By now you know I love to get lost searching for treasures in tucked away places. And if you’re not into this, then I bet you’re wondering what a day of digging for gold really looks like, right?
Here’s a little run-down, a few tips before you set out:
1. Take your own bags.
Some thrift stores are starting to charge for their bags, and many rely on bags by donation. Why not save a bag – notice my friend Heather’s cloth bag slung over her shoulder?
2. Plan to pay with cash.
Some thrifting outlets will accept cash only; smaller bills and coin are best.
3. Keep handi-wipes and/or hand sanitizer with you – if you thrift you’ll know why!
4. If you see something you love, buy it.
Like this vintage fondue pot my friend Angie pulled from a pile! If you wait, chances are it’ll be gone next time you’re in.
5. When in doubt, snap a quick photo.
Text it to your trusted voice of reason for a second opinion! There are times you’ll be glad you did, LOL! Heather pranked my poor, unsuspecting hubs – had him second guessing whether or not I was really serious about this keeper of a piece. Might be rare vintage afterall! 
6. Know your prices.
I’m noticing a shift upward in the pricing, and that’s fair, but just beware that thifting isn’t always the bargain basement you’d think. These are vintage Baribocraft bowls I just happened to spy, and I can tell you that I’ve seen them priced all across the board!
7. Practice the one-in, one out rule. Hand over a bag of donations along the way!
8. And last thing…
Don’t forget to eat, and drink lots of water!
Treasure hunting can be so much fun… you just never know when or where you’ll find something cool and unique.
Like this vintage West Bend cake carrier, c. 1950s-60s. Pretty cool, huh?
It caught my eye when I was spending the day with my Kelowna pal, Carol (The Design Pages and mastermind behind The Bright Box). Did you enter the Bright Box giveaway yet? Better hurry, there’s only a few hours left!
Happy hunting!
Photographs by Sheila Zeller unless otherwise indicated.
Carol is so fun to go thrifting with! Sheila you need to pop over this way sometime and we can’t hit up a few shops!
Great tips! I love thrifting but I do get a bit grossed out sometimes at the grime, Love the wipe idea. Smart sista!
Wipes check! Bags Check Check!! But Ive never done the one in one out thing. I Like that idea!! I impulse bought an AARDVARK statue of a bear last weekend. paid too much after I did some research wah wah wah. I need you to teach me Oh wise Sheila!! Soon!
Oh it looks like fun. I feel the same way about antique sales and you need to keep the same things in mind
Hey Sheila! I totally agree with the hand sanitizer or wipes!! Someones trash=somesone elses treasure! So you better be prepared. Love the B.Y.O.B tip. Never thought of that.
p.s. love your cake carrier find!
I love vintage shopping too Shiela. You gave great ideas- especially on the food and water. How did you know what those bowls were? I wished I lived closer- would love to go with you and Carol!
Oh what fun! I totally agree on the one in, one out rule or things literally start taking over in the cupboards at home and then seriously, they become vintage finds all over again because I forgot I even had it!!!!! It’s so fun and addicting for sure.
Love thrifting as you know. May have to tag along with you some day too!
All great tips! I have one more to add… 9. It’s more fun with friends!
You’ve shown that here…everyone is smiling!
I love your tip, Meesh! You are so right, it’s way more fun with friends!!
What a fun day and lucky you getting to spend it with Carol. I always love hearing about your finds and the history behind them
Hello Sheila This is such a great post. I have been a passionate thrift-store shopper my entire life. So much to find… and you never now where or when – and it’s so much fun! I am feeling just a tad envious I wasn’t there with all of you this day.
Hi Patricia!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your comment. I totally agree, thrifting is so much fun. I love the thrill of the hunt, and that every day is a new day in the thrifting game. You are so right, you never know where or when that unsuspecting treasure will appear, but when it does, oh the happy dance that ensues!
This is great, Sheila! Always a fantastic thrifting partner- I wouldn’t have that fondue pot without you!
Angie, what an awesome surprise! Yay!! Thanks for the comment.
You have a keen eye for treasures, and are such a great thriftin’ sista! I’ll head out treasure seeking with you any time!!!
I totally love Angie’s cheese fondue pot !
Isn’t Angie’s fondue pot the best? I just love it! You should have seen it – she found the pot but without the stand. Picture this… three of us on hands and knees digging through an overflowing pile of kitchen odds and ends only to come up with a few different stands. Then it was the process of elimination in trying to find the stand that was meant to fit! In the end I think we got it right.
Sheila – were you at the WIN store in Victoria??? It sure looks like it in the photo of you! That’s one of my favorite places to shop!! Looks like you found some great stuff!!
Heather! You have a great eye!!
Yes, that was WIN. It was my first time in that day. I was really impressed with that WIN – loved how neat and tidy it was, how clean everything was, and their prices are very fair. Definitely one I’ll go back to… and… maybe, finally we’ll have a chance to connect!
When I was younger, I used to hate when my mom would go to yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores; she would always fill the house up with old stuff. After a while though, I realized you can sell some of this stuff for a lot more than what you pay for it.
Now I look at this more as treasure hunting to make a profit.
I would KILL for that mushroom cookie jar. Ohemgee.
Hi Jen,
Your photographs are stunning!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I just popped over and spent some time looking at yours as well, and now it all makes sense! I totally understand why you would kill for that mushroom cookie jar!