Yard sales have been around for a long time, with no signs of stopping. They’re absolute goldmines for the savvy shopper. But for those new to it, they can be a little challenging to navigate. At a yard sale, you can find super unique and useful items without breaking the bank. But not all that glitters is gold, and some yard sale finds are better left where they came from.

To make sure you snag the best of the best, here are the best home items to shop at a yard sale.

Books and Media

Buying a book, DVD, cassette tape, or vinyl record from a yard sale can open up a whole world of stories, from past and present. And they’re typically very cheap, so you can buy a ton to fill up your home library.

How To Shop

• When shopping for media, be sure to look for ones that don’t have scratches to ensure they actually work when you get home.
• A yard sale is a great place to haggle. And many sellers will offer discounts if you buy in bulk, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Yard Equipment

From gardening tools to patio furniture, outdoor equipment is a safe bet to shop at a yard sale. They help you enhance your outdoor living space for cheap, plus they’re built to withstand the elements so they should still be in relatively good condition.

How To Shop

• Make sure that any equipment with moving parts, — i.e. lawnmowers or garden shears — are in working order prior to buying.
• Be on the lookout for snow blowers, pool equipment, and other off-season items. These products are often heavily discounted because of the time of year, but they’ll really come in handy later on.

Recipe Books

If you find an old recipe book at a yard sale, be sure to grab it. Recipe books from yesteryear often contain recipes that most people haven’t even heard of. Trying out these unique dishes can really spice up your regular meal rotation.

How To Shop

• Finding a couple of stains is okay, but if your recipe book is just all-around gross, it might be best to skip it.
• Look for handwritten recipe notes on the inside cover or throughout the book. These personal touches can make the cookbook even more valuable.

Tools

No matter if you’re a DIY enthusiast or just need to make the occasional repair, having reliable tools can come in handy for any homeowner.

Even though they’re a lot cheaper, they’re typically still in pretty good condition. Plus, as long as you inspect them before you buy, you should be good to go.

How To Shop

• Be sure to test out power tools to make sure they’re in working order before you buy.
• Rust can weaken tools so keep a lookout for excessive rusting on your hand tools before making a purchase.

Art Pieces

From framed landscapes to detailed sculptures, having the right art can seriously transform the look of your space. And at a yard sale, you might even snag a piece worth a lot more money than you paid for it!

How To Shop

• When shopping, keep your existing decor in mind to pick items that complement, rather than clash with, your current style.
• Lamps and other art pieces made from fragile materials tend to chip easily. To guarantee you aren’t buying damaged goods, be sure to check that there are no cracks or chips on the item.

Exercise Equipment

Dumbbells, medicine balls, exercise bikes, and other fitness equipment can cost a pretty penny when you buy them brand new. But when you snag them at a yard sale, you can pay a fraction of the cost.

How To Shop

• Make sure larger equipment — i.e. treadmills or weight benches — is stable before you test them out. That way, you can avoid spending money on a faulty item that isn’t safe to use.
• If the equipment is relatively new, it could still be under warranty. If this is true, don’t be afraid to ask the seller for any information they have.