Thrift Store Finds to Makeover for Your Kids

I am no stranger to thrift store shopping. In fact, I have done so many thrift store makeovers that I have lost count. I noticed that I have made over several pieces, specifically for my daughter, so I thought I’d put together a round-up of thrift store finds to makeover for your kids. This entire round-up are all original projects done by yours truly. All the links led you to step by step tutorials of my project.

Old Wooden Toys

Let’s start with the obvious first… old toys. Usually when a toy ends up at a thrift store there is a little damage. If you think you can repair it go for. I particularly am on the lookout for wooden toys. I found this little doll bed for $6.00. I saw it and immediately grabbed it with no questions asked. I painted it and made a mattress and bedding for it. My little Chihuahua even sleeps on it sometimes!

Wagons are hard to come by at a thrift store, but I thrifted this wooden framed wagon on Craigslist. I ended up painting it and adding a monogrammed plaque.

This little toy shelf was a sweet find for $10.00. I attached it to a free table I got and made a little kitchen hutch for my daughter. I think she plays with it every day!

So I didn’t buy this one, but it’s a great example of trash to treasure. This old wooden Radio Flyer horse just needed a little TLC. I upcycled this for one of my best friend’s daughters.

Kid Friendly Furniture

Small furniture accent pieces like shelves and tables are great for kid’s rooms. You can use them for added storage and organization, or completely transform and repurpose them into something new. This play table was a freebie. I painted it and upcycled the chairs for a brand new kid’s play table.  This is another piece that my daughter uses almost every day!

I painted this old shelf a bright color to match my daughter’s room and use it as a book and toy shelf.

Serving Trays

Serving trays are abundant at thrift stores. You can turn them into a portable kid’s activity table by adding legs. I made over this chalkboard activity table in less than an hour.

Picture Frames

Several old wooden frames can be painted and made over into an interchangeable kid’s art display. Just add a clip with industrial strength glue and voila!

Step Stools

I always see little step stools like these at thrift stores. We have them both upstairs and downstairs because my little lady isn’t quite tall enough to reach some cabinets and sinks. I made this upholstered step stool to match her play hutch and added a little fabric and padding so she can sit on it comfortably.

I made upcycled these pink and rhinestone stools for my twin God Daughters.

Baskets and Hanging Planters

Baskets are great for toy storage and even clothing storage. You can hang them as well. I turned this plant hanger into hanging toy storage.