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Article created by: Eglė Bliabaitė

What’s not to love about thrifting? It’s good for the planet, tons of fun, and full of surprises—you never really know what you might stumble upon. The only catch is that finding something truly special can take time and a bit of luck.

When it finally happens, though, it’s one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. So you really can’t blame the shoppers who hit the thrift store jackpot and couldn’t resist sharing their finds online. Sure, we might feel a little jealous, but mostly, we’re just impressed. Check out some of their best discoveries below!

#1

An Early 1960s, Based On The Label, Wilson Folmar. And It Has Pockets

Woman wearing a vintage yellow floral brocade dress, a once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find displayed indoors.

12.99 at SA! No wear or tear. The photo doesn't do the embroidery justice.

mtwentyfive Report

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    #2

    I Found This Fantastic Antique Salesman’s Sample Chair Off Of Facebook Marketplace A Few Months Back. I Knew What I Needed To Do

    Fluffy cat lounging on a once-in-a-lifetime thrifted wooden chair with blue patterned upholstery.

    August, my Himalayan, also knew what he needed to do.

    Michael James Report

    #3

    My Dream Thrift Haul Came True Today

    Three colorful Le Creuset cast iron pots and a green mop in the trunk, showcasing unique thrifting finds.

    I was SHAKING finding these three Le Creuset for $24 each! Owning a Le Creuset of my own has been a dream for me since I was able to cook! I am absolutely over the moon!

    fourdoorsmorewh0res Report

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    #4

    My Thrift Store Find. Emerald And Diamond 18k Gold Ring. $16

    Close-up of a hand wearing a vintage gold ring with a blue gemstone and diamond accents, a once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    Thank you! I just picked it up from the jewelers, so it’s extra shiny. I had to get it sized. It was very tiny.

    urmomspotaytoes Report

    #5

    When The Checker Asked Me What This Was, I Muttered That It’s For Making Coffee And Ran Away. $1200 La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Maker For $6.50 At Goodwill

    Vintage La Pavoni espresso machine with pressure gauge, a rare once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting on a striped cloth.

    Oh yeah, it’s the professional model too! I’m feeling very fancy with this on my counter!

    randomlybev Report

    #6

    Stumbled Upon An Antique Salesman Sample Of A Four-Post Bed & Suddenly I’m Designing A Teeny Vintage Bedroom For My Cat

    Siamese cat sitting on vintage fur-covered chair next to antique wooden furniture and decorative thrifted items.

    I love salesman samples. I found a chaise lounge/fainting couch sample at an antique store last year. It was kinda pricy so I talked myself out of it. I later changed my mind but it was gone by the time I went back. Luckily this one was only $35.

    anneanamouse Report

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    #7

    Found This Today At Goodwill. I Love It

    Intricately carved wooden calendar with monthly, weekly, and daily dials, a unique once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    I put it above my desk. I’m sure it’s not worth a lot, however I love it! So unusual and lovely!

    Tasselplants Report

    #8

    They’re Vintage Giovanni Travasa Eva Chairs From 1965, And I Can’t Find Another 3-Piece Set In The World. I Paid $500

    Rattan patio furniture with tropical cushions arranged on a wooden deck surrounded by lush greenery, a thrifting find.

    I literally screamed when I found them. My friend thought something was wrong.

    Lourdez01 Report

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    #9

    1899 B.W. Raymond Elgin R.R. Pocket Watch At Thrift $3.49

    Hand holding vintage pocket watch above wooden grandfather clock case, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    Hidden in a little grandfather clock display.

    kenkreie Report

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    #10

    Just Found This Beautiful Baldwin Organ. Works Perfectly, And Got It For Only $170

    Young man wearing a striped shirt posing with a once-in-a-lifetime find vintage organ discovered while thrifting.

    -georgie Report

    #11

    An Epic Marketplace Find - Like A 90s Nickelodeon Show Fever Dream

    Colorful retro bench with glass tabletop, bright geometric shapes, and vibrant upholstery, a unique once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    Underneath the seat in Sharpie, it says, “1999 Mitch Levin Zoomin Bench”. Quick google shows Mitch Levin is still an active sculptor, so no idea what it could be worth. Certainly more than the $150 I paid!

    Edit: So I contacted Mitch Levin and we had a great conversation about this piece! He said he thinks he sold it originally for $2500-3000 when he was based out of Chicago, and that this one was one of his earliest and also one of his favorite pieces. He was really happy that it's in such great condition and that it has found a very grateful new home. He told me, "I jokingly say I make garage sale finds of the future!"

