I’m on the hunt for bargains this year with garage sale and thrift store shopping. I thought I’d make myself a list so I can stay focused and not overspend. Even with bargains and incredible prices, it’s possible to overdo it. Here’s what I’m looking for this year:
- Waffle Maker
- Glass Containers for food storage and canning purposes
- Blend Tec or Vitamix (I’m dreaming here right?)
- Pots for plants and gardening (I think cool pots are my own little obsession)
- Summer and Winter Clothing for the family
- Outdoor storage building for lawnmower and gardening supplies
- Great bargains for reader giveaways and Christmas gifts.
- And a washer and dryer if I can swing it, because ours are on their last legs.
What’s on your list this year?
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
A female bicycle to be used for triathlons.
I have a Medium frame Cannondale that I am going to be selling on Craigslist soon…I am in Nashville though…just thought I would throw it out there in case you were close by!
LOVE the idea of making a “wish” list for garage sale shopping!!! Thanks for the tip! I think on my wish list I’d include:
), I need super duper cheap decorating ideas!
-picture frames (preferably NOT metal or plastic)….I can “re-invent” them with paint, etc. for myself OR gifts
-patio dishes…melamine, etc. type
-plates & platters with nice lines or detail that I can paint to decorate with!
-vases or pitchers with interesting shapes ALSO to paint &decorate with!
Can you tell I’m addicted to do-it-yourself home dec blogs? They have SO many wonderful ideas and since we’re currently unsuccessfully self-employed (due to the economy
Just a tip – be careful buying a used Vitamix or Blentec. I actually bought one off eBay (the old stainless steel model) and while it did work okay for a little while, it kicked the bucket after we used it for a few months. Personally I think if you are going to use it regularly, it would be worth the investment on a new machine!
check craigslist for blenders
I’d actually check Craigs List for MOST of your wish list, esp. items like the outside storage shed, Vitamix & washer/dryer. I’m an avid yard sale chick, but I’ve discovered lately that one can find much better bargains on Craigs List in my area. My especial faves are the “must get rid of everything because I’m moving this weekend” posts. Watch for those!
Definitely check Craig’s list for a washer and dryer, but be careful because used washer and dryers might not be all they are cracked up to be – electrical issues, plumbing issues and mildew problems.
If your washer and dryer can last till November, last year on Black Friday I was sooooo tempted to get the front loaders that were on sale at Home Depot and Lowes. I think for the pair it was under $900 for the LG model. I think I spent $500 for my top loader washer 4 years ago.
i took advantage of this very deal! i loveeee my new lg washer/dryer!!
I just made my list yesterday!!! Mainly toddler items that I dont want to pay full price for…. a toddler table/chair set, play kitchen, first tri-cycle, and outdoor play slide/swing
Travel coffee cups…my husband constantly loses the tops so we could use a nice big stash.
Be sure to check whether that’s a regular or Belgian waffle maker–the later have a different texture altogether. Oh, and substitute canned or steamed pumpkin or squash for the milk when you make waffles; yummy way to get yellow veggies into your diet!
.-= Nancy Peske´s last blog ..“Parenthood” missed the boat this week =-.
thanks for the canned pumpkin in the waffles idea! i have tons of canned pumpkin!!!!
Cool pots are my obsession also. I cannot wait to start planting flowers and stuff!!
I’m still on the hunt for a good-quality, digital kitchen scale. My husband is very scientific in the kitchen and likes to weigh his ingredients to ensure his baked goods come out perfectly. Hmm…I guess the scale would actually be an investment in my waistline!
Hi! I saw on your wishlist (great idea!) that your are looking for a storage shed for your mower and etc. If you Google pallet shed there are lots of ideas for making a shed out of the free wood from pallets. I’m trying to convince my hubby to do it and make a playhouse. Have a great week!
Haven’t made my list yet, but I chuckled when I saw waffle maker on yours. The waffle maker we STILL use once a week or so I purchased at a garage sale about 12 years ago when I was still single. Got it for $3. When I opened the new box, a wedding card fell out. It was a brand new gift!!!!!!!
A food processor. I don’t want one badly enough to pay for a new one.
Snow pants and coats for each of the boys. I have decent coats for them to wear to school, but they are so rough on the coats and snow pants when they are playing outside that I like to find used ones for them to wear sledding, etc.
A bike for me. And if it doesn’t already have one, a basket for said bike.
Things I’m always looking for at yard sales/thrift stores: buttons, pretty fabric, glass jars, decent looking jeans and shirts for the boys, white planters, silver chargers to put under the plants.
HA! I am on the hunt for a wafflemaker too. I plan on making large batches and freezing them.
