2026-01-28T17:31:26-05:00

Explore Affordable Thrift Shopping in Westchester County – Part 1

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrifting in Westchester is renowned for its high-quality donated items. Many residents live in affluent neighborhoods, so local thrift stores often stock premium brands, vintage furniture, and luxury accessories at prices generally lower than those in Manhattan. Each store has a unique atmosphere, adding variety to the secondhand shopping experience.

In Westchester’s thrift scene, timing is crucial for success. Because most shops get their largest donations on weekends, the best times to find new inventory are early Monday and Tuesday mornings, before items are heavily picked over.

Practicality significantly influences the Westchester scene. Most prominent shops are run by local religious or nonprofit groups, and usually close earlier than typical thrift stores. Many are staffed by volunteers. Savvy shoppers keep an eye on community calendars, since many of these stores host seasonal “bag sales,” where customers pay a fixed fee to fill a bag.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite thrift stores in Westchester County I’ve visited over the past year. I genuinely appreciate the friendly staff, excellent deals, and how many staff members recognize my enthusiasm for thrifting and sharing it. I enjoy emphasizing how these shops support and uplift their local communities. If your favorite thrift store isn’t included here, feel free to email me at tonionthrifting@gmail.com, and I’ll try to visit soon.

Here are a few thrift shops I visited during the past year:

St Bart’s Thrift Shop

— 82 Prospect St, White Plains, NY

Follow on Facebook for news: https://www.facebook.com/stbartsthrift/

Located in White Plains, NY, this shop offers affordable pre-owned clothing and household items. It features a large, ever-changing selection of women’s clothing, operated from a space behind St. Bart’s Church. The constantly rotating inventory encourages frequent visits to discover unique finds. All proceeds are reinvested in the community. This thrift shop is also one of my personal favorites and one I visit very often.

The L.I.S.A Boutique

— 137 7thh Ave, Verplanck, NY 10591

https://letitshineonline.com/home-%2F-pantry-%2F-thrift

Located in Verplanck and well worth a visit. It is not a large boutique, but it is packed with excellent women’s clothes, gorgeous jewelry and accessories, and beautiful household goods. and it is also part of Cortlandt’s Thrift Store Trail which includes St. Patrick’s, Carriage House Thrift Shop, Little Orphan Animals, and the Mustard Seed, all worth the trip

The Back Door Thrift Shop

— 20 Greenridge Ave, White Plains, NY 10605

https://www.hiwp.org/thrift_shop

This charming, welcoming shop in White Plains, NY, lives up to its name with its entrance at the back of a parking lot behind the Hebrew Institute Synagogue. It features high-quality pre-owned items, such as vintage dresses, coats, and home decor, with all proceeds benefiting synagogue programs and activities.

Fantastic Finds

—400 King St, Chappaqua, NY

Located in Chappaqua’s Talbot’s Shopping Center, Fantastic Finds is an upscale resale boutique that operates as a non-profit. All proceeds from the shop directly benefit Support Connection, a non-profit organization that provides free, year-round support services for individuals affected by breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancers.

Hitchcock Church Thrift Shop

— 6 Greenacres Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583

https://www.hitchcockpresby.org/thrift-shop

Located in Scarsdale, NY, this shop is run by Presbyterian Women and raises thousands of dollars each year for various women’s and children’s charities. It sells clothing, household items, and jewelry, and offers a chance for community volunteering and friendship.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

— 470 Nepperhan Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

Tel: (332) 777-5060

This large nonprofit home improvement store and donation center is located in Yonkers, NY. It offers new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home accessories at affordable prices. All proceeds support Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester County’s mission to build homes.

Red Door Thrift Store

— 100 Underhill St, Yonkers, NY 10710

http://www.stjohnstuckahoe.com/thrift-shop.html

Situated in Yonkers, NY, this thrift store sells gently used clothes, household items, books, collectibles, and more at affordable prices. All proceeds benefit the ministries of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tuckahoe.

Treasure Thrift Shop

— 50 Bedford Rd, Armonk, NY

Located in Armonk, NY, this volunteer-run, eco-friendly shop offers affordable new and gently used items, with proceeds supporting various local charities. It operates on limited hours, usually Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it a great place to find unique vintage treasures. This is an all-around great thrift shop and one I always enjoy shopping in.

https://www.treasuresthriftshop.org/

Twigs Thriftree

— 449 Lexington Ave, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

https://www.twigsofnwh.org/

This volunteer-operated store in Mount Kisco, NY, raises funds exclusively for Northern Westchester Hospital and has already collected millions of dollars. It features a wide variety of gently used clothing and costume jewelry.

