You wouldn’t believe the gems people are finding at thrift stores lately. Those quirky little yard decorations your grandma used to love? Yep—they’re making a huge comeback.
From rusty wheelbarrows to kitschy flamingos, everyone’s suddenly obsessed. I’ve even caught myself eyeing old birdbaths like they’re treasure.
If you’ve got a soft spot for nostalgia and charm, this list might just tempt you to go thrifting today.
1. Concrete Garden Gnomes
The cheeky little bearded fellows that once guarded countless gardens are experiencing a massive resurgence. Heavy, hand-painted, and full of personality, vintage concrete gnomes have more character than their modern plastic counterparts.
Collectors particularly value the weathered patina that comes with age, making each gnome unique. Some of the most sought-after versions include fishing gnomes, gnomes with wheelbarrows, and the classic standing gnome with a pointy red hat.
2. Metal Windmills
Rusty, charming, and perpetually spinning, vintage metal windmills bring movement and whimsy to any garden space. The most coveted versions stand between two and four feet tall with intricate cut-out designs on the blades.
Many thrifters seek models from the 1940s-1960s that show authentic wear and tear. The appealing clink-clank sound they make in the breeze adds an auditory element to garden aesthetics that newer versions simply can’t replicate.
3. Birdbath Fountains
Elegant concrete birdbath fountains with multiple tiers were once the centerpiece of well-maintained gardens. Now they’re being snatched up by savvy decorators who appreciate their classical lines and substantial presence.
The most desirable versions show signs of age with gentle moss growth and weathering. Many thrifters are repurposing these beautiful pieces, even when the fountain mechanism no longer works, turning them into stunning planters or garden sculptures.
4. Cast Iron Plant Holders
Ornate black cast iron plant stands and holders were fixtures on Victorian porches and mid-century patios. Their scrollwork details and sturdy construction make them far superior to modern versions made from lightweight metals.
These versatile pieces work both indoors and outdoors, holding everything from ferns to trailing vines. The most valuable finds feature multiple tiers, intricate patterns, and that perfect slightly-rusty-but-not-too-damaged condition that vintage hunters adore.
5. Concrete Mushroom Statues
Whimsical garden mushrooms in various sizes are being scooped up faster than you can say ‘fairy garden.’ These charming concrete fungi add a touch of fantasy to garden beds and have become collector’s items among the cottage-core crowd.
Vintage versions from the 1960s and 70s often feature hand-painted details like spots or faces. The most desirable mushrooms have developed natural moss or lichen growth, enhancing their magical woodland appearance.
6. Metal Lawn Chairs
Those bouncy, colorful metal chairs that graced every mid-century patio are now commanding premium prices. Their distinctive shell-shaped backs and springy seats offer comfort that modern patio furniture often lacks.
Vintage enthusiasts are particularly drawn to original paint colors like turquoise, sunny yellow, and coral pink. The chairs’ durability is legendary – many have survived 60+ years outdoors and still have plenty of life left after a simple wire brushing and touch-up.
7. Concrete Animal Statues
From dignified lions to playful rabbits, vintage concrete animal statues bring personality to garden spaces. Unlike their lightweight modern counterparts, these substantial creatures have a presence that anchors garden designs.
The most sought-after versions show gentle aging with subtle moss growth and weathering. Frogs, deer, and dogs rank among the most popular, but unusual animals like pelicans or turtles can command even higher prices at thrift stores and estate sales.
8. Wrought Iron Gates
Salvaged iron gates are being repurposed as dramatic garden art and trellises. Their intricate scrollwork and substantial presence make them natural focal points in landscape design, even when they’re no longer functioning as actual gates.
Creative gardeners mount them on walls, use them as backdrop for climbing roses, or simply stand them among plantings. The most valuable finds feature hand-forged elements, unusual designs, or historical architectural significance from demolished buildings.
9. Glass Garden Globes
Those shiny mirrored spheres that reflected garden views are experiencing a major comeback. Also called “gazing balls,” these reflective ornaments were popular in Victorian gardens and again in the mid-20th century.
