Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

4 Items to Look for on Every Thrift Store Trip

There are so many reasons to shop at your favorite Cincinnati-area Goodwill instead of paying traditional retail store prices, but when it comes to certain thrift store finds, it’s an absolute no-brainer!

While it’s perfectly okay to treat yourself when you want to, there are some items that just make sense to thrift. And when you do, you’ll have money left over for a splurge!

Here are four items to look for on every trip to Goodwill:

#1: Kids’ Clothes

If you’re a parent, you know how quickly kids grow out of clothes, especially when they’re little. In many cases, this means those cute outfits gifted by grandma and grandpa and all their aunts and uncles were only worn once, and then donated!

newborn clothes from Goodwill
newborn clothes from Goodwill
baby clothes from Goodwill
baby clothes from Goodwill

Prices for kids’ clothes at thrift stores can be less than half the cost at big-box stores, which means you cash in on loads of savings that can be spent on family fun. Even if your little ones get just a few wears out of something you bought at Ohio Valley Goodwill, it’s worth the price you paid “” and you can donate it right back to Goodwill to help out the next parent in need!

#2: Books

Goodwill stores usually have books-a-plenty, and the prices are much lower than you’ll find in a bookstore or online shop. There’s no reason to pay $20 or more for a book when you can pick up a gently used version for a few dollars at Goodwill! Secondhand books also make great gifts for friends who love to read or kids who are building their book collections.

Books from Goodwill
Books from Goodwill
dishes from Goodwill
dishes from Goodwill

#3: Dishes

On any thrift shopping trip to Goodwill, you’re bound to see some beautiful and unique dishes that you likely won’t find anywhere else. Even if you already have a set of everyday dishes, keeping a variety of stylish accent or serving dishes on hand for special occasions will make for an eye-catching table setting that will really wow your guests!

It’s also a good idea to have extra glassware in your kitchen, either for entertaining or as replacements in case a dish is accidentally broken.

#4: Picture Frames

While picture frames aren’t exactly a necessity, they’re highly versatile and affordable when you buy them from a thrift store. Even if you purchase a piece of art just to repurpose the frame, you can still see big savings!

In retail stores, large ornate frames can cost dozens, even hundreds of dollars “” but Goodwill sells unique and even vintage frames for a fraction of the price. So, if you’ve always wanted to create a trendy gallery wall in your home, it’s now within your reach. Don’t forget, if you don’t like the color of a frame, spray paint is a cheap and easy solution!

Photo frames from Goodwill
Photo frames from Goodwill

Find Your Local Ohio Valley Goodwill Store!

If you’re ready to start cashing in on the amazing savings that thrift shopping has to offer, find your closest Cincinnati-area Goodwill store. Become a regular, and be sure to scan the aisles for these key items every time you stop by. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save!

Goodwill's Logo
Goodwill’s Logo

When you choose to thrift shop at Goodwill, you’re also supporting life-changing vocational programs and employment services for people facing barriers to employment. That’s because Ohio Valley Goodwill is more than a Cincinnati thrift store; we’re a non-profit with a 100+ year mission to change lives through the power of work! Every purchase you make at Ohio Valley Goodwill goes on to make an impact right here in Greater Cincinnati. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your community!