These Lucky Few Find Thrift Store Items That Are Diamonds In The Rough

Hidden Gems

Thrift stores are filled with wonders, and you will always be surprised by what you manage to find. Each of them is different and filled with treasures waiting to be uncovered.

It may take some time to uncover these hidden gems, but many people out there have paid little to nothing and found something worth a pretty penny.

A Tissue Dispenser Unlike Any Other

One of the best places to find items for your home that you have never seen before is the thrift store! Who would have thought you could find a tissue dispenser shaped like an Easter Island statue?

The internet works wonders for online shopping, but thrift stores are the way to go if you want to find something truly unique. What’s more, the price tag isn’t too bad, either.

A Head Band That Draws Attention

This gold Medusa-inspired accessory is something that would catch anyone’s attention. The snakes radiating outward make it difficult not to.

The headband is suitable for wear, considering it is made of a light, plastic material, but the maker constructed it so that you could not tell. One person was lucky enough to find this accessory in a thrift store in Roanoke, Virginia.

1990’s Pizza Hut Decor Is Back In Style

Some people often visit their local thrift store without having anything in mind to look for, but that’s usually when they find the best pieces.

Who would go out looking for a ‘90s Pizza Hut light fixture? This person certainly didn’t, but it would become something they would treasure for years to come. Their love for pizza was nothing to laugh about.

A Cabinet As Seen On Screen

This person had bought this cabinet thinking it would be a great addition to their house, but they didn’t realize what they had found until they saw the same one on TV!

They had been watching Disney’s “WandaVision” when they spotted the same design among the show’s ’70s style furniture. And to think Goodwill in Folson, California, had sold this precious piece for $40.

Finding A Lookalike 

This woman had not intended to find it, but she knew she had to have it as soon as her eyes fell on it. She was willing to pay whatever she had to because it reminded her of someone important in her life.

It was a mug, and she was giddy when she brought it home. She decided to add a silver ring to the mug’s nose, and there was no denying who it was now. The man on the mug looked exactly like her husband!

A Stunning Household Addition

Thrift stores are most often recognized for second-hand clothing and odd home trinkets, but you would be surprised by how many other household items you can find. This person made a lucky find when they came across this mirror and dresser set.

They had gotten it as a two-for-one combo and only paid $30 for the whole set. It was a steal considering the piece was in excellent condition. If the thrift store hadn’t sold it, it could have been sold for much more from a boutique.

A Stylish Find

This guy had been searching for something that would fill up some open space in his house after just moving in. He decided to head to Goodwill, which was one of the best decisions he’d ever made.

He walked around for a while, trying to find something that would work best. That’s when he spotted a second-hand chair that was in an impeccable state. It had a vintage style that he loved and was sold for only $25!

Searching For Home Furniture

This man had just bought a ’70s-style home, and he was excited to fill the emptiness with furniture to match. But that wasn’t an easy task considering he was in the 21st century. He knew that it would come with a hefty price if he were lucky enough to find something.

But that was before he decided to go and look at a thrift store! He was surprised at how much he had found – enough to fill his home, and they were the perfect items for the style he wanted to achieve. And it had cost him a small percentage of what he had been preparing to pay.

An Unexpected Previous Owner

This may not be on everyone’s wish list, but this person had been looking for a shelf like this for a while and had finally found one! Despite its rugged looks, they were happy with their find. But there was more to this shelf than you would think.

When they looked closer, they discovered that they had found a shelf previously belonging to NASA! They had made a sturdy find, something they would hold onto for the rest of their lives.

She Found A Handmade Leather Tracksuit That Fit Perfectly

Next time you’re looking for something cool to wear, you might want to opt for your local thrift store instead of the mall.

That’s what this gal did; she found a handmade leather tracksuit that fit her perfectly for only $10.

Mom Found An Expensive Strawberry Dress

A mom went thrifting and what she found was this beautiful strawberry print dress.

What was even more impressive was that she only paid 75 cents for it when the original cost of the dress was $490. But her daughter, who was very jealous of her mom’s awesome discovery, will have to wait to grow into this dress.

They Found This Signed Photo Of The “Harry Potter” Cast

They say that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Well, that would certainly apply in this case. One shopper discovered a framed photo of Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron.

