Unexpected Thrift Store Treasures: What Donors Often Overlook

When decluttering, it’s easy to assume only gently worn, in-vogue clothes and trendy home accessories will be popular thrift store finds. However, thrift shoppers often hunt for hard-to-uncover, quirky, or practical pieces that might not be on your donate list. Don’t underestimate the value of items you might consider tossing – someone else could be eagerly searching for them.

Kitchen Appliances

While clothing is a common donation, thrift stores see significant sales from household wares, particularly small kitchen appliances. Lisa Rusyniak, President and CEO at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc., notes that more than a third of their sales come from these items. Appliances like air fryers, coffee makers, and blenders are in high demand, especially as retail prices rise and novel models are frequently released. This makes thrift stores an attractive option for young adults setting up their first apartments.

“As long as they’re clean and they’re tested, we’ll take them, and they’ll fly off our shelves,” Rusyniak says.

Donating clean, tested appliances is appreciated, and many stores test them before sale. In Maryland, a law ensures returns for non-functioning appliances with no questions asked.

Other Electrical Goods

Beyond kitchen appliances, other electronic devices often have resale value. Vintage audio equipment, gaming consoles, and small media players can appeal to collectors, hobbyists, or budget-conscious shoppers. Helen Murphy, SVP of Development, Communications, and Marketing for Goodwill of NY/NJ, explains that all electronics are tested to ensure they power on and function.

“If a device does not power on, we remove hard drives and any components that contain recoverable value before routing the remaining item to a responsible e-waste vendor who will upcycle, repair, sell, or recycle the goods,” Murphy explains.

Mismatched Tableware and Glassware

Don’t discard odd forks or clashing wine glasses. Shannon Cancino-Schrader, Thrift Store Manager at Delivering Dreams of Arizona, points out that mismatched sets are surprisingly desirable.

“Think of a whimsical mad hatter-style table and taking unique individual sets of silverware for each setting,” Cancino-Schrader says. “Plus, customers who like to flip and sell items may find that just a few pieces from a vintage silverware set can be worth reselling, especially hard-to-find sets.”

Mismatched vintage glassware is also popular for events like weddings. Ensure wares are free from chips and cracks before donating.

Jewelry

Murphy encourages donors to contribute jewelry, even if it’s broken or incomplete. Someone may love it, and materials can often be recovered and reused.

“It’s helpful for donors to remember that just due to the fact that you don’t like it, wouldn’t wear it, or wouldn’t have it in your home, someone else probably will love it, will wear it, and will proudly hang it up.”

Place small jewelry pieces in sealed bags to prevent tangling or loss.

Art

Don’t underestimate the appeal of unique artwork. Murphy notes that donors may dismiss pieces as too funky, specific, or simply unattractive, but art is subjective. Distinctive pieces can be a major draw for thrifters seeking something beyond mass-produced prints.

“Finding a funky, unique, one-of-a-kind piece of artwork is part of the thrill of the treasure hunt that is thrifting,” Murphy says. “It’s often something a shopper didn’t come in looking for, but that catches their eye in the moment.”

Work-Ready Women’s Clothes

While fast fashion often doesn’t sell well due to low-quality fabrics, essential professional attire remains consistently in demand. Rusyniak highlights the need for classic styles for those starting their careers or interviewing.

“Many folks who are just getting their first job or they’re interviewing, always need the basic kinds of classic styles that really outperform trendy stuff,” Rusyniak says.

Suits, basic dresses, blazers, and work-ready shoes are particularly sought after. Donating freshly laundered, stain-free items in wearable condition, especially in neutral colors, is greatly appreciated.