How to Score Big While Thrift Store Shopping

​Do a Google search to locate nearby stores; evaluate their ratings and specialties. Inquire when they restock and plan your visit when inventory is highest.​

Broaden your search to estate and garage sales. If you prefer to buy online, check out Etsy, eBay and Depop. It might cost a bit more, but you won’t have to “dig” in person.​

3. Consider your recipients’ taste and aesthetics

​​If you’re going to thrift for gifts, know your gift recipients’ styles and whether they will appreciate gifts that have been used a handful of times. Vintage is no longer “old,” so giving items new life is now hip across multiple generations. ​​

Kids’ clothes from national brands are often in good condition as children outgrow garments quickly — an ideal gift for a tot in your family who hasn’t developed stylistic preferences yet.​​

4. Be creative

I once found a set of mugs with my friend’s name on it, formerly the name of a donut store. I gave him a personal gift for less than $10. ​

I also found a wooden frame made in Italy with a black-and-white photo of a grade school class from the 1950s. I replaced that photo with a more meaningful one, and voilà, a significant and stylish gift.​​ Thrift stores are filled with coffee-table art books. Pair one with a vintage tray. Other choices are endless: cookbooks, glassware, throws, scarves, leather belts, costume jewelry, napkin rings. A cut-glass dish takes on new meaning once you fill it with their favorite mints or candy. A pottery bowl can easily transform into a plant’s home, perhaps one you’ve rooted yourself. ​​

5. Get even deeper discounts​

Watch for sales. Even thrift stores have markdowns!​ Senior Days abound, so bring your ID. American Thrift Stores offer 50 percent off sale items on Wednesdays. Goodwill and Salvation Army have daily senior discounts, deeper discounts midweek, 25 percent off entire purchases at select locations, half off on Saturdays and colored-tag discount days. Goodwill offers a discount coupon with each purchase to use next time. ​​

6. Be a wise shopper​​

Check out products before buying. Does this board game or jigsaw puzzle have all its pieces? Inspect clothing; if you’re unfamiliar with a label or price, look it up on your smartphone. A clothing tag woven inside may be a more expensive brand. Search for identifiable brands like Lenox or Wedgwood. ​​Head for the rear of the store, known as the “go-back rack.” Others have deemed these items desirable but decided not to buy them. Now, it’s your turn.​

Test electronics. “Keep a pocket full of different-size batteries on hand to test toys and gadgets. Most thrift stores have outlets available,” advises The Krazy Coupon Lady.​​

7. Shop early​​

Thrift store shopping is hit or miss, requiring multiple visits. Plan ahead so you won’t feel rushed into choosing just anything. After the holidays, keep shopping year-round to collect gifts that will still be perfect when the holidays arrive again.

8. Treat yourself to a gift​​

With the money you’ve saved, reward yourself with a small gift. I’m always on the lookout for a T-shirt with a cool logo or a designer purse once worn by a celebrity. On a recent foray, I enjoyed trying on a bowlful of $7 whimsical bangle bracelets. I had a feeling friends would compliment my taste, making me feel like a million bucks.

Share your experience: How do you take advantage of deals at thrift stores? Let us know in the comments below.