You can find a NEW waffle maker at Walgreens for $5! I bought one last week there. Haven’t had a chance to play with it yet though. ;o) Where are you located?.. cause I can save my glass spaghetti sauce jars for you!! Also, if you or your hubby is handy..look for a free Whirlpool/Maytag top load washer on freecycle that doesn’t spin cause it’s an easy fix! Hubby has fixed them several times! We fixed one this way and put it in our rental.. worked like a charm. It is a cheap plastic coupler part (about $15-$35 depending on where you buy it from; online (online is usually cheaper but takes time to ship) or at a store in your area) and takes about 15 min to install.. sooooo many people junk them and they are so easy to fix! We switched to HE several months ago to save money on water. He would fix more free ones if they became available.. always nice to help someone out that needs one!
Oh, forgot to mention, I bought the Walgreens waffle maker when it was 50% off so they may not be on sale this week.. but it never hurts to check.. I found mine in the clearance rack. It didn’t have a price sticker on it or anything.
Our neighborhood- a large subdivision consisting of many small subdivisions around a golf course- had their spring yard sale this past weekend. A woman was selling Skechers, crocs, stride rites, etc for a dollar a pair of shoes. Then she was selling osh kosh, circo, children’s place, etc shirts for 50cents and pants and dresses for $1.00. That’s better than Goodwill and most ofthe items were from this past season. I bought a good chunk of my daughter’s clothes for the next three seasons! Woohoo!
Garage sales are great for children’s clothes, can get some great deals. Also try some outgrown sales and clearances or marked downs at thrift shops!
I’d love an outside shed. I’ll be checking out that Pallet shed someone mentioned!!
I’ll be looking for school clothes for my kids. I got most of their wardrobes at yardsales last year for a song. Don’t mind if I find some clothes for me too!!
I am always hunting for bargains at garage sales. A few things I really want include a coffee grinder, clothes for the family, some neat cookbooks, office supplies and a lamp.
.-= Ellen Christian´s last blog ..Where to store our stemware? =-.
I thought I was the only one who actually made Garage Sale / Thrift Store shopping lists =]
I’m currently looking for:
A French Press – I want to try cold brewing coffee
A Popcorn Popper for the Stove – My parents had one and I miss it
Hot Rollers – My stylist recommended I try them
A Bread Maker – when I do find them, I am always afraid to buy them in case they don’t work, but I am forcing myself to this year
American Girl books/accessories – My daughter is named Kirsten, so I want to give her the collection, but don’t want to spend retail!
Name Brand Clothing for the family
and child care themed things, since I am going to be opening an at home child care service any day here
Oh good idea on the popcorn popper! I just use our skillet for that.
I’ll be looking for baby toys and clothes for my grandson (he’s 9 mos now). I also buy books that I think I can resell on Half.com.
I like the idea of looking for bargain items to giveaway.
.-= Bucksome Boomer´s last blog ..4 Career Tips for Success from the Military =-.
i know some readers already emtioned it, but i would look on craigslist first! i have the most beautiful solid oak dining room set in pristine condition with 2 additional leaves, 6 chars and a gorgeous china cabinet for $500, and a beautiful brand new queen sized bedroom set all in its original packaging (padded headboard and footboard, mattress/boxspring, 2 site tables, dresser with mirror, 2 table lamps and one long lamp) for $900. i also scored an authentic fendi and gucci bag for a total of $90, a coach wallet and bag for $50 total (along with many other odds and ends). plus they advertise garage sales and specific stuff theyll be selling on it! its soooo worth it… i love that website.
also for books, check out your library, they have annual sales and the first days have the best selections, the last days have the best prices (but tis still super cheap either way!) ive bough disney vhs for $1 there… we have almost the whole collection
Craigslist is no good where I live. I bought an old stainless vitamix at a yard sale for only $10, even had the cookbook. If it dies, I can trade for a credit to buy a new one; so, still a great deal. I love yard sales. We actually have had stuff given to us. We asked about a big dining table and the guy wanted too much. My dh went back a few days later and it hadn’t sold and the man just gave it to us because he didn’t wanna move it. I always check yard sales first! Oh, scored a bunch of hannas (including a coat) for .50 a piece this weekend. My list: bike for my oldest son, food dehydrator for me, homeschool books, and a baby carrier.
Vita Mix is on my list as well.
After much hunting, I may end up going with Costco – the best price I’ve seen so far – even with used ones on ebay!
Zojirushi Bread Machine!! (sometimes I don’t want or have time to make a big batch)
Jogger stroller for twins
Outside play toys
umbrella strollers
clothes
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
A desk for my daughter, a bookcase and some side tables.
.-= Dee´s last blog ..granny =-.
I am looking for an outdoor swing set or playhouse for my daughters! Buying them new, they are just WAY too expensive. Once we get moved into our house I’m going to check out garage sales and craigslist for one of these!