11 Gifts You Should Never Buy at a Thrift Store—and Why

Wool Pieces

While there's plenty of beautiful, unique clothing to be found in thrift stores, wool is a material that you’ll want to use discretion with—especially when it comes to gifting. “Wool items might contain tiny moth or carpet beetles that are hard to see,” says Bene Raia, auctioneer, appraiser, and founder of Raia Auctioneers. “It's not worth the risk—that's why I stay away from [it].”

However, if you find a thrifted sweater or scarf that you just can’t let go of, make sure to wash it right away before gifting it. This is good practice for any piece of second-hand clothing or fiber piece, notes Kate Pearce, interior stylist and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage.

Vintage Pottery or Glassware Intended for Food

Pottery and glassware are usually food-safe today. However, this wasn’t always the case, and many of these pieces were made with lead in the past, notes Pearce. So that pretty crystal decanter or glazed vase might be a no-go—especially if you don’t know when it was made, or how your recipient intends to use it.

“Of course, if you're using them for decorative purposes only, then it's fine to have a lead platter or plate on the wall, or a lead decanter in a display case,” says Pearce. “It's just not good to eat or drink out of these pieces, as they can be toxic.”

Electronics

Similar to appliances, technology is something that generally loses its effectiveness over time. “I can't stress this enough: If you’re buying electronics to use them, don’t bother!” Raia says. “Your best bet is to buy the best you can afford—brand new and fully functional with a warranty.”

Unless you intend to gift it as a piece of retro décor—or can plug it in and test it out at the store—electronics are a risky bet, and they may not be worth the extra change.

Kitchen Appliances

Vintage kitchen appliances have undeniable charm, with pretty hardware and retro style. However, they aren’t always well-suited for practical use. “I typically avoid any appliances that process food, such as coffee machines, kettles, and waffle makers,” says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, founder of secondhand home décor shop Portland Revibe. “[They] may have residue buildup or moisture exposure that cannot be seen internally [and] has potentially spoiled or become moldy.”

This residue can affect the wiring and thus the overall longevity of the appliance, too, Jochim-Smoot explains. If you just like the look of a vintage toaster or kettle, though, it could work—as long as you let your loved one know. “I would definitely buy them just for display and decorating in the kitchen, but never to use,” says Raia.

Coated Pots and Pans

Cast iron and copper cookware are hidden gems at thrift stores, offering the best of beauty and function for cooking aficionados—but the same can’t be said for coated pots and pans.

“The lining may be made of older chemical coatings that aren’t safe to cook with,” says Jochim-Smoot. “They also may have been worn down from prior use, meaning more potential to leach into your food.”

Perfume and Body Care

While the idea of gifting perfume and body care from decades past sounds alluring, the reality is more uncouth. “I personally avoid purchasing anything expired that may contain chemicals that are no longer acceptable by today’s standards,” says Jochim-Smoot. 

Instead, opt for vintage jewelry or mirrors for the beauty lover in your life, as these can be just as unique, and can even gain value over time. 

Wooden Kitchenware

Anything made from wood, like cutting boards and serveware, is porous and therefore susceptible to breakage. Thus, it can be hard to sanitize, notes Raia, and is best avoided at the thrift store. Enamel, copper, or brass items make for better gifts—plus, they can maintain their durability over time and feel more luxurious.

Furniture for Babies and Children

Pieces such as baby cribs, high chairs, and car seats are best bought as new gifts for parents, rather than from a thrift store. “Safety regulations are constantly changing and the safety of the child is paramount,” says Raia.

As an alternative, vintage toys are unique, coveted gifts that parents appreciate just as much as their kids. Examples include Beanie Babies, retro wind-ups, and even board games.

Works in Progress

It’s easy to see the potential in an item from the thrift store. However, getting it back into shape for your recipient will likely require more time—and resources—than you may think.

Furniture that needs a layer removed, for instance, is something that Pearce refrains from. “Stripping paint is such a time intensive and laborious task," she says. "Unless that piece is extra special and you have ample time to commit to it, it's really just not worth the hassle."

Large Upholstered Furniture

There are so many furnishings with one-of-a-kind craftsmanship and personality at thrift stores, but if they're upholstered, then they may not make for the best gift.

“You don’t know where that furniture has been. You don’t know who has used it. Yes, it can be cleaned, but that's probably going to be very expensive,” says Raia. “Therefore, I stay away from big, bulky pieces of furniture.”

However, if you have the budget to purchase new fabric and assume the reupholstery costs, Pearce says it’s not completely off-limits. “Many older sofas are so well-made, so it can be worth the investment,” she says.

Shoes

It might seem obvious, but shoes are a gamble when it comes to buying secondhand—unless it’s a collector’s pair that's been well taken care of. “Shoes I will only thrift if they seem like they're in new condition,” adds Pearce.