Yorktown Love In Action

— 1736 Front St, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

https://www.yorktownloveinaction.com/

A nonprofit recognized as a 501(c)(3) based in Yorktown Heights, NY, runs a large 10,000-square-foot thrift shop warehouse. Its goal is to assist families facing hardship in Westchester and Putnam counties. The organization provides donated items like furniture, clothing, and toys, known for its affordable prices and neatly organized, wide-ranging selection. Another popular spot where you could easily spend hours.

I hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more. I am currently working on part 2 of “Explore Affordable Thrift Shopping in Westchester County.”

Check out my Facebook page for engaging articles and updates on local thrift shopping.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Thrift Store Secrets: Essential Tips for 2026

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

In 2026, thrift shopping has transformed from a casual hobby into a critical survival strategy for budget-conscious consumers. However, this surge in demand—fueled by social media and sustainability trends—has also pushed thrift store prices higher. Although I’ve mentioned some of these tips before, they deserve reiteration.

To keep your costs down while still finding high-quality “hidden gems,” follow these expert strategies for smart thrifting in 2026.

Master the New Pricing Algorithms

Modern thrift stores use sophisticated, data-driven pricing methods that set prices by brand and condition, moving beyond simple flat-rate pricing.

Avoid “Boutique” Racks: curated sections tend to have higher markups. Instead, browse the general racks for overlooked high-quality brands that the store’s software may have missed.
Understand the Color Tag System: Many stores implement a weekly color-coded discount scheme. Focusing on scanning the “50% off” tag of the week is the best way to outsmart current price increases.

2. Time Your Trips Strategically

Competition for quality inventory is at an all-time high in 2026.

Shop during Restock Days: Inquire with staff about when they usually release the largest batches of new inventory. Arriving early on these days allows you to select high-value items before resellers arrive.
Go “Off-Season”: Buy winter coats in July and swimsuits in January. While others pay full price for current-season items, you’ll enjoy significant discounts on out-of-season stock.

3. Focus on “Inflation-Proof” Materials

Synthetic fast-fashion products often end up in thrift stores, but they tend to lose value. By 2026, true value will be based on natural, long-lasting fibers.

The Big Four: Be aware of wool, cotton, silk, and linen. Due to rising production costs and tariffs expected by 2026, these materials are increasingly expensive to buy new.
Inspect the hardware by checking zippers, buttons, and seams. If a high-quality item has a small defect, such as a missing button, it is usually priced significantly lower and can often be repaired easily at home.

4. Optimize Your Neighborhood Choices

Where a store is located often dictates the quality of its donations.

Stores located in wealthy neighborhoods often receive donations of luxury designer brands and furniture from individuals who prioritize giving over resale value.
Specialized Shops: Seek out mission-driven stores like Out of the Closet or Value World, which generally provide lower prices compared to bigger national chains.

5. Leverage 2026 Trends to Your Advantage

As certain aesthetics peak, others become more affordable.

The Y2K and Chrome Revival: While early 2000s decor and chrome accents are trendy and often pricey, more budget-friendly choices could include classic mid-century or 1990s “minimalist” items.
Buy for longevity instead of fleeting trends: To address increasing costs, prioritize classic, timeless staples that will last longer and don’t require frequent replacement.

Quick Checklist for 2026 Thrifting:

Establish a firm budget in advance to avoid fatigue from constantly chasing deals.
Maintain a continuous list on your phone of items you genuinely need to avoid impulse purchases.

Please check out my Facebook page, tonionthrifting, for articles and tips I researched from various sources. Also, I post some great information on thrift shops in the NYC, Westchester, and Connecticut area.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Future of Fur: Trends, Ethics, and Vintage Appeal

January 11, 2026January 11, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Fur coats have remained a strong trend in 2025 and are expected to continue in 2026. Historically, fur has symbolized status, evolving from basic survival clothing to symbols of royalty and Hollywood glamour throughout the 20th century. In the early 1900s, fur shifted from basic linings to luxury items like large collars and full-length fox jackets, gaining cultural significance by the 1950s as a mark of sophistication. However, starting in the late 1980s, the industry experienced a sharp decline due to intense animal-rights protests and evolving societal views that viewed fur as cruel rather than fashionable. By the 2010s, many cities and luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada had banned fur, diminishing its prominence in fashion.

