How to Shop on a Dime: Thrift Store Finds to Brighten Your Day

Sometimes life can be monotonous. Most of our days are filled with work or school or a combination of the two. When the weekend finally arrives, we often find ourselves engulfed in chores: cleaning and cooking, laundry and lawn care, etc., etc. The chores are constant and the fun times can be elusive.

Since not many of us can jet off to Hawaii or go skydiving or hang gliding in our free time, we have to entertain ourselves by other means. For many of us, both men and women, shopping is the new extreme sport, especially if it's for the latest electronic game or iPod.

People will go to extreme lengths to upgrade. Why else would somebody camp outside a store to be first in line when the doors open? If it isn't new releases we're after, then it's holiday mega sales. The excitement of car racing pales in comparison to the post Thanksgiving Day sale.

First, there's the anticipation of the shopper as she or he approaches the store or mall...not unlike the revving of the engines at the Indy 500. The doors open and the race is on: up and down aisles searching for bargains, jockeying for the best position, sudden sharp turns when the perfect gift is spotted, all the while holding steadily onto the cart. After awhile, the serious shopper needs to refuel. He or she will make a quick pit stop for some food and then it's back to the races. The final victory lap is the sprint to the check out lane with a cart full of bargains.

While the day after Thanksgiving may indeed be a shopping extravaganza, every day is an opportunity to shop. We are a culture constantly on the lookout for the newest and fastest devices. Money or lack of money, is not always a major concern... we'll pay that credit card off eventually. We're living longer now; so, it stands to reason that we have longer to pay off our debts. Well at least it sounds good in theory. Perhaps Social Security will have to adjust their benefits for the retiring Baby Boomers. They may need a little more money to pay off that latest computer. We adjust for inflation...why not for shopping?

Speaking of different generations, did you know that we are already up to Generation Z? I wonder what comes after Generation Z. Maybe they'll be bored with limiting themselves to merely a letter. Letters and numbers combined could be a unique twist.

It's hard to even imagine the technology when the "Z"ers enter business. Although this generation born after 1995 has many years of school ahead of them, it won't really be that long before they'll be dazzling us with their innovations, maybe even a robot that can do all the housework. She may even have a cute name like "Rosie". It sounds rather "Jetsonesque", doesn't it? Well, hopefully they'll invent a robot that does it all: everything from cooking to cleaning to comedy. I use to envy the Jetsons. They had it all; even a dog, Astro, that could talk. Granted all his words started with an "R' sound, but you could understand him if you listened closely. It would be fun to have a dog that could talk...or would it? Dogs are supposed to be man's best friend. On second thought, I don't think I would want a dog nagging me about his food. "Rog Ribbles ragain?"

Lately, I have found a few characters that I like more than Astro. One of them is Henry, the purple octopus. He's cute and bright and sings a snappy little song when his back is pushed. I never knew he existed before today. Since it's been awhile since I've kept company with young tykes, I was only superficially acquainted with "The Wiggles" and their friends. Then I saw Henry at the store. What's not to love about a purple, tartan wearing octopus with a bow tie and a cute hat? On top of that he loves to sing and dance. He's the total package.

Some people shop for the newest invention, others shop for recycled items. I fall into the latter group. That's how I bought Henry. If you're not an octopus fan, there are lots of other good reasons to shop at a thrift store.

First of all if you're looking for a bargain every day, this is the place to be. Granted, some of the merchandise shows some wear and tear, but at those prices it can be overlooked. A little paint, a little polish...and it's as good as new.

Often you can find new or near new merchandise. Sometimes, clothes have their original tags. Books and paintings are often in mint condition. I have discovered that books can be nice, simple gifts to let somebody know that you're thinking about them.

Games are another good purchase at a second hand store. If you're looking for one of the old time favorites, like Monopoly, you'll save a considerable amount at a resale store; and the savings don't stop there. Costume jewelry, purses, cassettes, toys and furniture can be bought for very little money.

Some stores even specialize in certain items so it's good to shop around. Don't forget to check out all their sales. Some have certain days where everything is half off while others have anything with specific colored tags discounted.

But one thing that they all have in common is that there are unique purchases to be found. If you like to collect records, vintage clothes or toys, you'll always find something from the past.

I like toys and games from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I can't turn down a good comedy book nor anything connected with lighthouses. I'm also proud to tell you that I may have one of the most extensive troll collections this side of the Mississippi. I'm sure one of them will bring me good luck one of these days and help me win the mega lotto. That's what they're supposed to do, right? Besides looking cute, of course.

So, if you have some time between work, school and chores, drop by a thrift store. You may find something that you really like at a good price that will brighten your day.

You may even find a purple octopus named Henry.