Vintage versions in silver, blue, and gold are particularly prized by collectors. The handblown glass originals have a depth and quality that modern plastic versions can’t match, creating mesmerizing reflections that change with the seasons and light conditions.
10. Flamingo Lawn Ornaments
The original pink plastic flamingos designed by Don Featherstone in 1957 have transcended their kitsch reputation to become legitimate collectibles. Authentic vintage models have a certain charm that modern reproductions can’t capture.
The most valuable flamingos bear the Featherstone signature and Union Products mark. Early models featured more detailed feathers and richer coloration that has gently faded to a distinctive peachy-pink that decorators love for its subtle retro vibe.
11. Concrete Planters
Heavy, substantial concrete planters from the mid-century era offer durability and style that’s hard to find in modern garden centers. Their thick walls insulate plant roots and their weight prevents tipping in windy conditions.
The most desirable vintage planters feature interesting textures, geometric patterns, or faux bois (fake wood) designs. Collectors particularly value large rectangular planters, urns with classical details, and unusual shapes like hearts or animals.
12. Sundials
Functional garden art with a history dating back centuries, vintage sundials bring old-world charm to modern gardens. Brass, cast iron, and stone versions from the early-to-mid 20th century are being snapped up by collectors.
The most valuable pieces feature intricate engravings, zodiac symbols, or philosophical quotes about time. While not always perfectly accurate timekeepers in their new locations, these pieces serve as conversation starters and elegant focal points in garden design.
13. Watering Cans
Galvanized metal watering cans from the 1940s-1960s have transcended their utilitarian origins to become decorative statements. Their elegant long spouts and substantial handles reflect craftsmanship rarely seen in modern gardening tools.
Many thrifters display these finds rather than use them, arranging them on porches or hanging them on garden walls. The most coveted versions show a gentle patina of age without significant rust damage, and still retain their original roses (sprinkler heads).
14. Concrete Benches
Sturdy garden benches with decorative legs and slatted concrete tops provide both seating and sculptural interest. Unlike wooden benches that require regular maintenance, these vintage pieces develop character as they age.
Thrift store hunters particularly value benches with interesting details like animal feet, grape vine motifs, or classical column supports. The weight of these pieces (often 200+ pounds) means they’re frequently available at reasonable prices because of the challenge of moving them.
15. Hanging Plant Brackets
Ornate cast iron brackets designed to hang plants from porch ceilings or walls are being snatched up by decorators with an eye for detail. Their scrollwork designs and sturdy construction put modern versions to shame.
Vintage brackets often feature nature-inspired motifs like leaves, birds, or flowers. The most valuable finds retain their original black paint or have developed an attractive patina that speaks to their history and adds character to outdoor living spaces.
16. Concrete Bird Figurines
Charming concrete birds in various poses were garden staples from the 1930s through the 1960s. Now these whimsical creatures are flying out of thrift stores as fast as they arrive, especially when found in sets.
The most collectible versions include bluebirds, cardinals, and owls with hand-painted details. Gardeners place these weathered friends among plants or on steps to create points of interest. Their faded colors and gentle wear only add to their appeal and authenticity.
17. Weathervanes
Functional folk art that once topped barns and cupolas is finding new life in contemporary gardens. Vintage copper weathervanes with horses, roosters, or ships develop a stunning green patina over time that can’t be replicated in new pieces.
Many thrifters mount these treasures on garden posts or repurpose them as wall art. The most valuable finds show evidence of hand-craftsmanship with unique details and balanced proportions that allow them to still turn accurately in the wind.
18. Stone Water Fountains
Substantial garden fountains carved from stone or cast in concrete were once the height of garden luxury. Now these vintage water features are being restored and reinstalled in contemporary gardens.
The most sought-after designs include wall fountains with lion heads, tiered fountains with classical details, and Japanese-inspired stone basins. Even non-working vintage fountains are valuable as planters or sculptural elements that add architectural interest to outdoor spaces.