The resurgence in 2025, rejecting “quiet luxury,” is driven by maximalist trends such as the viral “mob wife aesthetic. Mainly fueled by Gen Z and Millennials, this revival is driven by increased interest in fur through vintage and secondhand markets, as consumers view it as a sustainable “slow fashion” alternative that avoids new animal farming and microplastic pollution from synthetic faux-fur materials. Brands such as Fendi and Louis Vuitton, along with celebrities like Ice Spice and Rihanna, have positioned fur as a symbol of power and style. Currently, the trend blends nostalgia for the early 2000s with contemporary values, prioritizing craftsmanship and heirloom quality over fast fashion cycles.

How It’s Worn:
• Pair simple outfits, such as turtlenecks and jeans, for a more elevated look.
• Worn over outerwear, such as trenches, to add extra flair.
• As heirloom pieces, they are proudly worn for warmth and style.
Essentially, the real fur trend is intricate, combining historical luxury with contemporary ethical issues, often thriving in the vintage market and among statement fashion pieces.

The Verdict for 2026

Real fur is unlikely to vanish entirely, but is gradually shifting from mainstream luxury to a niche market. Starting September 2026, New York Fashion Week will ban real animal fur in its runway shows. While Vogue and other major fashion events are reducing the number of new fur collections, interest in vintage and creatively reimagined fur is expected to remain through 2026 as consumers increasingly adopt “circular” fashion. The Manhattan Vintage Show, New York City’s leading large-scale vintage fashion event, is scheduled for January 31st to February 1st for the upcoming NYC Winter show. It will feature vintage fur. The event is expected to sell out, as all their shows do, indicating continued strong interest in vintage fur (and all things vintage). Ultimately, the debate continues as consumers weigh the longevity and sustainability claims of vintage fur against the animal-welfare concerns that have led many brands and consumers to go fur-free.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

2026 Thrift Store Price Trends: What Shoppers Should Know

December 6, 2025December 6, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/2 Comments

By 2026, thrift shopping is projected to see a notable price increase due to growing demand, inflation, rising operational costs, and the growing popularity of secondhand fashion. The U.S. market is expected to more than double, reaching approximately $82 billion, according to ThredUp. Although tariffs on new clothing and a focus on sustainability encourage more consumers to buy at thrift stores, these factors also contribute to higher prices.

Key factors driving up thrift store prices in 2026

• The popularity of thrifting has grown, driven by social media influencers and a stronger emphasis on sustainability among consumers. This rise in interest attracts more shoppers, intensifying competition for limited items and driving prices higher.

• Inflation and tariffs continue to drive up the cost of new clothing, prompting more consumers to turn to secondhand options. This surge in demand enables thrift stores to boost their Projections for 2025. Projections suggest that new clothing prices could increase by as much as 65%, making secondhand markets even more attractive.

• Rising Operational Costs: Thrift stores face growing expenses for rent, labor, and utilities. To cover these costs, they often increase their prices, a common practice even among non-profit thrift stores to fund community programs.

• The emergence of online resale platforms such as Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp has increased competition in the market. These platforms attract both buyers and sellers, motivating people to sell valuable or vintage items online rather than donate them. As a result, traditional stores receive fewer donations, which tend to be of lower quality. Consequently, these stores raise their prices on remaining inventory to stay competitive.

• Sophisticated Pricing Strategies: Modern thrift stores are moving away from simple, flat-rate pricing. Instead, they use market data to set prices based on an item’s brand, condition, and value. This method, influenced by the broader resale market, leads to higher prices for popular vintage and branded items.

• Vintage market valuation has risen as authentic vintage and trendy retro items become more sought after. Influenced by social media and influencers, these items are now valued higher because of their rarity. Thrift stores recognize this trend and price these items higher, which diminishes their reputation as bargains.

By 2026, thrift shopping is likely to become more of an adventure that requires planning. Discovering hidden gems may become more difficult, as some thrifters are already noticing increased prices and more competition for sought-after items. To succeed in this changing scene, consider visiting stores in affluent neighborhoods, timing your shopping around restock days, and focusing on classic, timeless pieces. As always, patience will be an essential asset!