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    #12

    $2.99 For This Whiting & Davis Art Deco Mesh Bag From The 1920s. I’m Still In Shock

    Hand holding a vintage beaded purse with a colorful pattern, a once-in-a-lifetime thrift find on a leather background.

    reddit.com Report

    #13

    I Work In Junk Removal. We Often Find Treasures. My Co-Worker Scored This, And When I Offered To Arm Wrestle Him For It, He Was So Kind As To Give It To Me

    Vintage globe with colorful fabric map patches on a brass stand, a unique once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    Sunny Rae Report

    #14

    15$ For This Awesome Copper Table

    Vintage antique world map etched on wooden table, a rare once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting by collectors.

    Appropriate-Row4804 Report

    #15

    Brought Home My White Whale Today: A 1960’s Scandinavian-Style “Magic Box” Desk

    Vintage wooden cabinet with multiple shelves and compartments, an impressive once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    I saw this desk listed months ago on Facebook Marketplace, and was devastated when it disappeared. When I saw it listed again, I knew I had to bring it home! My bank account is screaming, but this beauty is going to be with me for life. Can’t wait to see how it looks after a full restoration!

    Yggdrasil- Report

    #16

    Cat Clock

    Vintage black cat wall clock with swinging tail, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting on a plain wall background.

    She’s amazing. I love it. Tail is wooden, unoriginal, but she works perfectly either way. The eyes are beautiful.

    McdonaldsBiggestFan Report

    #17

    Found This Sitting By My Neighbors' Trash Can, She Thought I Had Lost My Mind Over How Excited I Was, And Was More Than Happy To Let Me Dig It Out Of Her Trash

    Ornate peacock lamp with stained glass shade, a rare once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting displayed by window blinds.

    I don’t normally dig through my neighbor's trash, but maybe I need to start if she is throwing stuff like this away. I thought maybe it didn’t work, but she works. Wiring isn’t frayed or cut. Seems in perfect shape.

    Cynthia Craig Report

    #18

    I Lost My Mind

    Pair of vintage high-back armchairs with patterned fabric in a colorful living room, a once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    I had never heard of Christopher Guy before! No idea where they came from originally... my guess is they were lobby chairs for a wacky boutique hotel? Anyway, this is the best value-to-cost ratio I’ve ever scored thrifting.

    jkrowlingdisappoints Report

    #19

    I Don't Really Host Parties But I Couldn't Resist These Guys For $4

    Hand holding a vintage set of cheese server mice, a unique once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    Carrie Maxam Report

    #20

    Found This Unmarked 18k Gold And Sapphire Pin For $2

    Gold crescent-shaped brooch with blue gemstones, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting and vintage shopping treasure.

    All the stones were individually tested and confirmed to be sapphires. The jeweller also said that because they all have inclusions and color zoning they are almost certainly natural stones.

    minarima Report

    #21

    Stained Glass Pineapple Lamp

    Pair of vintage stained glass lamps with pineapple design, showcasing once-in-a-lifetime finds while thrifting.

    I also couldn’t imagine a better companion to my funky monkey tree lamp! Thrifting really is such an interesting style journey.

    stylefaux Report

    #22

    In Love With These Gold Earrings

    Close-up of unique vintage devil-themed hoop earrings held in hand, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    The only thing I know about them is that they’re 14k gold.

    my-crooked-heart Report

    #23

    Found This A While Back In A Charity Shop For £10

    Vintage Polaroid Supercolor Esprit instant camera held in hand, a unique thrifting find from a once-in-a-lifetime collection.

    Nano-Byte2 Report

    #24

    I Found This All-Leather, Hand-Crafted Owl Purse At A Garage Sale This Morning For $1. I’m Obsessed With It

    Vintage owl-shaped leather purse with intricate feather details, a unique once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    Davina Greenstein-Anderson Report

    #25

    Bentwood Rocking Chair. Posting To Remind Myself That Great Thrift Finds Do Happen

    Vintage wooden rocking chair with woven seat and back, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting in a cozy room.

    May I present my thrifted bentwood rocking chair? My family had one when I was young, and I have been looking for one I could afford for the whole time I’ve been on my own. No, it’s not a genuine Thonet as far as I can tell, but it is still the rocking chair of my dreams.

    GreenNerdieBirdie Report

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    #26

    Brand New Dr. Martens In The Box With Tags. $25. Got Them Off Of Facebook Marketplace From A Girl Who Just Didn’t Want Them

    Hand holding a floral patterned boot, a once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find inside a car with shoebox.

