MomSkoop
Walking into a thrift store can feel overwhelming with aisles packed full of random stuff, but seasoned resellers know exactly what to grab. After years of flipping items for profit, I’ve learned which products practically guarantee a good return on investment.
Some things fly off the shelves faster than you can list them, while others just collect dust in your storage space. Here are the fourteen thrift store treasures I always check for when I’m hunting for my next profitable flip.
1. Dishware
Vintage plates and bowls can bring in serious cash, especially if you spot a recognizable brand name on the bottom.
Collectors go crazy for complete sets or rare patterns from companies like Pyrex, Corelle, or fine china manufacturers.
Even mismatched pieces sell well when they have unique designs or nostalgic appeal.
Check every piece carefully for chips and cracks before buying, since damaged items are much harder to sell.
Popular colors like turquoise, pink, and avocado green from the mid-century era command premium prices.
Restaurant-quality dishware also moves quickly because people love the durability.
A two-dollar plate can easily resell for twenty dollars or more when you find the right buyer online.
2. Jeans
Designer denim represents one of the most consistent moneymakers in the reselling game.
Brands like Levi’s, True Religion, and AG Adriano Goldschmied hold their value incredibly well, even when gently used.
The key is knowing your labels and checking the back pockets and waistbands for authentic tags.
Size matters too, since certain measurements sell faster than other,s depending on current market demand.
Vintage Levi’s from the seventies and eighties can fetch hundreds of dollars if they’re in decent shape.
Always inspect the knees, inner thighs, and hems for excessive wear that might turn off potential buyers.
Spending five bucks on jeans that resell for fifty dollars makes this category worth checking every single visit.
3. Holiday Decorations
Seasonal items might seem like they’d only sell during specific months, but smart resellers stock up year-round.
Vintage Christmas ornaments, especially glass ones from the fifties and sixties, attract serious collectors willing to pay top dollar.
Halloween decorations from certain eras have become particularly hot in recent years.
Buy these items off-season when thrift stores practically give them away, then list them when demand peaks.
Ceramic Christmas villages, blow molds, and light-up decorations from decades past can bring impressive profits.
Even newer holiday items sell well if they’re from popular brands or feature trendy designs.
Storage is the only real challenge, but the profit margins make it worthwhile.
4. Totes, Trays and Baskets
People constantly need storage solutions, which makes baskets and trays evergreen sellers in the resale market.
Wicker baskets in good condition move especially fast because they work with so many home decor styles.
Woven picnic baskets, particularly vintage Longaberger ones, have dedicated fan bases that actively search for them online.
Decorative trays made from wood, metal, or rattan add instant style to any space and photograph beautifully for listings.
Canvas totes from bookstores, events, or brands also sell surprisingly well to people who collect them.
The best part about this category is that items are lightweight and easy to ship.
A three-dollar basket can easily become a twenty-five-dollar sale with the right buyer.
5. One-of-a-Kind Items
Sometimes the weirdest items turn into your biggest wins, so never ignore things that catch your eye.
Handmade pottery, unusual artwork, or quirky collectibles often appeal to niche markets willing to pay premium prices.
The trick is trusting your instincts and doing quick research on your phone before committing to a purchase.
Limited edition items, discontinued products, or anything with a compelling story behind it tends to attract passionate buyers.
Vintage advertising pieces, old sports memorabilia, and retro technology all fall into this profitable category.
You might strike gold with something nobody else recognized as valuable sitting on a dusty shelf.
These unique finds make reselling exciting because you never know what treasure you’ll discover next.
6. Tools
Quality tools maintain their value incredibly well, making them reliable profit generators for resellers who know their brands.
Names like Craftsman, DeWalt, and Milwaukee command strong prices even when the tools show signs of use.
Hand tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers sell individually or in sets to DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.
Power tools require more careful inspection to ensure they actually work, but the profit potential is worth the extra effort.
Vintage tools from American manufacturers have become particularly collectible among woodworkers and hobbyists.
Even tool storage boxes and organizers sell well to people setting up workshops.
A five-dollar tool can easily resell for thirty dollars or more when you target the right audience online.
7. Arts and Crafts Supplies
Crafters are always hunting for supplies, and they love scoring deals on materials for their next project.
Yarn, especially high-quality or discontinued colors, sells quickly to knitters and crocheters who buy in bulk.
Fabric remnants, ribbons, buttons, and sewing notions all have dedicated markets among people who create handmade items.
Scrapbooking supplies from popular brands like Stampin’ Up move fast because enthusiasts collect specific collections.
Art supplies like professional-grade paints, brushes, and canvases attract artists looking to save money on expensive materials.
Even partially used supplies sell when priced fairly, since crafters understand that creativity matters more than perfection.
