17 Lucky People Who Found Something Extraordinary While Thrifting

There’s a saying that “the best things in life are free.” While that might not apply to things like clothes or kitchen gadgets, it does capture the value of family, friends, and smiles. Yet, the people in our story managed to get their hands on some physical treasures for almost nothing — and it’s easy to see why they feel so lucky.

“The strangest thing I have ever found in a thrift store. Unmarked gold (12-14k) and woven human hair antique Victorian earrings for $3.”

“I bought this $1,500 designer wedding gown for just $70. My mom’s gonna kill me. We had plans to go dress shopping but... It’s incredible in every way!”

“My mom found gold (literally). She pulled out a suitcase at an outlet, it was empty except for some 22 cent stamps and this gold coin.”

“We got it appraised yesterday, it’s 99.1% gold and once the market raises a bit he said it’ll be worth $500!”

• It’s $600 of gold at current spot price, plus some collector premium since it’s a rare piece with a mintage of just 23,000. © FAUXHAMMER117 / Reddit

“I bought this lovely vase and was delighted. Then I read what they say about it and now I’m scared. I suspect it’s made of uranium glass.”

“I couldn’t stop laughing. Had to buy it.”

• My wife and I saw the same thing but turtles in a Goodwill years ago. We still talk about how we should have bought it. © DaanGFX / Reddit

“I don’t know what to use it for but it spoke to me.”

• It’s a candy dish. © TravellingSouzee / Reddit

“I got this shirt for $2.99. It’s fate.”

“I was looking through the case piles at a thrift store and found a pink tablet case.”

“Was about to brush it to the side until I realized how heavy it was for such a small and cheap case. Turns out it had a functional tablet in it! Just had to charge it up and reset it.”

“My girlfriend is so happy to have found this painting of a chunky cat.”

“When they talk about love at first sight, I felt it when I saw this.”

“Snagged this baby online. Bought her for $450, spent $150 replacing prongs, prettying her up, and getting an appraisal.”

“Appraisal came back $2,200. I’m in love.”

“My fiance and I found this little guy in a thrift store. There’s a note on the bottom indicating it was a gift to someone’s grandson.”

“Yesterday was a banner day for Asian decor & furniture. You wouldn’t believe what we paid, it’s almost criminal!”

“I had never enjoyed getting the side eye until this lady came into my life. This pitcher signed ’Helena.’”

“Found this mask and thought it was cool. Although my wife won’t let me hang it over the bed.”

• The mask is terrifying so I agree with your wife. © sugr_magnolia / Reddit

“My husband hates it, but I want to have fancy breakfast in bed!”

“I bought a fish pendant at a flea market. It’s made from handmade sterling silver filigree. And it has a little hidden compartment.”

Shopping at thrift stores comes with plenty of perks. In another article, we featured photos from people who just had to share their incredible second-hand discoveries.