Everyone knows what Goodwill stores offer, but few take advantage of the store as much as I do. Many people see Goodwill as a means to get rid of stuff they no longer want without feeling guilty. I go to Goodwill for that purpose too — but also go there to shop.
The Santa Monica Goodwill’s really helped me make my kitchen more functional. There, I’ve gotten airtight jars for flours and coffee, baking dishes to make casseroles, and wine glasses.
I’ve bought sweaters on the cheap to take apart and upcycle into a camera case and other toys and accessories. I’ve bought sweatpants to run in. And I’ve even gotten shoes! The Steve Maddens above cost me just $5.99 — and I still get compliments on them.
Of course, shopping at Goodwill can be really time-intensive. There’s a lot of digging involved. But the gems are there. Yes, the shoe rack’s always a mess, but last week I spotted a pair of cute Charles David heels! (below) They’re very well worn, but at $5.99, worth their money –
What have you bought pre-loved at your local Goodwill?
Goodwill. 524 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica. 310.393.1400. Additional locations throughout the Los Angeles area.
Update, 1/30/10: Pre-loved fashion shopping in Santa Monica: A Walking guide — 7 stores, 2 miles!
My wife and I got a jogging stroller for 1/10th of the original price. Turns out that it had never been assembled, let alone used. What a blessing! We have found many other baby toys and more there. It definitely helps to save money with a baby as well as give the items new life.
Comment by Scott Williams — January 28, 2010 @ 10:42 am
Nice find — I wonder why the original owners bought it?! I often see unassembled, brand new items at Goodwill, and wonder if the would-be owners just gave up on assembly…. :)
Comment by Siel — January 28, 2010 @ 10:48 am
I stop by the Santa Monica Goodwill sometimes, but I’m at the Barrington/SM blvd one a lot, because I can take the BBB1 home from work and then walk home from Goodwill.
We try to jot down ideas when we realize we need something for the house and then we give ourselves several weeks of checking Craigslist and Goodwill before we give up and purchase anything new. Right before Christmas I got an entire set of white dinnerware for $12.50! I’d been wanting white plates for ages. Of course, the walk home felt reeeallly long carrying all those dishes.
Comment by Rachel (heart of light) — January 28, 2010 @ 11:49 am
Never-benn-worn DKNY jeans that were just my size!
Comment by SSheilah — January 28, 2010 @ 12:22 pm
Rachel — How would you say the SaMo Goodwill’s selection compares to the Barrington/SM’s? About the same? Or have you had more luck with one than the other?
Comment by Siel — January 28, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
Siel – I’d say the selection isn’t that different. I think they’re actually around the same size, although they’re laid out very differently. I’ve had much better luck at the Barrington one, but I’m sure it’s because I make a point of going there more often.
Comment by Rachel (heart of light) — January 28, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
I have to side with Rachel on picking the Barrington one, particularly for clothing and housewares. That was just a few short blocks from my old place, and I’ve found everything from an Anne Klein suit ($10, brand new, runway model) to Steve Madden boots ($8), not to mention jackets, picture frames, new or nearly new IKEA (and other) Furniture, and DVDs. Different Goodwills tend to have great finds for different items. When I was in Santa Monica, it seemed to me that the Barrington one was a good bit bigger than the Santa Monica Goodwill, and far less picked through, but I haven’t been regularly at either one for about two years, so they spaces may have been changed. I think Barrington gets a lot more goods from the the end-of/beginning of semester apartment dances in the area. They are also really picky about what you drop off at that one (not so at others I’ve been at).
PS – if you want surf/beach supplies, hit up the Goodwill stores in Torrance for new/nearly new surfboards, wetsuits, and other fun finds.
If you want beach supplies (usually fairly high-end)
Comment by Cassandra — January 28, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
I scored nice jeans from Agave Denimsmith at the Goodwill in the city of San Fernando – I had never heard of them but their mission statement is nice, and they’re from Cali:
http://www.agavedenim.com/courage-compassion-conservation/
Comment by melvin — January 30, 2010 @ 7:33 pm
I once got the most awesome vintage winter coat at Goodwill that I still get so many complements on!
Comment by Apryl — February 1, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
Good to know that the Torrance store’s got all the beach supplies! Will definitely keep that in mind so I can make sure to drop by before summer :)
Comment by Siel — February 8, 2010 @ 5:46 pm