Sorry, But Picking Up Nostalgic Thrift Store Finds Isn't Worth It. Here's Why

When you go thrifting, you're presented with a wide array of items, each sparking its own level of interest. Some pieces hit your creative side, instantly making you think of ways to repurpose them, like taking an old desk organizer and flip it into a caddy to clear bathroom countertop clutter. Then there are the thrift store items you swear are valuable and could bring in major resale money. And, of course, the nostalgic finds that strike a cozy chord, sending you right back to your childhood, reminding you of what it felt like to be a kid. But it turns out it might not be the best idea to take these nostalgic items home, especially if they'd just end up as clutter in your space.

But surely not all nostalgic pieces you come across while thrifting should be left behind, right? Yes, that's right. There are moments when you can justify bringing a nostalgic item home, and it all comes down to how meaningful it is to you and how you actually plan on using it. It's totally fine to spend on a nostalgic item when it carries real sentimental value or you actually have a purpose for it. Maybe it's the exact toy your grandmother gave you years ago, but you misplaced it somewhere between growing up and outgrowing toys. Or maybe it's a milk glass jar similar to one your grandparents had but got lost (and you can use it to hold dried birch twigs). But if it's something that will just sit and collect dust, walk away and leave it behind. Your wallet and your shelves will thank you.

Shopping pros say those nostalgic thrift store finds simply aren't worth it. It sounds harsh, but honestly, many of the trinkets we pick up at thrift stores purely for the nostalgia factor end up tucked inside a drawer or closet, only to make an appearance again during a spring cleaning session or when you decide to go on a closet decluttering spree. Kelly Handley, founder of Ultimate Thrifting, told The Spruce that nostalgic items "...might make you smile in the store, but after the first week of novelty, they'll end up forgotten in a drawer."

Aside from the clutter possibility, there are some other cases when you should avoid a nostalgic thrift-store find. Even if it's an antique dinner- or glassware that looks like the same dish used at your childhood family gatherings, vintage expert and interior stylist Leah Ashley told Martha Stewart that shoppers should always be cautious, noting that "...those items could have been made with outdated regulations and may contain lead." Electronics are another questionable buy since they may not work, unless you plan on upcycling a vintage phone into art pieces. Vintage jewelry can also be tricky, since there's a chance it may be fake and overpriced. 

But the biggest takeaway here is that we often buy things on impulse and let our feelings make the decision. So, when something hits that nostalgic nerve, consider where it will go and what it can be used for. If it's something you can live without and will just take up counter space, follow Elsa's lead from Frozen and just "let it go."