Look For These Items At Thrift Stores In January For Great Deals

Thrift stores are one of the best places to shop for hidden treasures. There are amazing discounts throughout the year at thrift stores, but the start of a new year is usually the best time to score one-of-a-kind deals. Post-holiday decluttering, combined with last-minute tax write-offs, creates a surge in the appearance of exceptional items at secondhand stores around the country. These factors, and more, make January the perfect time to find unbelievable deals on many items at a thrift store.

Some of the best items to look out for at a thrift store in January include winter coats, valuable antiques, and gently used furniture. You can usually find great kitchen items, including crockpots, bread makers, glass cookware, cookbooks, plateware, and more. January is a great time to find cheap holiday decorations, artwork, and even bags and luggage.

January isn’t usually known as the best time to shop, especially with so many shopping days occurring before the December holidays. But thrift stores often have a surplus of products after the holidays, and you might already be looking for some of these items. Keep reading to learn all the top items you should look for at a thrift store at the start of the new year to find unbeatable deals.

Items You Can Find At Amazing Prices In Thrift Stores In January

1. Winter Coats

When cold weather first hits your area, winter garments will quickly disappear from your local thrift store. Once January hits, however, there is usually a resurgence of donated winter coats you can choose from. The selection may vary from functional down jackets to vintage fur coats, and everything in between. Since many people buy new winter jackets in early winter, and for the holidays, you can score a recently donated winter coat at a thrift store near you.

2. Crockpots

After the marathon of cooking involved during the holidays, many homeowners are ready to downsize their kitchen appliance arsenal. Crockpots, in particular, have a habit of appearing in abundance at thrift stores each winter. When you buy one of these time-saving kitchen tools at a retail store, it will cost $50 or more. At a thrift store, you should be able to score a working crockpot for $10 or less. Ensure you plug in and confirm an electronic cooking device is fully functional before purchasing it.

3. Bread Maker

Bread makers are a kitchen appliance that many people are excited about, but over time, they use them less and less. This is one reason they are so often found on thrift store shelves, usually in fantastic, almost-new condition. If you’re interested in purchasing a bread maker, head to your local thrift store this January. There is a strong possibility you’ll find a fully functional bread maker for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a home goods store.

4. Holiday Decor

It might seem strange to shop for decorations 11 months before the next holiday season, but thrift stores are packed with post-holiday bargains on decorations. You can find incredible vintage holiday decorations, as well as barely-used and incredibly cheap newer holiday items. You can even find ornaments, gift wrap, and other new holiday items at thrift stores, as some retail establishments donate items they don’t sell in time.

5. Plateware And Flatware

If you recently moved or are looking to upgrade your plates, bowls, and flatware, you should head to a thrift store at the start of the new year. Buying your plateware and flatware from a second-hand store will save you lots of money without sacrificing quality. When you purchase fragile items, scrutinize each one. Make sure nothing is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged.

6. Vintage Designer Clothing

January is often the best time to find vintage clothing treasures. Those looking to declutter and organize the home after the holidays choose to drop off bags of clothes at the very end of the year. People looking for tax breaks also tend to donate to thrift stores at the end of December, just in time to score a tax write-off for the previous year. This translates into an influx of designer and rare-vintage clothing at the end of December and the start of January. If you love wearing vintage garments, visit as many thrift stores as possible in January to find one-of-a-kind pieces.

7. Antiques

Just as you can find rare garments, you may also find some incredible antiques in thrift stores this winter. If you love visiting antique shops, but can’t afford the high price tags, then a thrift store is your next best bet. Winter is a great time to peruse second-hand stores in search of antique treasures. Many thrift stores have an influx of donations, and fewer people shop in January than in December and other months.

8. Luggage And Bags

If you need new luggage for an upcoming winter vacation but are on a tight budget, head to a thrift store. While it’s never a guarantee, you can often find fully-functional luggage at a thrift store, especially after the holidays. Good luggage often sells out quickly, so consider heading to a thrift store early and frequently to maximize your chances of scoring fantastic secondhand luggage and bags.

9. Dressers And Book Shelves

If you’re searching for a fun winter DIY project, start looking for a bookshelf or dresser to refurbish. There is never a shortage of old dressers and bookshelves at second-hand stores. Search for a quality, solid-wood piece that you can sand down and re-imagine to fit your home’s aesthetic. Refurbishing a dresser or bookshelf can be a fantastic DIY project, and these are great items to add to your home for more storage.

10. Chairs And Other Furniture

If you’re looking for dining room chairs or a chair for a reading nook, then a thrift store is a great place to shop, especially at the start of a new year. People buy furniture and rearrange their homes before and after the holidays, and donate items they no longer need. You can often find beautiful wooden chairs and other furniture made of long-lasting natural materials. January is a great time to visit secondhand stores to furnish your home with unbelievably affordable, high-quality pieces.

11. Pyrex Glass Cookware

If you need more baking supplies and cookware in general, there’s no need to pay a fortune for these kitchen items. Almost every thrift store is filled with Pyrex glass cookware and other kitchen essentials. You can find casserole dishes, baking sheets, and muffin tins at most thrift stores, and each piece should cost you less than $5. While these supplies may dwindle close to the holidays, they are usually replenished by early January.

12. Artwork

Hanging artwork on a bare, boring wall is a great way to liven up a room. Unfortunately, paintings and other large pieces of art can cost a fortune at an art gallery, and even at home goods stores. Many thrift stores have paintings and other ornate artwork for less than $20. Most of the artwork is already framed, which makes hanging it easy. While it might take some time to find the perfect piece of art to fit your aesthetic, spending time at various thrift stores in the winter will ensure you find the ideal piece for your empty wall.

13. Novels And Cookbooks

 If you have an empty bookshelf, a thrift store is a great place to find some classic old hardcover novels to fill the empty gaps. Instead of paying $20 per book, you can find a great selection of hardcover and paperback novels for $2 or less. Thrift stores are also a fantastic place to find various cookbooks. You can find classic cookbooks, vintage options, and even specialty cookbooks if you’re lucky. 

Concluding Notes On Items To Look For At Thrift Stores In January 

Thrift stores are always a great place to visit when you’re on the hunt for a good deal. You can find everything from vintage clothing to kitchen utensils at many secondhand stores. In January, there tends to be an influx of donations, which means you can benefit from incredible deals on all sorts of items, especially if you know what to look for.

Some items you should search for at thrift stores at the start of the new year include kitchen items such as crockpots, bread makers, glass cookware, and plateware. You can find incredible vintage and designer clothing, and often fantastic winter jackets. If you’re lucky, you can score great antique items, wood furniture, and even quality artwork for your walls.

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