And the best part is that it was autographed by the film actors and on sale for just $2. They later admitted that the store owner had no idea who the people in the photo were! This photo could sell for hundreds among hardcore fans!

They Found Furniture For Their Gerbil

It’s rare to find furniture, like a couch or even just a chair, that’s made in pet sizes, but this shopper found one at a thrift store. It’s so cute, too!

But not nearly as cute as his pet gerbil, Garbanzo, who is obviously enjoying his new couch, which seems to have been lovingly made and will probably stay in good condition for years. Just like the next incredible find!

They Saved This Emerald Couch

This shopper couldn’t believe his luck when they found this vintage emerald-colored couch at a thrift store on sale for just $10.

So naturally, they bought it and drove it home in the middle of a terrible snowstorm. Luckily, it wasn’t hurt at all in the process because this bad boy could sell for $2500 given its pristine condition! Have you ever bought a dress from a thrift store?

She Found Her Perfect Prom Dress

If not, you might want to start! Finding a prom dress is almost as hard for some teenagers as looking for the perfect wedding dress.

That’s why it came as a bit of a shock when this young woman found this gorgeous red prom dress that fit her perfectly at a thrift store for only $11.50. Its quality begs the question of how much it’s really worth! Just like this next item.

She Found A Suit Jacket And Later Found The Matching Pants

Sometimes, we don’t always find a complete collection in one trip. That’s what this young woman discovered when she bought herself this suit jacket.

A couple of months later, she browsed through Goodwill’s clothing section and discovered the pants that perfectly matched her suit jacket. Now, looking at the outfit and its tailored fit, this expensive style can burn a hole in your pocket these days. Just like building an art studio…

They Bought An Art Studio In A Box

This shopper bought what looked like a wooden closet. But when they opened it, they discovered that it was actually a desk full of cubbies.

And it also had a message from the previous owner that read, “Your labors will bear sweet fruit.” It’s a compact art studio! What a great omen for their future creations. These desks aren’t easy to come by today, just like a $15 designer gown.

She Got Herself A Designer Gown

A Chiara Boni gown for $15? Yes, please! This gorgeous gal is an opera singer who was looking for a new outfit at the Salvation Army, and she found more than she could have ever imagined.

Not only would this gown look great on stage, but she didn’t have to fork over the usual $1,000 that the gown costs at a retail store. What a steal! But not as impressive as this next item…

They Found This Abstract Painting Made By A Unique Artist

This might just look like a bunch of random brush strokes done with green paint. But when this shopper took a closer look at the description under the painting, they discovered that the artist was a snapping turtle named Marshmallow, and who wouldn’t want art with such a great story behind it?

And you can bet that paintings just like this sell for millions in the abstract art world!

They Found These Unique Book Coasters

What’s so great about these coasters? It’s probably because they look like old books on a shelf in their resting state. But when this shopper took one of the books out, they realized that the books magically turned into coasters.

And they were on sale for $2. We think that’s a bargain, just like this next item.

They Bought This Hilarious Crochet Piece

A shopper saw this framed crochet piece that put a smile on their face. It read: “If I can hear you chew, I have fantasized about your death.” And it was only $2.99!

So, they bought it and have probably hung it on their dining room wall for all their dinner guests to see and abide by. But maybe this car is a better buy…

He Found A Toy Car For His Niece

Sometimes, the best gifts for kids can be found at a thrift store because kids have to outgrow their toys sometimes. This uncle discovered this awesome toy car that kids can drive at Goodwill.

And it couldn’t have come at a better time because he was looking for a gift for his niece for Christmas. Toys are deceptively pricey, so he saved his bank with this lucky find!

They Bought This Jar That Looks Like A Coffee Maker Come To Life

One would swear that this was a deleted character from the Disney film “Beauty and the Beast.” But this is just a jar with one hand on its hip and a cup of coffee on the other.

The purpose of this jar is to store coffee grounds, and it’s so adorable. It even has a fake electric cord that makes it look more like a kettle come to life! It’s a good find, but a gold diamond ring is even better…

She Found A Gold Diamond Ring

This shopper never imagined she would find a gold diamond ring while on a weekend trip, but she did.

She stumbled on it while she visited an antique shop, and it was 14 Karats from the 1950s, which obviously makes it an antique, and a pretty impressive one at that! This shopper spent $350, but it’s worth thousands!

