These are a Few of My Favorite Things.... to Thrift.

Can anyone believe that Thanksgiving is in less than 2 weeks!!! I sure can't. Time is flying and before I know it, it will be 2018 but lets not rush things because 2017 has been really go to me!

I wanted to share a post talking about my all time favorite things to thrift. I enjoy finding anything for a good bargain but there are certain items I always look for in thrift stores that just make me smile ear to ear when I come across them. I am going to tell you 5 things I just jump for in a thrift store or at a garage sales starting with my #5 and counting down. BUT... #1 will remain a secret! There will be a chance to win a small prize for whoever can guess what my favorite thing is to buy from a thrift store (this is US contest only.. sorry). The first person to guess correctly will receive a small gift from Thriving Thrifts. Good Luck!

#5: Knitted Sweaters- I have found a new love for the knitted cover up sweaters that you wear over another shirt. They are so comfortable and warm. They are, also, very convenient to throw on for work. They are fancy enough to be professional and warm enough for the winter weather.

#4: Records/Albums- The sound of old music coming from my record player while I am cleaning around the house or reading a book is a calming feeling for me. However, records brand new can cost $20 and that is just over my budget. Most records at the thrift store are $1. Now, I will admit, record searching takes time; you have to sift through a lot of records to find something you want. I went to a flea market before and found a Elvis record for only $2! It made my day because I love me some Elvis.

#3: Workout Equipment/DVDs- I am always working out but I am more motivated to work out at home then at a gym.  I am always on the lookout for workout equipment such as weights, bands, pull up bars, workout videos, and more. Of course, I have to be careful with some equipment and make sure it is safe to use. I have found some really good deals on workout items. As I have posted before, I found a whole workout bench and all the weights for it plus some extra equipment at a yard sale for a total of $25! This stuff looked like it has never been picked up. I went home and did my research on it and in the stores brand new with all the weights I had would have cost $200. Now that is a steal! Just this past weekend I was looking for equipment for a friend and found a workout band and pull up bar for $4. Another thing I look for is workout videos. Programs can be expensive to purchase and so can yoga classes. Instead, I look for videos at the thrift store and I have found tons that I love ranging from yoga to hard core weight loss workout videos.

#2: Teaching/Craft Supplies- I put these two into the same category because sometimes they go hand in hand. Teaching supplies full price can get extremely expensive especially when, as a teacher, you are already spending a lot out of pocket for other things. That is why I head to thrift stores and yard sales to find teaching supplies or craft supplies for future projects. I have found blocks, sorting containers, pencils, paper, stickers, yarn and so much more for my classroom at thrift stores for a tenth of the price they would be. Thinking out side the box helps too. For instance, I found the colored jar set below and though these would be great for one on one activities for color sorting in my classroom. I have used them with pom poms and my students love it. I have, also, found binders and folders at the thrift store to keep my classroom and myself organized.

 

As for craft supplies, the thrift store is full of them. I have found fabric, stickers, scrapbooking supplies, stamps, and more at garage sales and thrift shops. I found a paper crimper at a yard sale for $2 and at another yard sale I got a huge stash of sizzix cut out dies for $1!

#1: If anyone knows me they can guess what my number one thing to purchase and find secondhand is... can you guess? Leave a comment of what you guess is. If you are the first person to answer correctly I will get in contact with you to send you your prize!