This category offers consistent profits with relatively low investment and easy shipping.
8. Vases and Old Jars
Glass containers never go out of style, whether people use them for flowers, storage, or purely decorative purposes.
Mid-century modern vases with clean lines and bold colors appeal to interior designers and home decor enthusiasts.
Cut crystal vases from quality manufacturers like Waterford can bring substantial profits when you find them cheaply.
Old mason jars, especially blue ones or unusual sizes, have become trendy for weddings and rustic decor.
Colored glass bottles and apothecary jars add vintage charm to any space and photograph beautifully for online listings.
The key is avoiding chips and cracks that significantly reduce value.
A one-dollar vase can easily become a fifteen-dollar sale, making this category worth checking on every thrift store visit.
9. Books
Not every book is valuable, but knowing what to look for can turn this category into steady income.
First editions, signed copies, and books from certain publishers command premium prices among collectors.
Textbooks, particularly for specialized subjects, resell well to students trying to avoid campus bookstore prices.
Vintage children’s books with intact dust jackets attract nostalgic buyers and collectors of illustrated works.
Cookbooks from famous chefs or specific time periods have dedicated followings willing to pay shipping costs.
Use your phone to scan ISBN numbers and check current selling prices before buying anything.
While most books won’t make you rich, finding that one rare edition makes sorting through shelves worthwhile for patient resellers.
10. Kitchen Utensils
Home cooks constantly need kitchen tools, and vintage or quality items appeal to people furnishing their cooking spaces.
Wooden spoons, whisks, and spatulas from quality brands sell individually or in curated sets to people who appreciate well-made tools.
Specialty gadgets for specific tasks often attract passionate cooks searching for particular items they can’t find in regular stores.
Vintage kitchen tools with retro appeal work perfectly for people decorating in farmhouse or cottage styles.
Brands like Le Creuset, KitchenAid, and OXO maintain strong resale value even when gently used.
Avoid rusty or damaged items unless they’re truly rare, since buyers expect kitchen tools to be functional.
This category ships easily and turns over quickly when priced competitively.
11. Pet Gear
Pet owners spend serious money on their furry friends, creating consistent demand for gently used pet supplies.
Carriers, crates, and travel accessories sell well because they’re expensive new but only needed occasionally.
Pet clothing, especially for small dogs, appeals to owners who love dressing up their companions in cute outfits.
Quality food bowls, grooming tools, and pet beds from recognized brands move quickly when priced below retail.
Aquarium equipment and supplies for reptiles, birds, and small animals also have dedicated markets among specialty pet owners.
Always clean items thoroughly and check for damage before listing, since buyers expect pet gear to be safe and functional.
This category offers steady profits because pet ownership continues growing year after year.
12. Packing and Shipping Materials
Here’s a secret most resellers eventually discover: buying shipping supplies at thrift stores dramatically cuts your overhead costs.
Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes help you ship items safely without eating into your profit margins.
Padded envelopes and mailing tubes purchased cheaply mean more money stays in your pocket with each sale.
Some resellers even buy these materials to resell to other sellers who need affordable shipping solutions.
Gift boxes, tissue paper, and decorative packaging materials work perfectly for creating professional-looking shipments.
Thrift stores often sell these items for pennies compared to retail prices at shipping stores.
Smart resellers always grab packaging materials when they spot them, knowing they’ll definitely use them eventually for their business operations.
13. Cloth Napkins
Reusable napkins have made a comeback as people embrace sustainable living and elegant table settings.
Vintage linen napkins with embroidery or lace details appeal to people hosting special dinners and celebrations.
Sets in good condition sell much better than individual pieces, though mix-and-match collections work for casual entertaining.
Holiday-themed napkins move particularly well before major celebrations when people want festive table decorations.
Designer brands and high-quality fabrics command higher prices from buyers who appreciate fine dining accessories.
Check for stains carefully, though minor discoloration often comes out with proper treatment.
These lightweight items ship easily and cost almost nothing at thrift stores but can bring impressive returns when sold to the right audience online.
14. Office Supplies
Remote workers and home office setups have created booming demand for affordable yet functional workspace supplies.
Desk organizers, filing systems, and storage solutions help people create productive environments without spending retail prices.
Vintage office items like typewriters, letter openers, and desk sets appeal to collectors and people who love retro aesthetics.
Quality staplers, three-hole punches, and office tools from brands like Swingline maintain functionality for decades.
Unused notebooks, planners, and stationery items from previous years sell well to people who prefer analog organization methods.
Even basic supplies like binders and folders sell when bundled together at attractive prices.
This category requires minimal investment but provides steady returns because everyone needs office supplies eventually.