They Found This Divine Cup

The great thing about this cup is that it appears to have a divine message on one side, but the other side shows the person reading it what the cup holder really thinks of them.

And one has to wonder if the previous owner donated it to a thrift shop because they felt insulted. But that definitely wasn’t the case with this next find!

She Found A 1960s Dress In Perfect Condition

This lovely woman was looking for a dress to ring in the New Year, and she found one. It was a gold dress with sparkly material, which caught her eye instantly.

She then discovered that the dress was from the 1960s and still in such excellent condition, so she couldn’t leave without taking the dress with her. But maybe this next shopper should have left without his ‘unique’ find…

They Found A Bag Of Babies

Most people would find very little use for a bag full of tiny plastic babies. But when this shopper found these at a thrift shop, they decided to pour the babies into a bowl and give them to their parrot so they could play with them.

Someone’s trash is always someone else’s treasure… we think.

Her Husband Found This Reformation Dress

This wife went to a thrift store with her husband, and he spotted a Reformation dress for only $20. So, he took it off the rack and showed it to her.

And she instantly fell in love with the flower print on the material and bought it and it looks like it fits her perfectly. The dress is a work of art. Speaking of art…

They Found The Mona Lisa… Sort Of

It may not be the original Mona Lisa, but it’s just as cool. So, naturally, this shopper bought it, framed it, and hung it up on their restaurant’s wall. And now, their patrons can enjoy looking at the various extra features of this painting, like the cat resting on the Mona Lisa’s chest and the various faces in the background.

We’re not sure how much the shopper bought this for, but its unusual style is definitely worth holding on to! Just like this 1980s clothing…

She Found A Vintage Adidas Sweater

Finding a 1980s Adidas sweater might not seem like a big deal to everyone, but it’s a classic as far as vintage clothing goes.

So, even though some shoppers might have seen it without batting an eyelash, this shopper fell head over heels in love with her rare sweater find.

These Vintage Plates Looked Familiar

One thrift store regular noticed that some plates that her parents had bought in the ’70s were pretty popular.

The exact same set of dishes popped up in an episode of the drama series “Dexter,” so she decided to take them out of storage and begin using them again. Now, she could easily sell them for more if she wanted!

A Grand, Vintage Wicker Chair

When the person who now owns this chair first laid eyes on it, it was on the side of a stranger’s lawn with a sign on it that simply read “Free.”

They knew that if they waited until after the workday, the chair would likely be gone, so they pulled over, folded down their car seats, and still managed to make it to work on time with their classy vintage chair in tow. But this unique find isn’t the only one on the list.

An Old Lunch Spot’s Menu

The man who found this unique sandwich shop sign found it in a different way than most second-hand shoppers. He actually went dumpster diving in Philadelphia while he was working as a sculptor, and he found five signs from an old lunch spot. 

It definitely has a unique vibe and brings back some good memories of great food for many people. This trend is taking the world by storm lately, so the next time you see a sign, consider its true worth!

A Cash Register From 1901 That’s In New Condition

This antique cash register was originally bought by its first owner in the 1940s for his shoe repair business after it was used in 1901 by a pharmacist.

The owner left it in a shed for years before their grandchildren decided that they would have it refurbished instead of donating it to a thrift store. And after some repairs, it looks more like something that should be in a museum than a second-hand shop! Just like this 1950s household item…

Who Needs Instant Underwear?

There are a lot of beautiful things to be found at thrift stores, but there are also plenty of oddities. One person found that out in an instant when this little object caught their eye.

Yes, you read that right. This is one pair of instant underpants that will expand when doused with water. Why anyone would want a pair of wet underwear in an emergency is certainly a point of confusion. Unlike this next item, we’re not sure how much this one’s worth!

She Found An Incredible Couch For Free

The woman who owns this couch got it after receiving word from a friend that a 90-year-old woman left it behind in a recently sold house.

The friend offered it free for anyone who could pick it up, so this woman did just that! She reupholstered the couch a few years later to this gorgeous purple color and her whole family, including her dog, is able to enjoy it. What a find, but is it better than a famous piece of art?

Her Thrifted Painting Had A Famous Past

Art is a good thing to find at thrift stores because even a cheap framed photo can bring warmth and joy to a home.

