The Brand That Wicker Basket Lovers Are Always Hunting For At The Thrift Store

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If you're a fan of nostalgic interior design trends from the '80s and '90s, then you probably know that wicker baskets are a popular way to integrate the aesthetic into your home's decor. One company that is defined by nostalgia and high-quality handmade baskets is Longaberger. In the 1990s, it was very likely that if you walked into a suburban home anywhere in the U.S., there would be a Longaberger basket somewhere — and it's no wonder. At the height of Longaberger's popularity, they had a cult following almost as passionate about their handcrafted solid maple baskets as Beanie Baby collectors.

Part of the appeal of Longaberger baskets was their high quality and continued tradition of basket weaving the company held. Dave Longaberger, the founder of the company, came from a family of basket craftsmen and started Longaberger because of the lack of high-quality baskets available in stores. He believed his family could do better, and in 1973 he founded the famous basket company. At the height of their appeal, Longaberger offered a variety of basket types that could be used around the home, with everything from fruit baskets to baskets you could use to organize your desk essentials. They even developed a variety of collector baskets to keep customers coming back for more. What made them so popular in the '90s is many of the same reasons they are so sought after today.

Finding a Longaberger basket at the thrift store is often considered a unicorn find for those who have a love of nostalgic decor. It is definitely one of those thrifted home decor items you should never skip buying. Many thrifters are on the hunt for Longaberger baskets because of their durable construction, timeless look, ability to hold their value, and their potential as great functional decor. Even after years of use, many Longaberger baskets are still in amazing condition thanks to their sturdy construction, which is a testament to why the brand became so popular in the '90s.

Longaberger baskets are seeing renewed interest among collectors because they are still a highly desirable collectible that is pretty easy to spot while browsing. Genuine Longaberger baskets have a very clear maker's mark on the bottom of each basket, including the company's name, the date of production, and a signature from the basket weaver who made it. While many of the basket types are not worth a lot of money, some of the collector varieties can be worth hundreds of dollars, especially if they have their original liners and accessories.

Whether you're looking for Longaberger baskets to resell or a piece of vintage basket decor to use in your home for stylish storage, you should definitely snag one if you ever spot it at the thrift store.