I'm a Professional Thrift Shopper—These Were My Best Finds of 2025

From holiday décor to retro barware.

Four black goblets with reflective surfaces placed on a red and white background two are upside down and two are upright — Credit:
Ashley Poskin

Thrift shopping can be such a thrill. And as someone who thrifts for a living, each trip is different depending on what I need for projects I'm working on or shoots I need to style. Of course, while I’m shopping for work, I’m on the lookout for myself, too! This year, I found some really fantastic things, and I’m so excited to share them with you.

Majolica Soup Tureen

Two ceramic turkey figures on a metal shelf surrounded by other items in a store display — Credit:
Ashley Poskin

The most flamboyant find of the year would be my vintage Majolica soup tureen—in the shape of a fully feathered turkey. It is equally as gorgeous as it is absurd, and I can’t wait for next Thanksgiving when he can make his debut. At $6.99, it was such a steal, and something I’ll never part with.

Johnson Brothers Transferware

Decorative plate depicting a rural scene with a house trees and a stone wall supported by a stand — Credit:
Courtesy of Etsy

Earlier this summer, I was making my way through the Quad Cities and stopped in a thrift store that wasn’t all that impressive. I’d been wandering around, arms empty, and was about to leave when I spotted a box on a top shelf. I couldn’t see what was inside, so I carefully lowered the (very heavy!) box and couldn't believe my eyes—an entire set of Johnson Brothers transferware priced at less than $1 per piece. They’ll look gorgeous on my Thanksgiving table with the turkey tureen.

Black Crystal Barware

Four black wine glasses placed in alternating directions on a red and white backdrop — Credit:
Ashley Poskin

Our home came with a basement bar that was added in the late '60s or '70s, so we are leaning into décor from that era as we finish the basement. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for vintage barware, and happened to find a set of six black crystal wine glasses, lowballs, and water goblets that really set the mod mood.

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A collection of vintage Christmas ornaments displayed on a metal tray

Emeco Bar Stools

Barstools arranged against a bar with tinsel decoration — Credit:
Ashley Poskin

Another lucky find, and probably the most impressive in terms of monetary value, is a set of four green barstools by Emeco. These retro chairs currently retail for over $500 each—but I scored the entire set for $20.

Vintage Wool

A small shelf with houseshaped drawers neatly holding folded colorful plaid and patterned blankets — Credit:
Ashley Poskin

A few years ago, I turned a dresser into a dollhouse, and now I use the shelves as storage for my cherished vintage wool blanket collection. These textiles have been around for more than 70 years, and the styles are timeless. I was able to add three gorgeous plaid blankets to my collection this year, paying just $25 for the priciest one.

Christmas Collectibles

Shopping cart containing two large Santa Claus decorations and other items inside a store — Credit:
Ashley Poskin

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My most exciting find of the year was from about a week ago. I was walking through one of my favorite junky thrift stores looking for vintage Christmas décor—and boy, did I find it! I almost ran right into a shopping cart that was overflowing with vintage blow molds. Santas, candy canes, and peppermints were sliding out of the cart, gingerbread men were lined up in the lamp aisle—I even found a toy soldier standing guard by the shoes. While the prices weren't a steal, they were much more affordable than what I might have paid at an antique store. I came home with one large Santa and two pencil Santas for just around $60, and couldn’t be happier.