The 7 Outdoor Items I Always Look for in Thrift Stores
I’m what you might call a serial thrift store shopper. If you look around my house or poke around my closet, you’ll find secondhand finds in every corner. Some items are practically brand new, while others have that vintage, well-loved charm to them.
That “always buy secondhand” philosophy extends to my outdoor space, too. When I realized just how expensive all-weather decor and new outdoor furniture from stores can be — paired with how quickly it deteriorates when exposed to the elements (especially where I live in Phoenix) — I wasn’t about to spend full price on those items. But I don’t just thrift for cost alone. Those hallowed (and delightfully cluttered) thrift store halls are veritable wonderlands of outdoor furniture, treasures, and accessories.
In case you want some shopping guidance, these are the outdoor items I always scoop up when thrifting. Keep an eye out for them on your next trip to the thrift store.
High-Quality Patio Furniture
You could buy new mid-tier patio furniture that’s bound to break down in a matter of years, or you could keep your eyes open for some sturdier, top-tier patio furniture that just needs a little cleanup. Wood can be refinished and resealed, metal can be de-rusted and sealed, and basically anything can be washed down and repainted.
Likewise, cushions are easy to wash or replace with new ones. My favorite finds have been a glass patio table with cushy chairs (still going strong five years later!), teal, low-profile Adirondack chairs, and a bench for the front patio.
One-of-a-Kind Planters
I can’t say no to a one-of-a-kind planter. And if the planter is shaped like something cool — like an artichoke, a pueblo village, or a turtle — I might just let out a little squeal of delight when I find it. I always try to buy planters that have a hole at the bottom (or that I can add one to) for proper drainage. I like to stock up on thrifted planters and fill them with cute succulents or flowers as gifts.
Cute Decor
I have a hard time justifying the purchase of new (often expensive) purely decorative garden ornaments. But if I come across something adorable and affordable in the thrift store? There’s a good chance it’s coming home with me. Some of my favorite recent finds are some colorful tin flowers, bees, and dragonflies and a small laughing frog figuring that brings me an untold amount of joy every time I pass by it. Other goodies I’ve found in the past include a pink flamingo, wind spinners, and metal art.
Beach Towels
Whether you have access to a pool or want to stock up for beach days, it’s worth taking a peek at the towel rack in your local thrift store. I don’t know if you’ve looked at the price of beach towels recently, but those things can run you $25 to $50 easily. At the local secondhand store there’s a good chance they’ll have at least one or two great beach towels, and it’s unlikely you’ll pay over $5 for one. Just give them a good wash when you get them home.
Wind Chimes
Another thing I’m a sucker for: wind chimes. My neighbors might wonder about the fluttering symphony happening on our back patio on a windy day, but it brings a certain whimsy to the space. These are a little less common to come by, but I’ve found some really nice ones that deliver quality sound. If gently used or easy to clean up, secondhand wind chimes also make great gifts.
Outdoor Pillows
All-weather pillows are surprisingly expensive at full price, making it difficult to justify the purchase. Decorative outdoor pillows are abundant in thrift stores, though. I find that they pile up (literally) after a holiday or at the end of a season, after people have enjoyed their pillow and don’t want to store it. If the pillow has a removable cover, then you can easily wash it. Or if it’s a nice outdoor fabric, you can scrub with a bit of soap and water.
Camping Gear and Supplies
From camping chairs to cookware, the camping industrial complex has figured out how to charge exorbitant prices on just about everything. I’m a bit pickier when thrifting camping gear and supplies, but I have still scored some incredible finds over the years. Look for brands you know and trust; many high-end ones like Patagonia and Osprey even have repair programs.
Some memorable secondhand scores include a high-end daypack (I bought a new bladder for it), a great outdoor chair, and a gently used, high-end sleeping bag (this was through Facebook Marketplace). Also keep your eye out for flashlights/headlamps, backpacks, camping cookware, and blankets.