for anything they sell. So this was a huge score for me!

      Delete
  32. I'm a new follower of your blog! Love thrift stores and so many are overpriced in my opinion, I like you, still find bargains. I think you did really well and especially on the lamp shades! I'll be waiting to see what you do with the cutting boards!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome aboard, Linda! Thanks so much for your sweet words...and I totally agree wth you, that store is overpriced! I have to be so careful when I shop there. Looking forward to seeing you in the comments!

      Delete
  33. Kim it was so nice to see you live! I think you are an excellent and very smart shopper. Being able to buy all those things for the price of one lamp shade that you didn't love is a win-win in my book! And my favorites had to be the little lamp shade and all the wood pieces! You should definitely do more videos, it was so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, you are so kind, thank you for your sweet, sweet words! I am still beaming about those lampshades. I love them and love the price even more.

      Delete
  34. LOVED you on video! Yep, it's for cupcakes, but could hold lots of other things too ... large Christmas ornaments come to mind ?? Great deals on the wooden pieces and the new lamp shade! That little lamp was a score too! Still think that store may be a little overpriced, but you can always just shop on bargain days :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you so much, Cheryl! I am not generally a fan of being on camera, but I was so excited I needed to share immediately. I had a good time poking around that day and finding items was a bonus, since I usually leave empty handed. I think I will go back on bargain days. Those $3 days are a steal!

      Delete
  35. Hi Teri! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch the video. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea. I was just so excited to share, I figured this was the quickest way! Turns out that really is a cupcake stand, but I think I can make good display use of it for a lot more items...and I already have something cooking for that little wooden tree. Christmas in July may be over, but I still have that holiday spirit!

    ReplyDelete