    A few weeks ago, a girl was selling Doc Martens on a Facebook group for $45. I messaged her, but someone got to them first. I was super sad. But then this morning, these popped up on my newsfeed. $25, brand new. I drove 40 minutes to get them, and it was so worth it! Truly my white whale, and I’ll be chasing this high for the rest of my life.

    ilikegreencows Report

    #27

    Husband Just Walked In The Door With This Beautiful Needlepoint From Goodwill

    Framed vintage needlepoint wall art of various potted plants, a once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find leaning against wicker plant stand.

    Rebeccca1020 Report

    #28

    Found This Tiny, East German, Travel-Size Alarm Clock For 7 Euros

    Vintage Sumatic clock radio held in hand and displayed in a red leather case, a rare thrifting find.

    Some additional info: this tiny alarm clock was originally released in 1968 and has won awards for its design. It’s incredibly cute, but sadly, the clock doesn’t work anymore. I’ve managed to get the buzzer working again, but the clock mechanism itself needs to be checked out by a professional.

    23FO Report

    #29

    My Best Thrift Find Ever, 18k Gold Necklace With 82 Diamonds

    Hand holding vintage gold and green gemstone necklace, a rare one-in-a-lifetime thrifting find with intricate design details.

    Jeweler said at least $2000 in gold but it's hard to get a accurate weight cause of the stones. He thought the diamonds are polki diamonds or just really old because they are not in great condition or cut well. I am leaning towards older cut diamonds. I have a gold ring from 1800's and the diamonds are very poorly cut, but that is actually a good sign when dealing in antique jewelry authentication. They didn't have the technology we do now. I am taking it back on Monday for further testing.

    TOMORROWS-FORECAST Report

    #30

    You Know That Feeling Where You See Something On The Shelf And Time Seems To Stand Still? And You’re Not Quite Sure If You’re Actually Seeing What’s In Front Of You?

    DeLonghi espresso machine found as a once-in-a-lifetime thrift store find with a price tag on display.

    De’Longhi Eletta Explore Automatic Espresso Machine in excellent condition for $26.99!

    BloodyRightNostril Report

    #31

    8 Years Ago I Posted These 1930s Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes That I Found For $8 At Savers. Today, They Are Being Shipped To The Museum In Italy

    Colorful vintage high heels with intricate crochet design, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting on wooden floor.

    I have kept these for 8 years after I found them for $8 from Savers here in Melbourne, Australia. I have been in touch with Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy, who will be taking these shortly as a donation for their museum. I didn’t recognise what I had when I first picked these up, but I’m so glad I could rescue it and do something good with them.

    2_star Report

    #32

    I Think I Have Found Real Pearls (A Bracelet) For $1.99. They're Cool To The Touch And Heavy, And The Clasp Is Marked 14k

    Pearl bracelet with a 14K gold clasp found during once-in-a-lifetime thrifting treasure hunt by 50 people.

    I don't know what the other marking means or what pearls are even worth, but I feel fancy.

    stlmoon Report

    #33

    Snagged This Groovy Pineapple Lamp For $4

    Vintage pineapple table lamp with fringed lampshade, an impressive once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    DavyCrockPot19 Report

    #34

    Thrifted This 1960s Honeymoon Set Back In February For $10. Nightgown And Dressing Robe

    Woman wearing a pastel vintage dress taking a mirror selfie showcasing once-in-a-lifetime finds while thrifting.

    I thrifted this in Florida while I was visiting my grandma this past winter and when I brought it back and showed her, she remarked that this set had to have been bought for someone’s honeymoon. So while not confirmed, calling it that reminds me of my Grammy.

    fashion105 Report

    #35

    My Husband Has A Pretty Good Eye. He Found This Reformation Dress For Me When We Were Thrifting Today. Only $20

    Woman posing in a floral black dress with a side slit, showcasing a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting indoors.

    Pure luck, honestly. He found it on a mannequin, and I was going to get it regardless of the sizing. I lost it when I saw the tag while taking it off the mannequin.

    riss89 Report

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    #36

    Gorgeous Singer! If My Research Is Correct, It's A 1902 Model 27

    Antique Singer sewing machine with ornate designs and wooden cabinet found during thrifting haul.

    The store does half off on saturdays so I only wound up paying 125 for it, I don't know if that was the best price in general but it was a great price for me! I think the clamp is for a light attachment, I found one in one of the drawers. Totally unusable, but a very cool additional find. And yeah! All the drawers are intact minus some hardware on the front, and the wood is in good shape for the most part. Some of the veneer is peeling up, but not as badly as it could be for how old it is.

    areluctantpassenger Report

    #37

    Found This Lotus Lamp At My Local Thrift Store For $20

    Unique vintage floor lamp with blue floral shades found among once-in-a-lifetime thrifting treasures in a cozy living room.