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Thrift Shopping: A Sustainable Way to Find Unique Holiday Gifts And Creative Ways To Wrap Them

November 23, 2025November 23, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrift shopping for holiday gifts has clear environmental, economic, and personal benefits, making it a sustainable and thoughtful alternative to traditional retail. It helps reduce waste, saves money, and adds the excitement of discovering unique items.

Economic Advantages:

Thrift shopping is a smart way to save money and reduce holiday expenses. It offers big savings since secondhand items are usually much cheaper than new ones, often including high-quality or designer pieces at great discounts. This helps you stretch your holiday budget further without sacrificing quality. Also, many thrift stores are run by charities or local groups, so your purchases support important community programs like homelessness support and domestic violence shelters. Plus, used items typically come with little or no packaging, which helps cut waste and can lower costs for buyers.

Unique & Thoughtful Gifts:

Beyond the tangible benefits, thrifting allows for a more personal and intentional approach to gift-giving.

Thrift stores offer a continually updated, varied selection of items, including vintage accessories, rare books, and retro decor. This makes it easy to find a distinctive gift that perfectly suits the recipient’s personality.
Meaningful Intentionality: Spending time and effort on a “treasure hunt” to find the ideal item can increase its emotional significance. A carefully selected secondhand gift can convey a special story, making it more meaningful than a quick purchase from an online retailer or a big-box store shelf.

Opting to thrift for holiday gifts benefits the environment, saves money, and shows greater thoughtfulness.

Now, try creative and eco-friendly ways to wrap those gifts. Use repurposed materials such as maps or newspapers, experiment with the Japanese fabric wrapping method (Furoshiki), or incorporate natural elements for decoration.

Repurposed Paper:

Instead of buying new, glossy wrapping paper that often cannot be recycled, you can use materials you likely already have around the house.

Old Maps/Calendars: Out-of-date road maps, topographical charts, or large calendar pictures add a unique, vintage feel. You can even match the map location to the gift or recipient’s interests (e.g., a marine chart for a boat-related gift).
Newspaper or magazine pages—whether black-and-white print, colorful magazine spreads, or even the comic section—can serve as charming and eco-friendly wrapping options.
Brown Paper Bags: Flattened paper grocery bags or kraft paper from shipping boxes serve as a simple canvas. Personalize it with doodles, stamps, or stencils for a unique touch.
Children’s Artwork: Wrapping a gift in your children’s paintings or drawings adds a deeply personal and artistic touch that family members often cherish as a keepsake.

Fabric Wrapping (Furoshiki):

The traditional Japanese art of Furoshiki uses fabric to wrap or transport goods, offering an elegant, reusable, and zero-waste option.

Scarves or Tea Towels: The fabric itself can be part of the gift. Use a vintage scarf, a festive tea towel, or a cloth napkin to wrap the item.
Fabric Scraps: Repurpose old t-shirts, worn-out bedding, or fabric remnants found at a thrift store.
Technique: No tape or scissors are needed; the fabric is secured using strategic folding and knotting techniques. This creates a beautiful, soft presentation that can be reused year after year.

Natural Embellishments & Containers:

Elevate the look of your gifts with natural, compostable additions and unique, reusable “containers”.

Natural Accents: Avoid plastic ribbons and bows. Instead, opt for natural materials like jute, twine, or raffia to secure the package. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, pinecones, dried citrus slices, or cinnamon sticks for a festive aroma and rustic charm.
Reusable Containers: For small or oddly shaped items, opt for a decorative tin from cookies or tea, a clean glass jar ideal for homemade treats, a small kit, or a durable thrifted basket. These containers can be part of the gift or serve as useful storage afterward.
Handmade Tags: Repurpose last year’s holiday cards by cutting them into new gift tags.

By utilizing these creative approaches, you can make your thrifted gifts look unique and intentional while significantly reducing holiday waste.