The woman who found this framed photo of two horses was surprised to find out that the picture had a pretty famous past and had appeared on television on the program “I Dream of Jeannie” in the 1960s. Cool!

They Found A Frightening Candle Holder

To give your home that Addams Family vibe, definitely opts for a candle holder that looks just like The Thing. This eerie addition to the living room is perfect for Halloween or just scaring your guests year-round.

It also proves that the best time to shop for spooky decor is anytime but October because items like this will be incredibly discounted. Speaking of spooky finds…

She Found An Antique Dentist’s Cabinet

This dentist was surprised to visit an estate sale for the first time only to find out that the person whose belongings she was looking through had also been a dentist!

The antique dental cabinet that she got from the sale was in pretty bad shape, but after a restoration job, it returned to its original glory. The cabinet even included some original glass trays used to keep dental instruments in!

A Genuine Hemmingway 

It already feels amazing to find a good book for only pennies.

But this woman’s uncle found The Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway for a mere $2! Not only that but there was also a message and signature inside from the author himself. That’s like winning the lottery.

A Shirt From His Band

Ten years ago, this guy played bass for a local rock band.

He was more than shocked when he was flipping through the t-shirt section, only to find the actual band shirt they had made. It was even crazier because they hadn’t printed that many. Talk about a walk down memory lane.

Yes, It’s Exactly What You Think

Second-hand stores are awesome for giving jewelry a third or even fourth life.

This lady hit the jackpot when she found this cute little ring. Not only did it suit her tastes, but it also ended up being 10k gold with a real diamond and emeralds. Not bad for $1!

Hiding Gone Wrong

Ever squirreled away money in an inner coat pocket or someplace sneaky in your wallet, only to find it weeks or months later?

This thrift store find went to a whole new level when the person bout it for 25 cents, but found $200 inside! Yes, it’s a shame someone lost that money and probably spent a good long while looking for it, but at that point, finding the owner would be impossible. 

Original Star Wars Lego

The entire set only cost $2.98, making you wonder if the person who got rid of it knew anything about the franchise.

The Reddit community went crazy about the posted photo, many commenting on how much the guy could make on eBay. Others digitally cried just imagining their own parents tossing away something like this. There were many jealous readers that day.

A Full Basket With Wine

It doesn’t have to be rare to be valuable. Anyone who has seen these picnic sets knows they are super expensive!

Add the fact that it’s a really nice one, totally complete, and includes a 12-year bottle of wine – for only $15 – that’s a vintage find that anyone should be proud of. However, we can all agree that they should stay away from the very old crackers that are also in there. 

1851 Smith’s Illustrated Astronomy Textbook

If someone spots a book or stack of paper that looks really old, it’s a good idea to snatch it up – just in case.

The worst-case scenario is that it’s worth nothing, and you give it away or go back to the store. But this person knew exactly what they were looking at and immediately paid the 25 cents – knowing a similar one had sold on eBay for $227.

Entire Shun Knife Set 

These knives are not something you buy at Walmart.

Not only are they high-quality and coveted by many cooks, but a set can also cost over $1000. They’re light, sharp, and often “a joy to work with.” So, this lucky person nearly wet their pants when they saw a collection for only $75! Yoink!

Doggo Lithograph  

A Floridian woman went to the grand opening of a local Goodwill store, where she noticed a large lithograph print of a dog hanging on the wall for $44.

The second she walked out, an art dealer sprinted up to her, out of breath, and told her she had just bought the most valuable thing in the entire store! She ended up selling it on eBay for $5150!

A Pile Of Stuff From The Late Great Arnold Palmer

A Florida man bought a nice-looking trunk. The plan was to use it to store blankets and sheets at the end of the bed. 

But when he looked inside, there were photos, signed letters, and a ton of other personal belongings! Quite an amazing find.

The Coolest Tea Set 

This tea set is something all Star Trek fans wish they could have… This tea set is an especially rare find. Reddit user lowlife9 stumbled upon it, and only paid $8 for it! 

This item is listed for more than $400. Many Reddit users responded to the post, emphasizing their envy. Even if you don’t know anything about Star Trek, there’s no doubt that this is a pretty cool tea set. 

