25 Best Things to Buy at Yard Sales (And What to Skip)

Yard sales and garage sales are treasure hunts in disguise. You can find incredible deals on things that cost a fortune at retail — if you know what to look for. Here are the 25 best things to buy at yard sales, plus a few items you should always skip.

The 25 Best Yard Sale & Garage Sale Finds

Furniture (Best Deals at Any Sale)

1. Solid wood furniture— Dressers, bookshelves, and tables made from real wood last decades. You'll pay $10–$50 for pieces that cost $200+ new.
2. Patio furniture— Outdoor chairs, tables, and umbrellas are heavily discounted at garage sales because they're bulky to store.
3. Desks and office chairs — Remote work furniture is everywhere at yard sales now. Great quality at 80% off.

Kitchen & Home

4. Cast iron cookware — A $3 cast iron skillet from a yard sale works just as well as a $40 new one. They last forever.
5. Small appliances — KitchenAid mixers, Instant Pots, blenders, and coffee makers often show up barely used.
6. Picture frames — Frames are wildly overpriced at retail. Buy them for $1–$2 at garage sales.
7. Storage containers and baskets — Organizing supplies for pennies on the dollar.

Kids & Baby

8. Kids' clothing — Children outgrow clothes so fast. Find barely-worn outfits for $0.50–$2.
9. Toys and games — Board games, LEGO sets, and outdoor toys at 90% off retail.
10. Kids' bikes — They outgrow bikes every couple of years. $10–$20 for a bike that works perfectly.

Books, Media & Entertainment

11. Books — The ultimate yard sale deal. $0.25–$1 per book, often in great condition.
12. Board games and puzzles— Check that all pieces are included, and you've got family game nights for $1–$3 each.
13. Musical instruments — Guitars, keyboards, and beginner instruments show up regularly at estate sales.

Tools & Outdoor

14. Hand tools — Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers for $0.50–$2 each. Quality tools last forever.
15. Garden tools — Shovels, rakes, hoses, and pots at a fraction of hardware store prices.
16. Power tools — Test them first, but drills, sanders, and saws can be incredible deals.
17. Ladders — Expensive new, cheap at yard sales. Check for stability before buying.

Sports & Fitness

18. Exercise equipment — Dumbbells, yoga mats, and resistance bands are garage sale staples.
19. Golf clubs — Full sets for $20–$50 that cost hundreds new.
20. Bikes — Adult bikes in good condition for $20–$75.

Clothing & Accessories

21. Brand-name clothing — Look for quality brands at $1–$5 per piece. Check for stains and wear.
22. Jewelry— Costume jewelry is fun and cheap. Occasionally you'll find real pieces at estate sales.
23. Handbags and purses— Designer bags show up more often than you'd think.

Hidden Gems

24. Vintage and antiques — Old signs, vinyl records, vintage glassware, and retro decor can be worth far more than the asking price.
25. Holiday decorations — Christmas, Halloween, and Easter decorations for 90% off. Stock up in the off-season.

What to Skip at Yard Sales

Not everything is a deal. Avoid these:

• Car seats and helmets— Safety equipment expires and you can't verify its history
• Mattresses — Hygiene concerns and no way to test for bed bugs
• Cribs — Safety standards change frequently; older cribs may not meet current requirements
• Underwear and swimwear — For obvious hygiene reasons
• Recalled items — No way to verify if an item has been recalled
• Old paint — May contain lead and is hard to dispose of

Pro Tips for Yard Sale & Garage Sale Shoppers

• Arrive early for the best selection
• Bring small bills — sellers may not have change
• Always negotiate — politely ask "Would you take $___?"
• Check items carefully — test electronics, open boxes, inspect for damage
• Use the YardShoppers Route Planner to hit multiple sales in one trip