11 Best Thrift Store Finds for Spring, According to Shopping Insiders

Outdoor Patio Furniture

It's understandable to want to update your patio furniture as the weather begins to warm and you spend more time outside. Fortunately, a lot of people have the same thought—which means plenty of previously loved outdoor furniture gets donated to thrift stores.

"Seasonal items tend to sell fastest when they’re in-season," says Ken Murphy, the chief innovation officer at OfferUp. "Patio furniture, for example, sells well in the summer, so it's a great time to buy those ahead of the spike.”

Murphy adds, "When shopping for pre-owned furniture, it’s important to carefully inspect items before you buy them. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents or stains." 

Remember that minor imperfections can often be fixed with a little bit of DIY work or by hiring a professional to complete repairs. Sometimes a simply cleaning is all an item needs to bring it back to life.

Spring-Inspired Tableware

Whether you're hosting Easter brunch or simply want to give your table setting a spring makeover, that thrift store down the street beckons. Look for floral-patterned plates, pastel-hued dishes, and vintage glassware that helps create a light and airy tablescape.

Natural textures like woven placemats, handmade pottery, or linen napkins can help lean into the spring spirit, too.

Birdhouses

Birdhouses are a perfect springtime thrift store find that will add a bit of whimsy and attract wildlife to your yard.

"Make sure the birdhouses are still able to serve as bird shelters, and look for items constructed of materials that can withstand weather,” advises Maria Anderson, a cleaning and organizing expert at Henfield Storage. “Place them in peaceful areas of your yard where you can observe them from a distance and birds feel secure.” 

Vases

Vases are underrated finds at thrift stores. A lot of people donate vases from flower deliveries and arrangements they’ve received—so there’s usually a ton of options. They're perfect for housing fresh springtime blooms, says Onney Crawley, chief marketing officer at Goodwill Industries International.

Wicker Baskets

There's something about spring and wicker that just goes hand in hand. And the wicker baskets often found in thrift stores are endlessly useful. They make excellent picnic baskets, plant holders, or stylish storage solutions for blankets, magazines, or fresh produce. A vintage wicker basket with a handle can also double as a farmers' market or flower-gathering tote.

Gardening Tools

Gardening tools, like trowels, shovels, and pruners, all come in handy when tending to your springtime garden. “Look for tools with metal ends that exhibit little rust and have solid wooden handles,” Anderson says.

“Tools with a patina can add personality, but stay away from ones whose structural integrity is compromised. For a rustic appearance, mount them on a shed wall or display them in a decorative holder.” 

Storage Solutions

Did someone say spring cleaning? You'll need some smart storage solutions on your side to get the job done. While tidying, make a list of items you could use in your home. This might be clear glass jars, trays, baskets, shelves, or canisters. Consider larger pieces, too, like dressers, vanities, curios, and bookcases.

Planters

Go inside any thrift store, and you'll likely find a sea of planters in every shape, size, and color. The spring season is a great opportunity to pick up a few beautiful options, especially if you’re growing seedlings indoors or want to dress up your space with some fresh greenery. 

Consider what kind of planters you’re looking for before shopping to help refine your search and make the process less daunting. 

Plant Stands

Similarly, keep an eye out for plant stands—or get creative with items that can be repurposed as plant stands. “Utilizing unconventional items will set you apart from your neighbors,” says Sara McDaniel, home renovation expert and founder of Simply Southern Cottage. Consider stools, baskets, ladders, rolling carts, or crates and wooden boxes.

Outdoor Pillows

It is so very easy to splurge on a set of new pillows, but if you venture into a thrift store you’ll likely be greeted with rows of them—often for $5 or less a pop. McDaniel says this is one of her favorite items to thrift, and notes that they’ll pair brilliantly with your thrifted or existing outdoor furniture, too. 

Check the care label before washing; most have removable covers that you can toss in the washing machine or gently wash by hand before air drying in the sun.

Garments You Can Layer

Don’t forget to swing by the clothing aisle on your thrifting adventure. Since springtime often calls for layering, jackets, cardigans, blazers, and vests are great items to look for, Crawley says.

You could score something that’s ready to wear, or if you’re feeling crafty, you could purchase something to be personalized. Crawley says, "With upcycling, I recommend prioritizing good quality fabric and versatile designs that could easily be transformed into the pieces of clothing you want them to be."