A bag full of second chances

4 sections of a thrift store you shouldn't overlook

When you pop into a thrift store, you probably have a goal in mind—clothing, glassware, kitchen tools. You hit those sections, and you’re out. But discount stores often have sections within sections you’re overlooking on your targeted visits.

Knowing that, here are some sections you might want to explore:

• Greeting cards. Tucked into the decorations aisle is a hodgepodge of birthday, sympathy, wedding, thank-you, and holiday cards…for 25 cents! That’s a giant discount from the regularly $5-$8 cards you’ll find in grocery, pharmacy and specialty stores. Stock up for last-minute greetings.
• Games. If you’d avoiding the childrens’ toys section because you really don’t need more plastic pieces to step on, reconsider! That’s where you’ll find family games galore. Peek inside to ensure most of the pieces are included. Find missing parts on eBay or other online stores.
• Art. While you may not need furniture, you’ll want to take a spin through that area to find affordable decorations for any room in your home. Artwork already framed is a bonus! If you don’t love the frame, consider painting it—you’ll have a new look in less than an hour. If you love only the frame, it’s still a win.
• Votive candle holders. Often scattered within the glassware section are little glass cups with bell-top designs to hold votive candles. Votives are wonderful for lighting up dinner parties, deck gatherings and porch sittings. You may have to scour every shelf for a complete set, but it’s worth the effort when you ring up 14 of them for less than $2! 

So on your next pop-in, add a few extra minutes to hit sections you normally avoid. You may be surprised what bargains those aisles hold just for you.