Environmental Sustainability:

Buying secondhand items helps reduce environmental damage caused by manufacturing new products, especially in sectors like fast fashion. Waste Reduction: Each thrifted item cuts down the need for new production. This lowers the millions of tons of textile and general waste that fill landfills each year. Resource Conservation: Making new products uses a lot of resources. For instance, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires over 700 gallons of water. This resource is saved when buying pre-owned items. Thrifting saves water, energy, and raw materials. Lower Carbon Footprint: The processes of creating and transporting new products are significant sources of global carbon emissions. Choosing secondhand can cut a product’s carbon footprint by up to 90%, since most energy-consuming steps are already done.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Let’s continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Affordable Thrift Stores: Newport, Rhode Island’s Best Deals

September 13, 2025September 13, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When I hit the “thrifting trail” on Broadway in Newport, Rhode Island, I had high hopes. But the experience far surpassed my expectations when it came to variety, prices, and quality. I found thrift shops with everything from vintage clothing to the latest styles. The vintage shops had amazing, varied selections. And the consignment shops were packed with reasonably priced, high-quality clothes. What impressed me the most, though, was the pricing. Given Newport’s incredible popularity as a summer getaway, I figured prices would be sky-high. But they were surprisingly reasonable, making for an all-around wonderful experience.

St. Paul’s Thrift Shop
326 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island
401.847.844

St. Paul’s Thrift Shop has a fantastic selection of clothing, housewares, furniture, books, and more for both men and women. I was impressed with the quality and variety of items throughout the shop. The brand-name tops offered excellent value for money. Prices ranged from $7 to $10 and above. This is a fair price considering the current high prices in most thrift shops nationwide. The pricing is more than fair for pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, and other items. What really caught my eye was the fantastic range of solid, well-made furniture. This furniture is hard to find these days. It always gets snapped up when I’m thrifting. The store is well-organized, spacious, and has great displays. It was a pleasure browsing through the racks. What I love most about St. Paul’s Thrift Shop is the friendly staff. They do an excellent job. All proceeds go towards supporting the McKinney Homeless Shelter. Excellent!

Newport Thrift & Gift
30 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island

Check out this charming shop for a great variety of one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories, women’s clothing, shoes, and books. The jewelry and accessory section alone is worth a stop. I’m sure you’ll discover unique pieces that grab your attention!

Closet Revival
30 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island

What a great secondhand/consignment shop! This shop is so well curated and has such a good vibe. The prices are on point for consignment and vintage. There were still quite a few great buys when browsing the racks. The staff seemed incredibly friendly and helpful, and when you did ask for help, they were present and knowledgeable. The windows are fabulous here. If you are on the Newport thrift trail, this is a must-stop.

VS Vintage Newport
174 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island

I liked this shop because they have a unique and stylish vintage decor. It was well curated, and the choices were outstanding. Additionally, I thought there were some gorgeous jewelry pieces for sale. They have different price points, so you should find something you like. VS Vintage is like shopping at the best estate sales you have ever seen. So many things catch your eye. You must refrain from buying too much. Remember that when purchasing high-quality vintage, the price reflects the quality and condition of the pieces.

Respoke
6 Bowens Warf
Newport, Rhode Island

This great shop, Respoke, also reimagines vintage scarves and creates one-of-a-kind slides. I found this to be quite unique and impressive.

I hope you enjoyed my Newport thrifting experience.

Until next Time, Happy Thrifting!

Why Remix Market is a Thrift Shopper’s Paradise

August 9, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

It was love at first sight during my first visit to Remix Market, and I plan to visit many more times in the future. The variety is incredible, ranging from old to new, vintage to antique. This place is amazing. I loved that Remix has such an eclectic décor collection—all of it is fantastic. It’s the kind of thrift shop or market where you could furnish a new apartment with everything they carry. And there are so many items that you can buy cheaply and repurpose.

I spotted a Herman Miller chair in perfect condition for less than a third of its original price – you can’t beat that. There are so many hidden treasures and gems here. They also had a lamp I was interested in, and when I checked their website (remixmarketnyc.com) to see if it was still available, it was already sold. If you’re shopping here and find something you like, buy it because it won’t be on the shelves for long. I love mixing old and new décor, and this will be my first stop whenever I need to refresh or redecorate.

I think thrift shops have the most beautiful and high-quality serveware. You can be very adventurous when buying glasses, dishes, and serveware. There are many options, and you can mix and match patterns, which look incredible on the table. Additionally, older lamps are more beautiful, sturdier, and full of character.

My photos don’t do Remix Market justice, so please check out their website (remixmarketnyc.com). They also have the coolest Instagram page, @RemixMarketNYC. I’ve been following it for a while now—I wish I had gone to the store sooner.