    Oddly enough this is actually the second one I’ve found there. The first was one of the oversized table lamps and I got that one for $12.

    Boring-Emotion-3381 Report

    #38

    35 Bucks At Goodwill. I’ve Peaked

    Stained glass floral lamp with bird accents on bronze tree base, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    There’s some minor damage to it but nothing too crazy. This is going to be the centerpiece to my new place I’m moving to.

    reddit.com Report

    #39

    Still In Disbelief Over This. 1947 Yankees Signed Baseball! Find Of My Life Time

    Autographed vintage baseball displayed in a clear case, a rare once-in-a-lifetime thrifted find by collectors.

    At the end of last year, my girlfriend and I went to an antique store to pass some time. We were there about 2 hours and getting ready to leave, when I noticed a case with baseball stuff. In the corner of the case was a ball that was signed by the 1947 Yankees. The whole team. For $200. I couldn't believe it. My girlfriend said I was crazy for buying it and that it was 100% a fake... fast forward 4 months (and $300 more) later, I just got the PSA results and it's genuine! And it came in at 6.5 overall! Rough comps for that kind of ball are $8-$12000. I'm still in disbelief. Just needed to post this to make it seem real.

    frang117 Report

    #40

    Real Jimmy Choo Heels $5 - Retail Starts At $925

    Pair of gold Jimmy Choo high heels on a wooden floor, a once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    reddit.com Report

    #41

    Nostalgia Find! This Is Why I Thrift Right Here And It Works! I’m Not Gonna Lie I Cried A Little

    Vintage HitClips music player with miniature album keychains, a rare once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find displayed on a wooden surface.

    It’s called a “Hit Clip” it was popular in the early 2000’s you collected the little square clips they play a small portion of which ever song is labeled. Definitely a cool little trinket.

    Mara_Bell30 Report

    #42

    Literally Just Found This Solid 14K Seiko Watch At Goodwill In A Bag Of Jewelry For $44. I Haven’t Even Left The Store Yet Because My Friend Isn’t Done Shopping

    Vintage gold Seiko wristwatch with a braided band on wrist, an impressive once-in-a-lifetime find while thrifting.

    Radiantlyred Report

    #43

    Found A Van Gogh Classics 4-PC Fine Bone China Mug Set For $7

    Set of four collectible art-themed mugs featuring famous paintings, presented as a once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    Cxtherines Report

    #44

    Obsessed With My New Kitchen Clock! It’s Signed And Made By Tasha Stairs And Victor Langer ‘97 And I Can’t Find Any Info On Them At All

    Unique kitchen-themed wall clock with miniature food items, a rare and creative once-in-a-lifetime thrifting find.

    khinny18 Report

    #45

    I Went In Today To Look For Perler Beads And Came Out With A $600 Gucci Handbag. Oh, And Some Perler Beads

    Floral print Gucci purse found while thrifting, featuring authentic leather tag made in Italy and price tag of $7.99.

    I live near a rust belt city in NY - the town I’m in is pretty rural, but a few of the surrounding areas are insanely wealthy, and this Saver’s is close to a popular supermarket and has a drive thru drop off. That’s my guess, at least. I’ve gotten some bonkers stuff here.

    AmbergrisAndEggs Report

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    #46

    Notorious American Outlaw “Billy The Kid” (Second From Left). The 1880 Tintype, Purchased In 2011 At A Flea Market For $10, Is One Of Only Three Verifiable Images Of The Outlaw

    Group of men wearing vintage hats and clothing in an old photograph representing once-in-a-lifetime finds while thrifting.

    Chemical-Elk-1299 Report

    #47

    They Had Me At “Hello”

    Pair of vintage gold floral lamps with frosted glass flower shades on wooden floor, unique thrifting finds

    While walking to the register, a lady literally told me she “hated” me because of these lamps. My grandmother said if she had somewhere to put the lamps, she would buy them from me… Mind you, I never gave her that option. All I know is, my week has been made!

    Wailobviously Report

    #48

    Watermelon Picnic Basket - Literally, My Heart Melted When My Eye Caught This One At Goodwill

    Hand holding a unique vintage woven basket bag, one-of-a-kind once-in-a-lifetime thrift find with vibrant red and natural colors.

    Lasagnavintage Report