I'm a Professional Thrift Shopper—Here Are the Treasures I'm Hunting for in 2026

One tip I always give when it comes to thrifting is to go with a list and an open mind. A list can help keep you focused if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and an open mind can help you pivot and find something to fill a need if you’re not able to find the exact item on your list.

As I look ahead to the new year, one thing I’m keeping in mind as I make my wish list is location. A seasoned thrifter is aware of the general range of items they’ll find at their usual haunt. For example, I don’t go to my favorite junky thrift store where I find kitschy, vintage home décor, expecting to find high-end designer items. While it could happen, it’s not likely to.

In 2026, I’m not only writing my wish list, but I’m using my thrift map and planning to visit areas where these luxe items exist in higher volume to improve my chances. Without further ado, these are the secondhand goodies I’m hoping to cross off my thrift wish list in the upcoming year. 

Clothing and Textiles 

A silk scarf by Pucci, Hermes, or any high-end designer is a goal I’m setting for myself next year. Since I’m thinking big, I’m also manifesting a vintage Birkin or Kelly—or really any Hermes bag I can find secondhand. In addition to these designer items, I'll also be on the lookout for more gorgeous hand-knit wool blankets and a beautiful handmade quilt for our guest bedroom. 

Furniture 

Typically, thrift stores in the Chicago area don’t all carry furniture, so if I’m looking for something specific, I’ll visit the Habitat for Humanity ReStore or check Facebook Marketplace. In 2026, I’d love to find a fabulous high-quality sofa—something with just enough whimsy that will look great in my blue-striped living room. 

Rare Art 

I, along with every other lifelong thrift shopper, have always dreamt of finding a gorgeous piece of art that ends up being a treasure worth millions—and I’ve been in the game long enough to know that the only way you end up with treasure is to actively go looking for it. I love using the Google Lens feature for this purpose because it can identify artists' work, as well as signatures. I use it when I'm at the store and on the fence about a piece of art. If it has value and I like it, I’ll go ahead and pick it up; otherwise, I’ll pass and not give it a second thought. In the upcoming year, I’d love to find some beautiful oil paintings, either portraits or florals, that I can hang in my dining room. Bonus points for being a rare and valuable work of art! 

Kitchenware

For the kitchen, I have high hopes of finding a quality stockpot next year; something like Le Creuset or Ruffoni would be an absolute dream. I'll also be keeping an eye out for a set of everyday dishes that are lead-free and dishwasher-safe.

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Bar Essentials

Our home has a basement bar that was added in the late '60s or '70s. While I've already picked up a few items from this era to furnish it with, I'm on the hunt for more retro treasures in 2026. I'd like to find fun vintage barware to serve beverages in, as well as restore a vintage refrigerator. Sadly, the latter is often sent to the landfill before being passed down, so that might be a challenge. 

Cabinets

We have a small kitchen DIY project on the books for 2026, but if I happen to find a gorgeous set of secondhand cabinets at the ReStore or on Marketplace, I might gut the entire thing and start over. If you live in or near a large city, outfitting your entire kitchen with secondhand items is totally doable. I recently found a 15-year-old navy blue AGA range posted for free in our area. The only thing holding me back from rescuing it was the lack of a truck and a forklift.