Learn about some valuable Goodwill finds TODAY!

Even for the smartest bargain shopper, stepping into a Goodwill store can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Are you looking for anything specific?

With racks upon racks of clothes, shoes, housewares, toys, and more, it’s easy to lose track of what brought you through those doors in the first place. And it’s hard to tell the difference between junk and treasure. But there are always some valuable Goodwill finds.

If you know what to look for at this chain store, it’s easy to score a vintage-chic table, an antique picture frame, or a first-edition book just waiting to be taken to the beach.

These “Can’t-Miss” items can be found at any Goodwill store for a steal, and their timelessness makes them impossible to pass up. On that note, continue reading as we look at 12 valuable Goodwill finds you NEED to be on the lookout for!

Wooden furniture

Solid wood furniture can be rather expensive when bought new. But Goodwill stores have wooden desks, chairs, dressers, and benches with timeless style and a minuscule price tag. When looking for this valuable Goodwill find, check for good construction and clean lines.

If it’s simple and sturdy, it’ll fit any style home. And those hideous brass knobs? They’re easy and affordable to replace, giving ancient furniture a modern makeover!

Vintage world globes

Due to our constantly-changing world map, outdated models with obsolete countries are auctioned off for surprisingly hefty prices. Recent online sales have even valued common finds at $25 and up, which is way more than any Goodwill price tag you’ll see.

Cast-iron cookware

When you buy them brand-new, heavy-duty cast-iron skillets, pots, and pans can carry some serious price tags almost as hefty as their weight.

But if you find this valuable Goodwill find at one of your local stores, you can bring home these beloved kitchen staples for a really good bargain. Even if they’re in pretty rough shape, restoring cast-iron cookware to like-new, food-safe conditions is pretty effortless.

Vintage luggage sets

Of course, we all know that Louis Vuitton reigns supreme regarding vintage trunks. But there are many other lesser-known brands that can still go for some big bucks when they come in matched groups. So you should definitely keep an eye out for these.

Silverware

Keep your eyes open for some precious metal hiding in the flatware. If it’s real silver, it’ll usually have a tarnished look. But you can easily polish it with some water mixed with baking soda! And remember that it should make a ringing sound if you tap it.

Also, finding an entire set or snapping up brand names like Gorham or Tiffany can add more worth to this valuable Goodwill find.

Dishware

Mismatched dishware is trending right now. So if you find a few of them that are short of a set or a lovely bowl here and there, it’s easy to build a shabby-chic collection of mix-and-match plates that give your table character, depth, and a delightful color palette.

Also, be sure to look out for Jadeite when searching for this valuable goodwill find. Mint-colored dishware dates back to the ’30s when it became popular after World War II.

Find brands like Jeannette, McKee, or Fire King logos on the bottom, and a single butter dish could be worth over $100.

Vintage canning jars

Mason jars have been a hit for a while and they aren’t going away anytime soon. And if you find any of those blue-tinted vintage ball jars? Well, those can go for a pretty penny to those collecting.

Whether you’re looking to resell this valuable goodwill find, repurpose it as your own, or use them for canning, you’ve got countless reasons to scoop up a few if you see them on a Goodwill shelf.

Name-brand clothes

Whether you plan to sell them or wear them yourself, it’s always a great idea to glance through the clothing racks for name-brand discoveries, even better if the valuable goodwill find is vintage! Keep an eye out for designer purses, shoes, and accessories, as well.

First edition books

First editions or signed versions of certain books can get flipped if you connect with the right audience. If you think you’ve found treasure, simply put the title into AbeBooks.com to get an estimate of your classic’s worth.

Unless they’re collecting, people usually get rid of books first when trying to declutter their homes. That means Goodwill stores are chock-full of popular page-turners for prices that are typically 10 times lower than in bookstores.

So whether you’re looking for a summer read, historical fiction, or your favorite sports star’s autobiography, if you don’t mind digging, you can find a whole collection of valuable Goodwill finds just waiting to carry you away!

Picture frames

Try to ignore that gaudy clown face staring at you from the velvet canvas, and you’ll recognize a valuable Goodwill find when you see it. If the artwork’s questionable but the frame is exquisite, pop out the picture and use that elaborate frame to hang something you love.

Even outdated metal or wood frames can be painted a fun new color to give them a new sense of style. That being said, don’t ALWAYS ignore a frame’s artwork.

While antique-looking borders can have a higher value on the piece inside, some quick research on the artist isn’t a bad idea either.

Paintings

Since we’re already on the topic of paintings, listen to this: After paying $5 for a painting in a California thrift shop, one woman was planning to throw darts at it before someone pointed out to her that she may have found a valuable Goodwill find in the form of a genuine Jackson Pollock!

Her response? “Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?” Well, her story of having the painting authenticated became a documentary in 2006. Check it out on Amazon. And guess what? The painting has been valued at $50 million! That’s not all, though!

A man in Indiana hoped to find something to cover a hole in his wall when he saw a painting at a Goodwill store. He paid 30 bucks for it and went about his day. Later, while playing a game featuring famous works of art, he realized his cheap painting might be worth much more.

It ended up being the work of Martin Johnson Heade, an American still-life painter. The painting was eventually bought for a whopping $1.2 million!

Board games

Believe it or not, Monopoly can get a little tiresome after you’ve played it for the millionth time. Going to the Goodwill store can mean stumbling upon a new game-night classic for an affordable price.

Just be sure to open the box and check that all the pieces are there and intact. If this valuable goodwill find is missing its directions, quickly search on your phone to see if they’re available online.

Have a story about a valuable goodwill find you’d like to share with our readers? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments below!

And in the meantime, The Money Place is a fantastic source of information if you’re looking for some tips and tricks on all money matters. So if you enjoyed this article, we think you’ll also like: 7 Worst Things You Can Do at Costco, According to Employees