Thrifting is most fun when I have an objective. Among the valuable things to look for at Goodwill, I keep an eye out for Pyrex, high-end cookware and vintage cookie jars that fetch a high price on eBay or Etsy. Cookie jars have been around for the past century, which is, incidentally, about as long as we’ve enjoyed chocolate chip cookies. Over time, some of these decorative and functional ceramic jars have gained plenty of value; many sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at online auctions.
If you’re new to cookie jar collecting, it helps to know where to look. Thrift stores, consignment shops, Goodwill, antique malls, flea markets and estate sales are all good bets. Perhaps the best spot to look is at garage sales in your neighborhood, where folks want to offload everything at a fairly low price.
Regardless of where you shop, you’ll want to hone your scoping skills. Here’s what to watch for.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 