They receive daily deliveries from Junk Luggers NYC, and from what I observed, they receive some exceptional deliveries. Now for the parts that truly steal my heart: Remix Market donates 50% of its inventory to verified 501(c)3 charities. The icing on the cake is that Remix Market is a professional fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and donates 10% of its proceeds to them. I love them even more now. I’ll be back soon.

PLEASE NOTE: Remix Market does not take donations.

Remix Market
5-38 46th Ave,
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (929) 302-3954

Monday – Friday 10 AM–7  PM
Saturday & Sunday 10 AM–6 PM

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Discover the Charm of Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique in Danbury, CT

July 29, 2025July 30, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique, located in the First Congregational Church of Danbury, has reopened as a boutique-style thrift shop and looks gorgeous. It is so well curated and arranged, has a boutique atmosphere, and functions perfectly. Even the light fixtures give it a distinctive new look. Sustainable Jungle named Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique among Connecticut’s 11 best thrift stores. Sustainable Jungle is a website dedicated to sustainability ideas, tips, tricks, products, brands, and stories about people and organizations living meaningfully to help the planet.

It was so enjoyable to walk around and explore this new space. They had a boutique section with an impressive high-end selection when I visited. I loved the home section — so many options for decor, housewares, and bedding. The game section was large. The book section is excellent. They also have a small kids’ section with some great outfits.

The shoe section was fantastic, and they have a great selection of evening shoes (and dresses) if you have any weddings, engagements, or special nights coming up. Their accessory section was lovely.

Everything is displayed clearly, and the shop is so spacious that you enjoy the shopping experience. The staff is extremely friendly and always eager to help. The prices are typical for what thrift stores now charge and are much cheaper than buying new. If your motto is reduce, reuse, and recycle, this is the way to shop.

Their weekly newsletter will notify you about sales events and everything related to Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique. As a thank you for subscribing, they will send you a $5 coupon for your first or next visit.

If you are in Danbury, it is worth a trip. All proceeds help the mission of the
Church.

Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique
164 Deer Hill Ave
Danbury, CT 06810
Friday & Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How to Donate Clothes with Purpose

May 19, 2025May 19, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

We have all had those bags, boxes, or items in our house or the back of our car, which we keep forgetting to donate. Eventually, they arrive, but what happens to the donated clothing or textiles after you drop them off can be alarming. According to Earth.com, approximately 92 tons of global textile waste are generated yearly, which is expected to double by 2030. The most important thing we can do is donate mindfully so that most of our donations DO NOT end up in landfills and significantly harm the environment. Better recycling practices help us help the environment. Reduce, reuse, and recycle are the keys to my life. Here are some of my tips and ideas for mindfully donating your clothes and other items, with purpose and sustainability in mind.

Let us start with the donation itself. First, please ensure that the clothes are clean and in the condition you would want if you purchased the same item. They should be free of stains and tears. This is the best way to ensure your items are resold or donated to someone in need. Additionally, donating seasonal clothes at the beginning of a season is beneficial to ensure they are immediately usable. If an item is household, please ensure it is not broken, usable, and void of cracks and chips (also making it an unsafe donation).

The following is imperative and will significantly reduce waste. Check with the donation center or thrift shop to get a clear picture of what is and is not accepted. When you drop off something a shop does not take, it ends up in the garbage and eventually a landfill. That is precisely what we do not want to happen. Additionally, the staff at thrift shops cannot emphasize enough how detrimental it is when donations are dropped off when a shop is closed, especially in inclement weather, as the donations become unusable and end up as garbage. Visit during the shop’s operating hours. Remember, volunteers run those small, independent thrift shops, and why waste precious volunteer time sorting and discarding what could have been usable donations? Of course, there is always Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

I have donated board games along with books to my local library. For books, there are Little Free Libraries across the country where you can both give and take a book. One just opened this week near me, and it’s such a great idea for our local community. Here is the link https://littlefreelibrary.org/. There is the Buy Nothing Project on Facebook, which so many local communities are involved in for many items. I have found this to be an excellent resource for giving away items I no longer use and receiving items I would not have to buy, as someone may be giving them away. I have given away everything, from food and clothing to décor and toiletries, and received the same in return. It is an excellent way to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who want to repurpose items they are no longer using or need.

