I Thrift for a Living—These Are the 6 Items I Never Buy

I can remember wandering through thrift stores when I was just 15, but I probably started even earlier than that. Thrifting is a skill I learned from my mom and grandmother—two women who can spot a treasure from a mile away. Now, in my 40s, I find myself popping into my local shops three or four times a week. Sometimes I’m hunting for the perfect prop to style a photoshoot, sometimes it’s something practical like a muffin tin for home, and other times it’s a vintage treasure I can resell. 

For me, thrifting is endlessly inspiring. It encourages me to look beyond what's trendy and imagine how a piece can fit into a style that's entirely my own. I also love that it's sustainable—a way to shop that's easy on the planet and the budget. Truthfully, there aren't many things I'd turn my nose up at, but after years of browsing the shelves, I've learned there are a few items I leave behind every time.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had my fair share of thrift scores—valuable antiques, handmade one-of-a-kind treasures that no big-box store could ever replicate. But I’ve also made my share of mistakes, and there’s nothing quite like the sting of re-donating something to the very store you bought it from, a clear sign it shouldn’t have come home with you in the first place. 

Those little mistakes have taught me some big lessons. And after all these years, I’ve come to know exactly which items never make it into my cart. 

Stained Items 

In my early days of thrifting, I’d bring home stained linens and clothing with the confidence that I could restore them to their former glory. But over the years, I've learned that stains are often more stubborn than they look—and I’ve had more losses than wins. These days, I only make exceptions for truly special handmade quilts or vintage linens that I can upcycle or use for a craft project. If it's not something extraordinary, it stays in the store. 

Stuffed Animals 

Yes, there are a few rare collectible plushies that can hold value, but unless you're an expert, it's far too easy to make a mistake and end up with a storage bin full of unwanted bears and bunnies. Plus, most stuffed animals can’t be fully washed, only spot-cleaned, which makes me feel uneasy about what might be hiding inside. Dust mites have no place in my home, so plush toys are always an immediate "no," no matter how cute they may be. 

Clothing for Resale 

There was a time when reselling secondhand clothing, especially vintage or designer, could be quite profitable. But as luxury consignment platforms like The RealReal have grown, those incredible finds have become harder to come by. I've tried reselling both vintage and everyday clothing, and I've learned that pieces don't move fast enough to make the effort worthwhile. These days, I only thrift clothing for myself or loved ones—not for resale. 

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Linens and Upholstered Items 

If it can't be thoroughly washed or deep cleaned, textiles don’t come home with me. Linens, mattresses, and upholstered furniture can harbor dust mites, allergens, or even bacteria that are nearly impossible to remove. As tempting as a vintage armchair or embroidered pillow might be, I've learned to admire from afar unless I know I can remove it or pop it in the washing machine.

Electronics and Appliances 

Just because something turns on doesn’t mean it works; a lesson I've learned the hard way. Small appliances, such as food processors or ice cream makers, can be tempting thrift finds, but there's no way to know how long they will last or if all of the parts function properly. Instead of risking it on a secondhand appliance with an uncertain past, I think it's best to invest in new items that come with a warranty and peace of mind. 

Personal Care Items 

You'd be surprised at what ends up on the shelves at thrift stores: half-used bottles of lotion, deodorant, hair accessories, and even used lipstick and perfume. As tempting as it might be to snag a designer fragrance at a fraction of the cost, it's important to remember that most perfumes have a shelf life of just two to five years. Since there's no way to know how long a bottle has been sitting there, I leave anything personal or beauty-related behind without a second thought.