Yard Sale/Thrift Shop Savings Thread

[Leanna]

Another thing I love about garage sales is getting to explore roads, lanes, neighborhoods I haven't seen. We live in a semi-rural area, so there are surprises around every turn.

I have never heard of HW furniture before - I will have to google it!

[angela2678]

Originally Posted by TheThriftyMom

a HUGE lot of polly pockets for $5.

Be careful with the Polly Pockets--lots of them have been recalled. You can check the site online and then mail in any recalled ones and they'll send you a certificate based on the toy's original retail value (as long as you send at least 50% of the original parts to the set). I OFTEN buy recalled toys at thrift stores just to send them in and get the gift certificates! I bought a $2 Easy Bake Oven and got a $32 certificate just the other week.

The manu doesn't care where/how you bought it or how little you paid; they just want it out of the community so they don't get sued anymore.

This weekend was a Little Tykes outdoor toy bonanza (perfect, because we're setting a backyard patio up as a play area): pirate/themed sandbox w/ cover, huge outdoor toybox, table w/ 4 chairs, huge kiddie pool w/ slide. Grand total for all? $28!

[cboyer]

Originally Posted by angela2678

Be careful with the Polly Pockets--lots of them have been recalled. You can check the site online and then mail in any recalled ones and they'll send you a certificate based on the toy's original retail value (as long as you send at least 50% of the original parts to the set). I OFTEN buy recalled toys at thrift stores just to send them in and get the gift certificates! I bought a $2 Easy Bake Oven and got a $32 certificate just the other week.

The manu doesn't care where/how you bought it or how little you paid; they just want it out of the community so they don't get sued anymore.

This weekend was a Little Tykes outdoor toy bonanza (perfect, because we're setting a backyard patio up as a play area): pirate/themed sandbox w/ cover, huge outdoor toybox, table w/ 4 chairs, huge kiddie pool w/ slide. Grand total for all? $28!

is there a list somewhere?

[TheThriftyMom]

I think the things I got are fine, but I'll check anyway. Thanks. I never thought of that idea before!

[xxNikkiJ23xx]

I just started doing yard sales and flea markets two years ago and Im addicted! I have found my daughter tons of cute clothes for next to nothing!

[Leanna]

DH and I went to 20 garage sales today!! Surprisingly, it took us no longer than usual, I guess because we were moving fast! Best finds:
New Villeroy and Boch Christmas cake platter $2
New 4 Martha Stewart bowls, blue and white $1 ea
3 DVD's .50 ea
3 SIMS games .50 ea
Antique glass (Moonstone pattern) 5.00 for 3
New 2 T-shirts $1 ea
New magnetic spice rack $2 (these retail for $25+)

Such fun!!

[Bear]

Another great garage sale day for me as well. I went to one sale 3 times in 2 days. They had DVDs 6 for $5 and great toys and costumes. They were really into music, movies, and fun. I also found a great vintage croquet set complete at another sale.

Stopped at 2 homes with Free tables set out at the curb after the sale was over, and got a few more items. I love this new trend

[Leanna]

We have noticed that the children's items at these sales are of excellent quality. So many of the clothes and toys are virtually brand new. When we had a little one, we would go to garage sales and find some treasures, but not nearly as nice as what we are now seeing. Of course, children's products have really expanded in the last 20 years!

[scifree]

I would love a section to speak about yard sales/ bargain shopping

My children wear almost all 2nd hand clothes, I also check for good quality, in style and slightly worn. My kids look just as cute and my neigbor for much cheaper My local area stores have great deals but I travel to more affluent areas and find tons of brand names for cheap. There are many times I get items not even worn !!

[angela2678]

Originally Posted by cboyer

is there a list somewhere?

Yes--google "Mattel Polly Pocket Recall" and the Mattel and CPSC sites will come up. Both have complete lists with pictures and all. You register the items you have and they email you a prepaid shipping label. Once they receive it and check the parts, they'll send the merchandise certificate. They will call you if any dangerous parts are missing.

HTH!