There’s something special about finding that perfect item that you didn’t even know you were looking for.
There’s something special about finding that perfect item that you didn’t even know you were looking for.
Maybe it’s a vintage chair that fits your space just right. A stack of books with stories just waiting to be read. A set of dishes that reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen. Thrifting isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about giving great items a second life.
Every time you pass something along instead of throwing it away, you’re helping reduce waste and giving someone else the chance to experience the joy that it once gave you.
We asked some folks to share their favourite thrifted treasures and the stories behind them.
The first time I ever participated in Curbside Swap, I found this huge IKEA frame. I decided to design my own art and print it at Staples. I’ve been doing Curbside Swap ever since!
Keira Applegate, City of Saskatoon
"Do you have a thrifted item you love?" You know not what you ask! 😂 Most of my prized possessions were indeed prized before, and that's part of what makes them special. Picking up a piece of clothing, record, jewelry, or ornament at a thrift store, swap, or garage sale & giving items a new purpose is a joy for me! And I like to think, the previous owner would be pleased to know their lil legacy lives on.
Maygen Kardesh, Sneaks & Lipstick
Seed starting trays – I found 9 of these trays left at the curb around 15 years ago and have been using them every year to start my tomatoes, basil, and hot peppers. They are the perfect size for the first few weeks for young seedlings. Since these are made from black plastic, they are at the end of their recycling journey and can no longer be recycled. These trays would have been landfilled.
Katie Burns, City of Saskatoon
One of my favourite finds is actually from a Curbside Swap a few years ago where I nabbed this vintage vanity stool with this incredible green & brown fabric! We use this bench in the shop all the time. At Better Off Duds we are firm believers in reduce-reuse-recycle and also firm believers in the quality of vintage pieces. It’s great to see more & more people embracing second-hand items and thrifting & swapping are great ways to find what you need. There’s more than enough stuff in the world already - let’s use and reuse what we already have!
Nicola Tabb, Owner of Better of Duds
I love secondhand clothes because you’re almost guaranteed to be wearing one-of-a-kind items. I won the fashion lottery when I found this in a giveaway pile—I get compliments every time I wear it. It’s one of those jackets you can only wear for a few weeks in the spring or fall, so it was extra sweet not to pay retail price for it.
Megan Evans, City of Saskatoon
Sometimes it’s the item itself. Sometimes it’s the story that comes with it. Either way, it’s about spotting a little spark of magic where someone else saw the end of the line.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Take part in the city-wide Curbside Swap for your chance to give great items a second life or discover something new-to-you.