I donate gently used business clothing to the Bottomless Closet in New York City, where they help disadvantaged women acquire the tools and resources they need to re-enter the workforce and achieve their career goals. Organizations like the Bottomless Closet, Dress for Success, and many others help individuals re-enter the workforce and may need business clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. You can also check your local house of worship to see if they are hosting a tag sale or rummage sale, or if they have families in need. Check your local homeless shelter to see what donations are most needed. They may also take household items for people transitioning into permanent housing. That would be great for the kitchen, bedding, and many other items you would like to have a second life with.

Some retailers, such as Eileen Fish, offer buy-back services for their products. Madewell Forever takes all types of clothing by mail, and DSW takes all kinds of shoes—check their website for details. Trashie’s Take Back Bag recycling program is user-friendly. You can purchase bags, fill them, and earn points in rewards for gift cards. Their goal is to redistribute or recycle your items in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The website provides valuable information about their activities.

I am trying to buy fewer items and only purchase quality products so that they last longer. Additionally, I strive to stay as far away from fast fashion as possible. Additionally, I try to repair and repurpose. Do you have items that require minor repairs to make them wearable again, especially for high-quality items? An inexpensive sewing kit and numerous YouTube videos (for the tricky repairs) can help you with this. Perhaps it just needs a good ironing or steaming — that could be all it needs to breathe new life into a piece of clothing. Do not throw out old sheets and blankets – check with your local animal shelter to see what they could use, and donate those items to help animals in need.

How we donate can positively impact the environment, especially in our local communities. If we donate mindfully, we play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of items no longer needed, and we can help save this beautiful planet for future generations.

I hope that you find this information helpful.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

W. 26th St. in Chelsea is Thrift Row, the place to be for buying and selling vintage.

May 11, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When in Chelsea, I highly recommend that you go to W. 26th St. for an abundance (and I mean abundance) of thrift and vintage opportunities, both buying and selling.

Each one of these stores is fabulous and has loads of vintage t-shirts, clothing, shoes, sneakers, and accessories. They all have a broad range of clothes and shoes in New York City at appropriate prices. AND in each store, you will find unique vintage pieces. Also, all these stores carry on-trend clothing, and these pieces are priced appropriately. We all have different tastes. Our styles look very different. So, it is a personal choice as to which shop will be your favorite. You will definitely find merchandise you like. It will be in one of these stores. I found a few items that I could not leave without.

Here are some of the stores that I visited:

Crossroads Trading
@crossroadtrading
24 West 26th St
Crossroadtrading.com

If you want to sell clothes, Crossroads has an app that tells you the number of sellers ahead of you. If you do not have time to wait, they have a 48-hour drop-off selling service and a sell-by-mail service.

Buffalo Exchange
@buffaloexchange
114 West 26th St
Buffaloexchange.com

They also have a text notification system that alerts sellers about their place in line, so you can trade for store credit.

Garage Sale Vintage
@garagesale_vintage
122 West 26th St
Gargarsalevintage.com

I can only say this is one of the most fabulous vintage shops I’ve ever been in. Garage Sale Vintage has a great vibe and a fantastic selection( there is even a record section), and it is a great space that offers a great shopping experience. This is a must-see stop on Thrift Row. See their website for details on the store and the more fun events at the shop

Thrift NYC
@thriftnycchelsea
150 West 26th St.

Thrift NYC has an excellent reputation for having the friendliest and most helpful staff and an excellent selection. It is well worth the trip.

2nd Street Chelsea
@secondstreetusa
142 West 26th St
ec.2ndstreetusa.com

They have stores nationwide, and with 250K followers, they are very popula

Flamingos Vintage Pound
110 West 26th St

Flamingos Vintage Pound is incredible. You must stop in to feel the vibe and see all the clothes. The staff is chill and very helpful—a great way to shop.

Goodwill
103 West 25th St.
Goodwillnynj.org

Goodwill is also around the corner, and their prices and variety were great. How can you not stop at Goodwill if it is right there?

Do not forget, if you go on a Saturday or Sunday. Do not miss the Chelsea flea market at 29 W. 25th St. between Sixth Avenue and Broadway. I promise it is worth going, even to browse. They are open 8 AM to 5 PM year-round.

Please remember sustainability and the importance of REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE!

Visit my Facebook page for local sales in Westchester County.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

ToniOnThrifting