For The Coffee Lovers 

This espresso machine is the epitome of luxury. Once Redditor randomlybev spotted it at their local Goodwill, they grabbed it as soon as they could. 

This La Pavoni Europiccola espresso maker usually goes for over $1200, but this lucky Redditor got it for only $6.50. This was definitely a steal, and now they can enjoy a cup of espresso from heaven! 

Cooking In Style

People who enjoy cooking will know that Le Creuset is high-end cookware. This skillet and saucepan normally go for $150-$200 each. 

Reddit user tn2k7 spotted these at a thrift store, and they didn’t even have a price on them. When she approached the cashier to find out how much they cost, the lady told her $10 for both! What a steal. 

Put A Ring On It 

If you are spotted wearing this beautiful emerald and diamond 18k gold ring, people will undoubtedly be green with envy. 

Not only is this one of the most beautiful emeralds ever, but this Redditor also managed to bag it for only $16. According to her jeweler, a ring like this usually cost around 2k. 

A Gift From Above 

This particular set from Johnson Bros was one lucky find for Reddit user theemmyk. Her late mother used these dishes every day until they were broken during an earthquake in 1994. 

However, years later, she stumbled upon them for only $100! “My husband thinks my mom sent these to me.” she shared. She also shared that the items that were not included in the set were items that survived the earthquake, so now she has the complete set. How special! 

Keeping Warm 

This lucky Redditor stumbled upon this Olympic jacket at his local thrift store. To sweeten the deal, even more, the original owner’s ID badge was still inside! 

This is perfect for a Halloween costume, to impress your friends, or to keep warm in the chilly winter. 

The Main Attraction 

Everybody knows that finding real jewelry in a thrift store is a seemingly impossible task. However, this Redditor managed to find this beautiful piece hidden among the trash. 

She initially doubted its authenticity but opted to trust her instincts and paid $20 for this piece. Her jeweler then confirmed that this piece had 18k gold and a real diamond in it, which could go anywhere from $1500 – $2000. If only we could all be so lucky! 

The Perfect Rug

This beautiful piece was sold for only $1.49 at Goodwill. The weaver of this gorgeous rug is Leita Bedonie, whose work sells for $2,500 and up!

The person who priced this made a big mistake letting this Navajo rug go for such a low price. What a lucky find! 

Not Just Any Poster 

One Ohio resident stumbled upon the find of the century in 2012 while browsing his local thrift store. He found a poster for a Pablo Picasso exhibit and bought it for only $14.14. 

However, he noticed a few things that made him question his purchase. As it turns out, Pablo Picasso himself signed the poster, and the man sold it for $7000

Timeless 

This beautiful watch was sold for only $4.99 at a Goodwill in Phoenix. However, the store didn’t know that the man who purchased it was a vintage watch lover. 

This particular piece ​​is a 1959 Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm watch. Only 900 were created, and the man sold them for more than $35 000. 

Hidden In Plain Sight 

One Australian man was rummaging through a thrift store when he noticed this odd-looking cup. It was only $4 and happily took it home. 

Due to its appearance, the man realized that it might be valuable. He did his research and found that it was a 17th-century libation cup from China. It was created with a rhinoceros horn. The man sold it for $75 000. Now that’s what we call luck. 

An Important Document

One Tenessee resident spotted this reproduction of the Declaration of Independence. Given its quality, the man purchased it for just over $2. 

He decided to research his find and learned that he had bought something special. What he thought was merely a reproduction proved to be one of 200 copies commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1820. The man sold it for nearly half a million dollars! (greenspringsschool.com)

One Man’s Trash Is Another’s Treasure 

During the early years of the 2000s, almost everybody’s eyes were glued to the screen to follow the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermoine. Years after the release of Harry Potter, many people still consider the franchise to be one of their favorites. 

However, not everyone knows about the movies, and this caused one lucky Redditor to purchase a poster signed by the cast for only $2 at a thrift store! 

Hidden Gem 

One lucky German student bought a couch for just over $200. It was one of those couches that could also be used as a bed, and when she pulled it out, she spotted something interesting. 

It was a painting titled “Preparation to Escape to Egypt,” which sold for $27,630. That’s one expensive couch! 

Take A Closer Look 

All these amazing finds show that if you look hard enough, you could stumble upon something that’ll change your life. 

In order to protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.